We have been tasting through Beau's 2003s, because I assured him we should not wait due to questions about ageability.
A mixed bag so far, but this merlot/Cab Franc wine was quite enjoyable, with all the layers of savory goodness, earth, pencil shavings??? truffle notes (I agree with the reviewer behind the link) and just plain depth that Bordeaux seems to provide. Delicious and distinctive. http://bordeaux-undiscovered.blogspot.c ... blanc.html
2003 Chappellet Napa Valley Merlot.
I expected more of a goopy confected Napa fruit bomb (I don't buy a lot of Napa Merlot anymore), but this was actually quite lean and austere for a California wine. Does this reflect the "mediocre" vintage or is it the Chappellet house style? Definitely red fruit, high acid, lightish mouth feel. Not particularly fruity, but more straightforward fruit than the Bordeaux. Some anise and mineral???? notes...this almost reminded me a little bit of the Havens and Hopper Creek merlots from Yountville??? Good food wine. The main flaw for me is the alcohol does stick out a bit...the nose was somewhat fumey. However, I actually liked this quite a bit and am curious about Board opinions on Chappellet????