2002 Champagne made waves as it first hit the shelves, for its ample sense of fruit and charm, and a sense of density from ripe grapes. As the 2002 ‘cuvées de prestige’ began to arrive a few years later we were ready for them, and we weren’t disappointed! (Every wine in this line up was rated between 95 and 99 points at the Wine Advocate, for example). Charles Curtis MW, whose book Vintage Champagne (2020) I recommend you find, rates the 2002 vintage ***** (his maximum). He goes on –
‘To compare 2002 with two other great years, the level of alcohol is on par with 1996 and is a half-degree more than 2008, but the level of acidity is markedly lower than either of these two vintages. The net effect is to make the wines more accessible at an earlier age overall. It seems to me that some wines are now starting to mature. The best wines from 2002, however, are still very youthful and should not be drunk yet.’
 
Twenty years from harvest seems a nice neat moment in time to check in on them as a collection, to see what is ready, how they taste and compare, and which need further cellaring before reaching their peak. Our focus is on eleven top reference wines we enjoy and know well in Hong Kong, in order to put this vintage into context.
 
Once more the team at the Grand Hyatt will create a menu for us to enjoy the wines’ gastronomic potential, and much like last year’s 1996 vintage event, I’m sure the wines will generate a lot of interesting discussion, and a few surprises. Will you find a new favourite for your table or cellar?
 
Join us for this small, very limited space event.

Wines to be served:
2002 Piper Heidsieck Rare

2002 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc
2002 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
2002 Salon 'Le Mesnil'

2002 Maison Louis Roederer Champagne 'Cristal'
2002 Moet & Chandon Champagne 'Dom Perignon P2'
2002 Krug

2002 Egly Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millesime
2002 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill
2002 Philipponnat Champagne 'Clos de Goisses'
2002 Billecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint Hilaire Blanc de Noirs