1 magnum per lot
Details
2002 Vintage at The Domaine
"Co-director Aubert de Villaine candidly described 2002 as a vintage that "ripened very slowly. We didn't have great weather in June, July or August. I was particularly worried towards the end of August as the maturity was advancing yet the ideal conditions for rot were also emerging. Ironically, the exact conditions to really exacerbate the rot occurred, which is to say that it rained and was warm for several days and everyone thought that the harvest was done for. However, the additional moisture helped the vines to regain a bit of vigor just before the north wind began to blow, which dried up the rot, concentrated the sugars and the acidities and raised the dry extract ratios. Despite the north wind, the rain seemed to accelerate the maturation of the bunches and the only sorting work to be done was to sort out the ripe from the unripe. As a consequence, we harvested twice, about one week apart. There were relatively large bunches, which explains why there was a rather important difference in maturities even in the same vineyard. And as one might expect, the rot that did occur had a tendency to attack the larger bunches. We had some millerandage (very small berries with extremely high solid to liquid ratios), which helped to lower our effective yields, which were about 32 hl/ha across all our vineyards. Sugars were right at 12.5 and we essentially chaptalized to prolong the fermentations and acidities were correct but not better. 2002 is difficult to simply characterize. I would say at the moment that it reminds me of 1992 and 2000 with a touch of the power of 1990 or 1999. However, if there is a distinguishing characteristic, it is the purity of the aromas; they are indeed pristine and each wine is distinctly different". Readers will note the presence of the 2002 Vosne "1er" Cuve Duvault-Blochet, which de Villaine cautioned may or may not be produced, depending on how it develops in cask." BH, July 1, 2005
Romanée-Conti--Vintage 2002
Côte de Nuits, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Lot 262 with very lightly scuffed label
Parcel: lots 261-262
""". . .the taut, focused, very backward, powerful and very punchy flavors are more discreet with seriously impressive detail and layer after layer of sappy extract and incredible depth. This too is impeccably balanced and there is the same tenderness here, sophisticated and quite fine tannins that one sees throughout this range of 2002s. As with all great vintages of Roman/aee-Conti, what ultimately separates it from La T/cache is the almost spiritual sense of harmony. Yes, the balance is perfect but there's just something else here that makes La Roman/aee-Conti a more complete wine."" BH, Jan 1, 2005
1 magnum per lot
"Co-director Aubert de Villaine candidly described 2002 as a vintage that "ripened very slowly. We didn't have great weather in June, July or August. I was particularly worried towards the end of August as the maturity was advancing yet the ideal conditions for rot were also emerging. Ironically, the exact conditions to really exacerbate the rot occurred, which is to say that it rained and was warm for several days and everyone thought that the harvest was done for. However, the additional moisture helped the vines to regain a bit of vigor just before the north wind began to blow, which dried up the rot, concentrated the sugars and the acidities and raised the dry extract ratios. Despite the north wind, the rain seemed to accelerate the maturation of the bunches and the only sorting work to be done was to sort out the ripe from the unripe. As a consequence, we harvested twice, about one week apart. There were relatively large bunches, which explains why there was a rather important difference in maturities even in the same vineyard. And as one might expect, the rot that did occur had a tendency to attack the larger bunches. We had some millerandage (very small berries with extremely high solid to liquid ratios), which helped to lower our effective yields, which were about 32 hl/ha across all our vineyards. Sugars were right at 12.5 and we essentially chaptalized to prolong the fermentations and acidities were correct but not better. 2002 is difficult to simply characterize. I would say at the moment that it reminds me of 1992 and 2000 with a touch of the power of 1990 or 1999. However, if there is a distinguishing characteristic, it is the purity of the aromas; they are indeed pristine and each wine is distinctly different". Readers will note the presence of the 2002 Vosne "1er" Cuve Duvault-Blochet, which de Villaine cautioned may or may not be produced, depending on how it develops in cask." BH, July 1, 2005
Romanée-Conti--Vintage 2002
Côte de Nuits, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Lot 262 with very lightly scuffed label
Parcel: lots 261-262
""". . .the taut, focused, very backward, powerful and very punchy flavors are more discreet with seriously impressive detail and layer after layer of sappy extract and incredible depth. This too is impeccably balanced and there is the same tenderness here, sophisticated and quite fine tannins that one sees throughout this range of 2002s. As with all great vintages of Roman/aee-Conti, what ultimately separates it from La T/cache is the almost spiritual sense of harmony. Yes, the balance is perfect but there's just something else here that makes La Roman/aee-Conti a more complete wine."" BH, Jan 1, 2005
1 magnum per lot
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Katie Jacobs