A classic second wine that shows outstanding potential, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 has notes of cedar wood, black currants, earth, and truffles in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, beautifully concentrated style that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.
Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This has a lifted, ebullient liquorices-scented nose with ripe black cherries and blueberries to the fore. Good definition. Full-bodied on the palate with a succulent entry, very ripe and sweet with noticeable glycerine and spice the cloaks the structure underneath. Very smooth and succulent on the finish. Moderate length. This is a polished, you could almost say over-polished, Pauillac, but it hits the spot. Tasted October 2009.
Drink 2010-20 Rich and succulent. Easy and round with a slight gloss - almost as though modern wine consultancy were involved.
A candidate for the top second wine from the first-growth chateaux is the 2002 Forts de Latour. It exhibits an inky purple color as well as big, concentrated, sweet aromas of cassis and cherry fruit, spice box, and cedar. Full-bodied and terrifically endowed, this blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot should hit its prime in 4-5 years, and drink well for two decades. Bravo!
