WS98 (#1 Top 100): Really tight now, but packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there's layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 or 2004 on release, but since this red typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster--à la the 1990--when it reaches its peak. 

JD96: As a comparison to the 2015, Paul-Vincent pulled out a 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape which is a vintage he finds comparable. I can’t disagree with him that wines show similar characters today, however, the 2005 was much more opulent and powerful on release compared to the 2015 today. The 2005 is drinking beautifully and is just now starting to show secondary nuances. Spice-box, cedar, beautiful black (and some red) fruits and garrigue emerge from this beauty and it’s polished and elegant on the palate. It terrific today with a short decant and will keep for another decade.