The 2003 French vintage will long be remembered for the killing August heat wave and a difficult early harvest. Winemakers were certainly put to the test that year and the results have been uneven at best. At the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival late last year, however, we were fortunate to discover one stellar 2003 production— Chateau Lagrange Saint Julien 2003, a marvelous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot from the Languedoc region in the south of France.  Inspired by that find, Gary decided to forage around through a few of our favorite wine merchants for a 2003 Bordeaux to compare and contrast.

A local shop had an interesting red from Graves, an appellation best known for its whites located just outside the town of Bordeaux. The 2003 Clos Floridene, a Cab/Merlot blend, was well-priced at $25-$30 and sat by its lonesome on the shelf, calling to Gary. So he bought it.

We paired it with a bone-in lamb steak, simply broiled with just a bit of salt and pepper. We were immediately taken in by the Clos Floridene’s deep garnet color and striking tobacco aroma, with a hint of vanilla and deep black fruits. The taste? A perfect match with the lamb—lively cherry overtones with spice and leather (yes, Gary claims to have tasted leather!).  We later found the Clos Floridene matched up surprisingly well with Trader Joe’s Eggplant Garlic Spread.  

We can’t vouch for the whole of France 2003 but as we doggedly make our way through the country we will report back on our findings of that challenging growth year.