Given the extreme weather conditions, we could have expected a rather warm nose, marked by aromas of very ripe or even roasted, black berry fruits. But instead, it’s red berry fruit, freshness, and purity that literally leap from the glass. As in 1996 and 2000, there are floral and slightly spicy notes, that fits beautifully into this very complex blend, where the new oak has already been fully integrated, as if "digested" by the body of the wine.

And what body! We knew, of course, that all the wines were extremely concentrated. The summer was coupled with a very low yield. Yet, the 2003 blend, reinforced by an excellent press wine, has a density that is almost unmatched in recent vintages. This density gives the wine not just power and strength, but also depth and length—and above all, a tannic structure so tight it becomes silky.

Much was said that year about acidity and its mysteries. It is true that grapes had rarely been picked at such low levels of acidity as in 2003. And yet today, we find total acidity exactly in line with the average of the last twenty vintages. In the end, this vintage—once thought to be shaped by extreme conditions—has given us a great classic! Although destined for a brilliant future, the first bottles can already be opened—provided they are properly decanted. (February 2025)