92 Stephen Tanzer - Vinous Media

"Good bright, deep red with ruby highlights. Wonderfully pure aromas of blackberry and minerals show an almost medicinal freshness; I would never have picked this as 2003. Vibrant and concentrated, with black cherry, violet and mineral flavors of superb intensity. Finishes with very fine, firm tannins and excellent length A compellingly cool, bright, youthfully wound-up 2003 that should last for 15 to 20 years." -92 points- Stephen Tanzer- International Wine Cellar

"Another notch up in aromatic freshness with expressive and pretty red and black pinot fruit notes that are followed by sappy, supple and utterly delicious flavors that are precise, complex and elegant. The mineral aspect that is usually present in this wine is slightly less evident yet the overall impression remains one of an exercise in finesse and power with perfectly integrated structure that comes up on the impressively persistent finish. In sum, this is a beautiful and unusually fresh '03." -91 Points - Allen Meadows - The Burghound

"An 'autodidact' in the best sense, 'Manu' is extraordinarily in touch with his vines and vineyards, which form an enviable assortment in this prestigious village. A small piece of Charmes-Chambertin leads the range, but the real interest is in the evocative 1er crus of Gevrey: Petite Chapelle, Estournelles St. Jacques, Craipillot, and Poissenot. This last is little known in the U.S., but magnificent for its subtlety and complexity. Situated at the top of the combe in Gevrey-Chambertin, on a steep, stony slope just below the tree line, this vineyard lies on fractured limestone with thin topsoil that forces the roots of the vines to penetrate deep into the bedrock for moisture. This allows the vineyard to weather heat without missing a beat, and has the additional benefit of allowing the roots to take up essential minerals found deep within the hillside."

"The fruit undergoes a pre-fermentation cold soak at 57–61°F for 3 to 6 days in temperature-controlled vats, avoiding over-maceration to limit the extraction of harsh tannins. All wines are aged in Châtillonnais oak, 50% new oak for all wines except Estournelles St.-Jacques and Charmes-Chambertin, which see 100% new oak. This south-facing vineyard is situated high on the hill and has light, stony soils. An extension of the Estournelles vineyard, with 40% the Humbert family owns the largest parcel of Poissenot and are one of only two significant proprietors with of the vineyard. Total yearly production is just 4-5,000 bottles." -Importer

This wine scored 84 points by Wine Spectator. See the wine on Cellar Tracker here: http://www.cellartracker.com//wine.asp?iWine=117267