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International Wine Cellar
Author: Ian D'Agata
Issue: Issue 10098
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(a blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; 3.63 pH; 68 IPT; 13.1% alcohol): Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of red cherries macerated in alcohol, leather, lead pencil and sweet spices. Very forward and open-knit on the palate, with earthy black fruit flavors complemented by coffee, licorice and bay leaf notes. Turns quite tannic on the moderately long finish. This does not appear to have reached full polyphenolic maturity. Though there is no denying the wine's initial fleshy appeal, I find it a little too astringent and grainy.
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Wine Advocate
Author: Robert Parker
Issue: 196
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This sexy, evolved, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2003 reveals notes of smoke, herbs, black currant jam, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, opulent and flamboyant, it is another example of a stunning 2003 northern Medoc that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 more years. This irregular vintage hit its zenith in the northern Medoc and in a handful of limestone terroirs in St.-Emilion. In contrast, other areas, particularly Pomerol, Graves and the sandy, gravelly soils of St.-Emilion, experienced difficulties in 2003.
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Wine Spectator
Author: James Suckling
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A wine with silky, refined tannins and delicate fruit. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a lovely long, textured finish. This builds on the palate. More subtle than I remember. 35,000 cases made.
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