In progress: 1998 Fonroque, St. Em.

[Houndsong]

Wow has this wine ever loosened up and filled out. I had one several years ago when I first got them and really liked the black tea flavors, even though it was tight. A second bottle a couple of years ago was nice but insubstantial I thought. Probably it was closed. This iteration is thick and plush. Plenty of dried underbrush in the aroma and a nice weighty but dry mouthfeel. Good acidity in the finish, and just enough tannin to keep it firm and refreshing.

[Houndsong]

Finished up strong. I wonder what has become of the total production of this wine for this year by this time, how much has been drunk up. It is just drinking well now.

[rjsussex]

The 05 is very promising and I stupidly missed out when it was on sale in UK - but have 10 bottles

Richard