La Croix de Peyrolie 2003

La Croix de Peyrolie is part of Bernard Magrez’s Cuvee d’Exception portfolio, and this particular offering is marketed by the famous French actor, Gerard Depardieu. A sexy concoction of smoky black currant and sweet cherry fruit with huge aromatics, an exuberant, flamboyant mouthfeel, and a luscious finish, the knock-out 2003 can be enjoyed over the next 7-10 years.

Very silky and delicious, with loads of chocolate and berry character. Medium-bodied. Medium finish. Got to like this.

The 2003 (cropped at 13 hectoliters per hectare) is an opulent, fruit-driven claret displaying notes of roasted herbs, kirsch, and black currants, wonderful sweetness, abundant glycerin, and heady alcohol in the long, concentrated, pure finish. It should be enjoyed over the next 5-8 years.

Only 500 cases produced, cropped at a meagre 13 hl/ha, Carole Bouquet has produced the finest wine I have ever tasted from this appellation ... A sleeper of the vintage.