2003 Il Carnasciale Caberlot

Readers who understandably don't want to delay gratification should consider the 2003 Caberlot. Less aromatically compelling than the 2004, it bursts forth from the glass with masses of super-ripe, jammy fruit on a full-bodied, generous frame with notably fine tannins for the vintage. Made in a style that borders on the extreme edge of opulence, the full-throttle 2003 won't please every palate, but I found myself captivated by its sheer luxuriousness. It is a remarkably accessible Caberlot at this stage, although my impression is that, like other vintages of this wine, it may start to shut down in the bottle over the next year or so. It is a stunning effort.

Readers who understandably don’t want to delay gratification should consider the 2003 Caberlot. Less aromatically compelling than the 2004, it bursts forth from the glass with masses of super-ripe, jammy fruit on a full-bodied, generous frame with notably fine tannins for the vintage. Made in a style that borders on the extreme edge of opulence, the full-throttle 2003 won’t please every palate, but I found myself captivated by its sheer luxuriousness. It is a remarkably accessible Caberlot at this stage, although my impression is that, like other vintages of this wine, it may start to shut down in the bottle over the next year or so. It is a stunning effort. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484