2003 Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques

Earthy, spicy black fruit scents are found in the 2003 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St.-Jacques. Highly structured and deep, this medium to full-bodied wine offers complex flavors of stony black fruits, fresh earth, blackberries, and dark cherries. Demanding patience, its tannic (yet ripe) character coats the palate, lingering for 45 seconds or more. Projected maturity: 2010-2020. 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

Medium ruby-red. Deep aromas of dark berries and cherries macerated in alcohol, chocolate and sweet oak. Lush, silky and suave but with lurking inner-palate energy and lift. The dark fruit and mineral flavors explode on the back half of this wine, which finishes with impressive length, noble tannins and strong minerality.

Cask sample . Surprisingly light in colour for a 2003. Lovely supple integrity on the palate. Almost fully formed and ready! Spooky! A delicious drink already. Round and charming though not the most intense. (JR)