2002 Volnay Les Taillepieds 1er Cru

Medium red. Ripe aromas of red fruits, minerals and smoke. Fat, full and sweet, with spicy flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Tangy and vibrant in the mid-palate, and long and juicy on the finish. This has more tannic backbone than the Champans. In fact, Villette says this is more tannic than the 2003 example. Offers considerable aging potential.

As is typical for this wine at this address, the 2002 Volnay Taillepieds displays a boisterous nose of plump, sweet black fruits. On the attack and mid-palate, this effort is extremely broad, lush, and intense. Its red and black cherry fruit is intermingled with herbs, spices, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied, it has outstanding depth, loads in reserve, and the structure for aging. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2017. Importer: Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Company., New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400

Good bright, deep red. Reticent nose hints at cherry and spice. Broad, rich and dense, with lovely deep sweetness. The biggest of these 2002s today but still youthfully reserved. Finishes very long, with full but sweet tannins and a kick of fruit. This has the sheer material to last well in bottle.