94 points Wine Spectator: "Big wine, with a wall of structure around a core of black currant, blackberry and fig fruit. Plenty of exotic spice, dark chocolate, licorice and graphite notes skitter in the background, with a long finish that drips with fruit. Best from 2008 through 2025. (4/30/06)"

91 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant wine, the dark ruby/purple colored 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a distinctive and possibly controversial nose of spearmint and eucalyptus intermixed with melted black chocolate, roasted meats, and plenty of herbs and black cherry liqueur. It is deep, fleshy, full-bodied, and savory. I would drink this wine over the next decade without hesitation. (Feb 2006)"