2002 CHATEAU LYNCH-BAGES

Together with 2007, 2002 was perhaps the most challenging vintage of the noughties in Bordeaux, a year in which the even the Bordelaise struggled to label ‘a vignerons vintage’. No doubt, the quality of wines in bottle was helped by close attention to detail in the vineyard, the luxury of being able to de-classify a significant proportion of the crop, and modern vinification techniques.

While there are undoubtedly some successes from the 2002 vintage (stand-out Pomerol property Vieux Chateau Certan being just one), there is a thread of green herbaceousness that runs through a good number of wines from the Médoc, evidence that Cabernet Sauvignon failed to fully ripen in some instances.

A case in point is 2002 Chateau Lynch-Bages. The 2002 from this much loved super second is a perfectly decent wine, dare one say, a rather polite ‘gentleman’s lunching Claret’. With relatively soft tannins and well integrated cedary oak, it is drinking perfectly well now – a perfectly pleasant wine, but nothing earth shattering.

The 2002’s generally sell at a substantial discount to celebrated vintages like 2000, 2005 and 2009. On this evidence, one can see why. It represents relatively poor value in the modern wine market, and being a 2002, its investment potential is limited.

2002 CHATEAU LYNCH-BAGES
Producer: Chateau Lynch-Bages
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2002
Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
ABV: 13%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 1 October 2011

Tasting Note:
Typical Médoc nose of black cherry and dusty gravel. Greenish herbal streak suggests slight under-ripeness. Dry and savoury on the palate, which is rather straightforward and simple; slightly herbaceous red fruits entwined with cedary oak. Might develop further complexity with 2-3 years further ageing.
Score: 15.5/20