After a poor showing of the 1997 a week or so ago, I decided to try this vintage. Straight from the bottle, 13.5% alcohol. Ruby red with a faint pink rim. Earthy, red cherries and a little herb. The roundness of the red fruits caress the palate, and this wine has a fresh acidity feel to it in the background. A little dryness on the finish without food, but fine with the stuffed vines leaves, chicken legs and seafood salad offerings. For my palate, it is ready to drink now and over the next 1-2 years.