The 2003 Pàtrimo opens to a flat garnet color with browning rims. This year saw a scorching summer that made for especially difficult conditions for early-ripeneing varieties like Merlot. Thankfully, there was a burst of rain at the end of summer to cool things down at the very last minute. The bouquet exhibits jammy fruit aromas with blackberry preserves and cherry marmalade. The wine is more simplistic and one dimensional overall. It does not offer the outstanding depth and complexity that Pàtrimo delivers in cooler and more balanced years. The mouthfeel is thick, rich and chewy.