Chambertin Clos de Bèze, Bouchard Père et Fils 2002

Crushed and very spicy black, intensely pinot fruit aromas blend into intense, sweet, dusty, relatively round and elegant flavors that display plenty of ripe soil and mineral nuances, superb density and outstanding finishing complexity. This is most impressive as the finish goes on and on. In short, this is extremely classy juice that offers outstanding potential.

The 2002 Chambertin Clos de Beze from Bouchard has a slightly meaty, almost hickory-tinged bouquet that suggests just a touch of brettanomyces here. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate complexity, a little lighter than its peers with an austere and reserved finish that never quite delivers that knockout punch. This is a little too conservative for its own good. Drink 2014-2020

Acquired as wine, the superb 2002 Chambertin Clos de Beze explodes from the glass with sweet, floral aromas of violets and cherries. Satin-textured and medium to full-bodied, it reveals layers of silky super-ripe red cherries in its harmonious, flavorful, extensive character. Concentrated and plush, it is a candidate for drinking between 2007 and 2018.