WA 94 (2/2006): The powerful 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape comes closest in character to the 1990 (which is still drinking beautifully). Its dark ruby/plum/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of resiny pine forest interwoven with creme de cassis, black cherries, melted licorice, and smoky herbs. In the mouth, gamy, meaty flavors emerge along with black currants, cherries, and a hint of the sushi wrapper called nori. Full, rich, and moderately tannic, this 2003 requires another 1-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15 years.
 
JD 93 (8/2010): Starting out slightly port like, the 2003 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape blossoms with an hour of air, showing plum sauce and blackberry liqueur like aromas that are supported by beef blood, rusty iron and garrigue. This is followed up by a full bodied, hedonistic wine that’s loaded with ripe fruit, a lush texture and a long finish. While this is showing beautifully, if you’re not a fan of the 2003 vintage in general, this isn’t going to change your mind and the wine shows the ripe, heady nature of the vintage. Regardless, I’m a fan and recommend drinking remaining bottles over the next 5 to 8 years.
 
VM 93 (2/2006): Dark red. Sweet, exotic aromas of blackberry, cassis, molasses, bitter chocolate and dried flowers. Richly textured and dense, offering ripe dark berry flavors and nuances of floral pastilles and dark chocolate. A fat, unctuous wine that also boasts excellent purity of fruit and length, with soft, rounded tannins.