WTN: 2002 Giscours

[David M. Bueker]

Too bad Bordeaux is not made like this anymore - yes it had a bit of green, but with my steak everything smoothed out & it was about as food friendly as you could ask. Good acid to cut through the fat of the ribeye, and plenty of fruit to carry to the finish. I really like this style of Bordeaux.

I have one lone bottle. I've found most 2002s quite tannic, so was holding, but sounds like it's open and ready now, at least with rare meat?

[David M. Bueker]

I would not necessarily call it open and ready. This was more out of necessity, as my intended wine was corked.

Too bad Bordeaux is not made like this anymore

David-
Not sure what you mean. Usually one hears this about wines from the '70's or earlier. This wine was only released 4 years ago, well after most Bordeaux houses stepped into the more modern style. From my on-release notes, I didn't find the '02 Giscours to be of a very different style from many wines of the vintage, or many wines from '01 for that matter. A well made wine to be sure, but I think you can find plenty of Bordeaux made like the '02 Giscours. In fact I rather preferred the '04.

To my mind Giscours is in a sort of 'slightly modern but not super modern' style. It is a style I like and I have several vintages in my cellar.

"Too bad Bordeaux is not made like this anymore"

I, too, was puzzled by that statment.

2002 is not really such a long time ago!

Of course, there are a few overoaked, artificial-type wines out there, but honestly, it is not challenging at all to find traditional wines!

Hope you enjoy your dinner tonight...

All the best,
Alex

[David M. Bueker]

This bottle seemed more old school/rustic than say their 2000. Maybe just an artifact of the vintage.

I thought the 02 was more mid-modern when I tasted on release, but haven't had since. Maybe it's just shut down,making it appear more austere?

I thought the 02 was more mid-modern when I tasted on release, but haven't had since. Maybe it's just shut down,making it appear more austere?

I'd agree with this. Try the '04, generally available for $40ish.

Then again, maybe '02 is just the vintage for you. It did seem to force everybody to make less-fruited wines.

Attacking the 02's already??

Patience my man, patience.

[David M. Bueker]

Attacking the 02's already??

Patience my man, patience.

Half bottle readily available when something else was corked.

I appreciate you taking one for the team.

I plan on trying the '02 Pape Clement sometime soon. Also '01 Montrose and '01 Le Bon Pasteur. Yes yes I know they'll be showing young, but since I have multiple bottles of each, I want to have a taste. I'll post results.

[David M. Bueker]

I have peeked in on some '01s lately (e.g. Pichon Baron, Lagrange) with enjoyable results. No they are not mature, but they are very drinkable.