Quick Note: 2002 Lynch Bages.

Had the 2002 Lynch Bages with Roast Rack of Lamb (not my bottle, I didn't bring any) during dinner a couple of days ago. I've tried this once before and didn't think much of it. This time, I actively disliked it: the pervasive charcoal notes and some burnt rubber just made it unpleasant for me.

Bleah.

Switched to scotch after.

Noel, this sounds downright nasty. Do you have any other experience with 2002 Bordeaux, asking since I have a mixed case of them?

Hi, Mark.

Yes, I have a little experience with 2002 Bdx. Some I liked that immediately come to mind are those from Domaine de Chevalier (Rouge), Haut Brion, and, for Sauternes/Barsac, Yquem and de Fargues. The 2002 Pichon Baron and Malescot St-Exupery were quite pleasant as well.

Best,

N

Noel,
Thanks for the note. On '02 Bordeaux - any others that you actively disliked? (I find that information just as useful as positive notes on certain wines.)

[David M. Bueker]

I've found that Lynch Bages often outperforms its classification in top vintages, but under-performs in vintages that are very good to average. The same often holds true for me with Lagrange, and they both share a rather aggressive, highly-toasted oak regimen. Perhaps only the top years can effectively soak it up.

The '02 Lagrange is a very nice wine which might dispel your theory on at least the Lagrange. Have you had it? I have and it is well above average. I think it is hard to make generalizations when it comes to wine, it will invariably make you "drink" your words.

[David M. Bueker]

The '02 Lagrange is a very nice wine which might dispel your theory on at least the Lagrange. Have you had it?

Yes I have. I found it dominated by overpowering, Starbucks-esque scorched coffee oak...in 2005.

I think you would find it more enjoyable now, if you could find it. I have one left and will report on consumption, probably within 1-3 years.

[David M. Bueker]

Finding it will only involve the movement of many boxes.

Help me here, but it seems that I have found most of the '02's to be slow to come around. But, unless I'm wrong, there is some really nice wine underneath all the burnt rubber, coffee, etc. The ones that have had open for 3-4 days have developed into very nice wines. The '02 Lynch-Moussas and the '02 Malartic-Lagraviere are two good examples, while the '02 Leoville-Poyferre has been drinking nicely for a few years. I think they are finally getting there, but may still have a long way to go.

The only one of my '02's that I've tried was Pape Clement, which these days is one of the more modern, fruit forward wines I buy. I found it drinking well, still in need of a few years in bottle but not shut down. More muscular and fruity, less lean than I expected

[David M. Bueker]

2002 Leoville Barton is wonderful, classic Bordeaux. I am also a fan of the Poyferre. Sociando is nice too. I have not dipped into the very small stash of Las Cases or Lalande since release, so no updates there.

I didn't care for the 2002 Lynch Bages when Matt set up a large horizontal a bit after release.
I do like the 2002 Lagrange, it has lots of coffee/oak notes, but Lagrange always does young ('90 and '96 were both mocha monsters young, both integrated nicely)