WTN: 2002 Pape Clement

Pape Clement 2002 (Pessac-Leognan)

Full flavored, big, brawny. Almost lush, but there is an acidic bite and a tannic base that keep it in check. Overall the fruit profile is fairly dark with olive and tobacco as well as earth and there is a minty, green herbal quality that makes it interesting. Nice complexity and balance. Suave toasted oak and overall a very classy wine, medium modern in style. This has muscle to spare. Drinking fine now but I believe that in another 5 years it will settle in and be much better. This is the first '02 I've had in a while, I did not expect the fruit to be so big.
B+

thanks for notes. I drank my only bottle too young, and it just showed oak. Sounds like a winner.

I've got more. You'll have a taste one of these days.

I recently had the 2002 Smith Haut Lafitte. Similarly, the leafy/herbacious character was there. I was very impressed with the SHL and, with your note, have gained additional optimism with this vintage.