I had a look at this vintage of Alion earlier in the year and found it quite closed and undeveloped, I bought it at auction and assumed that it had been kept in a cold cellar.  When a mate turned up for dinner with this wine the other night, I knew his bottle had been sitting in a warm cupboard for 5-6 years.  Still very closed and not showing many signs of development.  I'll put mine at the bottom of the cellar for a few more years I think.

I've dragged out my note from earlier in the year, I don't think the wine has changed much since January.  I think I was a bit tough giving it 89 points, 90 is more like it.

Very dark color, dark red with a purple tint. Quite stinky on opening, this blew off after 5 minutes in the decanter to reveal a subdued nose of tobacco, espresso, dark berry fruit and hint of aniseed. Still full bodied and primary for its age, ripe dark fruits, cola and espresso with some woody herbs and spice adding interest. It is a bit out of whack at the moment, tannins are still quite sandy and acid is still very present, a good long finish.  90 Pts

Source: Dinner Guest Cost: N/A Closure: Conventional Cork

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