Reviews & Scores
This is still rather reserved though determined swirling reveals a nose that is exceptionally fine and pure with fantastic aromatic detail and an almost diaphanous transparency of expression that reveals all of the kaleidoscopic La Tâche spice box nose, including anise, clove, plums, high-toned black cherry, crushed red raspberry and more. The broad, expansive and powerful flavors are still on the strict side with a mid-palate of massive depth yet the finish is round, generous, sappy and superbly complex culminating in a finish that lasts for minutes. Despite the aromatic fireworks and opulent character, there is an underlying tenderness here that will allow the '02 LT to be approachable now even if it's not entirely ready. With that said, the balance is so fine that this should easily age for another 30 years, perhaps even longer. Tasted four times since 2011 with consistent notes
BH96
The 2002 La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is still a young and fairly adolescent wine, but it is also one of the finest recent examples of the vintage I have had the pleasure to taste. The deep, complex and still quite primary bouquet delivers a fine mélange of black cherries, beetroot, game, a touch of bonfire, a truly beautiful and complex base of soil tones, fresh herbs and a lovely framing of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, nascently complex and rock solid at the core, with tangy acids, outstanding focus and grip, moderate tannins and a very long, pure and classy finish. If all 2002 red Burgundies showed this level of terroir, I would be a much bigger fan of the vintage!
JG95
Mid cherry red that's not that dense. Heady, gamey nose. Sweet start with excellent acidity. Sinewy and lively. Very friendly and approachable already. Smooth-textured with real lift. Lots of fun!
JR18.5/20
I am surprised by how delicate the 2002 La Tâche is, especially from magnum. Bright, crystalline and nuanced, the 2002 speaks more to energy and finesse than the more powerful, resonant expression of the year that is found in so many other 2002s
VM95
Tasted at the La Tâche vertical at The Square. It was initially difficult to choose between the 1999 and 2002 La Tâche, but in the end the former just ascended to the stratosphere, while the latter simply cruised, albeit at a very high altitude. Now at 13 years of age, there is just a slight bricking on the rim. It feels a little more forward than the 1999–a stylish and personality-driven bouquet with predominantly red berry fruit interlaced with warm bricks and undergrowth (much more so of the latter compared to the 1999). The palate is beautifully balanced with exquisite tannin, perfect acidity and an effortless, you might say easygoing personality. That is deceptive because it is a complex and utterly harmonious La Tâche that is the epitome of elegance. Unlike the 1999, I would broach this now with an hour's decanting. Wonderful.
WA97
This is closed overall, with subtle aromas, hinting at cherry, floral and mineral flavors. Has latent energy waiting to be unleashed. Shows great refinement and length, with the mineral element echoing on the finish
WS97