This is a large, complicated domaine because of so many different parcels and micro-climates. The wine spends a year in tank after which a selection is made, and it is moved to old wood foudres for the second year. The 2003 Les Pallieres, which embodies the essence of Provence, reveals bold notes of garrigue, pepper, herbes de Provence, saddle leather, and plenty of kirsch and earth. The wine is medium-bodied, ripe, but has slightly drier tannins than the more seamless 2004. The 2003 is an impressive, hefty Les Pallieres that should drink well for 10-12 years.Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

Shows the hot character of the vintage in its extreme ripeness and dense, fudge-like texture. Chocolate and date flavors dominate, but there’s also a leavening of leather and spice to provide complexity as well as plentiful but supple tannins. Could use more freshness, but still has great appeal. Drink now–2015. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 89