Pulled the cork, broke in the middle, red stain half-way up. Always interesting to compare corks, as there are various lengths and quality! Have a wood picket fence that has not performed as well as this cork. Of course, at 35 years of age, most of us began the downward progression. So, a tip of the hat to this cork!
No TCA, took wine temperature with a digital food thermometer, 49 degrees. Returned the bottle to the cellar.
Thirty minutes prior to drinking, placed the bottle on the dining table to gradually warm.
Color was purplish, dark red color, NO bricking at the edge, full bodied with slightly tannic nuance. Its’ youthfulness is surprising.
This wine had great balance, a very slight sweetness, dark/black fruit flavors and should last another twenty to twenty five years!
Had to caution my wife that this D/B was a fifty/fifty bottle!
This wine/year, represents what cellaring is all about! Yes it’s costly to commit capital to, but the result may be worth all the issues to you! Purchased on release.
Caveat emptor, I love very mature, silky, profoundly aged flavors that only time can create!
So David, your experience is exactly, in my opinion, what the wine should be, when properly cellared!