Chateau Cheval Blanc 2002

"Fantastic aromas of black licorice and sweet tobacco change to raspberries and follow through to a full-bodied palate, with lovely silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Multilayered. A beauty. Best after 2008. 3,330 cases made." 92/100, Wine Spectator

"Mid crimson. Rather opulent and complex on the nose compared to most 2002s. Meaty, even a little spicy. Polished and eloquent. Fruit and then dry. But lustrous and well balanced. Very appetising and successful." 17.5/100, Jancis Robinson, Mar'2012

"Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. The nose takes some coaxing from the glass, but reluctantly reveals blackberry, bilberry, graphite and a touch of smoke. The palate displays a ripe entry, quite peppery which indicates some ripe Cabernet Franc, good concentration, quite tarry towards the finish with a hint of iodine on the aftertaste. I have forgotten how pleasurable this Cheval Blanc is, but it needs 2-3 years. Tasted October 2009." 92/100, Neal Martin, Robert Parker, Oct'2009

From the estate (Apr'2010)
"This vintage has aged elegantly and features surprising complexity and intensity. It is definitely a wine to discover or rediscover. The colour is brilliant, dark, and medium-deep. The nose is rather closed at present, but very pure. It shows plenty of fruit and a touch of liquorice with aeration. Blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry notes exist alongside smoky nuances from oak ageing. The wine has developed considerable class over time and the bouquet is ethereal, floral, complex, and intense. The wine starts out quite round and rich on the palate. The smooth, silky texture complements its body and crunchy black fruit flavours. This vintage is strongly marked by polished tannin and beautiful balance. The elegant, long aftertaste reveals hints of liquorice. However, it is difficult to know exactly how this vintage will develop over time. In fact, 2002 Cheval Blanc is a true surprise, and somewhat of a question mark at this stage. It is complex, intense, and refined."