Old style label. Garnet in shade. The nose is deep and still oaky with eventually some dried fruit as a higher register, but I have to say not all that attractive. This is still a big wine with good concentration of black fruit, a broad palate, relatively mild acidity and still strong tannins which are a little bitter in the finish. The length is not bad. Overall not a patch on what the Corton could have been. If the tannin resolves further this will be a better wine, but don’t bother searching for it.

Old style label. Quite deep ruby with brick edge. The nose still has some woody oak, but has sweetened. Slightly smokey/tobacco and ashes from the fire hints. Underneath that I’d say plum conserve. Really nice mouth-feel. Thick, silky and following an apparent mid-palate gap, suddenly very long. After 20 minutes the gap is plugged by quite high cherry fruit, but the acidity on the finish is starting to get a little harsh. Seems only a transient (or palate!) thing as it drinks well all evening. Not earth shattering, but very tasty. Definitely better today than the 1988 version.