General

1999 Cono Sur '20 Barrels' Merlot. Rapel Valley, Chile.
B+

Bought at auction, had been stored in a traditional, damp cellar.
Opaque still. Dark plummy fruits, some cassis; decent whack of green notes, green peppercorn, leafy and peppery nature rather intense at the beginning. Sweet plums on the palate; extracted fruit feels resolved, long as opposed to rounded fruits; decent mid palate weight, not punchy, spicy peppery notes remain on the palate. Decent finish, acidity perks up at the back. Overall, it has aged well, but probably won't improve.