Chateau Peyros, Vieilles Vignes, Madiran

Needs considerable time to open. Tannins seem to be outpacing the fruit. Very masculine flavor and texture profile. Is balancing with time in the glass. Recommend decant if wine is to be consumed immediately within a confined time period. Score and impression improving with time opened and poured. Deep dark sticky berries and tar and leather on the nose. Noticed a dark purple black sticky goo on the bottom surface of the cork and inside the neck of the bottle. …

Powerfully tannic and youthful, I just don't see a lot underneath the tannins that would be worth waiting for, but maybe I just need more experience with madiran.

Full garnet color. Nose: ripe black cherry and currant fruit with licorice, potpourri spice, tobacco leaf, and a little smoked cedar. Medium body on the palate: lots of rich, high-toned black raspberry/cherry fruit with licorice, some dark chocolate, and plenty of crushed rock and graphite. Excellent core of acidity. Moderate/firm tannins. Lingering crushed rock and graphite on the moderate/long finish. I enjoy the focused, intense character of this wine. Great structure. Still a baby. In need of a long decanting …

Vintners Wine Market (Fort Mason, San Francisco) : Delicate nose, a bit lacking. Palate is very smooth but has a tannic kick with the finish. Interesting grape varietals and an interesting experience, but probably not a bottle I would buy.