The 2003 vintage was extraordinarily hot in France/Europe. Many people died from the heat and the weather was problematic for many grape growers. At first, it looked like the grapes were going to be over ripe and jammy but the heat caused many vines to shut down and the resulting wines were actually under ripe and vegetal. More specifically, in Burgundy, which has cooler weather, the grapes seemed to be on the over ripe and jammy side. There was a lot of concern whether these wines could age. In addition, for many the style of the wines was more akin to California than their beloved Burgundy. Which brings us to the wine. While it was a bit bigger and more fruity, this Village level wine has held up just fine and is drinking well at age 22. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is classic with cherries, macerated cherries, earthiness and some "merde". Medium bodied. On the palate, this has a nice complexity. Bright cherry fruit with a bit of anise and earthiness. Good finish. This is better with a bit of food than on its own. It would nice with some stinky cheeses. Drink now, it won't get better.
