Burgundy's run of successful vintages continues unabated with 2002 being hailed as one of the greatest in the last 25 years. Cool weather during flowering induced millerandage (uneven fruit set) and led to a smaller harvest than in 2001. A grey but not unduly wet August was followed by a bright and dry September. During this period a cool north-easterly wind prevented the formation of undesirable rot and allowed a slow sugar development and phenolic maturation without any significant erosion of acidity levels. Growers were able to pick at leisure and the lack of any excessive heat preserved the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit.

The reds are exceptionally focused, with ripe but strong tannins and an appealing vivacity. These components will ensure that the top reds will require extended cellaring. At Domaine Armand Rousseau they feel the wines have the freshness of 1996 with the ripeness of 1999.

Christophe Drag at Domaine Jean Chauvenet considers this his best ever vintage, even above 1990 and at Domaine Grivot, the quality of the fruit was so high that Etienne Grivot has not considered it necessary to rack the wines off their lees, which were exceptionally healthy. These are all indications of an exceptional harvest.