Cheval Blanc 2002

Smoky, earthy, sweet red and black currant, fig, and menthol notes jump from the glass of this dark ruby/plum-hued, medium-weight Cheval Blanc. Possessing sweet tannin, medium body, and undeniable elegance as well as nobility, this beautifully made effort appears slightly superior (at least to my taste) to the more hyped 2003. Interestingly, yields were 27 hectoliters per hectare in 2002, and 30-31 hectoliters per hectare in 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.

Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. The nose takes some coaxing from the glass, but reluctantly reveals blackberry, bilberry, graphite and a touch of smoke. The palate displays a ripe entry, quite peppery which indicates some ripe Cabernet Franc, good concentration, quite tarry towards the finish with a hint of iodine on the aftertaste. I have forgotten how pleasurable this Cheval Blanc is, but it needs 2-3 years. Tasted October 2009.

Drink 2010-20 Solid, savoury, quite demanding quality. Readable and good and long.

I expected this wine to display more intensity, weight, and aromatic complexity. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the dark ruby-colored 2002 Cheval Blanc exhibits muted aromas of cocoa, mint, cranberries, black cherries, and flowers. Medium-bodied with considerable vigor, freshness, and a cool climate personality, it does not possess the richness, body, or palate persistence found in both the titanic 2000 and 1998, or the underrated 1999 and 2001. This is often an enigmatic wine to taste young, and it has a tendency to put on weight and reveal more character with cask as well as bottle age. We’ll see. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017