L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2003

Bright berry, dried herb and mineral notes. Medium weight. Drink now. 7,500 cases made.

This reasonably priced Châteauneuf is intense and flavorful, yet holds onto a sense of elegance and proportion, something that's not always easy in a sun-baked vintage like 2003. Cherries and black cherries come rushing across the palate in waves, garnished by little curls of cinnamon and clove. Long on the finish, picking up subtle hints of bacon or wood smoke. Imported by Cannon Wines Limited.

Very deep, healthy crimson. Sweet, spicy and quite herbal nose with hints of garrigue. Not a blockbuster. Quite medicinal in its flavour spectrum. Pretty tough finish. Very competent though lacking a little excitement. (JR)

A brilliant ’03, the 2003 Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape is still youthful and shows outstanding aromas of kirsch and blackberry styled fruits, spice, beef jerky, and garrigue. Not overripe in the least, this is a medium-medium+ bodied beauty that has a round, supple mid-palate, solid focus, and quality, fine tannin on the finish. Seemingly, every bit as youthful and fresh as the ’05, this should continue to shine for another 5-8 years.