2002
Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 2002
Bright gold and wonderfully lively, with peach, papaya and melon layered over lemon zest, white flowers, honey, apricot and spiced orange peel. The palate is ripe and creamy but never heavy, its sweetness held in check by vivid acidity and a clean mineral line. Persistent and refreshing on the finish, it pairs beautifully with foie gras, blue cheese or almond tart.
Maison Roche de Bellene 2002 Collection Bellenum Beaune Premier Cru Les Greves
Fully evolved and savoury, with dried cherry, raspberry and prune framed by leather, forest floor and soft spice. The palate is graceful rather than heavy, its mature fruit carried by fine structure and a gently earthy finish. Serve cool and allow sediment to settle before pouring; it suits roast duck, mushroom dishes, game birds or aged soft cheese.
Nikolaihof 2002 Riesling Vinothek 750 mL
Flint, baked apple and fresh apple open with mint, lanolin and a distinctly herbal lift. The palate is taut, fresh and poised, showing remarkable liveliness within a deep, contemplative profile. A slender line of acidity keeps the texture vivid, while firm, lightly astringent structure adds definition. The finish is long, spicy and crystalline, carrying herbs, apple and mineral detail with refined persistence.
Moutard 2002 Brut Millésimé Champagne
White flowers and bright citrus open a powerful, composed nose. The palate is full and structured but finely balanced, with mature breadth held in line by persistent freshness. Citrus returns on the long, measured finish, giving the wine lift despite its scale. Best served with lobster, roast poultry, creamy mushroom dishes or a selection of aged cheeses.
Chateau Rieussec 2002 Sauternes
White flowers and dried honey lead a restrained aroma, followed by peach skin and a light lanolin note. The palate is fuller and more expressive, bringing mango, clementine and spice-tinged honey into fresh acidity and a rounded, balanced texture. Orange marmalade and candied ginger add depth without heaviness. The finish remains poised, lingering on apricot, citrus, saffron and gentle spice.
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2002 Bolgheri
Concentrated and expressive, with blackcurrant, plum and ripe dark berries joined by tobacco, dried herbs, forest floor and subtle spice. The palate balances rugged savoury depth with unmistakable elegance, bringing velvety texture, fresh acidity and fine tannins into a long, vibrant finish. Allow time in a decanter and serve with roast lamb, beef or porcini mushrooms.
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2002 Napa Valley
Bold and concentrated, with black cherry, boysenberry, plum, cassis and blackberry layered with violet, graphite, toasted oak, tobacco, charcoal and mocha. Full-bodied and luxurious, the palate has firm fine-grained tannins, dark chocolate, spice and a long, persistent finish. The structure is imposing but polished, making this a natural match for grilled beef or lamb.
Bruno Paillard 2002 Blanc de Blancs Champagne Magnum
Intense gold with green highlights and an exceptionally fine bead. The nose begins saline and iodine-edged, then opens to citrus, fresh almond and white flowers. The palate is taut yet opulent, layering candied citrus, marzipan, toast and buttery pastry over a mineral spine. The finish is very long, precise and energetic; serve at the start of a special meal.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2002 Pessac-Leognan
Intensely aromatic, with dark cherry at the centre and a generous frame of polished oak. Concentrated and long, the palate has substantial dark fruit, measured power and a firm, savoury structure that benefits from air. Give it about four hours in a decanter to open fully, then serve with roast beef, lamb or other simply seasoned red meat.
Château Lafite Rothschild 2002 Pauillac
Bright and classically shaped, with vibrant red berries, cherry and cranberry layered with mint, herbs, tobacco and cedar. The palate is crisp and energetic, balancing sweet and tart fruit with olive, citrus and a firm old-school structure. A two-hour decant brings out cassis, blackberry, cigar box and forest-floor complexity. Serve with roast lamb, veal or grilled mushrooms.