100 points Robert Parker: "The perfect 2003 Hermitage has acquired extraordinary minerality as well as definition since I first tasted it 12 months earlier. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by glorious aromas of creme de cassis, black cherries, licorice, crushed rocks, and flowers. Prodigiously rich and full-bodied yet elegant and fresh, this is a tour de force in winemaking. There are no overripe, scorched, pruny, fig-like notes in this extraordinary Hermitage. It will be drinkable young, yet evolve for 35-40+ years. (Feb 2006)"
100 points Jeb Dunnuck: "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. Drink: 2020-2040. (2/13/20)"
99 points Wine Spectator: "The exotic fig and boysenberry aromas are captivating on their own, but this also delivers waves of dark plum and black currant fruit along with lilac, lavender, tar, roasted game, worn saddle leather and bittersweet cocoa. Then just when it seems like it's too much wine, the massive, loamy yet creamy finish pulls it all together with remarkable focus and lets the minerality sing. The greatest young red I have ever tasted. Drink now through 2036. 750 cases made. (11/15/06)"
98 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "'Now we take the monster out of his cage,' Jean-Louis warned me before pouring this. Inky, almost black in color. Elemental, hugely concentrated and powerful on the nose, which slowly unveils aromas of dark cherry liqueur, blackberry, cassis, espresso and a deep note of sweet tobacco. Impossibly rich and dense on the palate (the yields in 2003 were off by two-thirds), showing myriad dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors, with a suggestion of tapenade and an intense licorice quality. Remarkably, this takes on a mineral tone on the finish, which has the effect of further drawing out the amazingly powerful finish. (Jan/Feb 2006)"
(19-20)/20 points John Livingstone-Learmonth (The World of Fine Wine): "Purple, sleek robe; gutsy, ample bouquet—unusual with its air of black rather than red berries. The palate carries black berries with plenty of depth in the taste, then a grilled note. Has a prune-plum aftertaste. The length is good, and this ends clearly, even if there is some alcohol and heat. It does not seem tannic, but it is. For the drinker, it is a wine that revolves around the style—you either like this big rendering or you don’t want your Hermitage so “large.” 2023–26. ****** (Jun 2008)"
100 points Jeb Dunnuck: "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. Drink: 2020-2040. (2/13/20)"
99 points Wine Spectator: "The exotic fig and boysenberry aromas are captivating on their own, but this also delivers waves of dark plum and black currant fruit along with lilac, lavender, tar, roasted game, worn saddle leather and bittersweet cocoa. Then just when it seems like it's too much wine, the massive, loamy yet creamy finish pulls it all together with remarkable focus and lets the minerality sing. The greatest young red I have ever tasted. Drink now through 2036. 750 cases made. (11/15/06)"
98 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "'Now we take the monster out of his cage,' Jean-Louis warned me before pouring this. Inky, almost black in color. Elemental, hugely concentrated and powerful on the nose, which slowly unveils aromas of dark cherry liqueur, blackberry, cassis, espresso and a deep note of sweet tobacco. Impossibly rich and dense on the palate (the yields in 2003 were off by two-thirds), showing myriad dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors, with a suggestion of tapenade and an intense licorice quality. Remarkably, this takes on a mineral tone on the finish, which has the effect of further drawing out the amazingly powerful finish. (Jan/Feb 2006)"
(19-20)/20 points John Livingstone-Learmonth (The World of Fine Wine): "Purple, sleek robe; gutsy, ample bouquet—unusual with its air of black rather than red berries. The palate carries black berries with plenty of depth in the taste, then a grilled note. Has a prune-plum aftertaste. The length is good, and this ends clearly, even if there is some alcohol and heat. It does not seem tannic, but it is. For the drinker, it is a wine that revolves around the style—you either like this big rendering or you don’t want your Hermitage so “large.” 2023–26. ****** (Jun 2008)"
| Product SKU | 310178 |
| Producer | Chave/Jean-Louis |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône |
| SubRegion | Northern Rhône |
| Varietal | Syrah/Shiraz |
| Vintage | 2003 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Ships To |
