The 2003 Vieux Mas des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape is a fleshy, but somewhat dry, tannic wine with hints of old saddle leather, a relatively shallow, medium-ruby color, nice spice, and sweet cherry/strawberry notes. The hardness in the finish may prove troublesome with another 2-3 years of bottle-age. I would drink it up.
Importers: Vieux Telegraphe and Pigoulet: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524; Chateau La Roquette: Diageo Chateau Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400