This outstanding example of La Mission is surprisingly forward and velvety-textured. The dark purple color suggests high extraction. The fragrant, smoky, tobacco, leathery, roasted herb, and cassis-scented nose is a real turn on. Voluptuous, round, medium to full-bodied, and loaded with fruit, glycerin, complexity, and charm, this is a surprisingly open-knit (at least for now), intensely flavorful wine. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2015. - Robert Parker 1997 -