690,
No, Tony isn't pulling your leg. You are going to get a much better product if you can wait that long. Of course you may not have the ability to set it aside for that long.
Most of my WE reds are finishing at .990 - .992. I have a a VR, World, 2 Eclipse and one LE all in various stages right now, but haven't had them long enough to try them. But no Selection reds.
I recently racked the VR into 5 gal so I bottled a 4 and had a glass left over. It was pretty tasty but didn't have much finish. I think that is why Tony is suggesting some additional oak, to add a bit more tannin and flavor.
Best, Fran