2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee
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Tasting Notes
Starting with the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve, this wine showed spectacularly on release, closed down for a few years, and has now emerged, at close to full maturity, and is straight-up fabulous. Out of the entire tasting, it remained my favorite. Giving up gorgeous blackberry, currants, garrigue, pepper and beef blood, it hits the palate with a massive, full-bodied texture that carries layers of sweet fruit, awesome concentration and blockbuster length. Tasting like the essence of both this estate and the terroir, it’s an incredible wine that I’m happy to taste/drink anytime. It will continue to evolve gracefully, but I see no reason to delay gratification. Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker
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The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee stands out as one of the all-time great wines made by Laurence Feraud and her father, Paul. I remember first tasting it from a large tank as it was still fermenting and it was already impressive! It is a full-bodied, powerful wine that must tip the scales at close to 15.5% natural alcohol. I don’t think this big, chewy, voluptuously textured wine will ever close down. Dark plum/garnet with the classic Provencal display of garrigue, lavender, pepper, kirsch and Asian plum sauce, this full-throttle wine has splendid concentration, silky tannins, and a very voluptuous texture. It should continue to drink well for another 25 years. Oct 2010, www.erobertparker.com, Drink: 2010-2035