Chateau Pichon Baron 2eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2003

Sweet tobacco and plum with hints of leather and cassis on the nose. Full bodied, with big velvety tannins and lots of fruit. Very rich and powerful, even chewy. Give this some time to mellow out. Pull the cork after 2016. Find the wine

A brilliant effort, this 2003 displays a vigorous, intact, deep blue/purple color as well as notes of scorched earth, barbecue spices, incense, creme de cassis and cedarwood. Long, lush, medium to full-bodied, round and generous, this opulent Pauillac can be drunk now and over the next 5-8 years.

Full ruby-red. Expressive aromas of redcurrant, mocha, tobacco, minerals, grilled meat and cigar box. Big, rich, lush and sweet; velvety but with excellent vinosity and snap. A wonderfully solid wine that finishes with huge but thoroughly ripe tannins and rising flavor. A major success in 2003, with the sheer density and richness to develop in bottle for two decades or more.

The 2003 Pichon-Baron has one of the better aromatics this vintage compared to its peers, featuring mulberry and cranberry fruit, orange peel, leather and a touch of star anise. The palate is medium-bodied with furry tannins and lower acidity than the 2002, yet more freshness than in many Left Bank wines. It shows commendable depth and volume, offering attractive tarry, lightly spiced black fruit toward a sinewy finish that shows more energy than you would expect given the infamous heat of that summer. Tasted at the Pichon-Baron vertical at the château.