Lewis Chester

9.6

2003 Domiane de la Romanee Conti Richebourg - from Jay. Decanted one hour prior to pouring. Dark rich velvet ruby in colour. Cracked green olives and first press olive oil on the nose initially which soon blew off to expose blackberries, black currant, plum and Asian spice. Opulent attack which carries through into a profoundly concentrated mid palette of dark fruits and velvety tannins with thick sap. This wine is overwhelmingly concentrated on the mid palette with a very lush texture with incredible concentration of fruit. The finish is both long and seamless and certainly not lacking in structure despite the nature of the vintage with the tannins displaying a degree of structure that I had not anticipated. A formidable wine which is developing much better than I would have expected for a 2003. This is the first bottle that I have had since 2008 and during this time the wine has far surpassed my expectations. For those who enjoy big fruit-forward Burgundy wines at a young age this Richebourg is approachable but I think patience is warranted in order to get the most out of this wine. Drink 2020 to 2045. — 10 years ago

Richard Steinberg

9.6

I apologize to the wine making team for our lack of patience. Oh well, it was worth it! Buckle up and enjoy the ride. — 11 years ago

Eric Hiatt

9.0

Nice vin de pays. Keep returning to bottle for more perfumed strawberry preserve and black olive. — 13 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.2

Typical (as in excellent) GR Imperial nose, elegant red fruits, sauve oak, perfectly integrated. Mouthfeel is young and firm, yet what relents is a wonderful hint at the future of what this wine will give. Plenty to appreciate now but I think it will indeed only gain in complexity and only get better if you have the patience. A long, firm, persistently energizing and pleasant finish. — 10 years ago

Scott Gruber

9.9

Wow. Forget anything you know about Chardonney. Aroma expands. Long finish. First drinking as apertif, but will pair soon with cod and mango salsa. — 11 years ago

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

10

Related to the 2008 in terms of flavor profile, this complete wine will require substantial patience. Loaded with cherries and classic cassis fruit, it also exhibit juicy acidity and strong mineral accents, framed by massive, yet detailed tannins, finishing elegant and utterly promising. — 12 years ago

Thomas Hughes

10

Stuck in between banner vintages (2000 & 2005), 2003 is a great year to find "value" in Bordeaux. With the rise of the Far East's middle class, "Super Second" classified French reds sell for over $100 per bottle. (And 2 to 3 times that for the exceptional 2009 & 2010 vintages). So for my 2013 birthday, why not open a 10 year old Paulliac? 1st, this requires patience. After decanting, the glass needs time to develop. It's been 45 min and finally starting to exhibit it's elegance. Smooth, balanced, caressing ... You can almost taste the centuries of expertise. When I started getting into drinking wine, I was vain in thinking "French wines, can they be that good?" Yes, they are but not at any price! Don't just take out a mortgage to buy anything; research and try 2nd labels of vineyards. This wine is brilliant, but I still prefer Chateau Leoville Las Cases as my favorite 2003 Bordeaux. A very happy Cheers! — 13 years ago

with Heidi

Lenard Henson

9.5

Lenard had this 10 years ago

with Somer

Lenard Henson

9.2

Lenard had this 11 years ago

with John

Delectable Wine

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10

The recipe for greatness in this bottle, equal parts:
• Rutherford's stony, alluvial soil
• Cathy's sage-like light touch in the winery
• The patience for tannin, fruit & mineral characters to become perfectly in sync dance partners
• The generosity of friends to share
• Outstanding drinking companions — 12 years ago