Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande 2003

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Granat, noch jung, aber auch ersten Reifeschimmer am Rand zeigend. Vollsüsses Bouquet, Karamell, junger Port und gekochte Pflaumen, Cassis schon fast im Übermass. Im Gaumen füllig, wieder mit viel cremigen Tanninen, ausserhalb von Bordeaux vom Grundgeschmack her – aber ein Weltklassewein."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This has very ripe fruit, but not overripe. Hints of prunes but mostly currants and spices on the nose, mainly cinnamon. Full-bodied with firm tannins yet polished and velvety. It still has an incredible freshness. I love it. Try it after 2015, but enjoy this now if you cannot wait."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This is a beauty. The smoke, tobacco, truffle, cedar, cherry liqueur, mint, thyme and light cocoa dust in the nose if a winner. But the silky, lush, sexy texture, and the sweet, cassis, cherry and bitter chocolate in the end, seals the deal. Decanted about 20 minutes and enjoyed over the subsequent 90 minutes was working tonight."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "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. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates."