Tasted at the Chateau Giscours vertical, the 2002 Chateau Giscours is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot picked between October 1 and 15. There remains that almost Pomerol-like personality on the nose, quite perfumed and floral with sage and burnt toast scents tincturing the dark berry fruit. With continued aeration, there is a just a hint of rooibos. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite ferrous in the mouth and lightly spiced. It does not deliver the same precision as the 2001, although there is decent length here. It does not offer great length, but for the vintage, this should be considered a modest success. Tasted June 2015.

This sexy, broad effort exhibits medium to full body, sweet tannin, an inky ruby color, and notes of smoked herbs intermixed with charcoal, black cherries, and a hint of tobacco. The wine is round, seductive, yet surprisingly concentrated and luscious. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring as the tannins are slightly more noticeable than in the 2003, and drink it over the following 12-15 years.

Sweet, pure cassis fruit on nose, oak nicely integrated. Rich, full bodied, succulent and juicy, ripe tannins, has depth and complexity. Good length.