2000 Domaine Tortochot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux

2001 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm

RP:98。Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense, black/purple color is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise, and toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years.

WS:88。Dense and distinctive for its spicy, licorice-scented black cherry and berry flavors, solid at the center but it feels tightly wound and unwilling to open up. Maybe with time, but this doesn't show the depth and length Dead Arm usually achieves. Tasted four times, with bottle variation. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.