2003 Clarke
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2003 Clarke has a slight caramel note on the nose that feels stated and clearly lacks the energy of the previous two vintages. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry with orange rind and mulberry notes, touches of stewed prune and some VA evident on the finish. It’s by no means a bad wine, but it feels very static and going nowhere fast. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Clarke’s 2003 may be a sleeper of the vintage. Aromas of black currants, minerals, smoke, and damp earth emerge from this dark ruby/purple-tinged, medium-bodied, pure effort. It is reasonably generous for a wine from this backwater appellation. Drink it over the next decade.
Blackish crimson. Quite heady. Very intense. Very sumptuously Rollandian. So sweet, it’s extraordinary for a Listrac. Aggressive oaking. Where’s the acidity? (JR)
Deep deep crimson, verging on purple. Great sweet charm and intensity on the nose. Actually some sweet chocolate notes. (If this were Margaux I'd take it for Cantenac Brown!) Silky, sumptuous, very beautifully made. Lots of acidity to keep it fresh on the palate and ripe tannins. Dense and youthful but not awkward. Attractive sweetness rather than overripe jamminess. A definite over-performer – though, as usual, slightly green tannins intrude a little at the end. (JR)
About the producer
This property was purchased by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1973 who promptly started renovating the estate. Today Baron Benjamin de Rothschild and his wife Ariane continue his legacy, focused firmly on quality.