The dark chocolate and black cherry-scented 2002 Clos de la Roche is medium to full-bodied, extremely soft, and generous. This densely packed wine reveals plush, velvety-textured dark berries. While some notes of freshness can be detected in the finish, and Saouma states it contains 3.3 grams of acidity (per litre), its forward, seductive character comes across as nearly over-ripe. While this wine may ultimately age well, my recommendation is to drink it over the next 8-9 years. Importers include: Vintus, Manhasset, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000; Atherton Imports, Atherton, CA; tel. (650) 328-6639; and Chicago Wine Merchants, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 890-8131

The dark chocolate and black cherry-scented 2002 Clos de la Roche is medium to full-bodied, extremely soft, and generous. This densely packed wine reveals plush, velvety-textured dark berries. While some notes of freshness can be detected in the finish, and Saouma states it contains 3.3 grams of acidity (per litre), its forward, seductive character comes across as nearly over-ripe. While this wine may ultimately age well, my recommendation is to drink it over the next 8-9 years. Importers include: Vintus, Manhasset, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000; Atherton Imports, Atherton, CA; tel. (650) 328-6639; and Chicago Wine Merchants, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 890-8131