Pichon-Longueville Lalande Pauillac 2003

95 points Robert Parker: "Made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this spectacular 2003 hits all the sweet spots on the palate. A glorious bouquet of cedarwood, jammy black currants, cherries, licorice and truffle is followed by a dense, opulently textured, full-bodied wine with terrific purity and freshness as well as deep, velvety textured tannins. Enjoy this beauty over the next 10-12 years. (Aug 2014)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of my favorite estates, Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande have turned out a beautiful 2003 that shows none of the negative characteristics of this dry, incredibly hot vintage. Cassis, cedar wood, lead pencil and loads of spice give way to a full-bodied, surprisingly elegant, ethereally textured beauty that has notable purity and balance. It’s drinking great today and will keep for at least another 10-15 years. Drink: 2017-2032. (12/12/17)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$142 list] Normally one of the most elegant of Pauillacs, the 2003 is big and dense. These dark tannins mask delicious black fruit, flavors of spice and layers of acidity. This is going to develop relatively fast, despite the density of the wine, just because it is so rich. (May 2006)"

94 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Noble cedar aroma with a dab of red pepper. Generous, open, and very sappy with very fine-grained tannins, this wine already has a great, persistent presence. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Very pretty aromas of plum, blackberry, chocolate, espresso and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with ultrasilky tannins, refined fruit and a long, caressing finish. This is fine and refined with a wonderful texture. Not quite the 2000, but excellent. Best after 2011. (3/31/06)"

93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good deep red. Flamboyantly expressive aromas of raspberry, currant, earth, smoked meat, chocolate and pepper. Fat, full and voluptuous yet somehow light on its feet. This has a texture of liquid velvet. Wonderfully opulent wine with considerable inner-palate flavor complexity: raspberry, game, leather, mocha and chocolate. Finishes with very fine-grained tannins that coat the entire palate. A wonderful success for the year, and a wine that can be enjoyed already, even if its sheer material promises 15 to 20 years of life in bottle. (May/Jun 2006)"

17.5/20 points Stephen Brook (The World of Fine Wine): "Very deep red, with none of the premature evolution that marks 2003s from some other top estates. The nose is blackberry-scented and stern, a touch baked, but that's certainly not the dominant character. The palate is rich, juicy, and fleshy, with virile tannins and admirable concentration. The overriding tone is solemn and close to dour, but although this has plenty of grip, there are no green or hard tannins. Despite slightly low acidity, this has ample presence on the palate with a chocolaty finish that betrays the vintage. Very good for 2003, with fairly good length. (Issue 23; 2009)"