2002 Bouchard Savigny - medium ruby color. Nice but somewhat simple secondary aromas of mostly red cherry with a touch of earth. Fresh on the palate good balance and acidity, lighter in body than expected. While I don’t love this vintage like ’99, I appreciate the ripe fruit in the relatively light-bodied format. This is a nice bottle but lacks some intensity and is a little dull despite the acidity. Rated 87.07.
2002 Pernot Blagny 1er Cru ‘La Piece sous le Bois’ - Very pale ruby, much lighter color than previous with a hint of orange, but no brown. Aromas are both more intense and more subtle; still red cherries but more mineral than earth and both quince and something floral (roses?). Also lighter on the palate with more acidity, but far more intensity, very vivid with high acidity well integrated.
I got half a case of this and drank most of it young, mistakenly thinking that it wouldn’t be long lived. My bad, this is beautiful and in no hurry. This reminds me of some late 40s minor Burgs I had in the 70s and 80s that were lurid orange in color and really wonderful. I’ve got one left after this, dammit. Rated 90.55, could improve up to a point. No idea when I should open my last bottle?!?
Dan Kravitz