The 2003 Costa Russi is a noticeably bigger and more powerful wine. Although it is less expressive in its aromatics, it shows greater palate presence, with suggestions of super-ripe black cherries, tobacco and earthiness on a full-bodied frame with notable depth and a concentrated yet open-knit personality. It offers excellent balance, yet the hard tannins of the vintage are most penalizing in the Costa Russi and this wine comes across as somewhat heavy and ponderous in style, lacking the characteristic elegance of Gaja's best wines.

The 2003 Costa Russi has a broody, mocha-tinged nose with Provencal herbs, burning embers and a touch of sloe. Superb definition but it needs time in the glass. The palate is full-bodied with smooth tannins, quite masculine, tannic, structured, becoming spicier towards the mid-palate. Understated at first but you really feel the fruit intensity towards the finish that linger seductively. Backward and sultry although it blossoms in the glass, becoming ever more velutinous. It needs another 5-6 years. Drink 2014-2025. Tasted October 2008.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 31/10/2006

The 2003 Costa Russi is a noticeably bigger and more powerful wine than the Barbaresco. Although it is less expressive in its aromatics, it shows greater palate presence, with suggestions of super-ripe black cherries, tobacco and earthiness on a full-bodied frame with notable depth and a concentrated yet open-knit personality. It offers excellent balance, yet the hard tannins of the vintage are most penalizing in the Costa Russi and this wine comes across as somewhat heavy and ponderous in style, lacking the characteristic elegance of Gaja’s best wines. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.

Developing mid ruby with bricky tinges. Lovely concentrated cherry nose with hints of undergrowth, liquorice, laurel and iron. Very untypical for such a hot year. Supple palate without any signs of singed fruit, but with very powerful tannins dominating the concentrated finish. (WS)