Barbe Rac Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Fully mature, possibly drying out - not great

2003 bottle in 2023 is already a bit weak, although settled and mature has its elegance, and softened expression of CdP

Anise. Pepper. Dark currant. Smooth CdP. Last one…

This is very nice. I’ve had other vintages that were magical. This one is very good. Lots of structure, great color and very complex. Still a lot of tannin that may never fade. Very good but not magical.

A little long in the tooth

So...'03 in the southern Rhone is just so so. No pepper or spice or much that is nice.

John had this 10 years ago

Matthew had this 11 years ago