Echezeaux Grand Cru 2003, Mongeard-Mugneret

Appealing dark red velvet colour with the beginnings of a date-coloured rim. Seductive, floral, mineral, plum. Develops to vanilla, coffee, toast and roast plum. A real wow! factor. Heady and complex. This Echezeaux nose is emotional and theatrical. Initially lacks character and impact on the palate. But the sumptuous 2003 fruit comes out, with medium acidity, soft fruit tannins strengthened by savoury tannins from ageing in toasted oak barrels. Much better balance than other 2003s. Powerful finish on the upper palate and real grand cru length. At the apogee of complexity and balance - should not be kept beyond 2008. Reminded me of 'Romains de la decadence' by Thomas Couture.