Bordeaux 2002 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes

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1 Bordeaux 2002 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 12/16/2016 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Saint-Estèphe... 4 Pauillac... 6 Saint-Julien Margaux Moulis Listrac Haut-Médoc Médoc Pessac-Léognan Pessac-Léognan Blanc Graves Rouge Sauternes Barsac Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 Bordeaux 2002 Médoc / Pessac-Léognan / Graves / Sauternes / Barsac Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur April 2003 Tasted on other occasions see date & place in italics It really is true, this is the third miracle vintage in a row. It was snatched back from the abyss by a final spell of fine warm weather. Like 2000 & 2001 it was made in the second half of the year, each time the first part of the growing season having been dangerously deficient. The worrying factor is that each year the turnaround in the weather has come later. In 2002 the turnaround did not start until the very end of August transforming the cool, damp and unattractive summer into a miraculously fine September and October. The problems started very much at the beginning of the season, the early budding was protracted, the flowering was almost catastrophic and véraison (the changing of the grapes colour) was spread over a longer than normal period. By the end of August most people did not believe that Bordeaux could make even a remotely decent vintage. The weather changed and black pessimism gave way to cautious optimism. At this stage the fine weather opened the way for those vineyards in good shape to make something rather better than just ordinary. Those vineyards in less than good shape who harvested early have made wines that turned out to be weak, unripe and unbalanced, wines to be avoided. Those with high proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc - the later ripening varieties, have made wines from good to excellent. One must not over look the Petit Verdot this year which came in very ripe and added both colour and ripe structure. What happens in the vineyard is immensely important but the attention at harvest time is also crucial with pickers needing to be selective and sorting at the winery was an essential it was a bonanza year for the manufacturers of the vibrating sorting tables. The musts were good and there was little need for the artificial aids such as reverse osmosis and cryo-extraction, those who used these methods have made some very overextracted and unbalanced wines. Sauternes had a difficult time as after the second trie, the dryness acted against the formation of botrytis but a shower in early October helped the development and the third trie found much better sugars and much more botrytis. It can never be said that it is a great vintage but many of the wines are very attractive, elegant and lighter in style. It seems at this stage that they will develop quite quickly. 3 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 Claret 6+/10 Drink Now Sauternes 4/10 Drink Now Saint-Estèphe Château Andron Blanquet The nose has a mix of black fruits and the palate cassis and black cherry. Firm in the middle the tannins are very obtrusive tending to overshadow the fruit on the finish. Château Calon-Ségur 3eme Cru The blackcurrant so much in evidence on the nose feels ripe and gives weight, richness to both nose and palate. Black plum and dark chocolate give weight and flesh and although the tannins are structured they feel ripe allowing the richness of fruit to flesh out the back palate. Château Cos d Estournel 2eme Cru The nose is packed with berry fruit flavours. Big, ripe tannins giving a firm feel to the mid palate and a meaty structure. A wine with a great strength of character that is very impressive at this stage There is a lot of black fruited power on both the nose and the palate. The richness of blackcurrant and sloe is enhanced by coffee and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but feel ripe slightly holding back the fruit at the moment. The freshness of bilberry lightens the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose has all of the power that one expects from Cos. Concentrated flavours fill out the palate serious deep black fruits brooding and rich. The tannins are firm but well balanced by the richness of the flavours. There is enough underlying bilberry freshness to give a lighter feel on the finish. Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 The nose is quite sweet and the start of the palate has richness with lots of cassis and black cherry. Firm tannins hold back the fruit and slightly dry the finish Bramble and black plum are there on the nose and although the fruit sweetness shows on the start of the palate aggressive tannins take over dominate, dry and shorten the finish. Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru Both nose and the start of the palate have depth of flavour quite meaty and rich. The tannins are firm bur not aggressive the rich black fruits and dark chocolate giving depth and weight at the back The nose is very firm with not a lot of fruit showing. The palate is more open less closed down by the tannic firmness. Black cherry and blackberry show with richer sloe towards the back. Although the finish is quite firm there is a lot of fruit power to show with time. Château Meyney There is rich mix of mainly black fruits on the nose, cassis to the fore. The fruit on the palate is enriched by some chocolate but the tannic structure is very firm and very aggressive and this holds back fruit expression and cuts off the finish. Château Montrose 2eme Cru Intense cassis flavours. Has a depth and weight of fruit. Goes quite tough in the middle but there is enough fruit on the finish to shine through. Not the greatest Montrose but good of this vintage The nose has the fragrance of violets backed by fresh bilberry. Although the start of the palate seems quite light there is much sweeter richer fruit fleshing out the middle. Blackcurrant is enriched by liquorice and dark chocolate then towards the back the lighter fresher fruits show giving an elegant flowery character on the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 The fragrance of violets overlays the powerful black fruits lots of black cherry and blackcurrant. The mid palate fleshiness is helped by ripe feeling tannins the richness by the liquorice and coffee that underpins the fruit. The finish has structure but also lots of rich fruit. Château Les Ormes de Pez The fruit on the nose feels ripe the palate starts with a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. Firmer in the middle yet there is sweet fruit at the back the finish though is a bit short at the moment. Pagodes de Château Cos d Estournel The nose although quite fragrant is very light and this lack of fruit weight leaves the mid palate quite hollow. There are fuller black fruits showing towards the back and the finish has a bit more weight. Château de Pez The blackcurrant of the nose is rather over dominated by the tannic firmness closing it down. The fruit mix on the palate appears quite sweet but then tannin and acidity cut in overpowering the fruit and drying the finish. Château Phélan-Ségur The nose is closed the start of the palate firm It does open up a bit in the middle with ripe cassis and black cherry at the back but underlying there are obvious tannins the finish quite short and dry Blackcurrant is backed by bramble and refreshed by some bilberry. The fruit on the palate has power, the sweetness of ripe fruit. Although the tannins are firm and give structure slightly holding back the fruit towards the back but there is the feel of more to show. Pauillac Château D Armailhac 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 Sweet on the nose the palate has a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. Firm mid tannins hold back the fruit but it fills out on the back palate the finish has depth richness and sweet fruit The richness of cassis and black plum give some weight on the nose fleshed out by the ripeness of the fruit. The palate has a good mix of flavours lots of black fruits damson rich with fresher bilberry behind. The tannins although quite firm are not aggressive allowing the fruit to show on the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Sweet fruit fills out the nose and gives richness on the start of the palate. The mix of black fruits is backed by slightly fresher red supported by firm but ripe tannins. There is a hint of maturity coming through on the finish. Château Batailley 5eme Cru Firm and tight on the nose the start of the palate is a bit dry. There is more depth a slightly richer feel in the middle but the tannins at the back tend to dry the finish a bit dusty, The nose is quite lean with more of a red fruit influence. Firm tannins show on the palate holding back the fruit and shortening the back palate. Beneath the structure there are some sweet bramble flavours but the whole lacks some richness and weight. Château Clerc Milon 5eme Cru The fruit on the nose is sweet the palate has depth of flavour with ripe cassis and black cherry. There is a balancing freshness with the rich mix of black fruits filling out the back palate and finish The sweetness of the black fruits ensures power and richness on the nose and weight of flavour on the palate. There are layers of flavour sweeter cassis, firm sloe and fresher bilberry. Right at the back there is the exciting hint of black truffle. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose has lots of rich ripe black fruits and this mix is very much in evidence on the palate. Towards the back the fruits are further enriched by black truffle but there is enough freshness to give a slightly lighter feel to the finish. Château Croizet-Bages 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 The nose has the green edge of unripe fruit. The palate is firm the rather hard tannins tending to over dominate and shorten the finish. Château Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru The nose is very concentrated and tight with the firm but ripe tannin overlaying some rich cassis fruit. There is a good depth of flavour with lots of fruit at the back of the palate and it should develop into a very stylish wine. Tasted at the Mansion House September Lots of power, the predominant character is cassis but there are some red fruits showing underneath giving freshness. It is firm at the moment with some nice sweet bilberry hiding in the wings. Tasted in London at the Dyers October The rich mix of blackcurrant and sloe gives power on the nose and weight of flavour on the palate. There is acidity in evidence and this combined with quite firm tannins holds back fruit expression. Lots of fruit shows on the back palate but it needs time for it to come into real balance The nose is misleading as it has the richness of sweet fruit with lots of blackberry and sloe. The richness of the nose is not there on the palate which is tight with the firm tannins holding back fruit expression and firming up the finish. Tasted at Dyers Hall March The richness of ripe feeling black fruit gives fullness on the nose. Although quite sweet on the palate there are fresher flavours bilberry and red cherry. Tannins are in evidence but they feel ripe giving balance and allowing the fruit to show. Tasted at Dyers Hall July Ripe cassis is backed by black cherry the sweet fruit supported by the tannic structure. The fruit is ripe enriching the mid palate there are layers of black fruits that gives lots of complexity with the touch of bilberry giving a slightly lighter feel to the finish. Tasted at the Carlton Club October The richness of ripe black fruit gives fullness on the nose a nice mix of flavours. Although quite sweet on the start of the palate there are fresher fruits underneath bilberry and red cherry. Tannin is still in evidence quite aggressive and the tannins are tending to dry the finish with not enough fruit to compensate. Tasted in Leathersellers Hall November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 The fruit on the nose is ripe a mix of black fruits the palate has depth rich cassis and black cherry backed by liquorice and dark chocolate. There is balance bramble and bilberry slightly lighter at the back yet the finish is rich and fleshy with depth of flavour. Les Forts de Latour nd wine of Château Latour It feels a touch drier than in many years. There is an impressive weight of mulberry fruit with hints of cassis and a long rich finish despite the tannins being very firm. Tasted at the Château March The nose has opened up the palate has sweetness at the start. Lighter and fresher at the back cassis and bilberry with the tannins tending to close down the finish There is freshness about the fruit on the nose, fragrant bilberry and bramble. There is more weight on the mid palate some richer cassis underpinned by liquorice and chocolate. The firmness of the tannins at the moment tightens the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March There is a good weight of fruit on the nose but as the tannins are firm they tend to overpower leaving the middle slightly hollow. Cassis and black cherry enrich the back palate backed by some liquorice and coffee but tannic firmness tends to slightly shorten and dry the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru Bilberry and bramble the nose is fresh and the start of the palate lacks a bit of depth. Although slightly richer in the middle the tannins tend to overpower the finish is firm tight and slightly dry The freshness on the nose gives a racier feel. Behind the black fruit mix are some fresher red giving a lighter feel towards the back. The tannins are very much in evidence and they close down the finish and tend to hold back fruit expression Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru The blackcurrants so much in evidence on the nose are sweet and ripe. There are layers of flavour on the palate first the cassis of the nose and then the richness of black plum firmed up 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 by black cherry and sloe. The tannins are firm and hold back the fruit in the middle shortening the finish at the moment. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Ripe cassis is backed by slightly fresher bramble lots of complex flavours. The tannins feel ripe giving flesh on the mid palate further enriched by dark chocolate and liquorice that comes through towards the back. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral 5eme Cru Rich and ripe on the nose the start of the palate has depth of flavour. It is firm in the middle but the tannins are not aggressive and there is cassis and black cherry richness on the finish Although there is a lot of fruit showing on the nose the power of the tannins tends to hold it back on the palate. The mid palate is quite dry and just a touch hollow. There is a greater weight of fruit towards the back but then the tannins cut in and tend to over dominate. Château Haut-Batailley 5eme Cru Although the nose is quite firm there are some sweet black fruits giving it a bit of weight. Cassis is there on the palate refreshed by the lighter bilberry and slightly held back by the tannic firmness. Right at the back there is the feeling of more to show. Château Lafite 1er Cru Lovely ripe mulberry and damson fruit give richness on the nose and a good depth of flavour on the mid palate which is surprisingly jammy. It lacks some of its usual elegance and has the feel of the 1983 at the same stage The nose is a bit tight with a mix of cassis and sloe just showing. There is more apparent fruit on the palate layers of flavour, a complex mix of black fruits. The tannins feel firm but are ripe but need time to allow the fruit to show to full advantage. The hints of bilberry lighten the powerful mix of blackcurrant and sloe. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose is lovely and fragrant lots of cassis and black cherry with fresher bilberry behind. There are a mix of fruits on the palate the richer sweet black fruits such as black cherry underpinned Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 by fresher lighter fruits such and blackberry and bilberry. The richness towards the back is balanced by freshness good length, charm and elegance. Château Latour 1er Cru The nose has purity and concentration of fruit. Rose petal fragrances show on the nose and concentrated cassis enriches the palate. It is very intense, very Cabernet and very Pauillac. Tasted at the Château March The mix of black fruits on the nose has purity fragrance and the start of the palate is light. There is mid depth rich fruit concentrated at the back with intensity of flavour on the finish There is lots of power blackcurrant and blackberry enriched by sloe. The richness of black plum gives flesh on the palate and the roundness of the tannins ensure that the palate is full and fleshy. Although feeling ripe the tannins are firm and give a structure slightly holding back full fruit expression at the moment. Tasted in Mercers Hall May The nose is packed with rich fruit first lots of blackcurrant but behind slightly fresher black cherry. The palate has power depth richness of flavour fleshed out by dark chocolate and liquorice. There is a balancing red fruit freshness that gives a lighter feel on the back palate and an elegant twist to the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Tasted in Mercers Hall May The fruit on the nose is rich a mass of cassis and black cherry. The palate has depth lots of ripe fruit power and richness black fruits, chocolate, liquorice and coffee beans. Structured tannins support the fruit but they feel ripe not holding back the flavours. The finish is rich and powerful but with enough freshness to balance. Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru The nose has a strong black fruit character and the palate has good depth of fruit. Behind the fruit chocolate and liquorice enrich and although the tannins at the back are firm they are not aggressive and do not hold back the fruit Although the nose is firm there are a lot of black fruits under the tannic structure. Blackcurrant is backed by a mix of black plum and sloe refreshed by some bilberry. The tannins dry a little but right at the back the sweetness and power of the black fruit mix is apparent. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 The nose is fragrant but quite light with more bilberry and bramble in evidence. There is a lot of sweet fruit on the palate enriching the middle and packing out the back palate. The tannins although in evidence have mellowed not holding back the fruit. Château Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru The nose is tight and the start of the palate firm. Black fruits dominate all underpinned by firm tannins and although sweeter at the back the finish is closed. Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru Good weight of fruit on the nose. A bit closed on palate but has a weight of blackcurrant which overrides the tannin. It needs time to open up all rather brooding at the moment The nose has lots of powerful flavours, all very black fruited. The sweetness of the fruit gives the palate a supple lushness fleshed out by the rounded ripe tannins. Dark chocolate lies under the cassis and damson but towards the back there is bilberry in evidence giving a fresher more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose has a lovely mix of fruits all very black fruit in character. The fruit feels ripe enriching the mid palate and filling out the back palate. Layers of flavour give complexity with the richer sweeter cassis and black plum balanced by fresher bilberry and bramble. The flavours last well on the finish. Château Pédesclaux 5eme Cru There is some nice sweet fruit on the nose and this fleshy black fruit comes through on the palate. Behind the ripe cassis and blackberry is fresher bilberry, the mix of flavours gives some complexity. Fleshy fruit ensures some richness to the back palate. Petit Mouton nd Wine Château Mouton Rothschild Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 Rich cassis backed by blackberry and sloe fill out the nose and give weight on the start of the palate. There is some flesh in the middle then fresher lighter bilberry comes through leaving the finish a touch light. Château Pichon-Baron 2eme Cru There is lots of very attractive toasty oak. Sweet and perfumed cassis flavours but the tannins are evident at the moment but they are well balanced by the weight of fruit The nose has a rich mix with black fruits dominating. Lots of powerful flavours give weight to the palate and the ripeness of the fruit ensures sweetness. Behind the rich front are powerful tannins that dry a bit and hold back full fruit expression at the moment Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose has a black fruited richness with a powerful mix of black cherry, sloe and blackcurrant packing out the palate. The fruit feels ripe giving richness in the middle and although the tannins are firm they are fine not holding back fruit expression. Château Pichon-Longueville Lalande 2eme Cru It is very ripe with lots of damson and blackcurrant sweet and forward with a sexy elegance. There is lots of complexity and character with a long lingers finish Tasted in London at the Dyers October The nose is lovely and rich, the blackcurrant fruit overlaid by floral violets. The palate starts tight the fruit expression held back the tannic firmness but towards the back the cassis and black plum pushes through and shows what there is to come. There is a charm and elegance to the finish The mix of fruits gives lots of interest on the nose, the ripe cassis intermingling with fresher bilberry and cherry. There is power on the palate, fleshy black fruits and ripe feeling tannins. The tannins feel firmer towards the back and this combined with red fruited freshness leaves the finish rather closed. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The mix of fruits on the nose feels ripe giving it sweetness and richness. There is a powerful mix of fruit on the palate all quite sweet with fleshy black plum backed by slightly firmer black cherry. There is a more elegant feel on the finish coming from the underlying freshness. Château Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 Very firm and rather dry tannins dominate the nose and the start of the palate. Some sweet cassis fruit comes through and shows at the end. There is a concern as to whether this is powerful enough to override the tannins The fruit is ripe giving a lush sweet feel on the nose and fleshy weight of flavour on the palate. Cassis is backed by damson and sloe enriched by chocolate and dark coffee beans. Rounded tannins add flesh to the mid palate and the powerful weight of flavour enriches the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Tasted in Bordeaux April 2012 The fruit is ripe filling out the nose and giving a fleshy richness on the palate. Damson and sloe intermingle with blackcurrant the powerful flavours balanced and lightened by some fresher bilberry. The richness of the fruit fills out the back palate. Réserve de La Comtesse nd wine of Château Pichon-Lalande The nose is power packed full of rich cassis and black plum. The mix of fruits gives lots of complexity, layers of flavour, rich plum underpinned by some fresher bilberry. The back palate has a good weight of flavour and although the tannins are firm they do not over dominate. Tasted at the Mansion House July There is an attractive mix of fresh bilberry and sweeter cassis on the nose with the layers of fruit giving complexity on the palate. The fruit is ripe and the tannins there but not too firm. There is a richness of flavour towards the back but also an underlying elegance. Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru The nose has fresh black fruit fragrances but the palate is richer with a black cherry and cassis mix. It is firm in the middle with the tannins tending to hold back the fruit The nose is very light quite floral but lacking in depth of fruit. The mix of blackberry and black currant on the palate is soon over dominated by the tannins that dry the fruit leaving a light finish lacking in any real substance Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 Château Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru Sweet on the nose the start of the palate has depth and the richness of ripe fruit. Tannins support but feel ripe the fruit backed by liquorice and coffee but at the back it feels firmer the finish quite short at the moment There is sweetness to the cassis that is in evidence on the nose and shows at the start of the palate. The sweetness of fruit and coffee is soon over taken by firm tannins that dry and shorten the flavours. There does not appear to be quite enough fruit to cope with the dryness. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The cassis and blackberry are ripe but as the tannins are still quite firm the nose is a bit tight. The mid palate is richer but the fruit towards the back is tending to dry leaving the finish a bit short. Clos du Marquis nd wine of Château Léoville Lascases The nose has the freshness of bilberry but lacks a bit of depth. Richer more concentrated flavours show through in the middle but the tannins are very firm, their harshness holding back the fruit at the moment. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose has a fragrant charm with bilberry freshness and cassis richness. The flavours on the mid palate are concentrated rich very black fruited with the fleshiness helped by ripe tannins. There is a good weight of fruit showing on the finish. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2eme Cru It is showing very well with lots of ripe cassis. Firm on the mid palate but the tannins are ripe and rounded a wine with great concentration and purity. There is nothing jammy about this wine, looking like another classic The nose is rich, full of black fruits. Bramble and cassis underpinned by black cherry show at the start but the tannins take over shortening the finish. The fruit towards the back has a rather herbaceous character Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose has a mix of fruits with ripe black fruits tending to overpower the fresher red. The mid palate has some rich flavours sweet fruit and there is a good structure supporting the richness. The fruit lasts well on the finish. Château Gloria Although the nose has a fragrant red fruited charm there is not a lot of substance behind it. The fruit is over dominated by rather aggressive tannins that leave a hollow in the middle and rather dry the finish. Tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting Boodles London March It is very lean and tight with not a lot of charm on the nose. Hints of maturity show on both nose and palate giving a slightly grubby musty character. The middle is quite hollow and the finish lacking in fruit. Château Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Rich on the nose the start of the palate has depth lots of black cherry and chocolate. Bramble and bilberry give freshness on the mid palate the tannins at the back firm but there is sweetness on the finish a fair depth of flavour There is a lot happening on the nose first rich black fruits then fresher red appear underneath. The palate is a bit tight the fruit rather dominated by firm tannins. Towards the back the sweetness of the fruit becomes apparent ensuring that the cassis and sloe show to good effect Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The black fruited sweetness is underpinned by fresher more red fruited flavours. There is sweet fruit at the start of the palate but the tannic firmness shows in the middle slightly holding back the fruit yet it is all there on the finish a rich mix of black fruits. Château Lagrange 3eme Cru Although there are black fruits showing on the nose they tend to be dominated by oak. Mid sweetness lots of black cherry but at the back the tannins take over and shorten the finish Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 The black fruit mix on the nose has some weight and power and this rich mix of fruits is in evidence on the palate. The mid palate is firm so that the fruit is held back by the tannic firmness tending to dry and shorten the finish Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose is quite firm but the sweetness of the fruit on the palate fills it out enriching. The mid structure is firm slightly drying and holding back the fruit but there are some sweeter flavours on the back palate giving a richer feel on the finish. Château Langoa Barton 3eme Cru It has a rich, creamy texture with a mineral character on the nose, fragrance and charm. It has charm a pretty wine that has sweetness in the middle and nice length. It will never be a big wine Blackcurrant and blackberry are enriched by some damson filling out the nose. There is a sweetness to the palate the mainly black fruits enriched by coffee beans. The tannins are firm at the moment but there is enough fruit to come through with time. Tasted at Boodle s April The richness of blackcurrant fleshes out the nose and the backing of black cherry add to the depth of flavour. There are hints of liquorice and coffee beans on the palate all giving complexity. Although the tannins are still firm they feel ripe allowing the fruit to show to advantage towards the finish. Tasted at the Mansion House July The mix of black fruits on the nose feels ripe giving it richness and this depth of flavour is there on the palate. Blackcurrant and black cherry are underpinned by liquorice, the layers of flavour adding complexity. Rich fruit gives a supple fleshiness to the back palate. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The ripeness of the fruit gives richness on the nose and weight and depth on the palate. Blackcurrant and black cherry are enriched by liquorice and dark chocolate the mid palate feels supple and the back palate is packed out with ripe fruit. Château Léoville Barton 2eme Cru Quite tight on the nose and very focused. There are dark berried fruit and hints of chocolate and although firm there are ripe tannins on the mid palate. It is creamy rich and serious Tasted in Surrey at St George s Golf Club December Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 The nose is backed with cassis backed by sloe. There is the richness of chocolate on the mid palate giving some flesh but under this are structured tannins quite ripe but very firm. There is a good weight of fruit under the structure which will show with time There is a lot happening on the nose powerful blackcurrant and black cherry refreshed by bilberry. The rich fruit on the palate is backed by liquorice and coffee beans, layers of flavour giving complexity. The tannins although firm do not over dominate allowing the rich fruit to fill out the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose is deep brooding with lots of black fruited power. The chocolate and liquorice richness is backed by structured but ripe tannins and the layers of flavour give complexity. The finish has depth of flavour all very black fruited. Château Léoville Las Cases 2eme Cru This is one of the stars of the year. It is rich and focused with complexity and interest showing on both nose and palate. Lots of cassis is there backed by dark chocolate enriched by lovely ripe and silky tannins. A wine that has great elegance and style The mix of fruits on the nose has depth and power and this richness is apparent on the palate. The mid palate has a chocolate richness despite the firm tannins that tend to hold the fruit in check. There is a weight of fruit behind the tannic barrier enriching the finish Tasted at Bordeaux Index March There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose with the richness of cassis. Sweet fruit fills out the mid palate backed by bitter chocolate and coffee beans. The tannins are still quite firm and tend to overtake the fruit richness on the back palate. Château Léoville Poyferre 2eme Cru Has a good depth of cassis flavours on the nose. Starts well on the palate but has a hollow on the mid palate although there is an attractive richness on the finish Tasted in Surrey at St George s Golf Club December The nose has lots of rich fruit, all quite fleshy. Cassis and black plum are backed by mocha and coffee beans. The richness of the fruit on the mid palate is a bit held back by the firmness of the tannins. Tasted in London at the Dyers October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 The nose is very tight and although fruit does begin to show with air time is needed before it will fully open up. The rich mix of blackcurrant and plum on the mid-palate show the potential, the fruit is well backed by a chocolate richness. The finish is firm although there is the feel of much more to show The weight of fruit on the nose tends to be a bit misleading as the palate is firm and rather lacking weight in the middle, Towards the back the black fruited mix does show some character but the fruit is dried and the finish shortened by the firmness of the tannins. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March There is sweetness on the nose a nice mix of blackcurrant and black cherry. Chocolate enriches the start of the palate but the mid palate is fresher with the fruit slightly over taken by firm tannins. The finish has a got a fair depth and weight of fruit. Château Talbot 4eme Cru The nose is cassis dominated the start of the palate sweet but obvious tannins tend to hold back the fruit. Fresher at the back more bilberry and bramble the finish is just lacking a bit of generosity The nose has an attractive sweetness more of a blackcurrant character but there is fresher bilberry appearing at the back. The sweetness on the palate tends to be overtaken by firm tannins that dry the fruit towards the back leaving the finish a bit short. Margaux Alter Ego nd Wine of Château Palmer It is quite black fruited on the nose but it appears light lacking a little concentration. The palate starts quite sweet with bramble and cassis very much in evidence. The mid palate lacks a bit of heart and the firmness of the tannins holds back the fruit and shortens the finish. Château d Angludet Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 Sweet on the nose the palate has richness a mix of cassia and black cherry. Ripe tannins add to the fleshy richness the sweet fruit filling out the back palate and giving depth on the finish. Tasted at Lawrence End Hertfordshire April The nose has a mix of fruits with more cassis than red fruits. Behind the fruit on both nose and palate is a musty character a slight woodiness that rather detracts from the fruit freshness. The same character was on 3 bottles which seems to point to a touch of grey rot in the wine. (Would seem more likely to be cork) Château Brane Cantenac 2eme Cru This is a classic Margaux. Has elegance and perfume. Has a depth of flavour and lots of blackberry fruit. Quite firm at the moment but the tannins are sweet. It will need a bit of time to get into total harmony Tasted at the Mansion House September Good red fruited nose with black fruit undertones. The fruit starts well with a tighter feel to the mid palate. Red berried freshness with some cassis sweetness underneath but still fairly firm. Tasted at the Mansion House July There is a red fruited freshness on the nose and this comes through on the palate. Under the red fruits are fleshier bramble and blackcurrant giving a richness. The tannins are still firm, not aggressive but do hold back full fruit expression. There is enough fruit though to win through with time The nose has quite a good weight of fruit with more of a black than red influence. The sweetness on the mid palate tends to be overtaken by the tannins that are very firm giving the finish a slightly rustic character. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose is beginning to show maturity and although there is some sweet fruit on the start of the palate the mid palate has a nutty quality. The finish is quite light and slightly dry. Château Cantenac-Brown 3eme Cru It has been a somewhat inconsistent property over the years but the 2002 shows what can be done. It is very well made with a blackcurrant bias, ripe tannins and nice length. It is all very compact and all there Château Dauzac 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 It has more red than black on the nose but the ripeness of the fruit gives some flesh on the nose and weight on the palate. Strawberry is backed by mulberry with hints of bramble. Although the back is a bit tight some fruit does come through on the finish. Château Desmirail 3eme Cru The acidity is very much in evidence on the nose, all very red fruited. The palate has little depth and the acidity tends to overpower any sweetness. There are some black fruits right at the back but as the tannins are aggressive the finish feels very hard. Château Durfort-Vivens 2eme Cru It is quite delicate in style. A perfumed nose with flowery raspberry flavours on the palate. The tannins are ripe although quite apparent giving the wine enough structure. There is an elegant charm with a lovely long, lingering finish There is an attractive mix of flavours on the nose and they add some interest on the palate. The mid palate lacks a bit of substance and although more weight of fruit shows towards the back it is still quite light and just lacks a bit of intensity. Château Ferrière 3eme Cru The nose has a mix of red fruits all quite sweet and rich and the palate has depth with fine tannins. Fresher at the back some redcurrant and some bramble but it fills out on the finish with a nice depth of flavour The fragrances lean to the red fruit although there is some bilberry backing it. The mid palate has sweet fruit with blackcurrant and bramble to the fore a nice complex mix. Although the finish is quite hard flavours do linger. Château Giscours 3eme Cru The nose has depth the palate a mix of rich mainly black fruits. Cassis and black cherry are underpinned by fresher bramble layers of interest and although drier at the back the finish has a good weight of fruit Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX The fruit mix on the nose feels sweet with more black fruit than red. There are layers of flavour on the palate at first fleshy strawberry then blackcurrant and blackberry. Towards the back the firmness of the tannins takes over closing down the finish.. Château d Issan 3eme Cru Lots of soft, ripe fruit fleshes out the nose. Almost velvet smooth on taste with a perfumed raspberry character. It has an elegant feel, long and lingering making for a very attractive wine Lively fragrance fruits are in evidence on the nose. On the palate red fruits appear to dominate but behind them is a mass of blackcurrant and bilberry. The tannic firmness tends to overpower the fruit and tighten the finish. Château Kirwan 3eme Cru The nose is very light with more of a red fruit character. The fruit on the palate is light, fresh quite savoury more red cherry and bramble than rich cassis. There is length and a fair weight of sweet fruit. Château Labégorce The nose lacks depth and the palate concentration. The sweeter flavours on the mid palate are over dominated by the tannins and the finish lacks generosity and depth Sweet blackcurrant and blackberry gives some weight on the nose and even though there is red fruit on the palate as it is ripe strawberry it gives some weight. Towards the back the acidity becomes more apparent and this combined with the tannins shortens the finish. Château Labégorce Zédé There is some sweet fruit on the nose and black cherry richness at the start of the palate. Fresher in the middle more bramble and bilberry but the tannins on the back palate are tending to close down the finish Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 Black fruit features on the nose, quite light but feeling sweet. The start of the palate has a good mix of ripe blackcurrant and bramble but on the middle there is more of a red fruit influence giving a fresher and lighter less substantial feel to the back palate Château Lascombes 2eme Cru The nose is a bit tight and the start of the palate firm. Richer in the middle with black cherry and cassis all underpinned by ripe feeling tannins and although fresher at the back the finish has fair depth of fruit There is an attractive fragrance on the nose, mainly red fruited but there are some lighter black fruits behind. Blackcurrant tends to dominate the palate, quite rich and sweet in the middle but lighter towards the back, fresh bilberry that gives some fragrance rather over dominated on the finish by the tannins. Château Malescot Saint Exupéry 3eme Cru The nose has a fragrant mix of black fruits the start of the palate is sweet but firm in the middle and tight at the back but there is richness on the finish There is a fragrant charm about the nose, not much depth but a floral freshness. Sweet bramble intermingles with cassis refreshed in the middle by bilberry. The fruit is held back at the moment by the firm tannins but richer flavours lie underneath. Château Margaux 1er Cru It feels quite light yet elegant with lots of cassis and blackberry flavours. Very stylish, fresh feel on mid palate and very impressive length. Firm at the back but the tannins are very ripe. It has the look of a really classic Margaux. Tasted at the Château March Very little change since the tasting En-Primeur Damsons vie with bilberry and bramble for dominance. The flesh of the black fruits enriches the start of the palate but under this the red fruits are very fresh giving a lighter feel towards the back. It lacks a bit of weight and richness but has length of flavour on the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 The nose has a fragrant charm with a lovely mix of black fruits the sweetness balanced by freshness. Ripe fruit enriches the mid palate the suppleness helped by rounded tannins. There is some underlying red fruited freshness and the finish has a stylish charm. Château Monbrison Lovely perfumed nose. Has some sweet, ripe, loganberry fruit on the palate. The tannins are evident but very ripe so in no way aggressive. It has of long finish packed with fleshy fruit. Château Palmer 3eme Cru Good weight of fruit with sweet tannins. There is a good weight of cassis and a ripe feel. There is lots of complexity, a very elegant style. Although it seems quite tight on finish there is enough sweet fruit at the back The nose is quite fleshy, lovely and sweet fruited. Red and black fruits vie for dominance their ripeness giving flesh to the mid palate and a weight of flavour towards the back. The tannins are quite firm and tend to dry a little but are not over aggressive. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The fruit on the nose is ripe giving sweetness and richness. Black cherry and blackcurrant fill out the palate backed by rounded tannins a lovely supple feel. Although there is lots of power on the back palate there is an underlying freshness that gives elegance and charm on the finish. Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux nd Wine of Château Margaux Soft ripe and aromatic the nose is packed with raspberry and loganberry fruit. Although light and elegant there is a concentration of flavour in the middle and a long, seductive finish. Château Prieuré-Lichine 4eme Cru Both nose and the start of the palate are closed. Fresh fruit in the middle tends to be held back by firm tannins but it does fill out on the back palate the finish sweeter with more depth The nose is a bit tight but red fruits mulberry and red cherry do show. Bramble and bilberry are there on the palate and combined with the red they give a fresh light character although there is enough sweetness to the mix to give some weight on the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

25 Bordeaux 2002 August 20, 2012 Château Rauzan-Gassies 2eme Cru Although the nose has fair depth and the start of the palate sweet the tannins are very obvious and aggressive the back palate slightly bitter and herbaceous The red fruit mix on the nose is backed by an earthy vegetal character. There is not a lot of either sweetness or depth on the palate and what fruit there is held back by the tannins leaving the finish very short. Château Rauzan-Ségla 2eme Cru Very powerful fruit packs out the nose. It is a big wine with dense and well structured tannins underpinned by lots of fruit, loganberry and raspberry. Very closed on the finish, has a tight feel and will need time to open out but the potential is great Although the nose is sweet it has lots of attractive fragrances from the red fruits that lie under the black. The mid palate is quite firm but there is enough richness of fruit to win through with time. The lighter more bilberry character towards the back gives a charming elegance. Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians September The nose is rich with ripe feeling black fruits backed by some quite sweet red. Dark chocolate enriches the mid palate but the ripe flavours are balanced by the freshness of red cherry and bramble that lies underneath. The back palate has a nice complexity of flavours and there is a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn January The nose is quite light very red fruited in character and behind are quite firm tannins. The back palate has more fruit but the tannins are firm and the fruit is beginning to dry out. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The mix of bramble and red cherry has freshness quite light but fragrant. The palate is richer more black fruits in evidence but their sweetness is slightly held back by the tannins which are still quite firm. The finish has fragrance a mix of bramble and bilberry. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn July Although the nose is quite lean there is a nice mix of flavours. Black fruits are backed by red cherry quite fresh on the mid palate. It lacks a bit of depth and richness but there is a nice mix of flavours on the finish. Tasted at the Carlton Club February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

26 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2002 The nose has filled out the fruit sweet the start of the palate rich with lots of cassis and black cherry. Lighter in the middle the mix of bramble and red fruits giving complexity. The fruit lingers on the finish fragrant, elegant with an attractive hint of maturity. Ségla nd Wine of Château Rausan-Ségla The nose has a charming fragrance quite red fruited and fresh but with character. There is a fleshy feel to the palate with strawberry enriching the middle backed by a mix of red cherry and bilberry. A greater weight of fruit shows right on the finish. Tasted at the Mansion House July The nose has lovely fruit fragrances with a mix of blackcurrant and bramble. Ripe fruit, rounded tannins and chocolate enrich the mid palate but towards the back it feels fresher slightly lighter but the fruit does last well on the back palate. Château Siran The nose is held by tannic firmness and the fruit has a green slightly unripe edge. There is not a lot of sweetness on the mid palate and the back is dry and lacking charm Château Du Tertre 5eme Cru Sweet and ripe on the nose the start of the palate has weight of flavour the richness of ripe fruit. Behind the sweetness bramble and bilberry refresh the back palate lighter the finish long and quite stylish The nose is misleading lots of black fruit giving richness and weight. The palate tends to have more of a red fruit influence that lightens the mid palate and although quite fragrant leaves the finish quite light but with an elegant charm. Château La Tour du Mons Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26