Growing Conditions
The year 2002 goes down as being the coolest, windiest ‘non-summers’ on record, following
on from our hottest summer on record in 2001. It was preceded by a wet winter and a spring
that was cold, wet and windy - like winter really.
Nose
Enticing, deep and concentrated blackcurrant and black plum aromas with hints of exotic spices and frankincense draw you in.
Palate
Opulent power and focus on the palate with lashes of dark berries, spice and fine-grained tannins.
Appearance
Intensely rich dark crimson in colour.
Aging
Matured in new French and American hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.
Harvest
The drizzly cold weather affected the flowering and caused poor fruit set, commonly known as ‘hen and chicken’, leading to crop reductions. In addition the season was 2-3 weeks late due to the unseasonable cold weather.With the smaller crop level, the balance of sugar, flavour and natural acidity in the fruit were excellent. Despite the low yields, 2002 was one of our most exceptional vintages ever, helped by the warm dry Indian summer autumn period, providing sensational colours, flavours and ageing potential.
