TN Impromptu: 2002 Lafon Rochet

[Houndsong]

I pulled this for a quicky despite reports from Ian on the 2002 Leo B. from half and RobertGoulet's (? was it) on the 2000 Lafon Rochet. Plus I recall on release this wine was like the nice child you have but don't expect much of. Well, we are in "exceeds expectations" mode once again. This is showing nice breadth and length and incipient 2ndary flavors, in a very tasty, medium bodied package. In short, textbook claret. You know, Parker rates 2002 as the least vintage of the ought decade, well behind even 2007. This really bodes well (generally speaking) for the more closed in and bigger wines of this year, I think. I'll try to coax some descriptors out of my stunted wine lexicon as the bottle progresses. Right now there's some Luden's/Smith Brothers Cough Drops and some ancient attic/chest of drawers.

[Houndsong]

This has a nice flourish of spicy, tobacco-infused tannins in the finish. Certainly nothing out or proportion for a Bordeauxphile. It's also dry, but without any sort of tartness, so I'd say the acidity is also appropriate and balanced.

Enjoying some thundershowers this afternoon and evening. Thank goodness the monsoon arrived last week. I'd say it was drier here than Bordeaux since really last summer this time. Frightfully so this spring.

[robertgoulet]

hound not me...that was the larrivet hb rouge...so interesting this forum....the great interest in '02....i have very limited exposure with this vintage....I'm actually an '04 guy....and I love some '01 esp. pessac....for me '05 very overrated...i need to get on some '02's....tasted lalande, too tight....'02 alter ego, very nice. cheers

[Houndsong]

Right, it was Harry C.

This wine resonated some strong spicy vibes with the yak/mushroom sloppy joes, sauteed pak choi and chard, and corn on the cob. Interestingly as it progresses it seems to be closing in a bit, acquiring a cool, marble-like texture and density.

[Blanquito]

Won't stop raining in northern Colorado these days. Flash flood galore. It's like Bordeaux in 1991-93.

[Houndsong]

Our fourth storm today is passing by. Mostly the 10-15 minute variety and not enough to wash out the driveway. The springs has had so little rain, like 3 inches, instead of 8 for the year. Of course as soon as the Women's Open started last week it's been lightning if not rain at least every day.