Château Lafite Rothschild 2002

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Published

2005-04-29

Drink Date

2008-2025

A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.

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Reviewed by

Jancis Robinson

Published

2018-05-24

Drink Date

2020 - 2035

The Indian summer, this great weather in early autumn, once again saved a vintage that conveyed deep emotions to the passionate winegrowers that we are. We had known since May that the crop would not be large, flowering having taken place under cold and damp conditions, favouring poor fruit set and uneven ripening. The heat in June had given us high hopes, quickly dashed by a grey and rainy July and August. In early September, therefore, the Bordelais were not very confident. But long live the Indian summer, that accompanied the final ripening of the grapes under exceptional conditions!This was our first mystery vintage, served blind. I initially guessed 2001, largely because I'd put 2002 completely out of my mind. Very rich and nuanced on the nose, then there was an impression of sweet ink, before sweet soft fruit that almost covers the perceptible tannins that impart a slightly drying finish. The acidity is a little obvious. Just slightly pinched and awkward at the moment and the balance is less than perfect but it's very good for a 2002!

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