The 2002 vintage was one of the most difficult in recent memory. The 2002 Pàtrimo reflects the challenges of the growing season. This edition of the wine opens to reduced intensity and power. It offers a fraction of what you get in the better years. The nose reveals wild fruit and dusty mineral. I'm told that Feudi di San Gregorio's Montevergine single-vineyard (planted to Aglianico for the production of Taurasi) fared much better in 2002 compared to this Merlot. In all, the wine shows some tannic roughness and there is little in the way of baby fat or any fruit pulp to chew on. The year was very cold in winter and it rained throughout much of the summer months.