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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Soil, cedar, vanilla, tobacco, black currant on the nose, harmonious, balanced. Developing into wet compost-like forest floor. All confirmed on palette with graphite and cassis on top. Austere fruit wise, but in a perfect way. So great.
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Three hour decant having been stood up for four days. Opaque, medium purple fading to a medium ruby edge. Savoury and austere on both the nose and palate - much to my liking - with graphite, pencil led and pencil shavings, fern, iodine, black and blue fruits, blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry, baking spices, tobacco leaf, and grilled green peppers. Superbly balanced with incredibly soft tannins. Restrained and elegant and at a far more savoury and evolved stage you’d expect for a wine this young but drinking beautifully as a result.
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Red and black fruit. Tobacco leaf, ashtray, and wet forest floor. Dry on the attack but with mid palate sweetness. Medium acidity. The tannins are present but feel silky, lush and luxurious. Very layered, lots of complexity and very balanced. Finishes dry and long. Hard to tell this is a 2003.
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Gee, I don’t want to rain on the parade here, but I think this wine—and my bottles are healthy—definitely shows the issues with 2003. The bouquet is seductive and outgoing but it shows some of the green that probably came from having to pick too early to prevent raisining and extreme alcohol. The mouth texture is chewy but again with green elements; a bit plodding in its weight and without much grace. I think this is a super estate that regardless shows the difficulty of the year. I cannot say I love it and it is definitely time to drink. Please consider this as a wake up call to your cellar.
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Saint Emilion at its best, proving that if you got it right in 2003 - well - you got it right. Powerful, seductive nose of mature cassis, chocolate, toffee, leather, cedar. Velvet palate, very elegant and beautifully structured, with ripe berries, cedar, plum, chocolate, pepper, sous-bois and a long, elegant finish. A true treasure!
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Drank from the magnum, this was singing at the 90 minute mark with Christmas roast beast. Fabulous nose, perfectly integrated tannins and fruits. Tobacco, plumb, notes of cherries and earth.
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Tasted blind from pop and pour. Initially came off as very young, nice acid. Plum/fig on the nose. Medium body with lighter tannins. Palate has orange citrus, pepper, blueberry, copper. The wine evolved very quickly, and after an hour had opened up, showing its age and good balance. Overall, a nice bottle.
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Plummy, spicy, well integrated. Has a roasted red pepper side to it, which some do not prefer but I rather enjoy. This feels like it is starting to dry out a little, where it becomes more acidic as the fruit fades. Can drink now or keep. Still very nice.
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This was my only bottle of this wine. Drank with grilled tenderloin. At first the acid was a bit out of balance but worked well with dinner. About 4 hours after opening the acidity seemed to subside and the dark fruit and earthiness came alive. If I had more of this I would decant for at least a few hours.
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Decanted. Ripe and luscious, packed with silky fruits, but with enough cocoa and coffee notes to balance. Certainly ready to drink now, but should last for a couple more years at this level.
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This is hitting all the right notes on this cold fall evening. Sweet fruits with a polished finish, there is a certain lushness here I find irresistible.
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you have to wait two or three years. It will become better... I missed a Little bit harmony, but it is a great wine with potential. I think it belongs to these 2003 wines, which are not at the peak right now...
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Brilliant clarity, garnet color, and borders opaque. The smells are dill, dark chocolate, cherry, bell pepper, and cola. The tastes are cherry, blueberry, cacao, spicy notes, and dill. The tannins are furry and the finish is long and dry with dark fruit flavors.
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This did not show anywhere near as well as a previous bottle and came over flabby, a little tired and a little pruney compared to the earlier bottle. Drink up.
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En Primeur Bdx. 2014 tasting event, reference wine from producer from older vintage, tasting pour, short note. Nose with smoke, oak and cooked and alcohol drenched jammy fruit. Silky sweet & sugary, mushy and jammy, with alcohol and extracted fruit, plums. Not good at all, but cooked, unstructured and over extracted. Disappointing, and clearly affected by the hot vintage. No use to cellar this, as it will only get worse. (84 – 85)
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Soft, supple, forward and ready to go, with its sweet, red and dark berries, smoke, licorice and forest floor personality. Lush and polished in texture, the wine has charm, complexity and character.
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Black currant and cocoa on the nose, black fruit continues in the mouth, cherry pits, sullen tannins, graphite and wet shale toward the end, but it's the black currant that lingers with an edge of nutmeg and mace Dark but fairly light, needs decanting to open
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From .375. I have now almost consumed a case of halves and is one of the wines a keep coming back to. Easy drinking, with dark fruit, chocolate, silky texture and good length.
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I was impressed by this wine as I didn't expect much as it's said its modern styled.
Black fruits, soft, highly balanced on palate with good sweetness and good fat. Low acidity.
Finish is short, but mouthfeel is awesome. Lacking a little bit on lenght, but still very good. Didn't expect such a balance and refreshing wine from the more likely ultra masculine 2003 vintage.
Bought for 54€, was worth it. Price has increased highly, don't but over € 60,00.
In my eyes mature, will also be enjoyed by people who like white and soft wines.
Loved it!
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Drunk over two nights. Beautiful, expressive nose which had improved by the second night, so no rush to consume these immediately. Black fruits, pencil and full-bodied mouth-feel. Lovely wine.
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Toller Wein, schöne Farbe im Glas. Im Mund rund harmonisch, filigran. Dabei Kirsche, Zedernholz, Kaffee, gut harmonierend und weich. Sehr angenehm zu trinken. Klasse.
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Beautiful bouquet with ripe and sweet dark berry fruits and luxurious oak. On the palate ripe fruits as well, good acidity and beautiful supple and round tannin with still a pleasant bite. Truly great wine in its early maturity stage. 92+
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TASTE: sweet and really filling your mouth with lot´s of plum jam, deep garnet of a compott in chrismas cake (dried fruits) ... filling my low wishes ... and makes you happy .. not more
a little St. Emilion .. but at the start of beeing a good start into the real depth of St. Emilion like on the top is Angelus, Ausone -- and next big step to this is Monbousquet a next little step would be: Canon la Gaffeliere ... same year
means : 94 points of 100 at this class ! never compared to any other higher class St. Emilion !! remember !
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Still has a lot of life left. Great QPR for this quality Saint Émilion. Lots of dark fruit with pencil shavings, cedar, spice. Better with food than alone.
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Visit at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot (Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux): Nose with sweet red and dark berries, some minty notes, almost eucalyptus, definitely a sweet nose. Palate with ripe and sweet red berries, slightly noticeable alcohol, medium tannins with rather friendly structure, aftertaste with sweet red berries and here the tannins bite a bit more. Good concentration, not particularly balanced. Fully drinkable now, rather risks disintegration with additional cellaring, 88 p. (Without the extra alcoholic feeling I had probably scored it 90 p.)
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Best Bottle Dinner at my place. We tasted the Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2003 alongside the 2000. Both wines reflected the character of their vintage. The 2003 offered a fruity, almost candy-like nose, with sweet blue and dark fruits, cucumber, dill and tobacco. On the palate the medium-bodied 2003 showed slightly sweet fruit flavours, cucumber, some liquorice and some chocolate, paired with very good length. Compared to the 2000 the 2003 was riper, more fruit-driven and more opulent whereas the 2000 was the more elegant and more complex wine and also paired better with food. The 2003 should also be less long-lived than the 2000. In the end we liked both wines, but shared a slight preference for the 2000. 90+
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Dark purple with crimson on the edges, medium bodied. Decanted for an hour before pouring, expect the wine to throw a lot of sediment. Explosive nose of cedar, leather, currant, cherries, raspberries and some earthiness. The wine exhibits both complex flavors and structure showing a tannic backbone which seems to be integrating and smoothing nicely after eight years. Complex flavors of red and blue fruits: cherries, raspberries, blueberries with some tobacco, tomato leaf and chocolate. Very nice, lasting finish that lingers with flavors of dark chocolate covered cherries. Excellent wine.
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St Emilion 1GCCB. Quite harsh for a Merlot-based wine. Nose is not q open, with alcohol still dominant. In the mouth, tannic but q good rounded mouthfeel and some fruity elements. Texture is heavy and finish w some bitter tannins. Maybe for the long haul? (7.8/10) http://sgbordeaux.blogspot.com/2011/03/beau-sejour-becot-2003.html
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Un nez sur la torréfaction, des fruits rouges, avec une touche passagère de boisé encore présent mais habilement maitrisé. La bouche est ample et structuée, beaucoup de matière et de tannins tissés serrés, avec une finale longue, épicée et très suave. Un vin bien fait, fort délicieux et agréable pour encore des années.
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Je souhaitais boire Bordelais ce week-end, ce qui est rare! Dès l’ouverture, le nez nous dirige à Bordeaux, avec quelques notes prédominantes de torréfaction, de chocolat, de fruits rouges, de baies des champs, ainsi qu’une minuscule touche passagère de poivron vert, le tout appuyé par un boisé encore présent mais des plus agréables. La bouche possède une belle structure, beaucoup de mâche, est très équilibrée, suave, avec une finale soutenue et épicée. Un vin très bien fait, que j’ai aimé et qui me réconcilie un peu avec le Bordelais, mais qui malheureusement ne m’a procuré aucune émotion. À 88$, j’aurais aimé avoir un ti-frisson. 91
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Decanted for 2 hours and the wine showed beautifully. Still some youth to it while managing to balance its dark fruit nicely with good acidity and tannins.
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Seemed that after reading some ct, it was time for some 03. Opened, very nice nose, red fruit and dark jam. Initial was red fruit, cherry and jam. Acid was bright nd had a vanila mocha plum component. I like, but mine lacked any minerality and had a dry finish. Overall very nice
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This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is in a prime drinking window for my tastes. Solid ruby core with a slight meniscus fade to amber. Nose of forest floor , ripe plum , roasted herb , and vanilla bean. Elegantly styled on the palate with flavors of kirsch , plum , and bay leaf up front in a medium weight. Mid palate shows eucalytus , coffee , and more cherries. Long dry lingering finish.
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Only decanted about two hours when finished, it was only really starting to open up then. Should have at least given it probably three before drinking. This wine's still an infant, and will be great for years. On decanting and swirling for a few minutes, rich aromas of ripe red berries and subtle smoke. When it was really starting to open, subtle vanilla, cocoa, strawberries and a little cherry. Smooth, elegant, rich and just tannic enough to show it's still a teen. Fantastic bottle, and I'm looking forward to opening the others over the next several years.
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This is significantly better than the 2001 Beau-Sejour Becot we had the other night. Despite 2003 being a scorcher of a vintage this wine had more acidity, and more nuance than the 2001. Opened this, and from the get-go, this showed terrific fruit and freshness along with a little mintiness and leather/tobacco note. Blackberry, black currant fruit. No sign of overt oak here, unlike in the 2001. This wine is one of the better 2003 St. Emilion's I have tasted so far and is firmly in my wheelhouse. It is nowhere near decline and will done fine for many years to come. Delicious now, though, and I can see this developing into a very nice, aged St. Emilion down the road.
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Dark ruby red color. This is just a beautiful wine. The nose has dark berries, tobacco, and smoke. The palate is medium-full, with dark berries, smoke, and dark chocolate. The fruit just seduces you. It has good structure, and the balance is perfect. Long enjoyable finish.
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Decanted for SEVEN Hours. Nose is big: plums, dark fruit, some chocolate. Palate: Very solid, big structure, full bodied, great texture, loooong finish. High alcohol for such a bordeaux, but very well integrated. This is a BIG wine, needs at least another year, and will last for 10/15 more. Was still opening up in the glass. Why are the last sips always the best ones ? Excellent.
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Tasted blind. The nose is quite tight, needing a lot of attention to determine what's going on. There's a tarry aspect to the nose, that initially made me think this was a Tuscan. The nose also gives some cedar, plum, and strawberry aromas, with some incense and tobacco in the background. The palate is medium weight and shows some nice complexity after opening up. Smooth tannins. The finish is medium length and adds some cherry and a touch of vanilla.
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Enjoyed the wine decanted for a couple hours with a Prime Rib roast. Beautiful weight and richness on the palate with sweet dark fruits. The nose showed deep fruit and a little earth. Not as much Bordeaux character that I would have expected but that is probably due to the heat that year. Beautifuly integrated tannins that ensures a long life and I would expect a little more terroir in the future.
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Another coffee like nose, suggesting lots of oak, but the palate is ripe plum and blueberry, though also some prune notes. An assertive modern styled full body, again with oak notes, but smooth.
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Opened and decanted for an hour. Sweet red and black fruit on the nose. Loose, fat, sloppy, juicy which would best describe it in the mouth? I am not sure but there is no apparent structure in the wine, no finish to speak of. After being opened and in the glass 5 hours there is a remote hint of tannin in the finish not much else has changed. No heat or over ripeness apparent.
The second half of the bottle consumed on day 2 (corked and stored in the cellar) did not change much at all. No weight or structure developed and no diminishment of fruit either, just remained “juicy.”
I am not sure what to make of it, not at all resembling the notes from RP. His note mentions 14.5% alcohol the bottle is labeled 13.5%. I am glad I only bought one to try.
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7/8/2023 - Psdycp wrote: 92 Points
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.
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6/17/2023 - RED AND BLACK Likes this wine: 92 Points
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
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4/15/2023 - Swintonblade Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good wine & only 2nd 2003 tried but this had a small touch of greenness just taking away from the finish.
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4/10/2023 - df1988 Likes this wine: 93 Points
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.
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4/30/2022 - DoubleMagnum Likes this wine: 92 Points
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.
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10/1/2021 - Lype wrote:
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.
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8/29/2021 - Radboy wrote: 93 Points
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!
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8/8/2021 - wmccone54 wrote: 94 Points
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.
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6/11/2021 - wineismylife wrote: 92 Points
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.
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2/20/2021 - CarpeDiem! wrote:
Wrong pairing - souris d'agneau with tajine spices.
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12/30/2020 - Amberissey Likes this wine: 94 Points
Soil, cedar, vanilla, tobacco, black currant on the nose, harmonious, balanced. Developing into wet compost-like forest floor. All confirmed on palette with graphite and cassis on top. Austere fruit wise, but in a perfect way. So great.
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12/28/2020 - paintinginacave Likes this wine: 92 Points
Three hour decant having been stood up for four days. Opaque, medium purple fading to a medium ruby edge. Savoury and austere on both the nose and palate - much to my liking - with graphite, pencil led and pencil shavings, fern, iodine, black and blue fruits, blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry, baking spices, tobacco leaf, and grilled green peppers. Superbly balanced with incredibly soft tannins. Restrained and elegant and at a far more savoury and evolved stage you’d expect for a wine this young but drinking beautifully as a result.
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7/21/2020 - DoubleMagnum Likes this wine: 92 Points
Red and black fruit. Tobacco leaf, ashtray, and wet forest floor. Dry on the attack but with mid palate sweetness. Medium acidity. The tannins are present but feel silky, lush and luxurious. Very layered, lots of complexity and very balanced. Finishes dry and long. Hard to tell this is a 2003.
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5/26/2020 - Arturoonwine Likes this wine: 89 Points
Gee, I don’t want to rain on the parade here, but I think this wine—and my bottles are healthy—definitely shows the issues with 2003. The bouquet is seductive and outgoing but it shows some of the green that probably came from having to pick too early to prevent raisining and extreme alcohol. The mouth texture is chewy but again with green elements; a bit plodding in its weight and without much grace. I think this is a super estate that regardless shows the difficulty of the year. I cannot say I love it and it is definitely time to drink. Please consider this as a wake up call to your cellar.
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8/10/2019 - Radboy wrote: 93 Points
Quite lovely.
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5/26/2019 - Radboy wrote: 93 Points
This is really hitting all the buttons right now. A bit tight upon opening, it opened up after 90 minutes. Terrific fruit and balance.
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4/7/2019 - CarpeDiem! Likes this wine: 94 Points
Saint Emilion at its best, proving that if you got it right in 2003 - well - you got it right. Powerful, seductive nose of mature cassis, chocolate, toffee, leather, cedar. Velvet palate, very elegant and beautifully structured, with ripe berries, cedar, plum, chocolate, pepper, sous-bois and a long, elegant finish. A true treasure!
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3/16/2019 - Musiclistener Likes this wine: 94 Points
Incredibly youthful and seductive. Stunning cassis aromas. Very multifaceted palate. Excellent length.
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12/31/2018 - Jeffbrian wrote:
NYE Micah & Cassidy fruit with resolved tannins
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12/27/2018 - Radboy wrote: 93 Points
Drank from the magnum, this was singing at the 90 minute mark with Christmas roast beast. Fabulous nose, perfectly integrated tannins and fruits. Tobacco, plumb, notes of cherries and earth.
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12/13/2018 - CheviotCellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasted blind from pop and pour. Initially came off as very young, nice acid. Plum/fig on the nose. Medium body with lighter tannins. Palate has orange citrus, pepper, blueberry, copper. The wine evolved very quickly, and after an hour had opened up, showing its age and good balance. Overall, a nice bottle.
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7/15/2018 - tzelmer wrote: 91 Points
Plummy, spicy, well integrated. Has a roasted red pepper side to it, which some do not prefer but I rather enjoy. This feels like it is starting to dry out a little, where it becomes more acidic as the fruit fades. Can drink now or keep. Still very nice.
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6/8/2018 - prism wrote: 90 Points
A rich Bordeaux from a hot year: tasty and aromatic, with well-integrated tannins, but I think it is beginning to fall off. Drink up.
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3/29/2018 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 91 Points
This was my only bottle of this wine. Drank with grilled tenderloin. At first the acid was a bit out of balance but worked well with dinner. About 4 hours after opening the acidity seemed to subside and the dark fruit and earthiness came alive. If I had more of this I would decant for at least a few hours.
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9/30/2017 - prism wrote: 93 Points
Decanted. Ripe and luscious, packed with silky fruits, but with enough cocoa and coffee notes to balance. Certainly ready to drink now, but should last for a couple more years at this level.
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9/20/2017 - Radboy wrote: 93 Points
This is hitting all the right notes on this cold fall evening. Sweet fruits with a polished finish, there is a certain lushness here I find irresistible.
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12/11/2016 - favorito Likes this wine: 90 Points
you have to wait two or three years. It will become better...
I missed a Little bit harmony, but it is a great wine with potential. I think it belongs to these 2003 wines, which are not at the peak right now...
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8/1/2016 - HWG99 wrote: 86 Points
Dont know really. Aroma was a bit closed. Very ppwerful wine which could be due to the hot weather for this vintage. Full body with long finishing.
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5/21/2016 - hackey37 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Brilliant clarity, garnet color, and borders opaque. The smells are dill, dark chocolate, cherry, bell pepper, and cola. The tastes are cherry, blueberry, cacao, spicy notes, and dill. The tannins are furry and the finish is long and dry with dark fruit flavors.
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3/20/2016 - Cooky474 wrote: 89 Points
This did not show anywhere near as well as a previous bottle and came over flabby, a little tired and a little pruney compared to the earlier bottle. Drink up.
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11/18/2015 - Lord Rodney wrote: 91 Points
Very good wine no doubt - as it stood in the glass it got perhaps a little pruney due to the hot vintage? Drink or hold further I'm not sure really
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10/17/2015 - Barakahn Likes this wine: 90 Points
Don't drink yet! Wait 5 years. Structure without concentration. Perhaps still in "dumb" phase.
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10/11/2015 - Timbalimba wrote: 91 Points
Deep, powerful, earthy. Maybe a touch too hot but very good for the vintage.
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9/3/2015 - Markus IWC wrote: 93 Points
Extremt varm sommar, 15 dagar i rad med 42 grader Celsius enligt producenten. Kraftfull fruktighet, hög sötma. Härligt vin!
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9/3/2015 - Ramberg wrote: 84 Points
En Primeur Bdx. 2014 tasting event, reference wine from producer from older vintage, tasting pour, short note.
Nose with smoke, oak and cooked and alcohol drenched jammy fruit.
Silky sweet & sugary, mushy and jammy, with alcohol and extracted fruit, plums.
Not good at all, but cooked, unstructured and over extracted.
Disappointing, and clearly affected by the hot vintage.
No use to cellar this, as it will only get worse.
(84 – 85)
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7/2/2015 - Jeff Leve wrote: 92 Points
Soft, supple, forward and ready to go, with its sweet, red and dark berries, smoke, licorice and forest floor personality. Lush and polished in texture, the wine has charm, complexity and character.
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5/2/2015 - chandlerc@gmail.com wrote:
Black currant and cocoa on the nose, black fruit continues in the mouth, cherry pits, sullen tannins, graphite and wet shale toward the end, but it's the black currant that lingers with an edge of nutmeg and mace
Dark but fairly light, needs decanting to open
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1/30/2015 - mwanasheria wrote: 91 Points
From .375. I have now almost consumed a case of halves and is one of the wines a keep coming back to. Easy drinking, with dark fruit, chocolate, silky texture and good length.
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10/8/2014 - mwanasheria wrote: 92 Points
From half bottle. Raspberry, cassis, some chocolate. Nicely developed with silky tannins which are now more integrated.
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8/23/2014 - thewinejuggler wrote: 92 Points
Highly elegant and full bodied.
I was impressed by this wine as I didn't expect much as it's said its modern styled.
Black fruits, soft, highly balanced on palate with good sweetness and good fat. Low acidity.
Finish is short, but mouthfeel is awesome. Lacking a little bit on lenght, but still very good. Didn't expect such a balance and refreshing wine from the more likely ultra masculine 2003 vintage.
Bought for 54€, was worth it. Price has increased highly, don't but over € 60,00.
In my eyes mature, will also be enjoyed by people who like white and soft wines.
Loved it!
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6/21/2014 - Cooky474 wrote: 91 Points
Drunk over two nights. Beautiful, expressive nose which had improved by the second night, so no rush to consume these immediately. Black fruits, pencil and full-bodied mouth-feel. Lovely wine.
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4/17/2014 - Sir-Harrie wrote: 92 Points
Toller Wein, schöne Farbe im Glas. Im Mund rund harmonisch, filigran. Dabei Kirsche, Zedernholz, Kaffee, gut harmonierend und weich. Sehr angenehm zu trinken. Klasse.
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3/31/2014 - belfast taxman wrote: 90 Points
Not quite what I expected - no sign of over-baked grapes but instead a slightly dusty dry finish and good balance between tannin and black fruits.
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3/22/2014 - Celts86 wrote: 90 Points
drinking really well, cherry on the nose, medium finish, wish I had more
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2/6/2014 - Radboy wrote: 92 Points
This has developed nicely in the last two years. Wonderfully balanced.
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11/24/2013 - Zweder wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful bouquet with ripe and sweet dark berry fruits and luxurious oak. On the palate ripe fruits as well, good acidity and beautiful supple and round tannin with still a pleasant bite. Truly great wine in its early maturity stage. 92+
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10/23/2013 - GlöckliWein wrote: 94 Points
What an Smell & Taste !°
NOSE:
Farmyard - Underbrush Wood - Mushrooms -
Plum Marmalade chrismas
TASTE:
sweet and really filling your mouth
with lot´s of plum jam, deep garnet of a compott in
chrismas cake (dried fruits) ...
filling my low wishes ... and makes you happy .. not more
a little St. Emilion .. but at the start of beeing a good start into
the real depth of St. Emilion like on the top is
Angelus, Ausone -- and next big step to this is Monbousquet
a next little step would be: Canon la Gaffeliere ... same year
means : 94 points of 100
at this class !
never compared to any other higher class St. Emilion !! remember !
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9/5/2013 - tederf wrote: 90 Points
Still has a lot of life left. Great QPR for this quality Saint Émilion. Lots of dark fruit with pencil shavings, cedar, spice. Better with food than alone.
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8/31/2013 - Mrp2008 wrote: 91 Points
Still appears very young, some signs of age on the nose. The length of the finish alone makes this a 91. Drink now or hold.
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5/19/2013 - Vintomas wrote: 88 Points
Visit at Château Beau-Séjour Bécot (Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux): Nose with sweet red and dark berries, some minty notes, almost eucalyptus, definitely a sweet nose. Palate with ripe and sweet red berries, slightly noticeable alcohol, medium tannins with rather friendly structure, aftertaste with sweet red berries and here the tannins bite a bit more. Good concentration, not particularly balanced. Fully drinkable now, rather risks disintegration with additional cellaring, 88 p.
(Without the extra alcoholic feeling I had probably scored it 90 p.)
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5/4/2013 - GalvezGuy wrote: 91 Points
CT Texas V - North Dallas Forty and then some; 5/3/2013-5/5/2013 (McKinney, North Dallas, TX): My first time with this producer. Great nose of red raspberry, plum, black cherry, tobacco, hints of cedar. On the palate black cherry, plum, red raspberry, celery, dark chocolate. Good finish with great balance.
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8/28/2012 - PSPatrick wrote: 90 Points
Best Bottle Dinner at my place. We tasted the Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2003 alongside the 2000. Both wines reflected the character of their vintage. The 2003 offered a fruity, almost candy-like nose, with sweet blue and dark fruits, cucumber, dill and tobacco. On the palate the medium-bodied 2003 showed slightly sweet fruit flavours, cucumber, some liquorice and some chocolate, paired with very good length. Compared to the 2000 the 2003 was riper, more fruit-driven and more opulent whereas the 2000 was the more elegant and more complex wine and also paired better with food. The 2003 should also be less long-lived than the 2000. In the end we liked both wines, but shared a slight preference for the 2000. 90+
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12/3/2011 - wmccone54 wrote: 92 Points
Dark purple with crimson on the edges, medium bodied. Decanted for an hour before pouring, expect the wine to throw a lot of sediment. Explosive nose of cedar, leather, currant, cherries, raspberries and some earthiness. The wine exhibits both complex flavors and structure showing a tannic backbone which seems to be integrating and smoothing nicely after eight years. Complex flavors of red and blue fruits: cherries, raspberries, blueberries with some tobacco, tomato leaf and chocolate. Very nice, lasting finish that lingers with flavors of dark chocolate covered cherries. Excellent wine.
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10/22/2011 - Guido L. wrote:
- Brick color with medium forming legs and has flavours of oak, black currant, sherry, strawberry jam and chocolate with a medium finish.
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10/9/2011 - Andice wrote: 78 Points
St Emilion 1GCCB. Quite harsh for a Merlot-based wine. Nose is not q open, with alcohol still dominant. In the mouth, tannic but q good rounded mouthfeel and some fruity elements. Texture is heavy and finish w some bitter tannins. Maybe for the long haul? (7.8/10) http://sgbordeaux.blogspot.com/2011/03/beau-sejour-becot-2003.html
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4/29/2011 - Mark Brandon wrote: 91 Points
30 min decant. Leather, cherry, earth, plum... medium bodied. Better on day one than day 2.
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2/10/2011 - maxima wrote: 92 Points
Un nez sur la torréfaction, des fruits rouges, avec une touche passagère de boisé encore présent mais habilement maitrisé.
La bouche est ample et structuée, beaucoup de matière et de tannins tissés serrés, avec une finale longue, épicée et très suave. Un vin bien fait, fort délicieux et agréable pour encore des années.
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11/15/2010 - paulst wrote: 90 Points
3 hr decant; initial nose is leather and rich blackberry; later nice fruit but less complex than implied by nose.
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10/30/2010 - PaulHig wrote: 92 Points
Sweet deep dark cherry and a touch of leather on the nose. Silky smooth tannin, good acidity, slightly earthy on the palate, with a dry cedar finish.
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10/8/2010 - mwanasheria wrote: 92 Points
Half bottle. Dark fruit, raspberry, chocolate.
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6/5/2010 - mwanasheria wrote: 91 Points
Berries, dark colour, good length.
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5/28/2010 - mwanasheria wrote: 92 Points
Very nice. Cherry, red fruit.
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5/11/2010 - BigJul Likes this wine: 91 Points
Je souhaitais boire Bordelais ce week-end, ce qui est rare! Dès l’ouverture, le nez nous dirige à Bordeaux, avec quelques notes prédominantes de torréfaction, de chocolat, de fruits rouges, de baies des champs, ainsi qu’une minuscule touche passagère de poivron vert, le tout appuyé par un boisé encore présent mais des plus agréables. La bouche possède une belle structure, beaucoup de mâche, est très équilibrée, suave, avec une finale soutenue et épicée. Un vin très bien fait, que j’ai aimé et qui me réconcilie un peu avec le Bordelais, mais qui malheureusement ne m’a procuré aucune émotion. À 88$, j’aurais aimé avoir un ti-frisson. 91
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5/8/2010 - Baeyens Cellars wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 2 hours and the wine showed beautifully. Still some youth to it while managing to balance its dark fruit nicely with good acidity and tannins.
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5/7/2010 - viking60 wrote: 92 Points
Seemed that after reading some ct, it was time for some 03. Opened, very nice nose, red fruit and dark jam. Initial was red fruit, cherry and jam. Acid was bright nd had a vanila mocha plum component. I like, but mine lacked any minerality and had a dry finish. Overall very nice
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5/2/2010 - paulst wrote: 94 Points
Soft smooth opulent blackberry-cherry-plum; well balanced with smooth tannins.
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2/24/2010 - laffitesgunner wrote: 94 Points
This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is in a prime drinking window for my tastes. Solid ruby core with a slight meniscus fade to amber. Nose of forest floor , ripe plum , roasted herb , and vanilla bean. Elegantly styled on the palate with flavors of kirsch , plum , and bay leaf up front in a medium weight. Mid palate shows eucalytus , coffee , and more cherries. Long dry lingering finish.
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12/16/2009 - JavaMonkey wrote: 90 Points
Another very nice bottle. Similar to my previous bottles.
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11/17/2009 - RedLoverJim wrote: 94 Points
Only decanted about two hours when finished, it was only really starting to open up then. Should have at least given it probably three before drinking. This wine's still an infant, and will be great for years. On decanting and swirling for a few minutes, rich aromas of ripe red berries and subtle smoke. When it was really starting to open, subtle vanilla, cocoa, strawberries and a little cherry. Smooth, elegant, rich and just tannic enough to show it's still a teen. Fantastic bottle, and I'm looking forward to opening the others over the next several years.
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5/18/2009 - steffenpelz wrote:
This is significantly better than the 2001 Beau-Sejour Becot we had the other night. Despite 2003 being a scorcher of a vintage this wine had more acidity, and more nuance than the 2001. Opened this, and from the get-go, this showed terrific fruit and freshness along with a little mintiness and leather/tobacco note. Blackberry, black currant fruit. No sign of overt oak here, unlike in the 2001. This wine is one of the better 2003 St. Emilion's I have tasted so far and is firmly in my wheelhouse. It is nowhere near decline and will done fine for many years to come. Delicious now, though, and I can see this developing into a very nice, aged St. Emilion down the road.
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12/31/2008 - JavaMonkey wrote: 91 Points
Good as always. Medium-dark ruby red. Dark fruit, plum, tobacco. Medium weight on the palate. Very solid, great balance, nice depth.
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12/6/2008 - JavaMonkey wrote: 92 Points
Dark ruby red color. This is just a beautiful wine. The nose has dark berries, tobacco, and smoke. The palate is medium-full, with dark berries, smoke, and dark chocolate. The fruit just seduces you. It has good structure, and the balance is perfect. Long enjoyable finish.
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4/30/2008 - Kamikaze wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for SEVEN Hours. Nose is big: plums, dark fruit, some chocolate. Palate: Very solid, big structure, full bodied, great texture, loooong finish. High alcohol for such a bordeaux, but very well integrated. This is a BIG wine, needs at least another year, and will last for 10/15 more. Was still opening up in the glass. Why are the last sips always the best ones ? Excellent.
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1/8/2008 - JavaMonkey wrote: 91 Points
Tasted blind. The nose is quite tight, needing a lot of attention to determine what's going on. There's a tarry aspect to the nose, that initially made me think this was a Tuscan. The nose also gives some cedar, plum, and strawberry aromas, with some incense and tobacco in the background. The palate is medium weight and shows some nice complexity after opening up. Smooth tannins. The finish is medium length and adds some cherry and a touch of vanilla.
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12/25/2007 - Gotwine1969 wrote: 90 Points
Enjoyed the wine decanted for a couple hours with a Prime Rib roast. Beautiful weight and richness on the palate with sweet dark fruits. The nose showed deep fruit and a little earth. Not as much Bordeaux character that I would have expected but that is probably due to the heat that year. Beautifuly integrated tannins that ensures a long life and I would expect a little more terroir in the future.
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1/26/2006 - Vino Me wrote: 92 Points
TN: 2003 Red Bordeaux (Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux Tasting); 1/26/2006-1/27/2006 (Drake Hotel, Chicago, Illinois): Here is an estate which surpassed its 2000 in my opinion. A very floral nose. The wine swirled on the palate. Fine tannins with notes of plum, herbs and black cherry. 91-93 points.
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1/23/2006 - PanosKakaviatos Likes this wine: 91 Points
Another coffee like nose, suggesting lots of oak, but the palate is ripe plum and blueberry, though also some prune notes. An assertive modern styled full body, again with oak notes, but smooth.
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11/11/2005 - JohnB wrote:
Opened and decanted for an hour. Sweet red and black fruit on the nose. Loose, fat, sloppy, juicy which would best describe it in the mouth? I am not sure but there is no apparent structure in the wine, no finish to speak of. After being opened and in the glass 5 hours there is a remote hint of tannin in the finish not much else has changed. No heat or over ripeness apparent.
The second half of the bottle consumed on day 2 (corked and stored in the cellar) did not change much at all. No weight or structure developed and no diminishment of fruit either, just remained “juicy.”
I am not sure what to make of it, not at all resembling the notes from RP. His note mentions 14.5% alcohol the bottle is labeled 13.5%. I am glad I only bought one to try.
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4/1/2004 - peternelson wrote: 88 Points
Ch. Beau-Sejour Becot: Hint of sour berry, rough vanilla; little lighter entry.
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