2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Vieilles Vignes

Deep, saturated red. Utterly seductive aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, kirsch, pungent floral oils, fresh meat and candied red licorice. Silky and lush in a way I rarely find outside world-class pinot noir, with almost overwhelming sweetness of berry fruit. This also possesses terrific power and thrust, finishing with dense, silky tones of creme de framboise, strawberry preserves and floral candies. This suave, entrancing wine is at the top of my "must buy" list from 2003.

The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Vieilles Vignes comes close to equaling the brilliant 1998 or 2000. Dark ruby with hints of purple, it is a serious, tannic and structured wine with considerable muscle, some elevated tannin, but plenty of sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit offered in a full-bodied, well-delineated, structured style. The wine’s persistence on the palate augurs well for the future. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 12-15 years. Very impressive! Wine Advocate.February, 2006