4 | Wine | 2003 | Page 6

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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."

"The dense plum/purple-colored 2003 offers gorgeous aromas of blackberries, plum liqueur, sweet cherries, smoke, and melted licorice. Fleshy, full-bodied, and intense, displaying a seamless integration of wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Loads of crushed berries, with mineral, lightly toasted oak and licorice. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is the sleeper of the vintage."

"Blackberry and licorice aromas, with full body, very fine tannins and a long finish. Very silky. So much for jammy wines in 2003. Very fresh and refined."

"Aromas of blackberry and currant with just a hint of black licorice follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, giving licorice and mineral undertones. Complex and refined. Very well done."

"The 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a big, enveloping wine loaded with wild cherries, licorice, new leather and dried flowers, not to mention considerable personality. The tannins are just a touch rough around the edges, and I am not sure they will ever soften given the heat of the vintage, but the 2003 should continue to drink well for at least a handful of years. Ideally the wine is best paired with hearty dishes."

"The 2003 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port improved each time I raised it to my nose or mouth. It displays a black color and a salty, graphite-laced nose packed with sweet black fruits that is reminiscent of a stellar vintage of Chateau Latour. With air, notes of molasses, burnt sugar, spices, and jammy plums emanate from the glass. Full-bodied, hugely dense, immensely rich, as well as thick, this behemoth is also amazingly balanced and harmonious. Raisins, molasses, licorice, black cherries, plums, and a distinctive note of violets are found in its complex, seamless character. Its interminable finish reveals additional notes of chocolate, kirsch, red as well as black currants, dark cherries, and rose blossoms. Armed with exceptional power, depth, and purity, this Taylor will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest ever crafted by the Fladgate Partnership."

"Reignac is the poster child for a modern-styled, “better than its pedigree” Bordeaux Superieur. The wine’s high quality is a testament to the exceptional commitment demonstrated by proprietor Yves Vatelot. The elegant, spicy 2003 Reignac reveals sweet cassis fruit, notions of smoke and herbs, supple tannin, and low acidity." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The blend of course is Beringer’s beautiful 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, always proving that the sum is better than the component parts. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet nose of smoked meats, black currant jam, chocolate, pain grille, and espresso roast. Rich, full-bodied, and deep, with silky tannin and loads of length and concentration, it should drink well for 15-20 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker December 2006.