This has very ripe fruit, but not overripe. Hints of prunes but mostly currants and spices on the nose, mainly cinnamon. Full-bodied with firm tannins yet polished and velvety. It still has an incredible freshness. I love it. Try it after 2015, but enjoy this now if you cannot wait.

Made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this spectacular 2003 hits all the sweet spots on the palate. A glorious bouquet of cedarwood, jammy black currants, cherries, licorice and truffle is followed by a dense, opulently textured, full-bodied wine with terrific purity and freshness as well as deep, velvety textured tannins. Enjoy this beauty over the next 10-12 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The real surprise for me in this lineup, with clear sweetness to the fruit. It is ripe in character, reflecting the heat of the vintage, touches of fig and prune, a ton of chocolate and cinammon spice layering on the gourmet appeal. Less grip than many of the vintages on display here, with a softness to the tannins and cured leather notes that suggest it is ageing relatively quickly, but still alive and kicking and giving pleasure right now, and they have teased crushed mint leaf out of the finish. Drink now, or within next five to 10 years. Slight VA on the nose as it opens. Harvest September 10 to 26. 3.77ph.

Normally one of the most elegant of Pauillacs, the 2003 is big and dense. These dark tannins mask delicious black fruit, flavors of spice and layers of acidity. This is going to develop relatively fast, despite the density of the wine, just because it is so rich.

Very pretty aromas of plum blackberry chocolate espresso and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate with ultrasilky tannins refined fruit and a long caressing finish. This is fine and refined with a wonderful texture. Not quite the 2000 but excellent. Best after 2011. 18330 cases made. â_"JS

Blended from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 0% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2003 Pichon Lalande has a deep garnet-brick color. It gallops out of the glass with powerful notes of crème de cassis, baked black plums, and incense, followed by suggestions of Indian spices, chargrill, and cracked black pepper. The medium-bodied palate delivers a sturdy, rugged structure with muscular fruit and a firm finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown