Opera 02

Marchesi di Barolo

Gia Opera Pia Barolo Nebbiolo 1961

Hot damn, so structured and complex even at 60 some years! Bricky, twiggy herbaceous nose, cedar and dried fruit and menthol, perfectly integrated tannins (shockingly fresh). What an experience, happy birthday to me! — 3 months ago

Natasha Bray
with Natasha
Ryan liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2002

Finished our tondonia mini-vertical with this gorgeous fully mature ‘02 — 2 years ago

Willem, Peter and 12 others liked this

Jones Family Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

This Mag needed 30 minutes to blow off the 20 years, but it started going downhill quickly compared to other 02’s . Retail purchase so who knows storage conditions, — 2 years ago

Paul, Shay and 15 others liked this

Ca Montanari

Amabile Opera 02 Modena IGT Lambrusco

Loved this, rich red color and slightly fruit forward but still nice and dry — 4 months ago

Jason Keath
with Jason

Piper-Heidsieck

Cuvée Rare Brut Champagne Blend 2002

David T
9.7

Happy Birthday Christina. 🎂 🎉 🥳

I have been holding this bottle for her birthday for about 5 years since we had this vintage last. Worth the wait. So much more complex now.

The fruits are more subtle and the toasted mixed nut buffet has taken hold. Butterscotch hard candy. Round, creamy, subdued lemon & pineapple juice, hints of lime on the long set, Bosc pear, white peach, whipped cream, brioche, some bread dough, some of the most beautiful yeastiness, what amazing, soft chalkiness, sea spray, undertones of white spice, crushed/powdery limestone, fresh, blooming Spring flowers & yellow lilies, excellent, perfect, crisp acidity, layers and layers on the well; knitted, balanced, structured, brilliantly polished, elegant finish that lasts minutes.

I’ve had some nice champagne lately and this beats everything except 02 & 96 Krug.
— 10 months ago

Ira, Juan and 11 others liked this
Shay A

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Such a brilliant bottle. Wish I bought more when I could!

Alban Vineyards

Lorraine Syrah 2002

My last 02, had to drink it sometime🤷🏼‍♂️ out of 🥩 for the week so no time like the present. — 4 years ago

Tom, Ron and 37 others liked this
Ron R

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Huge number, mate!
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

Old Albans are mind blowing. I don’t give out too many 10’s but these deserve it.
Mike R

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👏👏

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2014

Broke out one of my cellared Raffaults for my homeboy who graced me with a home cooked Tuscan styled flank steak w rosemary & arugula, as well as Israeli cous cous w chickpeas, charred tomatoes, feta, & herbs. Light Cadmium red hued & strong color though ( good cork- not a guarantee w Raffault!); dense Hibiscus, fresh raspberry & some bramble on nose; on palate very clean & smooth mouthfeel, with the initial flavors repeated but a deeper blend of red fruits & a stronger presence of under brush. Super fresh & integrated. Elegant, & the Burgundy echo was hard to ignore. Not Uber complex but not monolithic either, which this line of Raffault can be in its youth ( or as it ages). Very impressive, & accessible now. Curious how my ‘02 & 07s will fare… — 8 months ago

Owen Mazon
with Owen
Ira, Pinotman and 8 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

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@Peter Sultan I am always surprised this is not on more restaurant wine-lists given the price to quality ratio.
Peter Sultan

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I have no evidence other than anecdotal but I suspect bottle variability- both from my experience and from what wine stores have told me. I imagine too it’s a tricky wine to sell given it can really shut down for periods. But all guesses @Ira Schwartz …..

Domaine Leflaive

Les Pucelles Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Chardonnay 2002

Tasted blind. Light gold color. Fruit forward nose, almost tropical. Notes of green apple and orchard fruits, wet river stone, apricot, white flowers. Notably younger in its evolution than the first two bottles today, with a slightly lower heaviness and depth. I go with a guess of 2000 Leflaive Pucelles. Nice to see a young 02 Leflaive sans premox, with a lot of upside in front of it. 94+ — 2 years ago

Ira, Juan and 16 others liked this