Andrew, I suspect the spicy food may have altered the perception of this wine for you, though it still sounds like it was enjoyable. Dehlinger Chards are not so much "big fruit" but they have pretty good concentration of flavors. I think 03 may have had a bit more oak on it then more recent vintages, my notes from the pickup open house that year do suggest oak.
FYI, there is once in a while a "Reserve" bottling, and in two vintages there has been a "See's Selection" which is one particularly clonal block (if I remember correctly).
Cheers,
Alan
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It's always darkest just before it goes pitch black