2003 Giscours

Creamy texture from the first moment, this is attractive, with the spicy cinammon and turmeric of a hot year, and plenty of blackberry fruit with eucaplyptus freshness. Softening on the finish, heading towards truffle, fading out on the finish. Enjoyable, but I would drink within the next 10 years. 50% new oak for ageing, Didier Forêt technical director and Jacques Boissenot consultant. Harvest September 11 to September 30.

Tasted at the Château Giscours vertical, the 2003 Château Giscours is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Considering the vintage, the aromatics have retained a respectable degree of freshness, although it is not as nuanced or as complex as the previous two vintages. It offers redcurrant, leather and a touch of dark chocolate, perhaps reflecting the growing season more than the terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin. This is a little lactic on the mouth, smooth if not complex, but there is no flabbiness marking the finish and it offers decent length. Drink it over the next 5-8 years. Tasted June 2015.