2002 Domaine du Comte Liger Belair, La Romanee Grand Cru

A nuanced, beautifully understated wine, the 2002 La Romanée captures Louis-Michel Liger-Belair at the early days of what would turn out to be a remarkable decade for him and his family. The 2002 is a soft, hushed wine that speaks to the introspective elegance that this site is capable of. Lilting in its soft, floral notes and bright stone fruit flavors, the 2002 draws the taster in with its sublime personality.

Tasted at the La Romanée vertical at Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair. It has been over ten years since I tasted the debut 2002 La Romanée Grand Cru bottled by Comte Liger-Belair. It has certainly matured with style and in my opinion, has much more to offer than the 2003. It is precise on the nose with red cherries, candied orange peel and appealing floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and nicely judged acidity. I like the tension here, something that defines this vintage. After 13 years this marks a very refined debut that has the edge over the more "worked" Bouchard bottling. Tasted June 2015.

Monopole. Low-key nose. Pretty dry, pretty classy. Lots of acid and the tannin at the moment overpowers the fruit. Tingles, almost, as though there’s some carbon dioxide in here. Definitely grand cru status but a bit surly at present. (JR)