2002 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection

Disgorged in May 2017, the 2002 Extra Brut Grand Vintage Collection has acquired appreciable complexity from its 15 years sur lattes, offering up aromas of honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with nuances of smoke, iodine and brown butter. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, broad and impressively vinous, with a textural attack, good depth at the core and a pinpoint mousse, concluding with a sapid, saline finish. It should drink well for another decade.

The 2002 Brut Grand Vintage Collection offers a good bit of persistence, but I don’t find much of the sheer appeal or exuberance that is such a signature of this vintage. Ultimately, the 2002 comes across as a bit rough around the edges, both in comparison to the best wines of the vintage, and more recent vintages here. Some of that may have to do with the relatively recent disgorgement in February 2017. I hope to have a chance to taste it again.