This was the finest performance by this wine that I have seen since it was released. I did not expect the 2003 Chateau Margaux to show this well in a vintage where the southern part of the Medoc was clearly less impressive than the north. However, it is a beautiful, dark plum/purple-tinged effort with sensational aromatics, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a youthfulness, precision and freshness that belie what one generally associates with this vintage. It can be drunk now and over the next 15-20 years. Kudos to Chateau Margaux. - Robert Parker

This monumental wine boasts a super-ripe bouquet of fig, plum and blackberry fruit, with cedar, pepper and earth notes. The spice from the cask ageing is present but integrated. The body is rich, the texture is firmly tannic but not unapproachable, and a well-proportioned sense of balance suggests this will age for decades to come. An ample demonstration that torrid years such as 2003 can produce wines of lasting beauty.

A wine with spices, meat, and very ripe fruit on the nose, with hints of dried flowers. Full bodied, and deeply layered, with loads of fruit and spices. Long and decadent, very complex. Pull the cork after 2013. Find the wine.

A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2003 Chateau Margaux has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It springs from the glass with surprisingly spritely notes of blackcurrant jelly, baked plums, and star anise, giving way to an undercurrent of Sichuan pepper, kirsch, unsmoked cigars, cedar, dried roses, and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is completely filled with ripe, expressive black fruits and perfumed floral and exotic spice layers, framed by very firm, sturdy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy. "In 2003 we were tempted to correct, but we didn’t," commented current managing director Philippe Bascaules, who was working with the late managing director Paul Pontallier in 2003. "I think it is better not to help nature but to permit." This 2003 is delicious now, yet it has the stuffing to cellar for another 20+ years. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

This may be from the exceptional vintage of 2003, but Château Margaux remains true to form. First and foremost, it is a refined, elegant wine, with complex layers of flavors. But, yes, the hot summer is there the dense, dry tannins, but somehow they seem to float through the wine rather than sitting heavily in the middle. Acidity and freshness come to finish, giving the wine a delicious lift.

At a beautiful moment to drink, spicy, light, ethereal, red cherry, cigar box, blond tobacco, clear spice as it opens and more tannins that perhaps I expected in a 2003 as it approaches its 20 year mark. I have been surprised by a number of classified Médoc 2003s in recent months, and yet again here we see that the position along the river Garonne, with its cooling breezes, was a lucky spot to be in during the punishing summer. One of the wines of the vintage, still delivering. Paul Pontallier director.

Shows a note of torréfaction typical of the vintage, but uses it to its advantage, coupling it with accents of ganache and dark tobacco leaf along with rich plum, currant and fig compote flavors. The finish is slightly firm, with alder and plum skin details, but this has pretty impressive composure considering the vintage. Drink now through 2035. – JM

The 2003 Château Margaux is slightly bricking on the rim, quite deep in color. The nose has retained satisfying freshness. Dusty red bricks and gravel scents infuse the mainly red fruit. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, harmonious, fresh with good tension and touches of white pepper and clove. It approaches full maturity, though this is one of the few 2003s where you can afford to wait. The late Paul Pontallier managed to conjure up a very respectable First Growth this vintage, though it is one I would be inclined to drink sooner rather than later. Tasted at the château. -- Neal Martin