Bordeaux 2003 – 20 Years On – 33 Reds: All wines tasted blind, not decanted (some wines would have needed it). Observations: 1) 2003 is not a good vintage. The wines don’t have the depth and elegance of good years. But I was positively surprised, that while it’s clearly a hot year, there are less overripe, over-extracted and prematurely dying wines than in 09/10. Still, there is no comparison to how Chateauxs handle hot years today. 2) Compared to five other vintage retrospectives, the 2003 came in last place (lower average score than 2011), with just Chateau Margaux reaching a group score above 95pts. 3) Margaux wines showed best, with the typical immediate charm, while St. Estephe and Pauillac have potential but will need more time (and/or would have needed more air). 4) Right bank wines did not show as good with some alcohol showing and a few wines being on a downhill path. I would not chase 2003 right banks.
TN: Ripe dark fruited nose. Some herbal notes. Medium expressive but inviting. On the palate ripe dark red fruit, some caramel, roasted notes, a nice herbal component too as well as a bit of minerality. Overall with a good balance. Not the softest tannins but still with good quality, quite fresh and with medium length. Pleasant, although not too complex. When revealed, I was positively surprised – although the bigger Latour is known to be one of the wines of the vintages. Well deserved 93+pts.
Decanting: A short decant should be enough. This was good from the go.
Group average: 92.3 pts Group rank: Shared 8th out of 29 reds
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This wine was a little perplexing opening somewhat dull with classic blackcurrant, dark plums and cedar but without any lift and complexity. The colour showed a surprising degree of bricking at the edges and the palate while correct and without blemish lacked any excitement. After a night under argon the second half of the bottle showed more interest and a lovely touch of stoniness and walnuts on the palate which also showed more defined structure and drive. Bottle variation or 2003 entropy ?
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Grand Bordeaux 2003 horizontal tasting (Fribourg): Bordeaux 2003 vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector and moderated by Jean-Marc Quarin. Main observations: 1/ Average quality is acceptable, but weighted down by various low-lights, esp. on the right bank. 2/ In general a tannic vintage, lacking balance. 3/ Top 3 wines were Lafite, Mouton and Margaux (all 95). See the tasting story for a complete overview and additional vintage comments.
Tasting note: Forest floor and mushrooms, dark cherry fruit, dried herbs and black tea with a floral overlay. The balance on the palate was leaning towards acidity, but the tannin did come across reasonably soft. In sum, a beautifully aged nose but with limited follow-through on the palate. This was a crowd favorite in terms of hedonism.
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Classic claret nose dominated by gorgeous sweet cassis fruit, with cigar box and a nice menthol note. Rich on the palate, ripe but with no sense of heaviness, a gorgeous texture. Acidity and tannin really nicely integrated. Lacking the complexity of the grand vin but absolutely delicious.
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Really grateful to the person who shared this with me tonight. Surprisingly no sediment when poured out and all were concentrated in one area near the neck of the inside of the bottle. The fruit aromas took the course of dinner to move towards the foreground and were a bit muted, but the signature aged Pauillac elements were all there. A very enjoyable wine, that really could have used an hour to 2 of decanting to get the fruit more into the foreground for a better range. Although by the time the bottle was almost finished, whatever residuals were in the glass showed some interesting strawberry notes (reminding me of a post 2 hour decant and at the end of a 2 hour meal for a Grand Puy Lacoste 2005). If only dinner lasted longer... this wine has so much more room to develop.
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I am irked. If you had asked me whether I wanted to spend money on a 2003 Pauillac, without thinking I would have declined - 2003 Bordeaux has a reputation for being raisiny and prune-ish. But the tasting notes on this are pretty damned exciting, so I bought a bottle and, damn. Eveen though the nose had a nice depth to it, the taste was raisiny. Prunish. Maybe storage issues, maybe a bad bottle, but this was a disappointment. Not scored and I will not carry my sulk into 2022. Happy New Year.
Clear medium garnet with lightening towards the rim, this is now at its peak of maturity. Classic Pauillac nose. The wine had a creamy texture thanks to fully resolved tannins and took about an hour in the decanter to really deliver the goods. Lots of cigar and cedar notes on a sweet medium-bodied frame. I would recommend drinking bottles sooner rather than later to capture it at its best. Lovely tonight.
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Deep ruby core garnet rim. Thrilling Pauillac graphite, lead pencil, ripe blackberry, warm soil, cigar bix, cedar, sweet cloves, tarry minerals, smoky tobacco and some undergrowth.
Medium body with some grippy ripe tannins. It is condensed and so deep. A lengthy finish wjth savoury, stony, graphite, tobacco all mingling, so transparent. So refined, impeccably balanced and so Latour.
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Drank the Forts de Latour 03 alongside the Gaja Sperss 96 on New Years Eve 2020. Two fabulous wines to wash away the memories of a very tough year fior the world. The Gaja was more linear, balanced and “correct”. The FdL was more opulent and hedonistic. Both have life left in them, especially the Sperss despite being the older of the two. 95 points each and very grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy them both.
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I wasn't sure which vintage of Les Forts to open tonight, but I decided to go with 2003 because I felt it could stand up to the 14oz. A5 Wagyu strip steak that I seared. The sweetness and almost melt in your mouth creaminess of the meat paired with a fully mature Bordeaux from one of the best wine producers in the world was magical. This wine is open for business and at its peak right now. Decanted for 90 minutes and it was good to go! While not as grand as the Grand Vin, it still has the Latour nobility in the glass.
Bold wine with a slightly charred character. Not quite round or profound enough at this time although there is no overt flaw. I wonder if the next bottle will have more to it or if this is starting to decline.
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This was outstanding. Decanted for one hour. It was singing right away. Started with blackberries, plum, and liquorice. Second glass, the mid palate expanded and the acidity and finish expanded, more to the red fruit side. The last glass, some smoky, tobacco, cedars notes began to emerge. It was like the wine aged 10 years in the glass over 4 hours.
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Five years since I have tasted this wine, and it has evolved a lot. I think it is in a fabulous place just now with real shades of the Grand Vin. Hints of caramel, chocolate, burnt fruit and liquorice. Super well-balanced with a medium power/medium finesse profile. Three bottles left from a case that I bought en primeur and I look forward to enjoying them over the next five years
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Aged in all respects, appearance, nose and taste. However, after some breathing a freshness came through. Blackberry, tropical fruit, a slight acidity, stewed black plum on the nose. Plum, warm spice, papua, banana, light citrus and prune on the palate. Aged, smooth, silk tannins and acidity. A subtle dryness on the palate. Delicious
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Maturing red color, red to red brick at the rim, opaque center, clear. Nose is complex and substantial - cassis, leather, graphite, meaty to almost gamy, menthol notes, dense and rich. The palate is both dense and fine; there is both purity of fruit and layers of flavor. Cassis, some saline, berries and cherries, hint of plum skin, and a long lingering berry finish. Mature now, life left, fine wine.
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Opened and decanted for 2 hours which was sufficient. Dark red color. No sign of bricking. Classic graphite nose. Palate really nice with dark fruits abundant. Tannin is well integrated. These are really coming into a nice place. Drink now or over the next 10 years.
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Wonderful. Hard to believe I paid $40 for this at futures in 2004. Drinks like a second or third growth. The deep rich purple pleaser is at a captivating aromatic place. Complex for a second wine, the 2003 Les Forts de la Tour has dense forest and plush soil aromatic textures with every mouth feel and mouthful. The opulent creme de cassis, sweet tobacco, luscious lead pencil, seductive cedar, make this a present day classic. Wish I had more than four bottles left from the case. The good news is I have the entire case of 2003 Latour!
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Inky purple. Aired in the bottle for 2 hours, then decanted and left to air for another 1-2 hours. Some typical Latour funk when just opened, which mellowed after a few hours, so patience is necessary and rewarded. Smooth and rich fruit after 3 hours, with just a hint of a serious edge. Very much worth it when not hurried. Delightful now, and may get better over the next few years!
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Dark crimson colour. Beautiful lifted nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, dark plums, cedar and touches of liquorice and dark chocolate. Medium weight palate with great density and mouth feel amplified by a long fine tannic finish with cedar and walnut touches. This is a great success in 2003.
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Yummy rich soft red fruits with loads of cigar box. Velvety texture with slight chewy finish. In great place with aggressive decant. Punches above it’s weight.
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The cork was perfect. I let this one breathe in the bottle for 2 hours, then decanted for one hour. Nice legs and wonderful ruby color. The austere nose exhibited wood, earth, tobacco leaf, herbs & spice, a whiff of cherry, and, after 5 hours, a hint of mint. Light acidity with fully integrated tannins in a medium-bodied presentation. The fruit on the palate was still solid, but showing it's age, with cherry and currant accompanied by tobacco leaf, oak, and a bit of vanilla in the background. Tart-ish cherry carried into the medium finish. The flavors had the distinctive traits of the 2003 vintage (at least my interpretation of it), especially the subtlety in the structure and the under-stated terroir. The character of this wine seemed to have plateaued, so consider drinking it soon. It was enjoyable, not amazing, with my steak dinner, and a good one for New Year's Eve to toast at midnight. Cheers !
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Bouquet was immediately accessible, and improved over three hours: wet cedar, black currant, plum skins, hint of wintergreen and new leather. Fairly tight and tannic, plenty of structure, possibly still immature. Tastes like crushed black cherries, green herbs, and iron shavings. Medium puckering finish. Nothing "wrong" here, just not particularly pleasurable tonite.
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Dark crimson colour. Beautiful layered nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, kirsch, dark plums and cedar. Touches of liquorice and dark chocolate. Medium weight palate with great density and mouth feel amplified by a long fine tannic finish with cedar and walnut touches. A really delicious 2003 in excellent shape.
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Strong oak note, tannins resolved and very fine. The fruit is still quite concentrated, with a real perfume and elegance about it... good now and for several years to come...
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the tannins are now pretty much resolved and it has a lovely balance of fruit - unmistakably a child of Latour - drinking very nicely now along with many other 2003's
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A seriously good bottle of this wine seemingly helped by a long cool decant. Dark crimson colour. Beautiful layered nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, kirsch, dark mint chocolate and cedar. Medium weight palate with great density and mouth feel amplified by a long fine tannic finish with cedar and walnut touches. No signs of premature decline here !
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Opened and let breathe in the bottle for 4 hours. Decanted for 1 hour and then enjoyed over the next 3.
Gorgeous ruby color. No bricking. Nose of Cherry and very light vanilla cream. Soft silky tannins. Great mouthfeel. Enough background acidity to hold it together nicely. Palate Of dark fruit, tobacco and licorice. Classic Pauillac profile. Still a bit disjointed but all the elements are there. Wonderful stuff. THis will improve over the next 5-10 years. No need to rush this one. Really look forward to enjoying this in the future
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Dark in appearance, plenty of black fruit, black licorice and kirsh liquour. It shows very young in palate, being very powerful with present tannins. I didn't feel it heavy but obviously in the powerful and bold type of wines side. A wine to keep that may be enjoyed with proper decant. 92-93
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- Crimsom color with medium forming legs and aromas of blackberry, cherry and tobacco. It's balanced and has flavours of cherry with a medium body. Smooth texture with a medium finish - Amazing nose of leather and black cherry. Beautiful balance and in a terrific spot right now.
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From 75cl, perfect and very long cork. Decanted 2 hours: First sip was sugary sweet, but this settled down with aeration. The scent is the best bit, a bombshell of dark blackberry fruit, cedar and sweet balsamic herbs. Pauillac meets Stellenbosch meets Sonoma? Thereafter it is much more Southern Rhône than Northern Médoc. Thick, full-bodied entry, with ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fighing it out for supremacy. Sweet glycerine-buffered mid-palate, with just-noticeable balancing acid and tannins towards the shortish finish. The first glass is super-impressive, the second cloys, the third is definitely one too much. If you have this in the cellar, try serving it as you might a ripe Chateauneuf – with game, perhaps, or a very richly flavoured stew (juniper berries, cepes, that sort of thing). With roast lamb it is currently just too much of a big, fat, sweet, monster. Or wait 5 years and hope it'll slim down. (89-)90P
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Nice fragrant but not overpowering nose. On the palate the first thing you notice is the incredibly pure, silky texture. It's so smooth, you don't at first notice anything else. Thereafter, it's like a medley of flavours without any one particularly dominating. Hints of red and black fruits, tar, smoke, coffee and burnt chocolate. No hard edges at all. Feels like it is fully mature and yet would guess it will stay at this plateau for at least five years. This is not a cheap wine (I bought it en primeur at a fraction of today's price) but it gives a relatively affordable insight into the Grand Vin. Glad to have ten bottles left!
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Ripe dark fruit with slight leather, earth and charcoal. Quite forward perhaps of the vintage, a decent and enjoyable Bordeaux but pretty bad price performance ratio, at this price point can but much better Bordeaux. Would expect more complexity and length for the price.
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Clear medium garnet-blood red color. Wonderful bouquet of red currants, cherries, rhubarb, forest floor, charcoal, cigar humidor. Similar on the palate, balanced, seamless, polished and refined, medium-full body. Seems to be at early maturity but likely to improve. If the Grand Vin is a symphony orchestra, this is a superb chamber orchestra, worth considering for those wishing to experience this legendary chateau for a fraction of the price of its big brother.
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Didn't take in depth notes... Burnt character on the nose. Lovely wine in the mouth, not overdone, nice balance. At the current pricing my money would likely be spent elsewhere.
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Second Sunday Group: 2003 vs 2005 Bordeaux 2nd Labels (R&D's): Deep core with some bricking. Notes of tobacco, red and black fruit with hints of graphite underneath. Black fruit, graphite and violet flavors with a long finish. This is immediately very appealing and my favorite of the first four wines. Everything becomes more amplified as this sits in the glass; it is very perfumed and elegant in the bouquet with potpourri and lavender, then tobacco and black fruit. Balanced and long in the finish. 92+ pts.
My #1, Domino's #1 Group #1, 33 pts
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Decanted for about 3 hours after a first very tight taste. The nose was intoxicating, could smell it from a few feet away, dark and mysterious. On the palate there was a distinct pepper character with nice rich fruit. It finishes well, with good lingering effects, but strikes me overall as a bit too hot. This is very nice right now with a decant.
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Could smell the dark fruits from the decanter 10 feet away..nice mix of plum, blackberry and dusty earth. 3 hour decant led to long silky finish and well integrated wine. The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle. It smells like blackberry, black currant (cassis), plum, dust and mushroom. It tastes like blackberry, blueberry, black currant (cassis) and plum. The body is medium/full. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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Dark color. Nose slow to open - hints of cassis, plums, stones and liquorice. Palate initially seemed mute and very soft : over a couple of hours it tightened up with more intensity and length. Classic structure and delicious the next day after Coravin. Lacks a little drive cf 1996.
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Textbook Paullic. Dark fruit and tar as soon as opened. Decanted for 2 hours. Drinking beautifully. Just a bit light on the mid-palate. Beautiful wine. Will not improve but drink just as beautifully for the next 2-3 years.
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Delicious example of 2003 Pauillac. Dark crimson. Nose complex and forthcoming with delicious blackcurrant, cedar, walnut and liquorice. Palate medium weight and very round and mouth filling. Initially tannins seemed a little assertive but quickly softened in the decanter to reveal a fine edge and finish. Great 2nd label Pauillac.
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Brought to the restaurant for our anniversary dinner. PnP. Developed over 2 hours but was nice immediately. Classic nose, earth, herbs, muted dark berry. Light, lively, good finish. Not mind blowing but a great compliment to dinner. I don't see a lot of upside here but should last for a while.
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Bought upon release and perfectly stored. Decanted just before pouring. Cedar, blackberry in the nose. In the mouth, the wine is good, fluid, not very complex but pleasant. Somewhat bitter tannin's at the end. After 2 hours in the decanter, the nose gets more complex. The taste is somewhat fuller, more in balance. I would not bet on this wine to improve. But it is nice now.
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Opened for my son's birthday who was born in 2003. Dark garnet color. Cork was fully soaked without leakage. Expressive nose with Pauillac typicity: cedar, graphite, ink, cassis and barnyard. On the palate it is medium-bodied with silky tannins, bright cherry fruit and balancing acidity. Med+ aftertaste. I agree with previous tasters that this wine is at a very nice stage to enjoy.
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This Magnum was opened and decanted at 3 p.m. and we started to drink at 8 p.m. A perfect wine, typical Latour flavour... at the moment almost at high peak. This will last for 5 years in minimum. Next week we will once more a 2003 Magnum and then we will open it at 2 p.m.
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Soft, sweet, lush and fully developed, this blackberry, earth and plummy wine is round, open and accessible, with lots of spicy, earthy dark red cherries in its core. However, this is not a wine for aging, it’s already delivering most of its charm today.
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Medium ruby. Expressive nose of black current, forest floor, wood and white pepper, nice nose. On the palate good balance of tannins and fruit but a little hot in the finish. Nose better than palate. Good overall but not exceptional.
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Last of 6 bottles, a lot of variance amongst these different bottles but this last one is not the most memorable. Slight green elements to the mid palate and a slightly short finish.
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Decanted. Musty smell at pouring gave way to herbal fruity smell half an hour after decanting through aerating funnel. An hour after decanting it had a rich and full smell of coffee and dark fruit. A little acid flavor, but quite well balanced. A medium long after taste. A great pairing with strip steak, Bearnaise, and oven roasted potato wedges.
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Drinking beautifully now, 2 - 3 hours of decanting, deep crimson color with some browning at the rim, nice nose of dark red berries, tobacco, leather; on the palate lush entry, very good balance of fruits, cassis, leather, wet earth, and tobacco mid palate and a decent finish and integrated tannins. Very nice Pauillac. Medium to full bodied.
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Drank from 375 on christmas eve with some beef wellington. Delicious - although it did show some roasted fruit notes, it was fresh and complex with intriguing notes of iodine, tobacco and earth with blackberry and currant fruit. Refined and well balanced on the palate with fine soft tannins and a juicy acidity. Lovely finish. This was drinking very well from the wee bottle.
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4th Saturday Brown Bagger (Rick & Cris'): Crimson color. Aromas of herbs, red currants, berry, smoke, incense, tar and perfumed dark fruit. Well-balanced, with flavors of dark fruit, earth and herbs. Guessed Bordeaux.
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Decanted for an hour. Full bodied and deep purple, rich and perfectly classic in structure and taste- delicious creme de cassis and black fruit elegantly balanced. Drank ove ra 1 1/2 hour period at La Gorce CC in Miami Beach. Seemless!
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Color: Brilliant, deep purple, Clear Nose: Sweet condensed and tight tannins, Cassis , aromatic. Palate: Lots of tannins, not ready yet, Secondary flavors of cassis , current, spice. long finish keep for many more years before drinking.
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Color: Brilliant, deep purple, Clear Nose: Sweet condensed and tight tannins, Cassis , aromatic. Palate: Lots of tannins, not ready yet, Secondary flavors of cassis , current, spice. long finish keep for many more years before drinking.
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Popped way too early, but decided to go for it. Decanted for 2-3 hours before drinking. Awesome wine. Had two bottles, both drank the same. Powerful dark fruit, great balance, and nice long finish. Earthy and leathery, still a bit tannic (as expected), but was delicious. Highly recommend.
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Saturday Tasting Group (Knightsbridge Wine Shop (Northbrook, IL)): Really awesome. Richly layered sporting some unique funk that isn't often found in Bordeaux. Textured and well layered with dark berries, earth and dark purple flower aromas. Long finish and very well balanced. Drinking beautifully now. Seems that this is a trend amongst the '03's...drinking well now but will also cellar like a charm.
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Double decanted 6 hours before serving with beef tenderloin on Christmas. Dark garnet. Lovely nose of graphite, anise, vanilla, and blackberry. Medium to full ripe palate of blackberry, black cherry, minerals, cedar, and pencil lead. Excellent length. Nice, focused acidity. Mild tannins. Really excellent Pauillac from 2003. Drinking well now with several hours decanting.
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Tasted at Farr's Christmas tasting. After the 2000 version of Les Forts, this was more open and rich. Cassis galore, classy tannins and long- finish. Just stupidly expensive. Sal 91pts
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Decanted for 1 hour at Nobhill. Much lighter in body than I was expecting and seemed to go better with my lamb loin than LB's angus beef. Red fruits, some tobacco, leather, and mineral. It was nice, elegant even, but did not stand out as exceptional. 88-89 points.
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Already on a fast track for evolution. The color is lighter than I remembered. The perfume offers an interesting blend of slow roasted fruit topped with all spice. Nice entry filled with ripe Cabernet and finishes with silky sensations
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Drank from Magnum. No decanting just decent sized glasses, opened up over couple of hours. Smooth, silky, well balanced and very easy drinking. Nothing in this wine is overdone or overdramatized just pure drinking pleasure. I have tried this 3 times now with consistent notes. /Steen
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Color is dark garnet/purple to the rim. Nose shows cassis, graphite, cedar, and leather. On the palate, cassis and dark fruit are at the fore, framed by tobacco, leather, dark spice. Flavors were very muted at first, and took about three hours in decanter to open up. Will be very nice in 5-10 years.
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Typically Pauillac with its characteristics of cigar-box, blackberry, and plum, but this is just as notable for its easy drinkability. This has the sense of restraint that marks claret in the classic style but is totally approachable due to the silkiness of the tannins in which it is enrobed.
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Wineflock - 2003 Bordeaux, Parker 90+ (Ken's): Group #3, My #4 - Full deep red color. Clean bright red and black merlot fruits on the nose with hints of coffee. Full rich chocolate black fruit with a long coffee finish. A second bottle didn't show as well and displayed some asphalt notes on the finish.
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Is it a second wine? Yes, once you read the label, deep purple color, what an aroma! Like having a fruit buffett! A sumptuous feast! Tons and tons of fruit! Fragrant...I have to say, at the same time, you can feel the heatwave of 2003! Bravo! I don't want to say more about the wine itself, you better go to get one and find it out, of course, don't forget to share us your own afterthoughts!
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First tasted after 2 hours in the decanter. Dark purple color (duh). Nose is quite expressive with plenty of dark fruit (cassis and plum). Autumn spices as well. Round full texture at first, but is a touch light on the midpalate. Nice finish with fine dusty tannins. A little heat but not too out of balance. Obviously a very young wine with nice fruit for now. I think this will integrate and turn into something nice over time. You can enjoy this now before it closes. However, I won't be opening any more of these for quite some time. 90 points today. I'm sure several years down the road, I'll think much more highly of this.
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Deep ruby-purple color. Very open and expressive on the nose. Currants, plums, minerals and spice notes result in a wine that shows already a lot of complexity. After a while, some meatiness, roasted coffee and tar adds to the complex nose. This is aromatically really quite close to the first wine. Fantastic on the palate, supremely elegant and fine-grained, yet with a flavor authority that is simply amazing. Sure it is not Latour, but then the latter costs probably eight times more. Amazing freshness with perfectly integrated acidity. Very long and aristocratic in the finish. Probably the best second wine I have ever had. Drinks very well now, but I am sure it will hold and improve for many years to come.
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4/23/2024 - hargy Likes this wine: 90 Points
certainly mature and with a distinct sweetness, this shows the heat of the year and really is not to my taste although clearly well made
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4/11/2024 - Darbus123 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lacked some elegance and a slightly hot finish, but otherwise very enjoyable. Nice tertiary notes, plenty of chocolate & tobacco.
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12/27/2023 - Rpacker wrote: flawed
Corks weak
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7/16/2023 - remyworldpeace wrote: 92 Points
Tasted blind. St Julien? The least detailed/complex of the trio (drank alongside 2003 Pavillon Rouge and 2003 Carruades)
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5/7/2023 - Cailles wrote: 93 Points
Bordeaux 2003 – 20 Years On – 33 Reds: All wines tasted blind, not decanted (some wines would have needed it). Observations: 1) 2003 is not a good vintage. The wines don’t have the depth and elegance of good years. But I was positively surprised, that while it’s clearly a hot year, there are less overripe, over-extracted and prematurely dying wines than in 09/10. Still, there is no comparison to how Chateauxs handle hot years today. 2) Compared to five other vintage retrospectives, the 2003 came in last place (lower average score than 2011), with just Chateau Margaux reaching a group score above 95pts. 3) Margaux wines showed best, with the typical immediate charm, while St. Estephe and Pauillac have potential but will need more time (and/or would have needed more air). 4) Right bank wines did not show as good with some alcohol showing and a few wines being on a downhill path. I would not chase 2003 right banks.
TN: Ripe dark fruited nose. Some herbal notes. Medium expressive but inviting. On the palate ripe dark red fruit, some caramel, roasted notes, a nice herbal component too as well as a bit of minerality. Overall with a good balance. Not the softest tannins but still with good quality, quite fresh and with medium length. Pleasant, although not too complex. When revealed, I was positively surprised – although the bigger Latour is known to be one of the wines of the vintages. Well deserved 93+pts.
Decanting: A short decant should be enough. This was good from the go.
Group average: 92.3 pts
Group rank: Shared 8th out of 29 reds
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3/24/2023 - drjb Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine was a little perplexing opening somewhat dull with classic blackcurrant, dark plums and cedar but without any lift and complexity. The colour showed a surprising degree of bricking at the edges and the palate while correct and without blemish lacked any excitement. After a night under argon the second half of the bottle showed more interest and a lovely touch of stoniness and walnuts on the palate which also showed more defined structure and drive. Bottle variation or 2003 entropy ?
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3/20/2023 - sirpat00 wrote: 92 Points
Grand Bordeaux 2003 horizontal tasting (Fribourg): Bordeaux 2003 vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector and moderated by Jean-Marc Quarin. Main observations: 1/ Average quality is acceptable, but weighted down by various low-lights, esp. on the right bank. 2/ In general a tannic vintage, lacking balance. 3/ Top 3 wines were Lafite, Mouton and Margaux (all 95). See the tasting story for a complete overview and additional vintage comments.
Tasting note:
Forest floor and mushrooms, dark cherry fruit, dried herbs and black tea with a floral overlay. The balance on the palate was leaning towards acidity, but the tannin did come across reasonably soft. In sum, a beautifully aged nose but with limited follow-through on the palate. This was a crowd favorite in terms of hedonism.
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12/25/2022 - ragtop Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nice purple with a hint of brown. Musty fruity nose. Drinking well now. Will keep 5 more years, but will not likely improve
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11/27/2022 - jamesabdavis wrote:
Classic claret nose dominated by gorgeous sweet cassis fruit, with cigar box and a nice menthol note.
Rich on the palate, ripe but with no sense of heaviness, a gorgeous texture. Acidity and tannin really nicely integrated.
Lacking the complexity of the grand vin but absolutely delicious.
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11/26/2022 - hargy Likes this wine: 91 Points
certainly mature, this is no blockbuster and is a surprisingly gentle wine - probably at its peak but no rush
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4/9/2022 - VincentMorey Likes this wine:
Really grateful to the person who shared this with me tonight. Surprisingly no sediment when poured out and all were concentrated in one area near the neck of the inside of the bottle. The fruit aromas took the course of dinner to move towards the foreground and were a bit muted, but the signature aged Pauillac elements were all there. A very enjoyable wine, that really could have used an hour to 2 of decanting to get the fruit more into the foreground for a better range. Although by the time the bottle was almost finished, whatever residuals were in the glass showed some interesting strawberry notes (reminding me of a post 2 hour decant and at the end of a 2 hour meal for a Grand Puy Lacoste 2005). If only dinner lasted longer... this wine has so much more room to develop.
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12/31/2021 - ledocq Does not like this wine:
I am irked. If you had asked me whether I wanted to spend money on a 2003 Pauillac, without thinking I would have declined - 2003 Bordeaux has a reputation for being raisiny and prune-ish. But the tasting notes on this are pretty damned exciting, so I bought a bottle and, damn. Eveen though the nose had a nice depth to it, the taste was raisiny. Prunish. Maybe storage issues, maybe a bad bottle, but this was a disappointment. Not scored and I will not carry my sulk into 2022. Happy New Year.
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9/15/2021 - hkbob Likes this wine: 94 Points
Clear medium garnet with lightening towards the rim, this is now at its peak of maturity. Classic Pauillac nose. The wine had a creamy texture thanks to fully resolved tannins and took about an hour in the decanter to really deliver the goods. Lots of cigar and cedar notes on a sweet medium-bodied frame. I would recommend drinking bottles sooner rather than later to capture it at its best. Lovely tonight.
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9/12/2021 - wineappellation Likes this wine: 94 Points
Deep ruby core garnet rim. Thrilling Pauillac graphite, lead pencil, ripe blackberry, warm soil, cigar bix, cedar, sweet cloves, tarry minerals, smoky tobacco and some undergrowth.
Medium body with some grippy ripe tannins. It is condensed and so deep. A lengthy finish wjth savoury, stony, graphite, tobacco all mingling, so transparent. So refined, impeccably balanced and so Latour.
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1/1/2021 - phynes wrote: 95 Points
Drank the Forts de Latour 03 alongside the Gaja Sperss 96 on New Years Eve 2020. Two fabulous wines to wash away the memories of a very tough year fior the world. The Gaja was more linear, balanced and “correct”. The FdL was more opulent and hedonistic. Both have life left in them, especially the Sperss despite being the older of the two. 95 points each and very grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy them both.
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11/25/2020 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
I wasn't sure which vintage of Les Forts to open tonight, but I decided to go with 2003 because I felt it could stand up to the 14oz. A5 Wagyu strip steak that I seared. The sweetness and almost melt in your mouth creaminess of the meat paired with a fully mature Bordeaux from one of the best wine producers in the world was magical. This wine is open for business and at its peak right now. Decanted for 90 minutes and it was good to go! While not as grand as the Grand Vin, it still has the Latour nobility in the glass.
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6/20/2020 - mblatino Likes this wine: 95 Points
Dark red with beginning lighter edges.
The nose is extremely inviting. Super potent. Pencil led, sour cherries, red fruit and terroir. Tobacco.
On the palate it is tight but starten to loosen.
Great acidity, fresh red berries, green veg and grippy but harmonious tannins.
Not as complex as big brother Latour, but a superb glass from a strong vintage.
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5/19/2020 - grossie Likes this wine: 88 Points
Bold wine with a slightly charred character. Not quite round or profound enough at this time although there is no overt flaw. I wonder if the next bottle will have more to it or if this is starting to decline.
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4/13/2020 - tzelmer wrote: 94 Points
This was outstanding. Decanted for one hour. It was singing right away. Started with blackberries, plum, and liquorice. Second glass, the mid palate expanded and the acidity and finish expanded, more to the red fruit side. The last glass, some smoky, tobacco, cedars notes began to emerge. It was like the wine aged 10 years in the glass over 4 hours.
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4/11/2020 - phynes wrote: 95 Points
Five years since I have tasted this wine, and it has evolved a lot. I think it is in a fabulous place just now with real shades of the Grand Vin. Hints of caramel, chocolate, burnt fruit and liquorice. Super well-balanced with a medium power/medium finesse profile. Three bottles left from a case that I bought en primeur and I look forward to enjoying them over the next five years
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11/1/2019 - Melc88 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Aged in all respects, appearance, nose and taste. However, after some breathing a freshness came through. Blackberry, tropical fruit, a slight acidity, stewed black plum on the nose. Plum, warm spice, papua, banana, light citrus and prune on the palate. Aged, smooth, silk tannins and acidity. A subtle dryness on the palate. Delicious
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10/21/2019 - Helenachuck Likes this wine: 94 Points
Maturing red color, red to red brick at the rim, opaque center, clear. Nose is complex and substantial - cassis, leather, graphite, meaty to almost gamy, menthol notes, dense and rich. The palate is both dense and fine; there is both purity of fruit and layers of flavor. Cassis, some saline, berries and cherries, hint of plum skin, and a long lingering berry finish. Mature now, life left, fine wine.
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6/12/2019 - hargy Likes this wine: 91 Points
lovely wine which certainly has some way to go - no rush at all
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11/28/2018 - Collector1855 wrote: 95 Points
Chateau Latour - 30 year vertical (1983-2010) tasted blind (Switzerland): Nose is closed, coaxing aromas of red fruit and dark fruit, forest floor. Good stuffing on the palate here. A very complete Bordeaux.
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8/3/2018 - europat55 wrote: 92 Points
Nose: A- Palate: B++/A-
My #3, Group's #1 (53 pts). Tasted blind.
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7/21/2018 - Oskiwawa wrote: 93 Points
Opened and decanted for 2 hours which was sufficient. Dark red color. No sign of bricking. Classic graphite nose. Palate really nice with dark fruits abundant. Tannin is well integrated. These are really coming into a nice place. Drink now or over the next 10 years.
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7/1/2018 - gsquireh Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wonderful. Hard to believe I paid $40 for this at futures in 2004. Drinks like a second or third growth. The deep rich purple pleaser is at a captivating aromatic place. Complex for a second wine, the 2003 Les Forts de la Tour has dense forest and plush soil aromatic textures with every mouth feel and mouthful. The opulent creme de cassis, sweet tobacco, luscious lead pencil, seductive cedar, make this a present day classic. Wish I had more than four bottles left from the case. The good news is I have the entire case of 2003 Latour!
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3/25/2018 - miker02 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Inky purple. Aired in the bottle for 2 hours, then decanted and left to air for another 1-2 hours. Some typical Latour funk when just opened, which mellowed after a few hours, so patience is necessary and rewarded. Smooth and rich fruit after 3 hours, with just a hint of a serious edge. Very much worth it when not hurried. Delightful now, and may get better over the next few years!
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2/17/2018 - drjb Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark crimson colour. Beautiful lifted nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, dark plums, cedar and touches of liquorice and dark chocolate. Medium weight palate with great density and mouth feel amplified by a long fine tannic finish with cedar and walnut touches. This is a great success in 2003.
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2/5/2018 - KenK Likes this wine: 92 Points
Yummy rich soft red fruits with loads of cigar box. Velvety texture with slight chewy finish. In great place with aggressive decant. Punches above it’s weight.
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12/31/2017 - coal9 Likes this wine: 90 Points
The cork was perfect. I let this one breathe in the bottle for 2 hours, then decanted for one hour. Nice legs and wonderful ruby color. The austere nose exhibited wood, earth, tobacco leaf, herbs & spice, a whiff of cherry, and, after 5 hours, a hint of mint. Light acidity with fully integrated tannins in a medium-bodied presentation. The fruit on the palate was still solid, but showing it's age, with cherry and currant accompanied by tobacco leaf, oak, and a bit of vanilla in the background. Tart-ish cherry carried into the medium finish. The flavors had the distinctive traits of the 2003 vintage (at least my interpretation of it), especially the subtlety in the structure and the under-stated terroir. The character of this wine seemed to have plateaued, so consider drinking it soon. It was enjoyable, not amazing, with my steak dinner, and a good one for New Year's Eve to toast at midnight. Cheers !
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12/24/2017 - HENNO1 wrote: 92 Points
i lovely lead into the grand cru, very pleasant and still has a lot of time on its side
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4/8/2017 - OenoEd wrote: 90 Points
Bouquet was immediately accessible, and improved over three hours: wet cedar, black currant, plum skins, hint of wintergreen and new leather. Fairly tight and tannic, plenty of structure, possibly still immature. Tastes like crushed black cherries, green herbs, and iron shavings. Medium puckering finish. Nothing "wrong" here, just not particularly pleasurable tonite.
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3/25/2017 - Serge Birbrair wrote:
Outstanding on many levels
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2/13/2017 - drjb Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark crimson colour. Beautiful layered nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, kirsch, dark plums and cedar. Touches of liquorice and dark chocolate. Medium weight palate with great density and mouth feel amplified by a long fine tannic finish with cedar and walnut touches. A really delicious 2003 in excellent shape.
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1/22/2017 - Serge Birbrair wrote:
Outstanding and WOTN.
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6/25/2016 - barolo300 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Strong oak note, tannins resolved and very fine. The fruit is still quite concentrated, with a real perfume and elegance about it... good now and for several years to come...
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3/12/2016 - hargy Likes this wine: 92 Points
the tannins are now pretty much resolved and it has a lovely balance of fruit - unmistakably a child of Latour - drinking very nicely now along with many other 2003's
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2/29/2016 - drjb Likes this wine: 94 Points
A seriously good bottle of this wine seemingly helped by a long cool decant. Dark crimson colour. Beautiful layered nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, kirsch, dark mint chocolate and cedar. Medium weight palate with great density and mouth feel amplified by a long fine tannic finish with cedar and walnut touches. No signs of premature decline here !
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1/2/2016 - Oskiwawa wrote: 94 Points
Opened and let breathe in the bottle for 4 hours. Decanted for 1 hour and then enjoyed over the next 3.
Gorgeous ruby color. No bricking. Nose of Cherry and very light vanilla cream. Soft silky tannins. Great mouthfeel. Enough background acidity to hold it together nicely. Palate Of dark fruit, tobacco and licorice. Classic Pauillac profile. Still a bit disjointed but all the elements are there. Wonderful stuff. THis will improve over the next 5-10 years. No need to rush this one. Really look forward to enjoying this in the future
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12/11/2015 - Periko Likes this wine: 92 Points
Gresca: a pre-Xmas lunch (Gresca Restaurant - Barcelona): Bottle previously opened for 1 hour. Certainly if served blind, wouldn't have guessed a 13 year old wine but it's clearly a warm vintage.
Dark in appearance, plenty of black fruit, black licorice and kirsh liquour. It shows very young in palate, being very powerful with present tannins. I didn't feel it heavy but obviously in the powerful and bold type of wines side. A wine to keep that may be enjoyed with proper decant. 92-93
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11/27/2015 - rwstorer wrote: 92 Points
- Crimsom color with medium forming legs and aromas of blackberry, cherry and tobacco. It's balanced and has flavours of cherry with a medium body. Smooth texture with a medium finish - Amazing nose of leather and black cherry. Beautiful balance and in a terrific spot right now.
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9/11/2015 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl, perfect and very long cork. Decanted 2 hours: First sip was sugary sweet, but this settled down with aeration. The scent is the best bit, a bombshell of dark blackberry fruit, cedar and sweet balsamic herbs. Pauillac meets Stellenbosch meets Sonoma? Thereafter it is much more Southern Rhône than Northern Médoc. Thick, full-bodied entry, with ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fighing it out for supremacy. Sweet glycerine-buffered mid-palate, with just-noticeable balancing acid and tannins towards the shortish finish. The first glass is super-impressive, the second cloys, the third is definitely one too much. If you have this in the cellar, try serving it as you might a ripe Chateauneuf – with game, perhaps, or a very richly flavoured stew (juniper berries, cepes, that sort of thing). With roast lamb it is currently just too much of a big, fat, sweet, monster. Or wait 5 years and hope it'll slim down. (89-)90P
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7/31/2015 - phynes Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nice fragrant but not overpowering nose. On the palate the first thing you notice is the incredibly pure, silky texture. It's so smooth, you don't at first notice anything else. Thereafter, it's like a medley of flavours without any one particularly dominating. Hints of red and black fruits, tar, smoke, coffee and burnt chocolate. No hard edges at all. Feels like it is fully mature and yet would guess it will stay at this plateau for at least five years. This is not a cheap wine (I bought it en primeur at a fraction of today's price) but it gives a relatively affordable insight into the Grand Vin. Glad to have ten bottles left!
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6/5/2015 - Pacalet wrote: 90 Points
Ripe dark fruit with slight leather, earth and charcoal. Quite forward perhaps of the vintage, a decent and enjoyable Bordeaux but pretty bad price performance ratio, at this price point can but much better Bordeaux. Would expect more complexity and length for the price.
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4/28/2015 - Javachip wrote: 93 Points
Clear medium garnet-blood red color. Wonderful bouquet of red currants, cherries, rhubarb, forest floor, charcoal, cigar humidor. Similar on the palate, balanced, seamless, polished and refined, medium-full body. Seems to be at early maturity but likely to improve. If the Grand Vin is a symphony orchestra, this is a superb chamber orchestra, worth considering for those wishing to experience this legendary chateau for a fraction of the price of its big brother.
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4/18/2015 - joshbryer wrote:
Didn't take in depth notes... Burnt character on the nose. Lovely wine in the mouth, not overdone, nice balance. At the current pricing my money would likely be spent elsewhere.
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4/12/2015 - AllRed wrote: 92 Points
Second Sunday Group: 2003 vs 2005 Bordeaux 2nd Labels (R&D's): Deep core with some bricking. Notes of tobacco, red and black fruit with hints of graphite underneath. Black fruit, graphite and violet flavors with a long finish. This is immediately very appealing and my favorite of the first four wines. Everything becomes more amplified as this sits in the glass; it is very perfumed and elegant in the bouquet with potpourri and lavender, then tobacco and black fruit. Balanced and long in the finish. 92+ pts.
My #1, Domino's #1
Group #1, 33 pts
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4/4/2015 - grossie wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for about 3 hours after a first very tight taste. The nose was intoxicating, could smell it from a few feet away, dark and mysterious. On the palate there was a distinct pepper character with nice rich fruit. It finishes well, with good lingering effects, but strikes me overall as a bit too hot. This is very nice right now with a decant.
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3/13/2015 - traxxx Likes this wine: 93 Points
Could smell the dark fruits from the decanter 10 feet away..nice mix of plum, blackberry and dusty earth. 3 hour decant led to long silky finish and well integrated wine.
The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle. It smells like blackberry, black currant (cassis), plum, dust and mushroom. It tastes like blackberry, blueberry, black currant (cassis) and plum. The body is medium/full. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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2/25/2015 - drjb Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark color. Nose slow to open - hints of cassis, plums, stones and liquorice. Palate initially seemed mute and very soft : over a couple of hours it tightened up with more intensity and length. Classic structure and delicious the next day after Coravin. Lacks a little drive cf 1996.
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1/17/2015 - TimothyJames Likes this wine: 95 Points
Textbook Paullic. Dark fruit and tar as soon as opened. Decanted for 2 hours. Drinking beautifully. Just a bit light on the mid-palate. Beautiful wine. Will not improve but drink just as beautifully for the next 2-3 years.
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10/24/2014 - drjb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious example of 2003 Pauillac. Dark crimson. Nose complex and forthcoming with delicious blackcurrant, cedar, walnut and liquorice. Palate medium weight and very round and mouth filling. Initially tannins seemed a little assertive but quickly softened in the decanter to reveal a fine edge and finish. Great 2nd label Pauillac.
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10/10/2014 - HOS Likes this wine: 92 Points
Brought to the restaurant for our anniversary dinner. PnP. Developed over 2 hours but was nice immediately. Classic nose, earth, herbs, muted dark berry. Light, lively, good finish. Not mind blowing but a great compliment to dinner. I don't see a lot of upside here but should last for a while.
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5/8/2014 - Grand Amateur Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bought upon release and perfectly stored. Decanted just before pouring. Cedar, blackberry in the nose. In the mouth, the wine is good, fluid, not very complex but pleasant. Somewhat bitter tannin's at the end. After 2 hours in the decanter, the nose gets more complex. The taste is somewhat fuller, more in balance. I would not bet on this wine to improve. But it is nice now.
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3/20/2014 - Yiannis Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened for my son's birthday who was born in 2003. Dark garnet color. Cork was fully soaked without leakage. Expressive nose with Pauillac typicity: cedar, graphite, ink, cassis and barnyard. On the palate it is medium-bodied with silky tannins, bright cherry fruit and balancing acidity. Med+ aftertaste. I agree with previous tasters that this wine is at a very nice stage to enjoy.
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1/21/2014 - favorito Likes this wine: 93 Points
This Magnum was opened and decanted at 3 p.m. and we started to drink at 8 p.m.
A perfect wine, typical Latour flavour... at the moment almost at high peak. This will last for 5 years in minimum. Next week we will once more a 2003 Magnum and then we will open it at 2 p.m.
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1/20/2014 - Hammck wrote: 90 Points
Nice balance, not terrifically complex or concentrated, and not a long finish by any means. Drinking just fine now.
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12/18/2013 - Jeff Leve wrote: 91 Points
Soft, sweet, lush and fully developed, this blackberry, earth and plummy wine is round, open and accessible, with lots of spicy, earthy dark red cherries in its core. However, this is not a wine for aging, it’s already delivering most of its charm today.
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7/9/2013 - Lord Rayas wrote: 90 Points
popped n poured. expressive nose of cassis, black currants and white pepper. not overly complex on the palate but drinking nicely now.
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6/18/2013 - Collector1855 wrote: 92 Points
Medium ruby. Expressive nose of black current, forest floor, wood and white pepper, nice nose. On the palate good balance of tannins and fruit but a little hot in the finish. Nose better than palate. Good overall but not exceptional.
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8/26/2012 - the player wrote: 91 Points
Last of 6 bottles, a lot of variance amongst these different bottles but this last one is not the most memorable. Slight green elements to the mid palate and a slightly short finish.
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8/12/2012 - the player wrote: 92 Points
Same as previous note
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5/3/2012 - steinersing wrote: 91 Points
bunch of Latours - short: Felt more integrated than the grand vin - some sweetness, hints of tobacco, quite a good wine
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3/7/2012 - Jorgen wrote: 92 Points
Decanted. Musty smell at pouring gave way to herbal fruity smell half an hour after decanting through aerating funnel. An hour after decanting it had a rich and full smell of coffee and dark fruit. A little acid flavor, but quite well balanced. A medium long after taste. A great pairing with strip steak, Bearnaise, and oven roasted potato wedges.
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2/14/2012 - the player wrote: 93 Points
Drinking beautifully now, 2 - 3 hours of decanting, deep crimson color with some browning at the rim, nice nose of dark red berries, tobacco, leather; on the palate lush entry, very good balance of fruits, cassis, leather, wet earth, and tobacco mid palate and a decent finish and integrated tannins. Very nice Pauillac. Medium to full bodied.
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12/26/2011 - thebonnydooner wrote: 93 Points
Drank from 375 on christmas eve with some beef wellington. Delicious - although it did show some roasted fruit notes, it was fresh and complex with intriguing notes of iodine, tobacco and earth with blackberry and currant fruit. Refined and well balanced on the palate with fine soft tannins and a juicy acidity. Lovely finish. This was drinking very well from the wee bottle.
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5/28/2011 - AllRed wrote: 92 Points
4th Saturday Brown Bagger (Rick & Cris'): Crimson color. Aromas of herbs, red currants, berry, smoke, incense, tar and perfumed dark fruit. Well-balanced, with flavors of dark fruit, earth and herbs. Guessed Bordeaux.
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12/29/2010 - gsquireh wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for an hour. Full bodied and deep purple, rich and perfectly classic in structure and taste- delicious creme de cassis and black fruit elegantly balanced. Drank ove ra 1 1/2 hour period at La Gorce CC in Miami Beach. Seemless!
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12/25/2010 - hargy wrote: 91 Points
delicious drinking now but can only see this improving - keep
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11/16/2010 - dave747400 wrote: 90 Points
Farr Christmas Tasting 2010: Not as giving as 2 years ago. Nice & clean, balanced. Not too marked by '03' roasted characteristics. Good.
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11/11/2010 - Veritas 53 wrote: 93 Points
Color: Brilliant, deep purple, Clear
Nose: Sweet condensed and tight tannins, Cassis , aromatic.
Palate: Lots of tannins, not ready yet, Secondary flavors of cassis , current, spice. long finish keep for many more years before drinking.
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11/9/2010 - Veritas 53 wrote: 93 Points
Color: Brilliant, deep purple, Clear
Nose: Sweet condensed and tight tannins, Cassis , aromatic.
Palate: Lots of tannins, not ready yet, Secondary flavors of cassis , current, spice. long finish keep for many more years before drinking.
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10/15/2010 - Fookonson65 wrote: 95 Points
Popped way too early, but decided to go for it. Decanted for 2-3 hours before drinking. Awesome wine. Had two bottles, both drank the same. Powerful dark fruit, great balance, and nice long finish. Earthy and leathery, still a bit tannic (as expected), but was delicious. Highly recommend.
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10/11/2010 - shelt wrote: 94 Points
Perfectly balanced, with silky tannins, rich fruit, classic nose, and a lingering finish. Very young, but destined to be special!
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5/29/2010 - jrpundyk wrote:
Brad 86 nite. With dinner
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2/6/2010 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
Saturday Tasting Group (Knightsbridge Wine Shop (Northbrook, IL)): Really awesome. Richly layered sporting some unique funk that isn't often found in Bordeaux.
Textured and well layered with dark berries, earth and dark purple flower aromas.
Long finish and very well balanced. Drinking beautifully now.
Seems that this is a trend amongst the '03's...drinking well now but will also cellar like a charm.
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12/25/2009 - Wink wrote: 94 Points
Double decanted 6 hours before serving with beef tenderloin on Christmas. Dark garnet. Lovely nose of graphite, anise, vanilla, and blackberry. Medium to full ripe palate of blackberry, black cherry, minerals, cedar, and pencil lead. Excellent length. Nice, focused acidity. Mild tannins. Really excellent Pauillac from 2003. Drinking well now with several hours decanting.
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11/27/2009 - gsquireh wrote: 92 Points
Full-bodied rich purple plum with a cherry currant and cassis nose and a long finish.
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11/23/2009 - ed-d wrote: 90 Points
Oak infused black currant. Light, classic Bordeaux flavors with a slight green edge. Nice.
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8/20/2009 - idrinkvino wrote: 91 Points
Sensual, with chocolate, plumbs, dried earth. Approachable now.
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6/12/2009 - JScott wrote: 90 Points
Very approachable now, but I'd prefer to see it develop a little more.
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6/11/2009 - gsquireh wrote: 93 Points
Full bodied and deep purple, rich and delicious creme de cassis and black fruit balanced perfectly and after 1 1/2 hours drinking seemlessly.
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11/10/2008 - dave747400 wrote: 92 Points
Tasted at Farr's Christmas tasting.
After the 2000 version of Les Forts, this was more open and rich. Cassis galore, classy tannins and long- finish. Just stupidly expensive. Sal 91pts
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8/18/2007 - Paul Lin wrote: 88 Points
Decanted for 1 hour at Nobhill. Much lighter in body than I was expecting and seemed to go better with my lamb loin than LB's angus beef. Red fruits, some tobacco, leather, and mineral. It was nice, elegant even, but did not stand out as exceptional. 88-89 points.
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6/24/2007 - Jeff Leve wrote: 88 Points
Already on a fast track for evolution. The color is lighter than I remembered. The perfume offers an interesting blend of slow roasted fruit topped with all spice. Nice entry filled with ripe Cabernet and finishes with silky sensations
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4/23/2007 - bevort wrote:
Drank from Magnum. No decanting just decent sized glasses, opened up over couple of hours. Smooth, silky, well balanced and very easy drinking. Nothing in this wine is overdone or overdramatized just pure drinking pleasure. I have tried this 3 times now with consistent notes. /Steen
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2/17/2007 - Thilo wrote: 92 Points
Color is dark garnet/purple to the rim. Nose shows cassis, graphite, cedar, and leather. On the palate, cassis and dark fruit are at the fore, framed by tobacco, leather, dark spice. Flavors were very muted at first, and took about three hours in decanter to open up. Will be very nice in 5-10 years.
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12/2/2006 - Keith Levenberg wrote: 90 Points
Typically Pauillac with its characteristics of cigar-box, blackberry, and plum, but this is just as notable for its easy drinkability. This has the sense of restraint that marks claret in the classic style but is totally approachable due to the silkiness of the tannins in which it is enrobed.
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11/9/2006 - winefool wrote: 93 Points
Wineflock - 2003 Bordeaux, Parker 90+ (Ken's): Group #3, My #4 - Full deep red color. Clean bright red and black merlot fruits on the nose with hints of coffee. Full rich chocolate black fruit with a long coffee finish. A second bottle didn't show as well and displayed some asphalt notes on the finish.
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8/1/2006 - Tao wrote: 96 Points
Is it a second wine? Yes, once you read the label, deep purple color, what an aroma! Like having a fruit buffett! A sumptuous feast! Tons and tons of fruit! Fragrant...I have to say, at the same time, you can feel the heatwave of 2003! Bravo! I don't want to say more about the wine itself, you better go to get one and find it out, of course, don't forget to share us your own afterthoughts!
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6/16/2006 - RJD wrote: 90 Points
First tasted after 2 hours in the decanter. Dark purple color (duh). Nose is quite expressive with plenty of dark fruit (cassis and plum). Autumn spices as well. Round full texture at first, but is a touch light on the midpalate. Nice finish with fine dusty tannins. A little heat but not too out of balance. Obviously a very young wine with nice fruit for now. I think this will integrate and turn into something nice over time. You can enjoy this now before it closes. However, I won't be opening any more of these for quite some time. 90 points today. I'm sure several years down the road, I'll think much more highly of this.
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5/28/2006 - micha_e wrote: 93 Points
Deep ruby-purple color. Very open and expressive on the nose. Currants, plums, minerals and spice notes result in a wine that shows already a lot of complexity. After a while, some meatiness, roasted coffee and tar adds to the complex nose. This is aromatically really quite close to the first wine. Fantastic on the palate, supremely elegant and fine-grained, yet with a flavor authority that is simply amazing. Sure it is not Latour, but then the latter costs probably eight times more. Amazing freshness with perfectly integrated acidity. Very long and aristocratic in the finish. Probably the best second wine I have ever had. Drinks very well now, but I am sure it will hold and improve for many years to come.
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