Palmer 2002

A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.

A tour de force in winemaking, the 2002 Palmer (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot) exhibits great intensity along with tremendously complex and compelling aromatics of acacia flowers, creme de cassis liqueur, a hint of espresso, and vague notions of underbrush. Although extremely concentrated, full-bodied, and dense, with blistering levels of tannin in the finish, there is enough extract and glycerin to provide balance. Nevertheless, this will be a Palmer to forget for 7-10 years. There are 8,500 cases of this brilliant effort that is in the same qualitative league as the 2000. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+

Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. A very polished bouquet, some quality new oak here, some that still needs to be resolved, but underneath there is some ripe blackberry fruit interlaced with some subtle herbaceous notes in line with the vintage. The palate has noticeable acidity on the entry, quite a racy wine with blackberry, raspberry leaf and some hardness that needs to soften (perhaps a tad too much vin de presse?) Persistent finish. Assertive. Tasted October 2009.

Rich aromas of vanilla, chocolate and berry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with ultrafine tannins and a long, silky finish. Very fine indeed. Palmer shows power with finesse here. Best after 2007. 8,500 cases made.

Drink 2010-20 Glossy, sweet and fragrant. Looking good! Fresh and just slightly tobacco. Clean finish. Quite long.