2003 Chambertin Clos de Beze
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Tasting notes
Deep red. Noble aromas of violet and white pepper convey a strong impression of energy. Then creamy, superconcentrated and powerful, with magical verve for the year. As this compellingly silky, scented wine opened in the glass, it showed wonderfully complex elements of black raspberry, pepper, lavender and spices. Finishes with great density and thrust. An outstanding example of this superb grand cru: I followed it for days and it continued to reveal new facets.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Waxy black cherries are intermingled with super-ripe black currants and a grapey note in the nose of the 2003 Chambertin-Clos de Beze. Its tar-laced personality reveals loads of black cherries, blackberries, and blueberries. Medium to full-bodied and deep, it possesses a prolonged finish. Projected maturity: 2008-2018. Note: The information on acidification reported in the article on Maison Lucien Le Moine’s Cote de Beaunes was incorrect, according to director/winemaker Mounir Saouma. This negociant firm did not acidify any of its acquired wines, stresses Saouma, the figures quoted in my earlier article were his assessments of “typical” 2003s. Various importers, including: Vintus, Pleasantville, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000; Atherton Imports, Atherton, CA; tel. (650) 328-6639; and Chicago Wine Merchants, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 890-8131
Bright, deep red. Pungent, complex aromas of strawberry, raspberry, iron, mocha and white pepper. Offers great flavor intensity without any undue weight: strawberry, raspberry, minerals, pepper and ginger. Thanks to its uncanny lift, this conveys an impression of weightlessness. Very classy and extremely long and subtle on the aftertaste. This finished its malo early and was to have been bottled by Christmas.
(from fruit harvested on August 19 with 14% potential alcohol) Bright, deep red. Pungent, complex aromas of strawberry, raspberry, iron, mocha and white pepper. Offers great flavor intensity without any undue weight: strawberry, raspberry, minerals, pepper and ginger. Thanks to its uncanny lift, this conveys an impression of weightlessness. Very classy and extremely long and subtle on the aftertaste. This finished its malo early and was to have been bottled by Christmas.