Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2003

95+ points Robert Parker: "The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years. (Aug 2014)"

95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Significant body and tannins delivering ultra-refined tactile sensations. Strong aromas of cigar box and plum. Persistent, very close to a First Growth in the quality of its nose and body. Spectacular success in a vintage that was not easy for Pauillac. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"

'Top 100 Wines of 2006 (#39)'/93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark plum, fig and blackberry fruit shows a hint of torréfaction but stay fairly juicy and defined, while singed cedar, smoldering tobacco and charcoal notes score the finish. Cedar and dried currant fruit wind up together at the every end. Very Pauillac, and though a touch short on refinement, this shows good stuffing and energy for the vintage. -Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Best from 2020 through 2032. (7/31/18)"

93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Roasted blackberry, coffee and mocha on the nose, along with a grapey quality. Fat, superripe and sweet; wonderfully full, sexy and broad. Just this side of exotic, but sound natural acidity gives shape to the thick, mellow dark berry and chocolate flavors. Finishes with substantial tannins and resounding length. This will be drinkable several years earlier than the 2005. (May/Jun 2006)"

93 points James Suckling: "Pure ripe fruit on the nose with raspberries and blueberries. Full bodied, with round and silky tannins and a pretty polish to this ripe and fruit forward wine. Pull the cork after 2014. Find the wine. (3/13/11)"

18/20 points Decanter: "Another triumph for Alred Tesseron's estate, and for me this has long been one of the wines of the vintage. One of the few that will surely repay cellaring. The property was not yet biodynamic in 2003, but was well on its way. Drink: 2013-2022. (Apr 2013)"

17.5-18/20 points The World of Fine Wine: "Very deep red. Dense, sturdy nose, black fruits, with ample power but no baked character -- and it even has some attractive fragrance. Rich, with a supple texture despite the massive tannins, robust and with plenty of grip, and it doesn't have any cooked character. There's even some lifting acidity, adding up to an excellent 2003 as the tannins should soften and they have no green character. Quite long. (Issue 26; 2009)"