From bottle the 2003 is showing as well as can be expected. A soft, sexy, near-term style of claret with a deep plum/ruby/purple-tinged color, a big, sweet nose of anise, creme de cassis, smoke, Provencal herbs, and some spice box, it is opulent, fleshy, not profoundly concentrated, but rich enough. Everything is nicely balanced with silky tannin and low acidity. Drink it over the next 12-14 years as this is a seductive wine.

Black olive tapenade intermixed with red and black currants, new saddle leather, licorice and spice aromas are followed by a medium-bodied, juicy, succulent, fully mature 2003. There is no reason to defer your gratification any longer. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

(70% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, and the rest cabernet franc and petit verdot) Medium red-ruby. Aromatic nose combines currant, kirsch, licorice and fresh herbs, lifted by exotic oak spices. Supple and moderately ripe, with slightly medicinal, minty flavors and good breadth. Not especially gripping wine but finishes with reasonably ripe tannins and good length. Margaux

Slightly light crimson. Strange burnt note on the nose. Sweet palate entry – richness and then some dry tannins. A wine that definitely expresses the vintage. Quite impressive length. But still, this would admittedly look a bit wimpy next to a Napa Valley Cab but it’s classic Médoc. (JR)