2003 Château Monbousquet
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Tasting notes
This was an amazing performance for Monbousquet. The 2003 exhibits plenty of fat and succulence along with a full-bodied, sexy mouthfeel, and lots of black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, baking spices and roasted herbs. Fully mature yet in no danger of falling apart or in decline, the color remains a healthy plum/garnet to the rim. This full throttle 2003 was one of the great buys of the vintage when it was first released, and continues to prove that great winemaking and viticultural management from less heralded terroirs can result in wines well-above their pedigree. Drink this beauty over the next 2-3 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full red-ruby. Expressive, vinous aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, leather and smoke. Sweet, supple and fat with fruit; dark and red berries are complemented but not overshadowed by hints of leather and smoked meat. This plump and satisfying wine has just enough acidity to maintain its shape. Finishes with sweet, surprisingly supple tannins and noteworthy persistence. Very easy to drink already but has the stuffing to give pleasure for another decade or so.
Good saturated ruby-red. Mellow aromas of berry liqueur, smoked meat and rich oak. Fat and powerful if a bit stunted today and difficult to taste. Best today on the finish, which shows firm tannic spine and a juicy quality that's quite refreshing in the context of the vintage. Today I prefer this to the young 2004.