Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2000 vintage. Last tasted 9.25.23 (9.2) after 1.5 hours decanted. Popped and decanted this for lunch. Great fill and solid cork. Throwing a bit of sed but less than anticipated. Meh nose. Medium body initially. Started off on the rich side of the ledger but not plush. Had some smoothness afoot. Tasted after 45 mins open, 1.75 hours open and 8 hours open. First two were unspectacular. After lounging in the decanter 8 hours, wine had firmed up, thinned out, picked up plenty of secondary flavors and had that previously missing grip. If you're gonna open this during the holidays or anytime soon, do it very very early...otherwise, it'll be a total waste. Wine has miles to go. No rush to crush but just air it out in advance properly. 10.16.24. — 17 days ago

Jacob Onufrychuk

9.0

Not particularly noteworthy but good I’ve it has had a chance to breathe. Dark berry etc. — 5 months ago

Farrar Langlois

10

Gifted from Andy’s friend’s family vineyard. Hands down the best wine I’ve ever tasted. There’s some magical quality I can’t name as I’ve never tasted it before. Incredible. — a year ago

Tobias Linzert

9.1

Fantastic wine with complex aromas of blackberry jam, cassis, violet, licorice, earthy and oak. Wonderfully balanced on the palate with well-integrated tannins and great length. — 6 days ago

Neal Ferry

9.0

Neutral base wine — 5 months ago

with TwiLea

Ananda Aisola

9.0

Dry, light body, medium tannins, med alcohol, med acid — a year ago

Fabian Kühlhorn

9.1

Beautiful developed red fruit, some leather and forest floor. — 2 years ago

Robert Swart

9.0

Fortunate to have great friends that surprised me with this old vintage Bordeaux from my birth year. Opened up nicely and paired well with beef. — 2 months ago

GaryWEdwards

9.6

This is near perfection with wonderful jammy fruit balanced with earthiness tannins greatly justified to elegance. Darn good juice with no coaxing necessary. — 3 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Are there many/any better Pauillac second growths?

2003 a ripe, warm vintage.

Soften medium plus tannins. It’s Bordeaux lush, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum that leans into pudding, dark cherries, ripe strawberries, hues of purple & blue fruits. Dark spice w/ palate heat, nutmeg, clove , cinnamon notes, mid berry cola, some black licorice, vanillin, dark, rich forest floor with a touch of dry leaves, lead pencil shavings, dry tobacco, sandalwood to cedar, 1/2 used leather, limestone, dry, crushed rocks, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry to moist, grey, volcanic clay, fresh & withering dark, red flowers, framed in lavender & liquid violets, excellent acidity with excellent; tension, structure, balance and elegant finish that goes on and on.

First wine w/ an Allen Brothers Ribcap.

Photos of; Chateau Pichon Lalande, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, library cellar and estate vineyard. — 6 months ago