I had high hopes that the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes would score in the low to mid-90s out of bottle, but no such luck. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape and certainly a fine value. Deep ruby/plum/garnet with a wonderfully sweet and flamboyant nose of kirsch liqueur, ground pepper, and garrigue, the wine has a beautiful texture, full body, notes of plum, fig, and licorice, and a heady, glycerin-imbued finish. It is already delicious, but does not possess the extraordinary depth I thought it would. Nevertheless, it is seductive and best drunk over the next 7-8 years.