2002 Clos Vougeot

(with thanks to Alex Goldstein). A discreet background touch of wood frames an earthy, slightly gamy nose that leads to ripe, rich, full-bodied and moderately dense flavors that display the classic young Clos de Vougeot quality of an austere backward finish. I like the tannins here as they're finer than usual and this finishes with real freshness and verve. The best Méo Clos de Vougeot since the spectacular '85 and every bit as good as the '05 if distinctly different in character. Note that the '02 is still very, very backward but there is huge upside development potential present.

Medium-deep red-ruby. Perfumed aromas of black cherry and flowers. Fine-grained and vibrant in the mouth, with nicely delineated flavors of black fruits, licorice and orange peel. Rich but dry and classic, with lovely balancing acidity and a very long finish. This is between 13.5% and 14% alcohol but conveys an almost delicate impression. Built to age. The 2002s started to open up in December of 2003 and to become much less severe, noted Meo.

Good ruby-red. Aromas of black cherry, licorice, minerals and sexy new oak. Dense, sappy and bright, with a strongly mineral character and firm acidity for Clos Vougeot. Vibrant and nicely delineated, with firm but fine tannins. Should make an excellent bottle.