2003 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cote Ronde

Deep red. Spicy and energetic on the nose, with vibrant blackberry, cherry and sweet floral aromas. This displays more energy and vivacity than the 2004 version today. Sweet, velvety and round, with lush dark berry, mocha and coffee flavors that build and expand through the finish. A serious wine that should age extremely well.

Dense, rich, and showing the tell-tale toasty new oak is the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cote Ronde. The wine is opulent, full-bodied, modern-styled with loads of fruit, and slightly better integrated oak than the 2004 with a deep ruby/plum purple color and a spicy, heady finish. It should drink well for at least 10 years. Feb 2006, www.robertparker.com