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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, May 16, 2026 10:12 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: Bordeaux Red
Vintages: Between 2003 and 2003
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Ausone |
2003 |
St. Emilion  Bin-Soiled Label; Scuffed Label |
$649 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (4/2006): The 2003 Ausone is off the charts in terms of richness. While I gave a 3-digit score to the 2000, I think this profoundly concentrated wine may be even more sublime and exotic. Its inky/blue/purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of flowers, crushed rocks, sweet raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and God knows what else. The impression is one of extraordinary richness and purity, and a multilayered texture yet a surreal lightness as well as laser-like precision. This exquisite offering must be tasted to be believed. Incredibly young, it will undoubtedly close down over the next few years, re-emerging after 15-20 years. It should last for 70-100 years. It is a wine for anthology!
VM 95+ (6/2006): Full ruby. Black raspberry, mocha, minerals, graphite and nutty oak on the superripe nose. Extravagantly rich and sweet in the mouth without coming off as heavy. This boasts extraordinary fruit intensity and verve (it's hard to imagine cabernet franc better than this), and finishes with great palate-staining persistence. But this powerfully tannic wine may already be starting to shut down in the bottle. Like the 2005, it will need a decade of aging at a minimum, and possibly a lot longer. |
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|
2003 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$8,682.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Beychevelle |
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,688.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Branaire-Ducru |
2003 |
St. Julien Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$95 |
11 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2014): This fully mature, gorgeous 2003 Branaire Ducru possesses silky tannins, lots of cedary, spice box, floral, black cherry, forest floor and velvety leather-like notes, full body, and an opulent, complex yet elegant style. A beauty of complexity, richness and finesse, it should continue to drink well for another 5-6 years.
JS 93 (3/2011): Extremely perfumed, with currants, blackberries, and flowers on the nose. Full bodied, with a solid core of beautiful fruit and super chewy, yet polished tannins. This is a brick house. Pull the cork after 2016.
VM 92 (6/2006): Sexy aromas of raspberry, mocha and milk chocolate. Fat, sweet, rich and full; a large-scaled, seamless wine with terrific volume. Just a hint of exotic roasted character on the palate-caressing finish. As appealing as this is right now, it appears to be shutting down in the bottle. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,068.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Calon-Segur |
2003 |
St. Estephe |
$139 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2006): Bottled in July, 2005, the saturated ruby/purple-colored 2003 exhibits a tightly-knit, but promising nose of mulberries, blackberries, cherries, and hints of new oak and truffles. This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot blend possesses a gorgeous texture as well as an expansive, exotic softness, and 13% alcohol (according to the proprietor, Madame Denise Gasqueton). Generous and rich, this high class, full-bodied wine will undoubtedly be more approachable than its closest spiritual sibling, the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Estephe Scuffed Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2006): Bottled in July, 2005, the saturated ruby/purple-colored 2003 exhibits a tightly-knit, but promising nose of mulberries, blackberries, cherries, and hints of new oak and truffles. This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot blend possesses a gorgeous texture as well as an expansive, exotic softness, and 13% alcohol (according to the proprietor, Madame Denise Gasqueton). Generous and rich, this high class, full-bodied wine will undoubtedly be more approachable than its closest spiritual sibling, the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Estephe (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,809.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2006): Bottled in July, 2005, the saturated ruby/purple-colored 2003 exhibits a tightly-knit, but promising nose of mulberries, blackberries, cherries, and hints of new oak and truffles. This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot blend possesses a gorgeous texture as well as an expansive, exotic softness, and 13% alcohol (according to the proprietor, Madame Denise Gasqueton). Generous and rich, this high class, full-bodied wine will undoubtedly be more approachable than its closest spiritual sibling, the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030. |
|
| Ch. Destieux |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (4/2006): Proprietor Christian Dauriac, who produced his finest wine to date in 2003, is ratcheting up the quality level at this 20-acre estate planted with 66% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon on the limestone hillsides of the St.-Hippolyte commune in St.-Emilion. The renowned Michel Rolland is Destieux’s winemaking consultant. A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 offers a sexy concoction of jammy black cherries intermixed with blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, toasty oak, and barrique. It is a flamboyant offering with great fruit and purity as well as a full-bodied unctuosity that cascades over the palate. The low acidity and lofty alcohol (13.5%) provides an early accessibility that allows the wine to be drunk now or cellared for 12-15+ years. Very impressive. |
|
| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,636.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/2006): One of the most compelling Ducru Beaucaillou’s made in the last quarter century is the 2003 (which is also the first vintage to be packaged in an impressive heavy glass bottle with a special long cork). A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, it is a powerful, tannic, blockbuster effort revealing a liqueur of mineral-like component intermixed with creme de cassis, raspberry, and flower characteristics, and an atypically high 13.5% alcohol. Having firmed up considerably since bottling, it exhibits tremendous definition, weight, and concentration. It is a wine for patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+. A brilliant tour de force!
VM 92 (6/2006): Ruby-red. Sexy nose offers superripe currant, raspberry, graphite and coconut. Lush, very rich and fine-grained, with an almost confectionery sweetness and thickness for this St. Julien. Atypically powerful on the back end, but not hard. Bruno Borie took over direction of this property with the 2003 and immediately switched to a heavier bottle with a longer neck that could accommodate a 55-millimeter cork. A terrific showing-but I'd still give this wine another four or five years of aging. |
|
| Ch. L' Eglise Clinet |
2003 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,733.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 94 (5/2012): What a wine this is. This combines density and power with fruit and richness. Lovely notes of dried flowers and minerals in the nose and palate. Full and tannic, but incredibly fresh. This is a serious 2003, but still needs five years. Pull the cork in 2015. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
VM 90 (6/2006): Good red-ruby. Extravagant aromas of minerals, lead pencil, chocolate liqueur and roasted grain, with fruit in the background. Then supersweet and fat in the mouth, with flavors of plum, redcurrant, licorice and chocolate. Finishes with strong fruit but also plenty of chocolatey tannins that come across as a bit brutal today. This wine was racked a total of just three times, and needs at least a couple years of patience.
WA 88 (4/2006): One of Pomerol’s topnotch estates, l’Eglise Clinet is run with impeccable attention to detail, both in the vineyard and cellar, by proprietor Denis Durantou. It is typically a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from a 40-year-old vineyard on the Pomerol plateau. During the torrid heat and drought of 2003, much of Pomerol was scorched, and producers whose vineyards were planted in gravel/sandy soils were forced to harvest prematurely. L’Eglise-Clinet, which had the earliest harvest in its history, has produced a light, but elegant, charming 2003 displaying plenty of sweet cherry fruit, and hints of raspberries, licorice, and new oak. While it possesses little depth, it is a medium-bodied, charmingly superficial effort to drink over the next 7-10 years. |
|
| Ch. Faugeres |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (4/2006): The 2003 is a dense, corpulent effort with a dark ruby/purple color, impressive intensity, and aromas of charcoal, white flowers, blueberries, black currants, and smoke. Medium-bodied, with light tannin, and serious concentration as well as length, it may merit an even higher score than shown. Anticipated maturity: now-2018. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$606.97 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (4/2006): The 2003 is a dense, corpulent effort with a dark ruby/purple color, impressive intensity, and aromas of charcoal, white flowers, blueberries, black currants, and smoke. Medium-bodied, with light tannin, and serious concentration as well as length, it may merit an even higher score than shown. Anticipated maturity: now-2018. |
|
| Ch. Fleur Cardinale |
2003 |
St. Emilion Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 91 (4/2006): As suggested in previous reports, Fleur-Cardinale has become a seriously run estate under the new owners, Dominique and Florence Decoster. The vineyard consists of 45 acres planted (in rich clay/limestone soils) with 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking team represents a partnership between Michel Rolland’s top assistant, Jean-Philippe Fort, and Jean-Luc Thunevin. The 2003's deep ruby/purple color is followed by superb scents of roasted herbs, meat, black cherry jam, cassis, licorice, smoke, and a hint of truffles. This flavorful, up-front, low acid wine (4,000 cases produced) combines power and concentration with a sense of elegance and balance. Enjoy this savory, expansive, exceptionally pure 2003 over the next 10-15 years. It is unlikely to shut down.
VM 90 (6/2006): Healthy ruby-red. Exotic jammy berries, plum, smoked meat, coffee and truffle on the nose. Sweet and fat, with full-blown flavors of woodsmoke and truffle. Relies more on its substantial ripe tannins than its acids for structure, but there's no shortage of energy. Finishes with building tannins and notes of plum, redcurrant and mocha. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Emilion Nicked Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 91 (4/2006): As suggested in previous reports, Fleur-Cardinale has become a seriously run estate under the new owners, Dominique and Florence Decoster. The vineyard consists of 45 acres planted (in rich clay/limestone soils) with 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking team represents a partnership between Michel Rolland’s top assistant, Jean-Philippe Fort, and Jean-Luc Thunevin. The 2003's deep ruby/purple color is followed by superb scents of roasted herbs, meat, black cherry jam, cassis, licorice, smoke, and a hint of truffles. This flavorful, up-front, low acid wine (4,000 cases produced) combines power and concentration with a sense of elegance and balance. Enjoy this savory, expansive, exceptionally pure 2003 over the next 10-15 years. It is unlikely to shut down.
VM 90 (6/2006): Healthy ruby-red. Exotic jammy berries, plum, smoked meat, coffee and truffle on the nose. Sweet and fat, with full-blown flavors of woodsmoke and truffle. Relies more on its substantial ripe tannins than its acids for structure, but there's no shortage of energy. Finishes with building tannins and notes of plum, redcurrant and mocha. |
|
| Les Forts de Latour |
2003 |
Pauillac |
$209 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 92 (4/2006): The 2003 Les Forts de la Tour possesses a dense ruby/plum/purple color in addition to notions of cold steel, lead pencil shavings, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied, opulent, heady, rich, and lush, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. What can one say about proprietor Francois Pinault and his manager, Frederic Engerer? A strong argument can be made that in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, Latour produced the wine of the vintage, although it has plenty of competition in the Northern Medoc in 2003. Moreover, the bargains are the estate’s least expensive cuvee, Pauillac, followed by Les Forts de Latour, Latour’s second wine which continues to increase in quality.
VM 91 (6/2006): Deep ruby-red. Wonderfully vinous and sappy for the vintage, with aromas of redcurrant, mineral and spice. Sweet, rich, lush and exotic but with good spice character giving lift to the flavors. A very fine-grained wine that will give relatively early pleasure, but it can't match the 2004 or 2005 for backbone. Finishes dry and classic, with plenty of richness. |
|
|
2003 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,464.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Clos Fourtet |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2014): This magnificent wine, which is just beginning to come into full maturity, boasts an inky/purple color as well as copious notes of blackberries, licorice, violets, and a striking chalky minerality. Full-bodied, voluptuously textured and stunningly pure, this great Bordeaux is one of the vintage’s superstars. The finish lasts 40-45 seconds in this majestic, multidimensional St. Emilion. It should continue to drink well for 10-15 years, but why wait?
VM 90 (5/2006): Dark red. Explosive aromas of currant and plum jam, game and leather. Downright velvety in the mouth, with compelling sweetness of fruit and pliancy of texture. The ripe plummy flavor is joined by chocolate and leather on the fairly tannic finish. Approachable already, this should gain in complexity with another few years of bottle aging. |
|
| Ch. Giscours |
2003 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,109.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 93 (2/2011): This is full and powerful, with loads of fruit and a tropical undertone of berries and mango. Loads of tannins in this big wine, but still very fresh. This needs more time than the 2000. Give it five years. Pull the cork in 2015. |
|
| Ch. Haut Bages Liberal |
2003 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$730.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. d' Issan |
2003 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,439.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Lafleur |
2003 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,870.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Lagrange |
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$946.99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Latour |
2003 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$8,483.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (4/2006): There are only 10,800 cases (rather than the normal 15,000-20,000) of the 2003 Latour, a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot (13.3% finished alcohol). A prodigious effort, it boasts a saturated purple color as well as a gorgeous perfume of smoke, cedar, creme de cassis, flowers, crushed rocks, and blackberries. Massive and multi-layered, with huge richness and low acidity, it is about as unctuous as a young Latour can be. It could be compared to the 1982, but it may be even more pure, at least at this early stage, than that monumental wine. The level of intensity builds prodigiously in the mouth, and the finish lasts nearly a minute. Disarmingly accessible (although analytically the tannin level is high), I suspect it will ultimately shut down, but it was performing impeccably when I tasted it. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040+.
VM 97 (6/2006): Red-ruby. Explosive aromas of plum liqueur, currant, minerals and lead pencil. Huge, lush, sweet and utterly seamless; this has the palate-caressing texture of liquid velvet. About as deep as this extreme vintage gets. Finishes with noble, compellingly sweet tannins and great length. This is amazing wine, and only its exotic character prevented me from giving it an even higher score. Interestingly, the IPT here is 65, compared to 67 for the 2005. But this voluminous and powerful wine will be more fun to drink than the 2005 for many years simply due to its sensual appeal, even if the 2005 should ultimately surpass it in verve, minerality and overall aromatic complexity. (Incidentally, Latour's third wine, simply called Pauillac, is extremely good in both 2005 and 2003-the former vintage showing terrific energy and loads of early personality, and the latter fat, round and exotic, with what Engerer described as a "Napa nose.") |
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|
2003 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$8,882.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Leoville Poyferre |
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,935.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2014): The spectacular 2003 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a dense purple color with a touch of lightening at the edge as well as notes of creosote, barbecue smoke, jammy black currants, licorice and spice box. This intense, voluptuously textured, full-bodied St.-Julien possesses low acidity and ripe tannin. Still fresh and exuberant, it is just entering its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for 10-15+ years.
VM 92 (6/2006): Medium ruby-red. Extravagant aromas of currant, loam, leather and graphite; like the 1990 in its roasted character. Then sweet and dense but with surprising aromatic lift in the mouth, not to mention considerable power. Liqueur-like black fruit, licorice and mineral flavors really stain the palate. Cuvelier maintained that this vintage was not acidified. The cabernet acidity, he said, was healthy and the grape skins gave up their acidity slowly during the vinification. A very impressive showing, and built to last.
JS 92 (3/2011): Ripe currants, almost cassis aromas with hints of dried flowers and tar. Full bodied, with chewy tannins and an elegant and lean structure. Long and stylish, this still needs some time. Pull the cork after 2013. |
|
| Ch. Lynch Bages |
2003 |
Pauillac |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2006): Good red-ruby. Full-blown aromas of currant, black cherry, roasted meat, lead pencil and leather. Fat, rich and compellingly sweet, with suggestions of tobacco and meat. Finishes with very fine tannins that coat the teeth. Seems quite accessible already, but certainly has enough freshness to evolve in bottle over the next decade or more.
WA 89 (4/2006): One of the most popular wines of Bordeaux seems to be going through a period where the style seems lighter, and there is less muscle and mass, but perhaps it’s just a temporary transition. Certainly there has been no truly profound Lynch Bages since the 2000, preceded by the 1996, 1990, and 1989. Showing better than it did from cask with some toasty oak, moderate quantities of creme de cassis fruit, lower acidity, and a hint of cedar in an evolved style, the medium to full-bodied 2003 Lynch Bages does not lack for tannin and structure but finishes surprisingly short for a top vintage in the northern Medoc. It is very good, but falls short of Outstanding. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. |
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| Lynsolence |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (4/2006): A tiny 6.5-acre vineyard planted in light gravel/sandy soils not far from Monbousquet and Valandraud, Lynsolence’s proprietor, Denis Baraud, is an up-and-coming star of St.-Emilion. Made from yields of 19 hectoliters per hectare, the 2003 (100% Merlot that achieved 14.5% alcohol) is an exuberant, flamboyant, modern-styled St.-Emilion displaying an inky/plum/purple color, a big, sweet, ostentatious bouquet (smoke, new oak, blackberries, cassis), low acidity, a dense, chewy personality, abundant fruit and glycerin, and plenty of flesh covering its structural skeleton. Sadly, there are only 525 cases of this gorgeous offering. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-14 years of life. |
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| Ch. Margaux |
2003 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,579.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (3/2017): Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2003 Margaux is fully mature on the nose. There is ample fruit here, well defined for the vintage with blackberry and cedar, this bottle demonstrating a subtle fungal character that I have not discerned in previous bottles. There are faint scents of rust iron piping that develop with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannin, offering more fruit than the 2003 Valandraud it was paired with: feisty black pepper and allspice finish with a decent aftertaste. There might be better bottles than this, even so, there is probably not another Margaux that touches this First Growth. I see no harm in broaching bottles now and over the next ten years. Tasted December 2016.
VM 93 (9/2007): (70% monastrell and 30% cabernet sauvignon) Ruby-red. Sharply focused raspberry, cassis and floral aromas are complicated by zesty minerals and a suave cocoa quality. Sweet red berry and cherry flavors are strikingly pure and deep, with fine-grained tannins adding shape and firmness. The mineral character repeats on the impressively long, juicy finish. There are plenty of $100 wines that can't match this.
JS 97 (3/2011): A wine with spices, meat, and very ripe fruit on the nose, with hints of dried flowers. Full bodied, and deeply layered, with loads of fruit and spices. Long and decadent, very complex. |
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|
2003 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,210.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (3/2017): Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2003 Margaux is fully mature on the nose. There is ample fruit here, well defined for the vintage with blackberry and cedar, this bottle demonstrating a subtle fungal character that I have not discerned in previous bottles. There are faint scents of rust iron piping that develop with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannin, offering more fruit than the 2003 Valandraud it was paired with: feisty black pepper and allspice finish with a decent aftertaste. There might be better bottles than this, even so, there is probably not another Margaux that touches this First Growth. I see no harm in broaching bottles now and over the next ten years. Tasted December 2016.
VM 93 (9/2007): (70% monastrell and 30% cabernet sauvignon) Ruby-red. Sharply focused raspberry, cassis and floral aromas are complicated by zesty minerals and a suave cocoa quality. Sweet red berry and cherry flavors are strikingly pure and deep, with fine-grained tannins adding shape and firmness. The mineral character repeats on the impressively long, juicy finish. There are plenty of $100 wines that can't match this.
JS 97 (3/2011): A wine with spices, meat, and very ripe fruit on the nose, with hints of dried flowers. Full bodied, and deeply layered, with loads of fruit and spices. Long and decadent, very complex. |
|
| Clos du Marquis |
2003 |
St. Julien Scuffed Label |
$69 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (4/2006): The 2003 Clos du Marquis possesses higher alcohol (13.4%) than the 2003 grand vin, no doubt because of the higher percentage of Merlot in the final blend. This impressive sleeper of the vintage boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as abundant amounts of fleshy, black cherry and currant fruit interwoven with mocha, vanillin, and spice box. Pure, layered, upfront, and already delicious, it should be drunk over the next 12-15 years. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Julien |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (4/2006): The 2003 Clos du Marquis possesses higher alcohol (13.4%) than the 2003 grand vin, no doubt because of the higher percentage of Merlot in the final blend. This impressive sleeper of the vintage boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as abundant amounts of fleshy, black cherry and currant fruit interwoven with mocha, vanillin, and spice box. Pure, layered, upfront, and already delicious, it should be drunk over the next 12-15 years. |
|
| Ch. Montrose |
2003 |
St. Estephe Bin-Soiled Label |
$215 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2014): Note: This was not in the tasting in Montrose, but I had it several times in Asia as well as recently from my own cellar. The grapes were harvested between September 11 and 26. The blend in 2003 was 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot (a very high percentage), 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine, unlike most 2003s, has a freshness and liveliness provided by their extraordinary terroir. This wine can be drunk now. It has a dense bluish/purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of blueberries and mulberries, with blacker cassis and blackberry entering the picture. Scorched earth, spice and licorice are all present in this magnificent, full-bodied, opulent wine that is very Montrose, very classic and somewhat atypical of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040.
JS 97 (7/2013): After the 2009, this is the most exciting Montrose ever made, with intense aromas and flavors of plums, blueberries, spices, tobacco and cedar. It’s full-bodied with extremely refined tannins but a dense, delicious palate. Better in 2016, but why wait?
VM 96 (5/2005): Good medium-deep ruby-red. Superripe, roasted aromas of black raspberry, chocolate and licorice. Wonderfully dense, sweet and lush, with an early roundness rare for this wine. A monumental St. Estephe with almost confectionery sweetness. Wonderfully horizontal, palate-saturating wine with huge but thoroughly ripe, lush tannins. It's hard to believe that a wine this rich and deep could be carrying just 13.2% alcohol. The only thing missing here is the floral topnote of 2005, but that's a quibble in this baking-hot vintage, as Montrose's cooler, water-retentive clay-rich soil handled the extreme heat and drought as well as any chateau in the Bordeaux region. The final blend is 63% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2003 |
St. Estephe (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,661.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2014): Note: This was not in the tasting in Montrose, but I had it several times in Asia as well as recently from my own cellar. The grapes were harvested between September 11 and 26. The blend in 2003 was 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot (a very high percentage), 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine, unlike most 2003s, has a freshness and liveliness provided by their extraordinary terroir. This wine can be drunk now. It has a dense bluish/purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of blueberries and mulberries, with blacker cassis and blackberry entering the picture. Scorched earth, spice and licorice are all present in this magnificent, full-bodied, opulent wine that is very Montrose, very classic and somewhat atypical of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040.
JS 97 (7/2013): After the 2009, this is the most exciting Montrose ever made, with intense aromas and flavors of plums, blueberries, spices, tobacco and cedar. It’s full-bodied with extremely refined tannins but a dense, delicious palate. Better in 2016, but why wait?
VM 96 (5/2005): Good medium-deep ruby-red. Superripe, roasted aromas of black raspberry, chocolate and licorice. Wonderfully dense, sweet and lush, with an early roundness rare for this wine. A monumental St. Estephe with almost confectionery sweetness. Wonderfully horizontal, palate-saturating wine with huge but thoroughly ripe, lush tannins. It's hard to believe that a wine this rich and deep could be carrying just 13.2% alcohol. The only thing missing here is the floral topnote of 2005, but that's a quibble in this baking-hot vintage, as Montrose's cooler, water-retentive clay-rich soil handled the extreme heat and drought as well as any chateau in the Bordeaux region. The final blend is 63% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2003 |
Pauillac (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,353.97 |
1 |
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VM 95 (5/2016): A heady, exotic wine, the 2003 Mouton Rothschild takes hold of all the senses. The ripeness and exuberance of the year comes through in spades as this dramatic, opulent wine shows off its radiant personality. The 2003 can be enjoyed now, but it could also use another few years for the tannins to soften. Still, the 2003 is pretty hard to resist today. This is an exceptional, deeply satisfying Mouton endowed with notable richness but also exceptional balance. Hints of toffee, torrefaction and dark spices are laced into the finish. In 2003 the blend is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all brought in between a fairly narrow window of ten days between September 15 and 25. Antonio Galloni.
JS 92 (11/2015): This has lots of phenolic character. Full-bodied and chewy with very ripe nuances. So much coffee and walnut character. A big and slightly overdone wine. Shows the extreme heat of the vintage. Drink now.
WA 91 (12/2014): The 2003 harvest began on September 15 and finished ten days later. The result is an outstanding 2003 Mouton-Rothschild, but it is not one of the superstars of Pauillac or the Northern Medoc. Its nearby neighbors, Lafite-Rothschild, Cos d’Estournel and Montrose, all produced wines that qualitatively dominate this effort from Mouton-Rothschild. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like. The tannins, which were so tough initially, have softened somewhat, and the nose offers up notes of cedarwood, roasted coffee, tobacco leaf and red and blackcurrants. This spicy, earthy, fleshy, medium to full-bodied 2003 is not one of the stars of the vintage. It is close to full maturity, where it should remain for another 10-15 years. |
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| Ch. Palmer |
2003 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,635.98 |
1 |
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WA 89 (4/2006): This estate’s grand vin and second wine have both benefited immensely from stricter selections. The 2003 vintage’s heat and drought stressed this vineyard’s light soils, resulting in an atypical Palmer. The 2003 Palmer possesses a dark ruby/purple color, high, austere tannins, less flesh and mid-palate than usual, medium body, and a flowery black currant-scented bouquet. It lacks the extra dimension required aromatically, texturally, and flavor-wise to achieve their normal quality level. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
VM 89 (6/2006): Good full deep red. Expressive aromas of roasted red raspberry, tobacco, chocolate and sandalwood; hints of dehydrated fruit. Sweet, fat and smoky, with good depth but only moderate complexity; shows an obvious warm-vintage character. Finishes with fairly sizable tannins and a lingering roasted character. |
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| Ch. Pavie |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$269 |
3 |
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WA 98+ (4/2006): This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push the envelope of quality to higher and higher heights. Planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes receive kid glove treatment with hand-harvesting into small plastic lugs, two triage tables, and aging for 28 months in 100% new oak that is purchased in advance, then air-dried and coopered according to Perse’s specifications. In short, the man is a perfectionist, and the quality of all the estates he owns has soared dramatically.
VM 92+ (6/2006): Impressive full medium ruby color. Quite locked up on the nose following the February bottling; hinted at currant, smoked meat and roasted nuts as it opened in the glass. Extremely powerful but a bit chunky today, conveying an impression of extraordinary solidity. One senses but does not taste the minerals and primary berry fruit. But this painfully closed wine already offers uncanny sweetness. The major mouthful of tannins calls for at least six to eight years of cellaring. A classic extreme 2003 that is currently in a sullen stage. This is sure to controversial-at least until it begins to recover from the bottling. My score may prove to be conservative, but today it's the dried fruit character that dominates. |
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|
2003 |
St. Emilion (1.5 L) |
$550 |
1 |
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WA 98+ (4/2006): This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push the envelope of quality to higher and higher heights. Planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes receive kid glove treatment with hand-harvesting into small plastic lugs, two triage tables, and aging for 28 months in 100% new oak that is purchased in advance, then air-dried and coopered according to Perse’s specifications. In short, the man is a perfectionist, and the quality of all the estates he owns has soared dramatically.
VM 92+ (6/2006): Impressive full medium ruby color. Quite locked up on the nose following the February bottling; hinted at currant, smoked meat and roasted nuts as it opened in the glass. Extremely powerful but a bit chunky today, conveying an impression of extraordinary solidity. One senses but does not taste the minerals and primary berry fruit. But this painfully closed wine already offers uncanny sweetness. The major mouthful of tannins calls for at least six to eight years of cellaring. A classic extreme 2003 that is currently in a sullen stage. This is sure to controversial-at least until it begins to recover from the bottling. My score may prove to be conservative, but today it's the dried fruit character that dominates. |
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| Ch. Pavie Macquin |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$109 |
1 |
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WA 95 (4/2006): This tremendous terroir has been brought back to life over the last 15 years by Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Its 37-acre vineyard, planted in deep clay and limestone soils, is composed of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pavie-Macquin is not far from Gerard Perse’s little treasure, Pavie-Decesse. The 2003 Pavie-Macquin turned out brilliantly, no doubt because its soils supported the summer’s torrid heat and drought. Tipping the scales at 13.8% alcohol, it boasts an opaque purple color along with a gorgeous nose of blackberries, smoked meats, licorice, incense, and barbecue spices. Huge fruit on the attack is followed by a powerful, masculine wine with huge extract, high tannin, low acidity, and formidable power. Despite its low acidity, this is a wine to forget for 3-4 years, and drink over the following 20-25 years. When fully mature, this brilliant effort should rival the 2000 and 1998.
VM 92 (6/2006): Good bright deep red. Highly nuanced, fresh aromas of cherry, minerals, tobacco, herbs and spices. Sweet and fat but lively, with a fine-grained texture and superb inner-mouth energy and depth for the vintage. Finishes with suave tannins and mounting flavors of dark berries, spices, herbs and smoked meat. The pH here is 3.65, which winemaker Derenoncourt said was the highest since 1997, but which is on the low side for this vintage in general-a testament to the property's cool clay and limestone soils. Here's a 2003 that should benefit from a solid decade of cellaring. |
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| Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte |
2003 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,705.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Ch. Sociando Mallet |
2003 |
Haut Medoc |
$65 |
9 |
|
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JS 93 (3/2015): Lots of ripe and dark fruit with hints of almonds and dark chocolate on the nose. Full body with juicy fruit and a long, caressing finish. Lovely texture to this young wine. This hot year was excellent in the Northern Medoc. A special barrel selection from Sociando Mallet. Drink or hold.
VM 91 (6/2006): Good medium ruby-red color. More grilled on the nose than the 2004 or 2005: superripe black fruits and bitter chocolate. Then liqueur-like verging on confectionery in the mouth, but with surprisingly healthy acids giving shape to the dominant black fruit flavors. At once velvety and quite powerful, with the fine-grained tannins currently conveying a rather soft impression. This is deceptively drinkable right now but should evolve positively in bottle for the next 10 or 15 years. This has more power but the 2005 offers more finesse, notes Gautreau.
WA 90 (8/2014): This fresh Northern Medoc demonstrates how strong the 2003 vintage can be in this sector of Bordeaux. The tannins have softened considerably, and the wine reveals a youthful dense ruby/purple color. Notes of white flowers, blackberries and black currants are found in this still youthful, medium- to full-bodied, rich wine that is just approaching full maturity. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next decade. |
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| Ch. St. Pierre |
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,211.97 |
2 |
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| WA 93+ (4/2006): A powerhouse effort from this small classified growth St.-Julien estate, the 2003's thick, unctuous-looking purple color is accompanied by an explosive perfume of cigar tobacco, melted licorice, incense, creme de cassis, and spice box. Opulent, full-bodied, and rich with firm tannin and higher glycerin and alcohol than usual, it should be cellared for 4-5 years and enjoyed over the following two decades. |
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