Wine Spectator (95-100)

Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100

Wine Advocate (100)

A desert island wine (as is just about any top vintage of the cuvee) and a gorgeous showing, the 2003 Cote Rotie la Mouline is drinking beautifully, yet is still young, loaded with fruit, and possesses over-the-top richness. Giving up notions of plum, liquid flowers, potpourri and smoked meats, this puppy is full-bodied, massive and layered on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate, thrilling amounts of texture, and a blockbuster-styled finish. There’s nothing classic about it, but it’s still as good as it gets.

Wine Advocate (100)

I’ve always loved the 2003s from the Guigal family and the 2003 Cote Rotie la Turque has yet to ever disappoint. An incredible perfume of smoked herbs, charred meats, violets, licorice and blackcurrants gives way to a huge, unctuous, powerful Cote Rotie that has masses of ripe, sweet tannin, full-bodied richness and a finish that just won’t quit. Enjoy this heavenly elixir over the coming 2-3 decades.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)

(roughly a 50/50 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon) Good bright ruby-red. Deep, smoky aromas of plum syrup, raspberry, tobacco, iron and roasted nuts. Lush, silky and sweet, with insidious vinosity keeping the lush plum and tobacco flavors fresh and delineated. The suave merlot tannins spread out to cover the entire palate. Much more a merlot-dominated wine than the 2001, which is 65% cabernet sauvignon.

Decanter (100)

Is this as good as the 1989? Certainly it is lush and powerful, lingering and expanding in the mouth with sweet tobacco and cigar box notes, along with still young blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, all given lift by the trademark Haut-Brion aromatics. It beds in and shakes off early reticence after a good hour in the glass, suggesting that this is only just leaving its primary phase and has many decades left ahead of it. A great wine that highlights the success of Haut-Brion under the partnership of estate director Jean-Bernard Delmas, father of current director Jean-Philippe Delmas, and owner Joan Dillon the Duchess of Mouchy (president of the company until 2008 before handing over to her son Prince Robert of Luxembourg). A supremely confident wine that is hard to fault in its depth of expression.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-93)

Musky, complex nose melds lime, pineapple, coconut and smoke. Fat, dense and concentrated; more glyceral and chewy than the 2000 Laville. Finishes long and deep, with a rich, honeyed quality.

Hail from one of Burgundy's most esteemed vineyards, the Henri Rebourseau Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2003 is a French fine wine drenched in tradition and unparalleled craftsmanship. Generated under the gazing eye of seasoned vintner, Domaine Henri Rebourseau, this exquisite creation features full-bodied, sophisticated notes of ripe black fruit, sizzling spices, and enduring minerality. The 2003 vintage doubly fosters a harmonious fusion of silky tannins and a vibrant, concentrated palate.

Produced in the exceptional terroir of Gevrey-Chambertin, the Henri Rebourseau Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2003 was meticulously cultivated with traditional winemaking methods, favouring natural yeast fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels. The limited production makes it a highly sought-after gem for any discerning wine enthusiast.

The Henri Rebourseau estate prides itself on their sustainable approach to viticulture, preserving precious biodiversity and guaranteeing the paramount expression of their prestigious terroir. Embrace this grand cru's magnificent complexity today, a toast to Burgundy's rich vinicultural legacy.

Wine Advocate (96)

Dense ruby/purple, with a glorious nose of blackberries, cassis, white flowers, licorice, and a hint of sweet oak, this seamless wine is a classic example of purity and symmetry. Combining power with charm and finesse in a deeply textured, rich, elegant, yet authoritatively flavorful style, this is a brilliant effort as well as a compliment to proprietor Christian Moueix.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88-91)

Black fruits, tar, coffee and mocha on the nose; a bit less vibrant than the Chambolle examples. Big, rich, oaky and velvety, but still closed in the middle. Notes of earth, stone and herbs. Finishes with substantial, broad tannins.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)

Full red, but not darker than the Amoureuses. Sappy, deep aromas of raspberry, minerals and flowers. Offers a very ripe flavor of liqueur-like raspberry but is still quite tightly wound and dominated by its structure. More austere, even monolithic today, and showing less detail than the Amoureuses, perhaps because this was the last wine to be racked. Best now on the long, subtle, stony back end.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)

Good bright red. Superripe but reticent aromas of blackberry, bitter chocolate and tar. Densely packed for young Musigny, with flavors of blackberry and blueberry liqueur. At once smooth and juicy. The most backward and classic of these 2003s today-the one that shows the least obvious vintage character.

Vinous - Neal Martin (86)

The 2003 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc picked between September 10 and 24. It has a fragrant bouquet of well-defined black fruit mixed with fresh fig and a touch of canned prune, but as with the 2003 Sociando-Mallet, there is no sense of overripeness. The fleshy palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin and touches of prune, white pepper and sage. Missing some tension on the finish, but otherwise this is drinking well. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.

Vinous (95+)

Deep ruby-red. Very reticent but pure aromas of black raspberry, minerals and menthol. Lush on entry, then precise and backward in the middle, with an almost medicinal austerity and outstanding concentration. This expands and explodes on the back end, coating the palate with black cherry, bitter chocolate and mineral flavors. A rare case of a 2003 that seems as primary as most '04s are today, and that will require extended bottle aging. One of the early superstars of the vintage.

Vinous (97)

Chave’s 2000 Cuvée Cathelin was monumental. It was a privilege to taste, but also a shame to open so early. If the 1991 seemed young, the 2000 came across as a veritable new-born. 

Vinous (99+)

Who knows when, if ever, this will be sold, but what the hell. Inky purple. Positively explosive aromas of mulberry, creme de mure, exotic chocolate, musky herbs, pungent flowers and smoky game, with wild potpourri and resin notes. Thick, chewy and almost ridiculously sweet, with the concentration, weight and fruit intensity of a great vintage port, yet with amazing freshness and energy. The finish builds endlessly, deepening and sweetening, and displaying simply remarkable persistence and a clinging raspberry liqueur note. I think I was tasting this the next morning. "I am so happy that I was able to make this wine with my father. If he hadn't been here to watch this it would have been very sad," Jean-Louis concluded.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I’ve rated the 2003 Hermitage perfect on numerous occasions, and while sound bottles are still as good as it gets, I’ve also had some tired bottles here in the States, so provenance is critical with this vintage. Still youthfully colored yet just starting to show some maturity in its aromatics of blackberries, dark currants, licorice, spice box, and leather, this fabulously textured, opulent 2003 hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a wealth of sweet tannins, and a monster of a finish. Clearing 15% alcohol (and I think the pH is probably around 4), it should be a required tasting for all those touting the low alcohol nonsense. This singular beauty can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for another two decades, if you’re so inclined.

Indulge in the rare delight of Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin Chablis 2000, an exceptional vintage wine of unparalleled elegance. With its roots deep in the heart of Burgundy, the Droin family lineage, boasting a remarkable 500-year unbroken line of winemakers, encapsulates the purest expression of Chardonnay. Jean-Paul and Benoît have skilfully harnessed the cool climate and Kimmeridgian limestone-clay soil, enriching their Chablis with mineral complexity and graceful acidity.

This nectar underwent vinification in stainless steel tanks, retaining the fruit's freshness and vibrancy. With a palate of green apple, citrus and flinty nuances, the Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin Chablis 2000 intensifies in depth and flavour as it unfolds. Critics acknowledge its finesse, with alluring nuances evolving splendidly with age. A true symbol of timeless French winemaking mastery, the Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin Chablis 2000 is a sophisticated testament to the Droin family's passionate dedication to their craft.

Vinous (93)

(this was bottled in May of 2005, whereas all of the above 2003s were bottled during the summer of 2004) Steely aromas of pineapple, stone, spices and mint; shows a distinctly metallic minerality. Then sweet, dense and rich, with outstanding depth of pineapple and stone flavors. Expands impressively on the back half, and finishes with resounding persistence and great purity. Accessible already but should be better with another couple years of aging. Very suave Montrachet. This wine should not explode now and then fade away, notes Frederic.

Vinous (95)

(LD210008): Bright gold. Pungent aromas of candied orange, buttered toast, pear skin and vanilla, with a smoky nuance that gains power in the glass. Stains the palate with intense pear liqueur, citrus pith and brioche flavors, picking up notes of licorice and candied ginger with air. A bright mineral note adds lift and energy to the finish, which clings with superb tenacity and lingering smokiness. This complex, concentrated Champagne is showing very well right now but has the legs to age for years to come.

Vinous (95)

(LD210008): Bright gold. Pungent aromas of candied orange, buttered toast, pear skin and vanilla, with a smoky nuance that gains power in the glass. Stains the palate with intense pear liqueur, citrus pith and brioche flavors, picking up notes of licorice and candied ginger with air. A bright mineral note adds lift and energy to the finish, which clings with superb tenacity and lingering smokiness. This complex, concentrated Champagne is showing very well right now but has the legs to age for years to come.

Vinous (95)

(LD210008): Bright gold. Pungent aromas of candied orange, buttered toast, pear skin and vanilla, with a smoky nuance that gains power in the glass. Stains the palate with intense pear liqueur, citrus pith and brioche flavors, picking up notes of licorice and candied ginger with air. A bright mineral note adds lift and energy to the finish, which clings with superb tenacity and lingering smokiness. This complex, concentrated Champagne is showing very well right now but has the legs to age for years to come.

Jancis Robinson (19)

ID 113015. Disgorged winter 2012-13. 46% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier. Named ‘Vivacious Radiance’ at Krug. A truly unique year with particularly challenging circumstances. The first harvest was on 23 August, the earliest since 1822. Pale gold. Pungent nose. Very tight. Hint of putty on the nose. Opens out on the palate. Masses to chew on. Real concentration. Perfect for drinking now. Dry but complete. Intellectual and great balance. Very impressive.

Jancis Robinson (19)

ID 113015. Disgorged winter 2012-13. 46% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier. Named ‘Vivacious Radiance’ at Krug. A truly unique year with particularly challenging circumstances. The first harvest was on 23 August, the earliest since 1822. Pale gold. Pungent nose. Very tight. Hint of putty on the nose. Opens out on the palate. Masses to chew on. Real concentration. Perfect for drinking now. Dry but complete. Intellectual and great balance. Very impressive.

Vinous (96)

(LLSNFF): Vibrant yellow-gold. Smoke- and mineral-accented pear and Meyer lemon on the deeply scented nose, with notes of ginger, vanilla bean and white flowers adding complexity and lift. Sappy, deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit flavors are braced by juicy acidity, picking up sweet butter and anise nuances with air. Chewy and mineral-driven, with superb clarity and slow-building spiciness. An exotic touch of iodine emerges on the finish, which shows outstanding focus and toasty persistence. The combination of power and energy here is really impressive.

The case contains:

1 x 75cl Krug Clos du Mesnil 2003 - 97 points | Wine Spectator

1 x 75cl Krug 2003 - 95 points | Vinous

1 x 75cl Krug Grande Cuvée NV

James Suckling (94)

What a wine this is. This combines density and power with fruit and richness. Lovely notes of dried flowers and minerals in the nose and palate. Full and tannic, but incredibly fresh. This is a serious 2003, but still needs five years. Pull the cork in 2015. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Wine Advocate (99)

No tasting note was given.