July 8, 2023 - A bold and forward bouquet. There are notes of fermented soya, clove, black berries, stewed plums, earthy and old leather. Rich and deep palate on a medium-bodied structure. Balanced and harmonious after an hour of decanting. Smooth texture from entry to a dense and long finish. Ready to drink now and still going strong.
June 17, 2023 - This should very well. Great mature 20yo wine, and it seems it well managed the hot vintage which was 2003. Had other 2003 and this is one of the finest so far. Can drink for another 3/4 yrs for sure
April 15, 2023 - Good wine & only 2nd 2003 tried but this had a small touch of greenness just taking away from the finish.
April 10, 2023 - Interesting one this, I think Jeff Leve’s note from 8 years ago still rings true, with maybe a bit more development. I only have a handful of experiences with 20+-year-old Bordeaux, but I’d say this does show some 2003 characteristics; quite ripe and sweet. However the alcohol level is only 13.5% and there’s no hint of greenness from having picked early so i think they’ve done a good job in the vintage as we’re now about 5-8 years past many critics’ anticipated windows. I double-decanted and it was at peak after about only an hour in. This is definitely still a very enjoyable drinking experience but I’m not sure it’s quite as good as it ‘should’ be. Maybe slightly past peak. I’ve got a bottle of the 2018 so I might drink that at 20 years old too and see how it compares.
April 30, 2022 - Very deceiving as far as vintage. There's elegance and even restrain on this. Blackberry, cassis, wet leather jacket, ashy, earthy. Full bodied with velvety tannins, medium acidity and a long finish. In a delicious state. Really enjoyed it. Drink on the short term.
October 1, 2021 - Open and attractive earthy nose, the palate is ripe and accessible with plummy notes, purple fruit, red currant, spices, black olive flauvors, undergrowth, also pencil shavings but distinctive right bank character. The fruit component has a degree of austerity to it but the ripeness makes it more rich than one would initially expect. However, no hot year feel, this is fresh with good acidity. The tannin is succulent and adds nicely to the robust but civilised profile of the wine. Very tasty and in a great place now but will last, definitely no need to fear the vintage.
August 29, 2021 - This is drinking perfectly right now. Hints of cocoa, pencil shavings and forest floor with medium dark fruit. The tannins are perfectly integrated in a slightly austere style. Drink up!
August 8, 2021 - Hitting on all cylinders tonight. Based on the Cellar Tracker “recommended drinking window”, I was concerned this might be in decline, especially given the controversial “hot” 2003 vintage. Stored in a Eurocave refrigerator since purchase back in 2008, this was stood up for approximately 45 minutes and then decanted for another hour prior to enjoying with thick cut, grilled lamb chops served on a bed of sautéed spinach, and mushrooms.
IMHO, this has yet to reach maturity, likely the latter stages of development. Color displays a deep, dull ruby color without signs of bricking. Complex. Shows fragrant sweet red florals, spicy red currant, crushed red raspberries, ripe cherry, juicy plum, cocoa powder, chewy tobacco, worn leather, and black earth with some black pencil shavings in the background. Elegant, and balanced mouthfeel, ripe fruits prevalent. Structure is well integrated, but definitely noticeable on the very long finish. I was worried the grilled meat might overwhelm this wine; however, this “rose to the occasion” and paired perfectly with the meal. Clearly ready to drink, but if stored properly, this can easily cellar for another 5+ years. Impressive.
June 11, 2021 - WIML92
Tasted non blind.
Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of fertilizer, smoke and black berries. Flavors black berries, black cherries and black raspberries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink now with some air.
February 20, 2021 - Wrong pairing - souris d'agneau with tajine spices.