2003 Chateau Duhart-Milon. Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. 13% alcohol. $40.
A translucent medium garnet hue with thick, lightly colored legs. Moderately strong and airy aromas of sweet plum/cherry, smoke, and pencil shavings. Texturally gorgeous – smooth, plush, and velvety tannin allayed with more than sufficient, well integrated acidity. It is drinking beautifully right now but has enough stuffing to allow this wine to develop more fully over the next decade. This Fourth Growth is a remarkable value in this vintage – it’s worth buying by the case. 73% Cabernet and 27% Merlot. Drink now to 2016. 92+ points.