Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 2003 (3L)

In Original wooden coffret

97 Points CellarTracker

Perfectly stored since release without travelling. Ruby to vermilion red without orange hue in thin layers. Cork soaked to 10%. No decant. No extended airation from the bottle. From the start a deep and intense yet focused and nuanced nose with cherries, different dried herbs, blackberries, blood and asian spices. On the palate light on its feet, impressive not because of its power, but elegance and subtlety. Given some previous notes, let me clarify: Of course totally dry with exception of the normal glycerin sweetness that every wine with 14% alc. has; no oxidative notes at all. Nevertheles quite long with medium intensity ending on fruit and blood, iron notes. The tannins have melted to a large extent and there is enough acidity to keep this fresh and balanced. With more air from the glass it shows some more tannins left. Outstanding to extraordinary bottle. 5/14/19/9+. Of course this is fully developed. Difficult to tell, how long this could last, but not optimal stored or bottle that travelled should be drunk up. A sad thing, that there are so many damaged bottles out there. Given this bottle, I would assume, that it could hold through for 5 or more years. 4/14/2024

97 points Jeb Dunnuck

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.(8/2018)

97 points Wine Advocate

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! (JD)(9/2015)