Almaviva 2003

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2003 Almaviva is a real blockbuster, powerhouse vintage for this estate. With an inky blue/purple color, a beautiful nose of camphor, charcoal, blueberry, blackberry, and some spicy but subtle new oak, the wine is quite full-bodied, powerful, rich, but with silky tannins and loads of glycerin. This could turn out to be one of the all-time great wines released by this partnership and should continue to drink well for another two decades.
• 94 Wine Spectator
  Quite ripe, with braised fig, stewed plum, black currant paste and cherry preserve notes backed by roasted coffee and bacon notes. A tarry edge drives through the very lush finish. Shows more raw power than freshness, but still quite packed and in need of more unwinding.
• 94 Wine Enthusiast
  Impressive in every way. The color shines an irridescent ruby, while the bouquet is massive, an amalgamation of fresh-cut cedar, pencil lead and lush berry fruit. Ripe as can be and balanced, with plushness and depth you don't normally find. Finishes round and creamy, with vanilla and liqueur notes.