Pichon Lalande 2002

One of the best wines of the vintage, this is a classic Pauillac that is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense ruby/purple in color with a glorious nose of melted licorice, lavender, barbecue smoke, black currants, and graphite, the wine is tannic, classically structured with an opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful definition, and a 1996-ish personality. This deep, full-bodied, elegant yet powerful 2002 should age handsomely for over two decades. Some patience will be required since this vintage exhibits more muscle and virility than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Drink 2010-20 Very lively and transparent and charming and gorgeous!!! Just so racy and a good interpretation of the vintage. Neat and with a sound finish - really lovely and complete.

A tannic, super-concentrated effort from Pichon-Lalande, this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, from yields of only 33 hectoliters per hectare (45 hectoliters in 2000). It possesses a saturated purple color in addition to a firm but promising bouquet of figs, black currant liqueur, licorice, lavender, and background smoky oak. Tannic, classically structured, exceptionally pure and layered as well as tremendously persistent and long in the mouth, this will not be a wine to drink in its youth. Medium-bodied, it will require 7-8 years of cellaring, and should last for 20-25. It is a very impressive, but structured effort from this famous estate.