The 2002 vintage was good if not great, but it was perhaps the last "reasonably" priced vintage for classified growths and wines of similar quality. It was also a nice vintage for ordering in a restaurant as the wines were, for the most part, not long agers and drank well you. So, at 23 years from vintage it was nice to try this (and from multiple bottles which were all consistent). Purple/ruby in color with some browning, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is classic with barnyard, cigar box and slight cassis. There was also a bit of spice and char. Medium bodied. No tannins. Good balance. On the palate, there is some fruit left but it is mostly tertiary flavors of earth, leather and tobacco. Moderate finish. It does seem past prime for my tastes, but ymmv. Drink up. It will be better with food. A beef or lamb stew would be a nice match.
