This too is incredibly complex but the essential character of the wine is quite different as the Bèze is built more along the lines of elegance and finesse in 2002 whereas the Chambertin is classic in style with its robust power and obvious muscularity all wrapped in prominent but fine tannins. I particularly like the inner mouth perfume here and while this is certainly a forceful, intense wine, it's not a bruiser as there is excellent precision and purity of expression here as well plus it enjoys exceptional balance as well. A great effort.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Dark red. Deep red and dark berry liqueur aromas are strongly marked by toasty vanillin oak and Asian spices. The palate offers brighter red berry flavors, with energetic mineral and floral pastille notes and youthfully assertive oak spices sweetening the back end. With time in the glass the wine's oakiness dissipated and powerful, impressively concentrated raspberry and cassis flavors came to the fore. For the depth and power here there's excellent purity and focus.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Bright ruby without that much evolution. Bitter cherries on the nose - less majesty than the 2005. Relatively light nose for a Chambertin from a great vintage. Much richer and more exciting on the palate - quite firm. Quite racy and then very dry. Doesn't seem to have the fruit concentration of the 2005. Quite dry actually. Perhaps in a sullen stage? Rather grainy. I'd keep this quite a while. Dry finish - distinctly surly in June 2010.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Pine resin, sweet blackberries, and dark cherries are found in the nose of the 2002 Chambertin. Medium-bodied, its silky-textured character offers spice box, black raspberry, cherry, cassis, and notes of fresh herbs. This pure, noble, suave wine also possesses a prolonged, seamless finish that is loaded with additional layers of fruit. Corinne Rousseau stated that "it will age forever."

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio