The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Mourre des Perdrix reveals a saturated dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as a classic perfume of black cherries, raspberries, flowers, and a notion of barnyard/earth. With a fleshy texture, medium to full body, loads of depth, low acidity, ripe tannin, and wonderful sweetness, purity, and overall elegance, it resembles a synthesis in style between a grand cru Cotes de Nuits and a Chateauneuf du Pape.
The best balanced wine of the entire portfolio
of 2003s is the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes. A complex nose
of mineral, kirsch liqueur, raspberries, balsam, and pepper jumps from the
glass of this medium to full-bodied, nicely layered, structured, rich wine with
notes of black cherry and raspberry. Deep but with lovely ripe tannin, this
wine can be drunk now or cellared for 10-12 years. WA #163 Feb 2006
