This was like unlocking an attic -- stale, musty, and dusty, with old wood and leather expressing decay. But then the fruit exploded, a vibrant arrangement of blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, plum, and prune, with sweet vanilla, oak, Italian herbs, and white pepper coming later. On the palate, that richness gave way to some remarkable acidity, with cherry and raspberry tartness. This bottle was a couple of years past its prime, yet it showed a lot of life, the tannic structure still firmly in place. Not profound, but still solid even after all these years.