Despite the modern elevage that the 2003 Tardieu-Laurent Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes receives, this seemed decidedly old world with a spicy, garrigue laced character. With air, subtle saddle leather, licorice and gobs of sweet cherry fruit come out to play and this displays great balance, medium to full body, nice texture and a long finish. I was more than a little impressed by this wine.