Lalou Bize-Leroy's 2003 Richebourg Grand Cru is drinking exquisitely well, mingling aromas of plums and sweet red berries with notes of raw cocoa, exotic spices, candied peel, burning embers and subtle hints of smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich and expansive, it's a lavish, dramatic wine, defined by a deep and voluminous core of sumptuous fruit that's framed by velvety tannins and ripe but lively acids, concluding with a long and superbly integrated finish. This a striking, dramatic Richebourg that demonstrates the deftness with which Leroy realized all the potential of this extreme vintage.

The explosive red fruit aromatics of the 2003 Richebourg lead to a big, dense character of impeccable ripeness. Bold and vaunting a spicy red cherry core of immense amplitude, this powerful, medium to full-bodied offering slathers the palate with sweet fruit and seamlessly lingers for 45 seconds or more. Quite primary, it comes across more as a barrel sample than a bottled wine. Projected maturity: 2007-2017. Represented by Leroy, Inc., San Rafael, CA; tel. 415-457-4811, various importers, including Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400; Stacole Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (800) 741-7791; Lauber Imports, Somerville, NJ; tel. (908) 725-2100; and MacArthur Beverages, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 338-1433

Leads off with aromas of red currant and bilberry. Very ripe, round and velvety, featuring dense tannins. A concentrated, if atypical, style. Just a hint vegetal now, yet with very fine potential. Domaine Leroy non-blind tasting (6/08). Best from 2020 through 2070.??–BS??Region: France / Burgundy / Richebourg Select to Add