Heralded as an exceptional vintage, premier crus 2003 Bordeaux wines are now on the market, much to the delight of wine enthusiasts -- albeit at surprisingly high prices that may rather dilute that delight.
"In fact, consumers will have to pay 50 to 100 percent more than for the 2002 vintage," said Shinya Tazaki, Japan's world-champion sommelier during a recent Tokyo tasting of the vintage held at the Hotel Okura.
While not contradicting Tazaki on prices, a winemaker from the Saint Emilion area of Bordeaux was quick to point out that "It is one of the best vintages in 10 years." His sentiments were echoed by Philipe Casteja of Chateau Trottevieille, who said, "The wine is well balanced, supported by a good structure, and it can be drunk early."