The cork was completely saturated and there were clear signs of seepage. Thick, sweet smell after removing the capsule. The cork came out in two pieces and a third piece went in. Very dark colour again, just as much as with this bottle. We decanted aroud 6PM and started drinking around 11PM. Incredibly young, floral and with masses of blackberry jumping out of the glass. Tannic and fierce. Our host guessed this to be 2001!
And I can't blame him.We kept a good share of the bottle in the fridge overnight to enjoy after a dinner in DOC restaurant in the Douro. Much rounder now, and it has lost its rough edges and hard tannins. But is also lost some of the fresh fruit. Lovely drink but not as impressive as the first night.
Overall a great bottle. 94 points. We will let the rest of the case rest for a good while!