Bouchard Pere et Fils Musigny Grand Cru 1972 (Recorked in 2005)

Bouchard Pere et Fils Musigny Grand Cru 1972 (Recorked in 2005)

focused and relatively powerful finish that offers impressive persistence

A close second (and who knows how they might perform at different times and with different foods) is the 2012 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine

and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds

Fully mature

but it's more structured than 2008

The 57-acre estate vineyard includes the Helms Vineyard in Rutherford

This too reflects just enough wood to mention as it serves as a relatively neutral backdrop for the restrained and pure essence of red pinot fruit

but it is not overly drying and it is a lot more approachable than newly-released Nacionals can be

The good news is that the flavors have evolved a little

There is fine richness and plenty of punch to the more voluminous and once again solidly concentrated flavors that are shaped by surprisingly sleek tannins on the firm

The tannins are fine and nicely integrated to give the wine power

There is a seductive texture to the supple medium-bodied flavors that possess fine mid-palate density before culminating in a dusty and palate coating finish