Super-expressive red cherries burst from the glass of the powerful, seductive 2003 Pommard Rugiens (red). A dense, chunky effort brimming with fruit, this medium to full-bodied wine slathers the palate with chocolate-covered cherries, blackberries, violets, licorice, and notes of cassis liqueur. Thick, muscular, and broad-shouldered, it bellows its terroir as it conquers the taster’s mouth. This muscle-bound behemoth is spectacularly ripe and sports an impressively long finish. The following anticipated maturity dates may be overly conservative as this may well be one of the seriously ageworthy 2003s. Projected maturity: 2008-2017. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300