Voor Pauillac was 2002 een uitstekend oogstjaar voor Cabernet Sauvignon. Een strenge zomer werd gevolgd door een droge en zonnige septembermaand, wat de oogst redde. Vooral de Cabernet Sauvignon, die laat rijpt op de zand- en grindbodems van Lafite, profiteerde hier sterk van. De Merlot had het dat jaar moeilijk, waardoor de blend de ware essentie van Lafite duidelijk naar voren brengt.
Château Lafite Rothschild 2002 is een klassieke Pauillac met koele, verfrissende tonen. Hij heeft een robuuste structuur en een ingetogen karakter, waarbij het aroma wordt gedomineerd door hints van ceder en grafiet in plaats van tonen van rijp fruit. Deze wijn kan tot 2039 worden gedronken.
Robert Parker (95)
This beautiful, stunningly dense purple-colored effort (includes about 90% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up precise notes of graphite, black cherries, cassis, scorched earth, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied with fabulous fruit, impressive richness, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin, this beauty should be approachable in 4-5 years, and last for three decades. As Lafite Rothschilds go, this is somewhat of a sleeper vintage.
Winespectator (93)
Intense aromas of currant, coffee, toasty oak and sweet tobacco follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins, great mouthfeel and a long finish. A refined Lafite.
Jancis Robinson (17)
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!
Rene Gabriel (18)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.
BOW (8.5)
