Bastide Blanche "Cuvee Estagnol" 2001 Bandol

Red/purple.

Vinturi - menthol/iodine, clay/earth, dried fig, spiced black cherry jam nose. Deep, shows slight heat.

Intense middle-weight. Earth, spice, iodine flavors and, again some heat. Excellent concentration and grainy/chewy finish. I remember enjoying this far more a couple of years ago. But it probably just needs more air and/or cellar time.

Day 4 - Vinturi - same nose, deeper, without any sense of heat. Ditto in the mouth, packed, heat gone. Now this reminds me a bit of the recent Malbecs, only more concentrated, strange as that might sound. Significant acid/tannin synergy clamps down in the finish, but menthol/iodine action runs through it. Grainy, loaded. Will this drink well for 15-20 more years?

$25