The 2002 Lafon-Rochet has a slightly rustic bouquet with smudged red plummy fruit and touches of dark chocolate, fennel and wild mint emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with furry tannins, moderate depth, a little rustic but full of charm. It just misses some finesse on the finish but otherwise, crack open bottles now because this 2002 will not improve. Tasted at the château.

Dark ruby/purple with a pleasant, straightforward nose of plums, flowers, underbrush, and licorice, the medium-bodied 2002 possesses a good attack and mid-palate, but then finishes abruptly. Drink it over the next 6-7 years.