2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

Medium red color. The juicy, bright aromas of jammy raspberry, gingerbread, molasses, cured meat and mocha build and gain in sweetness in the glass. Distinctly wild on the palate, showing flavors of strawberry, aged beef and espresso. Fresh, vibrant and long on the finish, which features finely integrated tannins and a note of tobacco.

I had high hopes that the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes would score in the low to mid-90s out of bottle, but no such luck. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape and certainly a fine value. Deep ruby/plum/garnet with a wonderfully sweet and flamboyant nose of kirsch liqueur, ground pepper, and garrigue, the wine has a beautiful texture, full body, notes of plum, fig, and licorice, and a heady, glycerin-imbued finish. It is already delicious, but does not possess the extraordinary depth I thought it would. Nevertheless, it is seductive and best drunk over the next 7-8 years. Feb 2006, www.robertparker.com