Wine Spectator: 93 points

Opulent aromas of blackberry, olives and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Big and muscular wine. Best after 2009.

Review date: March 2006

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 92 points

($27-$35) Saturated medium ruby. Superripe, expressive aromas of black cherry, leather and cocoa powder, with a captivating floral element. Lush, sweet, fat and full in fact, this is downright unctuous in the middle palate, but with very good underlying structure. Very long and ripe on the back end. A prime example of a 2003 that received a near-perfect extraction. The wine today has an IPT of 73, alcohol of 13%, and a pH of 3.78.

Review date: May 2004

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 94 points

This fully mature, gorgeous 2003 Branaire Ducru possesses silky tannins, lots of cedary, spice box, floral, black cherry, forest floor and velvety leather-like notes, full body, and an opulent, complex yet elegant style. A beauty of complexity, richness and finesse, it should continue to drink well for another 5-6 years.

Review date: August 2014