Lardiere was compelled to vinify the 2003 Musigny whole-cluster as yields were so minuscule. Its stunningly complex aromatics – particularly for such a youthful wine – display herb-laced dark fruits, notes of chocolate, and spices. Full-bodied, massively structured and powerful, it is one of the densest, deepest red Burgundies I’ve encountered. A firm wine studded with coffee, blackberry, black cherry, stone, and roasting spice flavors, it also offers notes of licorice and asphalt during its interminable finish. If this titan ages as I suspect it will, my niece and nephew will be blown away by it when they’re in their 50s (they are in lower school at present!). Projected maturity: 2012-2025+. Note: Three wines that were tasted as barrel samples in November, 2004 were re-tasted from bottle in June, 2005. The 2003 Puligny-Montrachet (rated 87 points) is medium-bodied, expressive and plush, yet focused; the 2003 Pernand-Vergelesses Croix de Pierre (88) sports a wonderful nose of flowers and red cherries as well as a deep medium-bodied character filled with stony dark fruits; and the outstanding 2003 Pommard Rugiens (92) is medium to full-bodied, dense, structured, intense, and crammed with dark fruits.Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300