1996 Ch. Hortevie (St. Julien)

[hotwine]

Don't know if it was D or her younger sister in Houston who gave me this a few years ago for Christmas. Pulled tonight for us to share with daughter and SIL over some huge T-bones (smoked some sausage while burning down the oak logs for the steaks). Nice nose but somewhat muted, poured an hour before dinner but probably wanb't enough air time. Soft entry, good red fruit and modest cedar on the palate, nice mouthfeel and moderate finish. Probably not being fair in appraisal but just wans't the bell-ringer I'd hoped for. Decanting would have probably shown it better.