For fans of N. Rhone and S. Rhone wines, a MAJOR disagreement ...

[Bucko]

The N. Rhone 2003 vintage was given a 96 rating and the S. Rhone 2003 vintage was given a 94 rating by Wine Advocate.

After just returning from the area, I strongly disagree with these ratings, and so do many candid winemakers in the area who find the scores "amusing." They say the vintage was very atypical and difficult.

By my tastings, I find the S. Rhone fared better than the N. Rhone. All of the wines are pretty big, hot from the high alcohol, and many of the wines have raisiny, pruney tastes.

To make things worse, prices have increased by 25-35% for the 2003 wines, probably due to the high scores and also an effort to recover from the disasterous 2002 vintage.

This is absolutely one vintage where I will only buy after I try -- I advise the same for you accordingly.