2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting

2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.

The average score for this vintage horizontal was 92.5. This was below similar tastings for 2009 or 2010, in-line with 2012 (although with less variation) and better than 1990 which was dragged down by a number of past-the-peak wines.

The fruit expression was nice and classic with only rare cases of overextraction or unripe fruit. Given the youthful nature of most bottles (primary fruit, firm structures), I think cellaring another 5 years or so could unlock a bit more complexity once aging notes become more visible. But this is still unlikely to produce any masterpieces.

It’s hard to decide whether right or left banks drinks better today, but on balance I would lean slightly towards the right. That said, all appellations had really solid quality representatives. On the left bank Paulliac was probably the best appellation, but that said there was no obvious laggard either.

The tasting was hosted by a private collector and moderated by JM Quarin. The wines were tasted blind in flights of 4. All bottles were previously opened but not decanted.

List of wines sorted by appellation and score:

St Estèphe
Montrose 93

Pessac
Haut-Brion 93
Smith Haut Lafitte 93
Haut-Bailly 92

Paulliac
Mouton Rothschild 94
Pichon Lalande 94
Duhart-Milon 94
Clerc-Milon 93
Latour 92
D’Armailhac 92
Pontet Canet 89
Lynch Bages 88

Margaux
Palmer 95
Margaux 91

St Julien
Guraud-Larose 94
Léoville Barton 93
Léoville Poyferré 93

Pomerol
Lagrange 95
L’Eglise Client 93
Pétrus 93
La Conseillante 93
Lafleur 92
Figeac 87

St Emilion
Valandrau 95
Clos Fourtet 94
La Mondotte 94
Larcis Ducasse 93
Ausone 92
Magdelaine 93
Fleur Cardinal 92

Other
Dubois Grimon NR

• 2002 Château Larcis Ducasse 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Delicate aging notes of leather and scorched earth, perfumed floral elements, red cherry and wild strawberries fruit. Nicely layered and precise, sweet and fruity in style. Palate with good balance and tension, fresh acidity – but mid-palate lacked substance. Mid-length finish with a leathery aftertaste.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Dubois-Grimon Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Ripe and slightly liqueur-like fruit of cassis, only hints of aging notes of barnyard in the background. Thin palate, rather tannic and imbalanced. Still going strong and appearing very young appearance, but fails to impress. With some time the off-notes clearly turned into cork taint.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Clos Fourtet 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Amazing notes of roasted coffee beans with fruits of mixed berries, blueberries and red currant. Faint notes of earth and mushrooms, but still mostly primary aroma profile. Palate a bit thin, but good tension. Minor imbalance towards mouthcoating tannins which also seemed just a tad unripe. The nose was easily 95+, but weighted down by the palate.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Magdelaine 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Ripe and well-defined fruit of red currant and red cherry, a bit of underwood, elements of floral notes, rose water. Mid-palate was lacking structure and balance was not ideal.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Valandraud 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A bit of black coffee, dark cherry, black currant, earth and pencil shavings with some sweeter accents and a spicy dimension. The impressive aromatic depth was accompanied by a palate that was vibrant with still plenty of tannic structure, a long and electric finish and felt well balanced.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 La Mondotte 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Dark and blue berries with lots of intensity behind, candy-like sweet notes and a bit of earth, tree bark and just a whiff of menthol. Firm structure, harmonious but young with grippy tannin and a brighter, almost red type of fruit. One of the stronger wines in the vintage.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Figeac 87 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  The aroma profile showed a greenish, herbal character with hay and mint but also a medicinal touch. Fruit of mixed berries. Palate a bit thin and scaled towards tannin. The fruit leaves you with a cooked impression after a while in the glass. At first interesting, but in the end overripe fruit and unripe tannins. A disappointing Figeac.

  Read 3 Comments / Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Ausone 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Coffee notes with a soapy type of perfume, red berry fruit and cherry. The palate was fresh and excels with balance, is fine and elegant, but doesn‘t offer much in terms of complexity with a rather narrow aroma spectrum and ends in a rather tannic finish. I have found Ausone to perform extraordinarily well in some off-vintages (2006, 2007, 2008, 2012) but in 2002 that was not the case – although I should add that I have also had a better bottle of the 2002.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Montrose 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Intense and dense with tangible weight to it. Mixed red and blue berries, nice aromas of spice, sweet notes, herbs, underwood and graphite. Good structure, young and athletic in a harmonious way. A solid Montrose that will benefit from another 5 years of cellaring.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Haut-Brion 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A splash of espresso, dark cherry and black currant, leather and dry earth. Good depth. Fresh and fruit-forward palate with tension. Concentrated and good length finish. Still carrying a lot of tannic excess weight hence very early days here. This will likely be better a few more years down the road.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Palmer 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Espresso, red and dark cherry, herbal complexity of tea and dried herbs, all of which topped off by pencil shavings. Still young and wild, but the vibrant acidity, fresh fruit and good tension build a highly palatable structure. One of the stand-out’s in this vintage.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Margaux 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Black coffee and red cherry fruit on the bouquet and hence pretty typical. But overall really low intensity and not much more to say on aromatics. Lacks mid-palate structure and aromatic intensity on the palate as well. I would say ok at best and clearly much more possible at this estate. Reminded me of the 1995 given the narrow profile and low intensity.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Intense fruit of red cherry which in terms of ripeness really nails it at a perfect spot. Accents of sweet spice, white pepper and mineral notes of iodine. Palate is well-balanced with nicely integrated tannin, a long finish and one of the strongest mid-palates in this vintage horizontal.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Lynch-Bages 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  The fruit is mostly red and blue berries, but came across somewhat unripe unfortunately. Elements of liquorish and a bit of leather were not enough to add anything interesting to the nose. The palate rather bitter, off-balance and with too much heat. A Lynch Bages to avoid, especially as this is the second bottle I tasted this year with pretty consistent results.

  Read 2 Comments / Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Pontet-Canet 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Lots of herbal features such as menthol, a pretty ripe, darkish cherry fruit and sweet notes of raw vanilla beans. So far so good. A fresh, fruit palate showing more red type of berries. Still good so far. Unfortunately the palate was significantly skewed towards acidity leaving a complete lack of balance.

  Post a Comment / 4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Latour Grand Vin 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A greenish, slightly unripe type of fruit leaning towards red berries. Hints of black coffee and herbs. Clean but not overly complex bouquet. The palate was fresh and fruit-forward, but with too much tannin in the finish, pretty mouthcoating and clashing rather than chiming together with the acidity.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Duhart-Milon 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Nice, fresh red berry fruit with aging notes of dried leaves and underwood as a delicate frame. Worth mentioning that the fruit had an amazing, sexy sweetness to it. Hints of mocha and milk chocolate round off the picture. More mocha to be found on the palate which was light and delicate and fully harmonious. One of the most elegant wines of the vintage, in my view.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château d'Armailhac 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Fresh red cherry fruit, a bit of barnyard, dried herbs and black tea. Fresh and fruity palate, in good balance but could use a bit more weight and structure.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Clerc Milon 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Dark cherry fruit, sweet spicy notes, a bit of graphite and with imagining also aging notes of leather. Precise but limited complexity. Palate was fresh and fruit-forward. A decent and flawless wine showing some of the heavier hitters how it’s done in this vintage.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Mouton Rothschild 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Black coffee notes, slightly peppery with a distinctly herbal character of dried herbs and a mixed berries fruit profile. Overtime developing stronger coffee notes. A juicy palate, bold and muscular, but not what you would call impeccable balance. Without the last issue, this could have been a contender for wine of the vintage – maybe there’s upside with another few years in the bottle. It’s been more than 3 years since I had this last and happy to see this has come some way since with surprisingly consistent notes.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Léoville Barton 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Cold black coffee, peppery spice and green, minty herbs. This frames a dark cherry fruit core. Fair to say there is great precision and depth. Palate is well balanced with lots of structure and a leathery aftertaste. The only fly in the ointment was a bit of perceptible heat. Otherwise a highly enjoyable and classic Léoville Barton that could even stand its ground against better vintages. While different in style from Poyferrée, these two were eye to eye in this vintage.

  Read 1 Comment / Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Léoville Poyferré 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Dark and red cherry fruit, white pepper, mineral notes of pencil shavings and iodine, floral notes of violets. Palate is firmly structured, feels definitely young but in good balance overall. A solid Poyferré which, while different in style from Barton, was similarly good seeing eye to eye in this vintage.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Lagrange (St. Julien) 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Incredibly elegant and immediately impresses with an aristocratic flair. Clean, refined and precise flavors of mocha and fresh red berries. The palate bursts with electric acidity, reigned back by firm but well-integrated tannins. The surprise of the tasting!

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Gruaud Larose 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  An intense and bold wine showing an impressive array of aromas. A bit of coffee, red cherry fruit, spice and fresh as well as dried herbs and sweet notes of caramel. Palate was still pretty wild, but in good harmony. Best to cellar a bit longer, but at this stage for me on a par with the higher rated 2000 – could this become a match for the 1982 a couple of decades down the road?

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château La Conseillante 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  This is a precise wine with delineation, albeit limited breadth. Fine espresso notes along with red berries and forest berries. The palate is lightly built but with a clear structure and a leathery complexity to it.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Lafleur 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Light red berry fruit profile, slightly spicy, a bit of lead and pencil shavings. Finely balanced palate, but lacking mid-palate presence. Lafleur tends to struggle in larger tasting settings and this time round was regrettably no different.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Pétrus 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Black coffee, red and blue berry fruit, just hints of sous-bois and mineral notes. A juicy palate with vibrant acidity but also with mouthcoating, grippy tannin.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château L'Eglise-Clinet 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Roasted coffee beans, dark cherry, tobacco and a bit of graphite. Nicely juicy palate, but not overly complex.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Fleur Cardinale 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Really pleasant and highly hedonistic nose showing nice floral and herbal complexity, albeit with a somewhat overripe fruit. There was also a bit of earth and mineral notes. Extracted, but still ok and not overripe fruit on the palate which added an element of sweetness.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Smith Haut Lafitte 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  The only wine in this vintage horizontal that showed a brett feature. A more red type of fruit on balance with a bit of leather and a splash of spice. Nice and fruity palate with good tension. A solid SHL in the vintage context, but pretty weak for SHL.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2002 Château Haut-Bailly 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  2002 Bordeaux 20 years on tasting. Key takeaways: 1/ 31 out of 32 wines were in flawless condition which indicates either luck or less bottle variation in the vintage, 2/ On average still early days with the fruit predominantly primary, 3/ solid hedonistic quality with only few laggards, but also no blow-outs, 4/ structures built on both tannin and acidity, but common mid-palate weakness, 5/ best wines were Valandrau, Palmer and a surprise underdog Lagrange (all 95), 6/ biggest disappointment was a cooked Figeac (87). More comments and full list of wines included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Ripe dark cherry fruit and sweet spice pretty much explain the nose. The palate is nicely juicy and well balanced, but again not overly complex.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue