The nose is closed though there was a faint smell of espresso amongst the ripe berried fruits. The palate is very complex, full-bodied and powerful. Seamless tannins. Backward. A dense mocha finish. A wine that swaggers across the palate. Magnificent. Drink from 2010. Tasted January 2005.

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

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

Very exciting, vibrant nose. Real tension there (unlike the Clos St-Jacques). Relatively loose and open, but with lots of lacy, entrancing fruit. Expensive, but not ludicrously so. (JR)