Vinous Comment - Score: 87-89 (2003 January)

(from mostly 10- to 12-year-old vines in Viailleres, Rochains, and Roziers; aging in all new barrels) Good saturated medium ruby. Blackberry and pepper on the nose, with a slight crystallized fruit element; offers stronger Cote-Rotie character despite its new oak tones of dark chocolate, smoke, cinders and spices. Rich and chewy in the mouth, but with a mineral spine and firm acids giving it solid structural support. Finish shows substantial wood tannins, with the tannins reaching the front teeth.