Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 90-92 points

Sporting a medium to dark ruby/purple color, the 2003 Volnay Clos des Chenes (red) explodes from the glass with spices, rose petals, dark cherries, and blueberries. Seemingly the ripest of the Volnays, it expands on the palate with copious quantities of candied black fruits, cassis liqueur, tar, and licorice. Medium-bodied, it displays outstanding depth and an extended finish that exhibits additional waves of fruit as well as loads of ripe tannin. Projected maturity: 2010-2020.

Review date: April 2005

Vinous: 93 points

Good deep red-ruby color. Black fruits, violet and pepper on the nose, with a suggestion of oak spice. Large-scaled, lush and vinous, with full but juicy flavors of dark berries and violet. This, too, boasts lovely restrained sweetness. A wine of huge phenolic material, with the dusty tannins coating the entire palate. Here's a 2003 that calls for a good decade of aging and may well evolve in bottle for 20 years or more.

Review date: March 2006