2002 Chevalier Montrachet
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Tasting notes
600 bottles of this vintage were made, so two barrels, presumably. What a contrast to the 2003 drunk alongside! Not in terms of colour; both wines were an almost worryingly deep gold. This 2002 had massively more acidity than the low-acid 2003, and tasted perhaps 15 years younger. I may be underestimating its potential for ageing. Our host had had this wine twice before and felt this bottle was not as fine and complex as the others. The nose was lightly reductive and there was something of creamy butterscotch on the palate – pretty amazing that this came from grapes really. Very youthful and still pretty tight. This was impressive whereas the 2003 was thoroughly enjoyable. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Pierre Rovani
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru appears to be at the peak of its almighty powers. The aromatics are thrilling. It is pure liquid minerals with astonishing delineation and focus. You almost feel humbled in its presence. The palate has formidable weight and penetration, a perfect silver bead of acidity and it fans out gloriously towards the finish with lemon peel, spice and grilled hazelnuts. There is incredible persistence in the mouth, completing a white Burgundy that comes damn close to perfection. I cannot see it improving further with bottle age so those lucky enough to possess a bottle should not hesitate enjoying this awe-inspiring wine. Tasted at the d'Auvenay dinner in Hong Kong.
Light yellow. Pineapple, citrus peel, wet stone, white flowers and smoky oak on the nose; a real essence of Chevalier-Montrachet. Remarkably fine and racy, but at the same time wonderfully silky, even plump, for this grand cru. Explosive, mouthfilling flavors of citrus fruits and wet stone show great distinction. Finishes with extraordinary length and mineral lift.