Producer note: Gérard Boudot described 2002 as "perfectly balanced with such solid acidity and dry extract that the wines will keep for years. As to the crop, we had average yields though less than '99, '00 and '01, which is to say from 42 to 47 hl/ha. Sugars were excellent with most everything coming in around 13%, ranging from a low of 12.5 to a high of 13.8%. Incredible as it sounds, we didn't have even one rotten grape, which is the cleanest crop that I've ever seen, even cleaner than '96. There was almost no triage for under ripe grapes either, because the flowering passed quickly and evenly which means that everything ripened at pretty much the same time. In fact, we did the entire harvest in only 6 days. I would compare '02 to either '85 or maybe '92 but it seems as though there is better balance and better acidity than in '92. In fact, much as I like my '99s, 2002 may be the most complete vintage in a long, long time." As to the Sauzet '01s, Boudot still likes them and indeed there is much to like but to this observer, it's the weakest vintage chez Sauzet among this quartet and these '02s are clearly superior Tasting note: Reserved, backward and almost closed on the nose, revealing only hints of white flower fruit and spice but the ample flavors are impressively scaled and while this is not as concentrated as the Bienvenues, it is a good deal more powerful and possesses a finish that seems to go on and on. This is relatively racy and refined for Bâtard and I very much like the inner mouth perfume. A great Bâtard that is worthy of the name.