2003 Chaleur Estate 1.5L Eng

Distinctive black ruby color, with nose of sweet tar, concentrated black fruits, toasty oak, cassis and pencil snap.  There is also plum brandy and an attractive sweet molasses nuance.  This is a very ripe and concentrated vintage, and is expansive in the mouth with plums, cassis, blackberries, and Asian spice.  Look for this wine to develop well into its 15th birthday.

95 pts. Pierre Rovani, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2003 Vintage)
Both the 2003 and 2002 red Chaleur Estates set new standards for this top-notch Washington winery. Winemaker Chris Upchurch is wedded to producing wines of harmony as well as grace, and with these two gems he's hit the bull's-eye on two successive occasions. Amazing aromas of blueberries, black cherries, spices, sage, thyme, and violets emanate from the glass of the 2003 Chaleur Estate (red). Though this wine is densely packed with candied blackberries as well as cassis, it loses none of its elegance and charm. Extremely well-focused and detailed, it also reveals great length in its seamless finish. Drink it over the next 15 years.