2003 Richebourg

Deep ruby-red. Very reticent but pure aromas of black raspberry, minerals and menthol. Lush on entry, then precise and backward in the middle, with an almost medicinal austerity and outstanding concentration. This expands and explodes on the back end, coating the palate with black cherry, bitter chocolate and mineral flavors. A rare case of a 2003 that seems as primary as most '04s are today, and that will require extended bottle aging. One of the early superstars of the vintage.

Incredible aromatic richness and depth is displayed by the blackberry-packed nose of the 2003 Richebourg. Concentrated, powerful, and broad-shouldered, this full-bodied effort reveals tar-laced blackberry flavors. A wine of substantial density, it coats the taster’s palate with huge quantities of fruit as well as ripe tannin. Notes of chocolate, asphalt, and licorice emerge in its extended, sweet, yet structured finish. This bold effort appears to be holding much in reserve, foretelling the possibility of a prodigious future. Projected maturity: 2010-2020+ Importer: Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Company., New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400

Saturated ruby-red. Very ripe, perfumed aromas of blackberry, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate. Silky, dense and hugely concentrated, with sappy, deep flavors of black and red fruits. A glyceral, extremely deep Richebourg with outstanding breadth. Spectacularly dense and suave on the back end, with slowly building, unflagging flavors and noble tannins. There are not many 2003s like this one!