($42) Good bright red. Raspberry, tobacco and minerals on the very fresh nose. Sweet and lush but firm, with very rich, spicy flavors of currant, tobacco and toasty oak. Rather full in alcohol and distinctly silky in texture but not at all overextracted. An impressively concentrated and exuberant 2003, finishing with substantial dusty tannins.

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One can not say enough about the investments and commitment to quality instituted by Haut-Bailly's new American owner, Robert Wilmers, the head of the huge M&T bank conglomerate. The chateau's entire staff, headed by the talented Veronique Sanders (the granddaughter of one of the great gentlemen of Bordeaux, Daniel Sanders), reflects both enthusiasm and dedication. Powerful, fruit-driven, and big, the 2003 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of lead pencil shavings intermixed with red and black currants, cherries, and forest floor. Boasting beautiful purity, medium to full body, and admirable glycerin as well as textural weight, it is an elegant, classic Bordeaux to drink between 2008-2020+.

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Aromas of berry and sweet tobacco follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Subtle character and refinement. Needs a bit more depth to be outstanding.

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Dark purplish red with an inky core. To begin with this is very reserved on the nose. With time reveals subtle spicy plum and light red fruit. Fresh and delicate on the palate, good minerality and fine dry tannins.