2003 Château Beauséjour

($50-$73) Good healthy dark color. Sexy aromas of currant, blueberry jam, chocolate and smoky oak, with complicating hints of leather and minerals. Silky and lively in the mouth, with ripe acids framing the currant and maraschino cherry flavors. In a flight of premiers grands crus classes, this one stood out for its freshness, even coolness, in the context of the vintage. Finishes with substantial oak and notes of mint and menthol.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2006

Sweet chocolaty spice. Soft and fresh in the middle and gentle finish. (JH)

Author: Julia Harding MW

Issue: 01/23/2008

This is an extraordinary terroir (17 acres on a clay and limestone plateau) planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. I would love to see a repetition of the profound as well as monumental 1990. The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2003 reveals an evolved, precocious bouquet displaying this cuvee's tell-tale minerality interwoven with black cherries and raspberries, medium body, and an elegant finish. More weight and concentration would have resulted in a higher rating.

Author: Robert Parker

What a beautiful and opulent wine. Aromas of chocolate, berry and raspberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins. Long finish. Elegant.

Author: James Suckling