Ch. Faizeau Montagne Vielles Vignes 2003

"This top-flight estate, run by Dr. Alain Raynaud’s (of Quinault l’Enclos) sister, may be the finest vineyard in Montagne-St.-Emilion. It consists of 25 acres of old vine Merlot planted on a limestone/sand plateau. The average age of the vines is 50 years, although some were planted in 1904. The 2003 reveals figs, overripe black cherries, black fruits, scorched earth, and smoke characteristics along with marvelous fat and density. It is an up-front, in-your-face style of wine to drink over the next 5-8 years."

89 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Beautiful plum and berry aromas here, verging on jammy. Full, soft yet chewy. Lots going on here. Big wine and slightly rustic. Best after 2009."

88 Points

Wine Spectator

"Good bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of red berries, licorice and earth; avoids the exotic excesses of this vintage on the right bank. Fat, rich and sweet, with hints of superripe berries, smoke, truffle and earth. Juicy, not at all flat. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins."

88 Points

International Wine Cellar