Initial aroma of wax paper and black pepper; aeration stimulates scents of asparagus, broccoli, new leather and herbal butter. The palate entry is spicy and semisweet; the midpalate adds subtle tastes of butter, steamed green vegetables, white rice and light toffee. Finishes satiny smooth and appealingly spicy. A tour de force in balance and harmony.
96-100 points, Wine Enthusiast (Nov 2005)