Domaine Bois de Boursan Chateauneuf du Pape, 2003

2003 was a disastrously warm vintage in the Southern Rhone, and, after tasting a few inexpensive Cotes du Rhone wines, I decided to stay away from Chateauneuf and Gigondas wines. This wine from Bois de Boursan was an exception. I have always admired Jean-Paul Versino as a winemaker and read some positive early reports about his 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape. The reports were right.

Good color, some amber beginning to form. The first sniff is funky but quickly turns into typical Bois de Boursan aromas, which are still funky but distinctive and beautiful. Spring flowers in a cow pasture. Very aromatic. Grenache strawberry but also black fruits. Warm and spicy on the palate. Very dense, like fruit cake but also sleek in texture. Very typical and very good. Ripe Grenache finish. No sign of warm vintage issues; the alcohol level is only 13.5%. Glad I have another bottle.