Description:

89 points Robert Parker:

"Tasted on three separate occasions (consistently rated between 89 and 90), the 2003 could be called the “Cheval Blanc of Pessac.” Extremely aromatic, it offers smoky, earthy, sweet black cherry, plum, and fig-like notes as well as a sweet, round mouthfeel, medium body, delicate tannins, a fragile constitution, and beautiful complexity. Irresistible at present, if it puts on weight, it will merit an outstanding rating. Anticipated maturity: now-2017." (04/06)

Decanted for 2 hours. Engaging nose with signature Cab Franc notes of violet, herbaceous, green bell pepper, some tobacco and leather. Then there are underlying darker earth, liquorice, graphite nuances all wrapped by bright ripe fruits of blackberry, blackcherry , blueberry and spicy, sweet toasty oak resembling sandal wood. Medium body, very fresh and elegant. Exceptional focus on palate. Multi-dimesional and complex. More chocolate, truffle, minerality and Asian spices emerged. --Stephen Chan