A blockbuster and a terrific example of Chateauneuf du Pape in a more challenging and irregular vintage is the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape. Deep purple to the rim with a gloriously flamboyant nose of black raspberry jam kirsch smoke and licorice the wine has dazzling concentration pushes ripeness to the limit (note the flavors of figs) but pulls back with impressive purity and balance as well as plenty of force and resistance. This is a supple opulent style of Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the next decade or more.