A wine that was controversial with a lot of tasters on release (not for me), the 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been drinking beautifully for a number of years now. It's showing classic sweet red fruits, spice box, and garrigue notes in an ethereal, pure, elegant style. It has the sweet fruit of the 2003 vintage but is classic Clos des Papes today.

While I've always loved the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape, it was extremely controversial in its youth due to its exuberance and ripeness. Yet today, with the wine at maturity, all of that controversy has been put to bed and I know of no one contesting the beauty of this wine - the 2007 vintage in Chateauneuf du Pape will be the same. Looking at the 2003 vintage, Paul-Vincent told me that they started harvest on September 5, but quickly had to stop due to rain on the September 7. They waited for the vineyards to dry out and the last plots weren't brought in until October 4! As to the wine, this beautiful 2003 offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, Asian spices, ground herbs, blackberries and incense. Full-bodied, textured, ripe and plush, Avril commented that this would evolve similar to the '89, but I certainly see no need to delay gratification here and would drink up while the getting's good! - Jeb Dunnuck

Lilting and perfumy with a grace that belies the vintage this offers layer upon layer of raspberry boysenberry floral mineral and mocha flavors that glide to a long silky refined finish. So seductive you almost miss how powerful it is--a masterful job of winemaking. Drink now through 2030. 7500 cases made. (JM)

While not the best bottle of the 2003 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape I’ve had, this is still a stunning Châteauneuf-du-Pape and one of the top wines of the vintage. Gorgeously perfumed, intense, and complex, with thrilling amounts of kirsch liqueur, saddle leather, licorice, and sweet spice, this bottle was medium-full bodied and relatively tight and un-giving on the palate. It opened slightly over the evening, but still needs another 2-3 years of bottle age to fully flesh out. - Jeb Dunnuck