I was browsing through a large inventory reduction sale at a local retailer no too long ago, and found several bottles of this for a song (I think I paid $35/bottle!). I typically don’t seek out 2003 CdP, and I don’t own any with exception of some sleeping Pegau in large format. I’m a big fan of the BdB style, so I picked up 3 bottles out of curiosity. I popped and poured one last night over a nice casual dinner with my wife.
I’m convinced that if I were served this blind and told to guess the vintage, I would have instantly said 2001. I was expecting a really big wine here, and was dreading a bit of a raisiny character, but pleasantly surprised at what was in the glass. Classic CdP nose of dried fruits, garrigue, grilled meats, etc, with just a little funk. The color wasn’t nearly as dark as I was expecting, and was almost Burgundy-like. Really concentrated fruit on the palate, but nicely balanced with floral/pepper/earthy components. Nice long finish! I think this will only get better over time, but it will be hard to keep my hands of my remaining bottles.
