Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
The 2002 Romanee-Conti Grand Cru was picked on September 21 at 25hl/ha. It is a very fine wine, if not belonging to the very highest echelon of Romanee-Conti like the 1999 or 2005. Appearance-wise, it has a little more degradation on the rim than expected. It feels uncompromising and forthright on the nose and I can just feel that stem addition, hints of bell pepper and iron filings complementing the brambly red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture, perfect acidity and linearity. It is here that this Romanee-Conti comes into its own, conveying unerring symmetry and poise and extraordinary length. It is by no means a perfect wine yet it is disarmingly alluring. 5,548 bottles produced. Tasted at the Romanee-Conti dinner at the Connaught Hotel.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2055
JancisRobinson.com 19
Mid ruby. Sumptuous appeal on the nose but with just the merest hint of something green and vegetal? Unreadable at this stage and very brutish but surely this will be great? Not showing brilliantly well at the moment cf say Romanee St Vivant. Tight and still a bit tough but there is lots here – in a high toned register. Very direct attack, very refreshing and frank. Not as flattering as, say, La Tache. Wait and wait for this.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040
Robert Parker 90
The 2002 Romanee-Conti sports a nose of orange zests, stones, herbs, and violets. Its delicate, light to medium-bodied character opens to reveal silky layers of black cherries, black currants, fresh herbs, and roses. Firm, unresolved tannin can be detected in its lengthy finish. Projected maturity: 2009-2018.
Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018
