2003 Richebourg

Loads of spices, red fruits, and blackberries are found in the nose of the 2003 Richebourg. Massive, rich, and concentrated, this velvety-textured wine displays fresh red berries, raspberries, and candied cherries in its prolonged, sweet tannin-laced personality. An impressively deep and broad offering, it is a candidate for drinking between 2009 and 2020. Represented by Domaines et Saveurs Collection, Jeanne-Marie de Champs, French Fax: 011-011-33-3-80-22-58-25; also imported by Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

(the alcohol here is below 13.5%, according to Meo) Bright ruby-red. Coffee and mocha notes on the subdued nose. Today the wine shows a very restrained sweetness, with firm mineral structure dominating. Very closed wine, finishing with a youthful tannic toughness, terrific spine and outstanding persistence. This and the Cros Parantoux really beg for a decade of cellaring, and should be quite long-lived in the context of the vintage.