A gritty, austere example of La Tour Haut-Brion, this dark plum/ruby-hued, medium-bodied 2002 offers pleasant red and black currant flavors with hints of plums and cherries in the background. Although it possesses good fruit, the vintage’s cool climate austere tannins dominate at present. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015.
Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. Ripe and forward on the nose, rounded red-berried fruits, raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, a touch of rosemary and thyme. Something more estuarine evolving with time. The palate is full-bodied, firm tannin, just a little dry and austere and chewy towards the finish but good length. A bit "chunky", but it does have character. Tasted October 2009.
Drink 2008-13 The no longer extant wine from within the La Mission vineyard. Quite ripe and simple on the nose. Rather fossilised. Solid. Yeoman stuff. It may simply need time.
As this vineyard continues to mature after significant replanting, the wines have taken on more depth and intensity. The 2002 La Tour Haut-Brion exhibits a deep ruby color in addition to an earthy, black currant-scented bouquet revealing background toasty smoky oak, medium body, and a spicy, elegant style. With impressive purity as well as excellent concentration, it should be at its peak between 2007-2015.
