The 2002 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

In the kaleidoscope of venerable Bordeaux vintages, the 2002 Cheval Blanc from Château Cheval Blanc casts its own mesmerising hues. Cast against the backdrop of a challenging season in Saint-Emilion, this vintage rises with a poised grandeur that captures the essence of resilience and meticulous vineyard stewardship. Recent tastings have emphatically underscored its standing as one of the illustrious estate’s more intriguing offerings – a fine wine investment par excellence.

A Chronicle of Terroir and Triumph

With the relentless climatic pressures of 2002, Saint-Emilion's vintners laboured under skies that offered limited reprieve. Yet within the gates of Château Cheval Blanc, a narrative of triumph was being scribed in the vineyards. The chateau's legendary focus on precision viticulture ensured that each vine articulated its varietal voice with clarity. In this context, the 2002 Cheval Blanc reveals an articulate expression, born from adversity yet unyielding in elegance.

Singular Expression: The 2002 Vintage Charms

On approaching this vintage, one must shed preconceptions – for the 2002 is not hemmed by the shadows of more famed years. It emerges with an aromatic panache, offering dark cherry and nuanced truffle notes, weaving through taut tannins. The palate is an allegory of balance; cassis melds with earthy complexities, hinting at underbrush and graphite – a testament to its ageing potential. This year's almost equal Merlot and Cabernet Franc composition resonate with an aged serenity that can only stem from judicious cellaring.

Discerning collectors recognise in the 2002 Cheval Blanc an opportunity for diversification amidst their portfolios. Its ascent in desirability is tethered not only to its provenance but also to its compelling narrative – a sleeping beauty among giants, awakened.

Graced with continuity through generations and bolstered by LVMH's custodianship since 1998, this vintage stands proudly as one to watch within savvy investment circles. Its maturing profile strikes a balance between power and poise – elements that beckon further exploration for those charmed by the alchemy of time and skill.

In Conclusion: Opulence Through Time

As I reflect on recent tastings of the 2002 Cheval Blanc, it communicates with a quiet authority amongst its vintaged peers. Here lies a vintage characterised not by opulent fanfare or immediate gratification but by poised evolution and steady ascendancy in both complexity and value. The unequivocal charm of 2002 resides in its supple tannic structure and layered bouquet – compelling attributes for enthusiasts looking to enrich their cellars with a wine that continues to unfold its story with grace.