2003 Domaine Bruno Clair Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru

Medium red. Sexy, complex nose combines red berries, smoked meat, minerals, underbrush, milk chocolate and truffle. Silky and suave but firm; a step up in concentration from the Clos Saint-Jacques. A very stylish wine with lovely inner-mouth lift and definition. Finishes quite broad, with a fine coating of tannins and excellent length. This wine shows a more normal balance than Clair's other 2003s.

The 2003 Chambertin-Clos de Beze boasts a terrific nose of boisterous black fruits as well as roasting spices. Cassis, black cherries, brambleberries, and spices are found in this medium-bodied effort’s flavor profile. It is structured, revealing copious quantities of ripe tannin. Projected maturity: 2007-2013. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

(this was all in small barrels until the racking in October, after which it was transferred to a single large foudre and one barrique Medium red. ) Slightly diffuse aromas of smoky, nutty oak and roasted strawberry and raspberry. Fat and sweet but not yet currently displaying its adult shape. Flavors of red fruits, nuts and smoke. Finishes with sweet, supple tannins and subtle length, but I don't find real Clos de Beze character or sappiness today.