2003 Chambertin Clos de Beze

Profound aromas of chocolate, blackberries, black cherries, and spices are found in the nose of the 2003 Chambertin-Clos de Beze (from a 45-55-year old parcel). A huge, exceptionally deep wine, its potent core of black cherry fruit is highly expressive and massively concentrated. Well-balanced, it reveals immense complexity, staying power, and an exceptionally long finish studded with copious quantities of ripe tannin. Projected maturity: 2012-2022. Note: Three wines that were tasted as barrel samples in November, 2004 were re-tasted from bottle in June, 2005. The 2003 Puligny-Montrachet (rated 87 points) is medium-bodied, expressive and plush, yet focused; the 2003 Pernand-Vergelesses Croix de Pierre (88) sports a wonderful nose of flowers and red cherries as well as a deep medium-bodied character filled with stony dark fruits; and the outstanding 2003 Pommard Rugiens (92) is medium to full-bodied, dense, structured, intense, and crammed with dark fruits.

Profound aromas of chocolate, blackberries, black cherries, and spices are found in the nose of the 2003 Chambertin-Clos de Beze (from a 45-55-year old parcel). A huge, exceptionally deep wine, its potent core of black cherry fruit is highly expressive and massively concentrated. Well-balanced, it reveals immense complexity, staying power, and an exceptionally long finish studded with copious quantities of ripe tannin. Projected maturity: 2012-2022. Note: Three wines that were tasted as barrel samples in November, 2004 were re-tasted from bottle in June, 2005. The 2003 Puligny-Montrachet (rated 87 points) is medium-bodied, expressive and plush, yet focused; the 2003 Pernand-Vergelesses Croix de Pierre (88) sports a wonderful nose of flowers and red cherries as well as a deep medium-bodied character filled with stony dark fruits; and the outstanding 2003 Pommard Rugiens (92) is medium to full-bodied, dense, structured, intense, and crammed with dark fruits. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300

Good medium ruby. Extravagantly sweet nose shows a superripe blackberry aroma but also terrific lift. Extremely ripe but also wonderfully detailed, even delicate, with layered, liqueur-like flavors of blackberry, violet, minerals, tar and bitter chocolate. As ripe and low in acidity (2.9 grams per liter) as this is, it's still an infant. Finishes with firm, fine tannins and explosive persistence. Today I give the edge to the Chapelle, though.