2003 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (47% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 26% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 2% various) is a 20,000-case cuvee that is medium ruby, shows evolved, spicy, peppery, herbal notes, soft, round, seductive flavors, impressive complexity, but not the depth and intensity of the top vintages. It is a seductively styled Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the next 6-8 years. Importer: Clicquot Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575

Dark red. Spicy, jammy aromas of blackberry, cassis and exotic Asian spices. Round and velvety, with sweet berry flavors and notes of chocolate, mocha and lavender pastille. A warm, sweet wine with supple tannins and a lingering flavor of creme de cassis

The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (47% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 26% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 2% various) is a 20,000-case cuvee that is medium ruby, shows evolved, spicy, peppery, herbal notes, soft, round, seductive flavors, impressive complexity, but not the depth and intensity of the top vintages. It is a seductively styled Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the next 6-8 years. Feb 2006, www.robertparker.com