"There's a smoky undertow to this lively rosé, mixing with hints of ripe black cherry, guava, biscotti and spice. Elegant overall thanks the fine balance and detailed, creamy texture."

"Hints of toffee and anise run through the fresh quince paste, coffee, pastry and candied orange peel flavors in this supple Champagne, which sports a rich flavor profile in a restrained package, with a smoky note echoing on the finish."

"The 2003 is a big, powerful Champagne that will require quite a bit of time to shed some of its baby fat. The trademark textural finesse is there, though. I expect the 2003 to be a highly divisive Champagne because of its extreme personality, but then again, many of the world’s legendary wines were made from vintages considered freakish at the time. The 2003 is an atypically, rich, powerful, vinous Dom Perignon loaded with fruit, structure and personality. It is not for the timid, but rather it is a wine for those who can be patient. No one has a crystal ball, but personally I will not be surprised if in 20 years’ time the 2003 is considered an iconic Champagne."