Chateau Haut Brion 2002

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind and instantly identifiable as Haut-Brion on the nose with that faint hint of black olives lacing the blackberry, graphite, earthy bouquet. The palate is full-bodied with dense blackberry, again that touch of graphite leading to a blueberry, rather leafy, dry finish. A very fine Haut-Brion but for medium rather than long-term drinking.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: William Kelley

As it closes in on age 20, the 2002 Haut-Brion is beginning to drink very well, opening in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, plums, cigar wrapper, loamy soil, burning embers and violets. Fleshing out considerably with an hour or two in the decanter, it's medium-bodied, vibrant and concentrated, exemplifying the ideal of intensity without weight, with a deep core of fruit framed by powdery tannins and lively acids. An underrated wine that has rewarded patience, the 2002 Haut-Brion confirms that great terroirs over-perform in cooler, more challenging years.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Whether it’s a coincidence, or because in relatively cool years the first-growth terroirs are brilliant, Haut-Brion has turned out a beautifully classic, medium-bodied, precise and focused 2002 boasting a deep ruby/purple color as well as strikingly elegant aromatics (crushed stones, plums, black cherries, currants, figs, and earth). The wine possesses impressively measured power and elegance offered in a medium-bodied, nicely-structured, exceptionally pure format. It is unusual for Haut-Brion to dominate La Mission Haut-Brion at such a young age, but it certainly does in the 2002 vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Deep garnet core. Nose is very closed with slight whiffs of dark chocolate and blackberry (similar to La Mission at this early stage). A pretty wine, crisp, medium-bodied but in no way profound. Very broody, muted and does not want to please. Perhaps this will improve but this was quite disappointing after such good recent vintages. (cepage 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon & 9% Cabernet Franc) Tasted October 2003.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Farr’s 2002 Bordeaux tasting. Very good intensity on the nose with blackberry, black olive, gravel and hot bricks/cedar. Great definition. The full-bodied palate is very dense and sturdy with gripping tannins. Very precise, obviously a lot of craftsmanship, but not as complex as some of the other First Growth ‘02s with autumn leaves fluttering down upon the elegant finish. A lovely wine to drink rather than intellectualize over. Tasted October 2009.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Aromas of minerals, forest floor, fresh mushrooms, plums, and currants are present in the moderately fragrant bouquet. Angular, with hard tannin, medium body, and sweet plums as well as currants, this 2002 is harder and tougher-textured than from barrel. Like many 2002s, it is reserved and angular at present. It remains to be seen whether it will flesh out and reveal more charm and succulence. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good ruby-red. Redcurrant, plum, tobacco and flowers on the nose. Suave and light on its feet, with excellent integrated acidity framing and extending the flavors. Classy and classic wine, finishing with ripe, building tannins. This would be perfect with a cigar. Today Delmas and Masclet prefer this 2002 to the 2001 Haut-Brion, but for La Mission they give the edge to the 2001.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Full, bright ruby-red. Spicy, fresh aroma of black raspberry, with a hint of smoked meat. Dense and fine-grained, with enticing, nicely delineated flavors of black raspberry, minerals and sweet tobacco. Distinctly dark fruit in character, with lively framing acidity. Finishes firmly tannic and persistent. As always, this will be one of Bordeaux's best second wines.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Full medium ruby. Sexy aroma of black raspberry, plum, hot stones and tobacco. Then plummy, rich and sweet, with the black raspberry, plum and hot stone flavors carrying through on the palate and aftertaste. Comes across as lower in acidity than the La Mission I tasted beside it, but with more sweetness and mid-palate fat. Finishes very long and subtle, with suave tannins reaching the front teeth.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(51% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 9% cabernet franc) Full, bright ruby. Aromas of smoked game and black raspberry. Pliant and lush in texture and deep for the vintage, with terrific flavor intensity and volume in the middle palate. Ample and consistent; the sweetest 2002 in the Haut-Brion stable by far. Finishes with dusty tannins and excellent length. Features a relatively high 13.2% natural alcohol.