What is "dumb phase"?

[wdonovan]

I've read this term but never known what it was until maybe Saturday. I opened a bottle of 99 Aloxe-Corton. Can't remember the negociant but it was a reputable one. This was suppose to enhance the ragu of smoked duck over white pepper fetucini. Sounded like a great plan but after freshly opening, there was little nose. An immediate taste showed an almost tasteless wine. After a half our of breathing, no change. I had to keep looking at my glass to make sure no one had stolen it. It was the least flavored Burgundy I've ever tasted. No fruit. No earth tones. Not stripped leaving plain alcohol taste. Just plain nothing. Was this my first knowing encounter with the "dumb phase"?