($46-$55) Good ruby-red. Full-blown aromas of black fruits, coffee liqueur, mint and roasted meat. Quite powerful in the mouth without coming across as sweet; shows distinctly southern notes of garrigue and scorched earth. Less silky than I expected; in fact, this seems to be closing down today. Substantial, slightly disjointed tannins hit the palate late and build. I wouldn't even think about pulling a cork for at least four or five years. Not a particularly impressive vintage for this wine, yet there's a bit more here than I originally thought.

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The 2003 Gruaud Larose's dark plum/garnet color is followed by sweet aromas of damp earth, forest floor, herbs, espresso roast, cassis, licorice, and plums. Medium-bodied as well as surprisingly up-front and precocious, it possesses sweet tannin, very nice concentration, and loads of earthy/herbal characteristics intermixed with black fruits, and an attractive, but supple, evolved finish.

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Aromas of blackberry, toasted oak, sweet tobacco and espresso. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. I like the texture.

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After 10 years, this wine still holds form. Good plum & blackberry flavor with a hint of clove. The tannins are still giving good structure.