The 2002 tannic potential was similar to the vintage 2000 in term of color intensity and polyphenolic structure. On tasting, the good level of acidity added a powerful sensation to the aromatic complexity of this wine.
There is an amazing quality of fruit, fine and elegant tannins and a rich and full structure which reflects its terroir. At the end of the assemblage we were certain that the quality of 2002 would surpass the 2001’s.
Some like to compare this vintage with 1986.
Quality : Potentially Great year.
The moment for optimal drinking: drink from 2015.
Bottling: July 2004.
What the critics say...
Robert Parker: 96 points(01/04/2005)
The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045.
Pairing: Aged Cheese, Game Animals, Grilled Red Meats, Legume, Roasts, Stews.
Located in the famous Medoc wine region, about 40 kilometers north-west of the city of Bordeaux, the vineyard of Château Latour belongs to the Pauillac appellation.The quality of its wine depends partly on the type of grape variety that is being used, but also on the exceptional... combination of natural elements (geography, geology and climate) that constitutes its 'Terroir'.
Alcohol abuse can be dangerous.
