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"One of the best places to Buy Wine in New Zealand" - Taste Food & Wine
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Shopping on Wine Direct is 100% Safe and Secure
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En Primeur is the purchase of wine while it is still maturing in barrel. Buying En Primeur secures an allocation of a wine in advance of its commercial release to the market. The main advantages of buying En Primeur are:
Price: The initial release price is always the best price.
Access: Secure allocations of small-volume, hard-to-find wines.
Provenance: Owning a wine from the start of its life is always best, and it adds value.
Continuity: Secure the latest vintages of Chateaux you have followed closely over the years.
These 2008 vintage wines will be released and made available for Wine Direct to ship from France some time around mid 2011. The En Primeur pricing below excludes GST. And a small secondary charge comprising GST, duty, excise and freight will be levied when the wines arrive in 2011.
If you have any questions about En Primeur don't hesitate to give Ryan or Alastair a call: 09 529 5267.
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Ch Pavie, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Pavie, St Emilion 2008
"Is the 2008 Pavie superior to the 2005 and 2000? While that is impossible to know at this stage of its development, it will certainly be one of the three greatest Pavies made under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Cropped at a very ...
"Is the 2008 Pavie superior to the 2005 and 2000? While that is impossible to know at this stage of its development, it will certainly be one of the three greatest Pavies made under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Cropped at a very low 30 hectoliters per hectare, the final blend is a classic Pavie combination of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 14.5% natural alcohol is the highest ever achieved at this estate. The inky/blue/purple color is followed by a wine with a concentrated, full-bodied texture, a layered mouthfeel, fresh acids, abundant tannin, and a 50-60-year evolution ahead of it. Compared to the enormous, but backward 2005, the 2008 seems even less evolved at a similar stage. Sweet creme de cassis, black cherry, licorice, and smoky barbecue characteristics combine with a liqueur of minerality that resonates from this terroir that is considered to be among the top dozen or so vineyard sites in Bordeaux. This remarkable offering, from a person who has, thankfully, ignored the petty jealousy and unfair criticism of his administration, is another St.-Emilion for your children's children. For the fact-mongers, this cuvee was hand-harvested between October 13-21, with the grapes put in small plastic containers. Everything is moved by gravity flow, and there is no fining or filtration following a slightly longer than normal aging (28-30 months) in oak casks."
Score: 96-98+ Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"This is very Porty, with lots of fruit and richness. Big and powerful. A blockbuster style."
Score: 92-95 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"Another powerful wine from Gérard Perse - not far off the amazing 2005 in quality. Rich, ripe, dark fruit on the nose. Huge weight and density on the palate. Powerful tannic frame with the minerally freshness of the terroir coming through on the finish. Long ageing. Drink 2016-2035."
Score: 18 Points - Decanter.com
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Case (12)
$275.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Leoville Las Cases, St Julien 2008
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Ch Leoville Las Cases, St Julien 2008
"Readers should not be surprised that the 2008 Leoville Las Cases is a great classic as the selection process here is as Draconian as at any of the first-growths. Slightly more than one-third of the production made it into the grand vin, a blend of ...
"Readers should not be surprised that the 2008 Leoville Las Cases is a great classic as the selection process here is as Draconian as at any of the first-growths. Slightly more than one-third of the production made it into the grand vin, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot. Yields were just under 38 hectoliters per hectare, and the natural alcohol of 13.4% is among the highest ever measured at this estate. The harvest was very late, between October 6-18, and the result is a wine boasting extraordinarily sweet tannin as well as abundant black cherry and cassis notes intermixed with a prominent underlying minerality. Despite the massive density, concentration, and length, the wine is extremely precise, nuanced, and impeccably pure. This phenomenal effort should be more drinkable in its youth than many other vintages of Las Cases because of the ripe tannins and sweet fruit density. It will need 5-10 years of cellaring, and should last for 40+ years."
Score: 95-97 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"It is packed with powerful flavours concentred and rich. The black fruits all vie for dominance first damson is in the ascendancy then cassis and sloe with fresher bilberry emerging giving freshness and elegance. Although the tannins are structured at the moment there is enough weight of fruit to win through."
Score: 93-97 Derek Smedley MW
"Wonderful nose of roses, violets, raspberries and black licorice. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and lots of beautiful wood. Excellent."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc (a little higher than usual) with 10.3% pressed wine. Cropped at 37.9hl/ha and coming in at a respectable 13.4% alcohol, the harvest commencing on 6th October, this has a ravishing nose of cassis, black plum, violets and a touch of eucalyptus - quite atypical for an '08. The palate is full-bodied with cashmere tannins on the entry, seductive, a little spicy, the back palate with almost a vanillary sweet finish. This is a lascivious Las-Cases that is nigh irresistible at this stage. Gorgeous - but how will it age?
Score: 92-94 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$220.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Ducru Beaucaillou, St Julien 2008
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Ch Ducru Beaucaillou, St Julien 2008
"In Bruno Borie's words, the 2008 Ducru Beaucaillou is "well above 2004, with much more structure than 2007, and more sensuality than 2006." I would add that it is even better than that, and as profound as the 2005. Approximately 33% of the crop ...
"In Bruno Borie's words, the 2008 Ducru Beaucaillou is "well above 2004, with much more structure than 2007, and more sensuality than 2006." I would add that it is even better than that, and as profound as the 2005. Approximately 33% of the crop made it into Ducru, which came in at 13.1% natural alcohol. This 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot blend reveals a dense opaque purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet bouquet of spring flowers, creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, espresso roast, and spice. A testament to the density and richness of this wine is the fact that no oak is apparent in the aromas or flavors. The wine is unctuously textured, but analytically, it has a good level of total acid and sound pH. This fabulous offering will age effortlessly for 30-40+ years.Bruno Borie deserves accolades for the remarkable things he has accomplished at Ducru Beaucaillou over the last few years."
Score: 96-98 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$180.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Montrose, St Estephe 2008
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Ch Montrose, St Estephe 2008
"An undeniably great Montrose, after some time in wood, the 2008 should achieve the heights of the 2003, 1990, and 1989. Stylistically different from those wines, the 2008 harvest took place between September 29 and October 15, and yields were a ...
"An undeniably great Montrose, after some time in wood, the 2008 should achieve the heights of the 2003, 1990, and 1989. Stylistically different from those wines, the 2008 harvest took place between September 29 and October 15, and yields were a modest 44 hectoliters per hectare. This superb terroir west of the Gironde River possesses a remarkable amount of gravel in the soil base. Sixty percent of the production made it into the 2008 Montrose, and the person responsible for so many great Haut-Brions, Jean-Bernard Delmas, came out of retirement to take charge over the last several vintages for proprietor Martin Bouygues. An inky/purple color is accompanied by sweet, pure aromas of black fruits and spice. This full-bodied wine exhibits superb concentration, sweet tannin, and a multilayered, textured, full-bodied mouthfeel with no hard edges. The sweetness of the tannin, the extraordinary purity of fruit, and the intense aromatics suggest a year of great ripeness. The difference between the 2008 and the 2003, 1990, or 1989 is the freshness and purity of expression. This should be a long-lived wine (35+ years), yet it will drink surprisingly well at a young age. For some reason, it comes across like an even more pure example of the 1989, even though there is nothing essentially comparable between the two harvests."
Score: 95-97 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"There is a very attractive mix of black fruit on the nose, its ripeness giving it weight. The fleshy voluptuousness is there on the palate. The tannins form a cage at the moment but there is nothing aggressive about them allowing sweet fruit to enrich the finish."
Score: 91-96 Derek Smedley MW
"Shows blackberry and black licorice, with hints of mint. Full-bodied and fruity, with very fine tannins, good acidity and a nice intensity of mineral and spices."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"Black-red, complex, concentrated blackcurrants nose, firm on the palate, quite tight and tough despite inherent richness, a classic Montrose which needs waiting for. Drink 2020-35."
Score 17.5 Points - Decanter
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Case (12)
$120.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Branaire Ducru, St Julien 2008
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Ch Branaire Ducru, St Julien 2008
"Sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of acacia flowers and crushed rocks always provide Branaire with a distinctive perfume. In the mouth, there is impressive purity, a powerful yet elegant style, noticeable but sweet ...
"Sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of acacia flowers and crushed rocks always provide Branaire with a distinctive perfume. In the mouth, there is impressive purity, a powerful yet elegant style, noticeable but sweet tannin, and nicely integrated acidity. The wood component is not apparent given the density and richness of the fruit. The 2008 should come close to rivaling the 2005, 2003, and 2000. Consume it over the next 20+ years."
Score: 91-93+ Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Currants and blackberries, with hints of black licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins and lots of pretty fruit. Love the nose. Tight and structured, but refined."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$65.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch d'Issan, Margaux 2008
"This beautifully elegant, precise, well-delineated 2008 displays a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of spring flowers, blue and black fruits, and subtle graphite and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a layered, expansive ...
"This beautifully elegant, precise, well-delineated 2008 displays a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of spring flowers, blue and black fruits, and subtle graphite and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a layered, expansive mouthfeel, impressive purity, and a long finish with no hint of aggressiveness, this effort should be at its peak in 4-6 years, and evolve for 20-25 years."
Score: 91-93 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$61.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Cos d'Estournel, St Estephe 2008
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Ch Cos d'Estournel, St Estephe 2008
" The inky/purple-hued 2008 Cos is still very young, and probably will improve even further as the wine came out of malolactic fermentation very late. It reveals exceptionally precise, fresh aromas of black fruits, crushed rocks, licorice, flowers, ...
" The inky/purple-hued 2008 Cos is still very young, and probably will improve even further as the wine came out of malolactic fermentation very late. It reveals exceptionally precise, fresh aromas of black fruits, crushed rocks, licorice, flowers, and subtle smoke. Dense and high in tannin, the extraordinary richness of polyphenols has given the wine power, substance, and depth, but the sweetness of the tannin and the seemingly low acidity, even though the wine tastes remarkably fresh and the pH is only 3.57 (compared to pH's close to 4 when the fruit is this ripe), has given the wine a precision and elegance that is remarkable. And don't forget, this is probably the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever used in a Cos d'Estournel blend. This wine should gain weight, richness, and a few Parker points by the time it is bottled. It is even denser and richer than the 1996, with an index of polyphenols at 80, which is not unusual for many of the top wines of the vintage, but is extremely high, and more along the lines of what one would find in the top wines of 2005. It should evolve for 30-35 years.This property has undergone a complete make-over, building a state-of-the-art, spaceship-looking new winemaking facility, and giving brilliant winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats carte blanche authority from proprietor Michel Reybier. The team continues to fine tune and reflect on every possible detail in both the vineyard and the winery in order to achieve even greater success."
Score: 94-96+ Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"It has all the concentrated power that one might expect. The palate has the complexity of different black fruit flavours, first rich damson then lighter bilberry and bramble. There are tannins in evidence but their ripeness adds more flesh than structure, Hints of bright redder fruits emerge giving a more flowing elegance."
Score: 92-96 Derek Smedley MW
"Sweet tobacco, tar, blueberry and coffee aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fresh finish. Bright and fruity, with a lovely finish. A crisp, precise and focused wine, with a lively finish. 85 percent Cabernet, slightly more than usual."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"Black-purple-red, deeply concentrated blackcurrant fruit, full, plummy, slightly smoky, even exotic with superb internal (mostly Cabernet) ripeness, vibrant and virgourous, very good length. Drink 2017-35."
Score: 5 Stars & 18.5 Points - Decanter.com
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Case (12)
$182.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Barde Haut, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Barde Haut, St Emilion 2008
"This beautiful, luscious, sensual St.-Emilion exhibits a deep purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of ink, graphite, blackberries, and cassis. Full-bodied with sweet tannin, admirable concentration, and a long, velvety finish, this superb, ...
"This beautiful, luscious, sensual St.-Emilion exhibits a deep purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of ink, graphite, blackberries, and cassis. Full-bodied with sweet tannin, admirable concentration, and a long, velvety finish, this superb, fairly priced 2008 is worth checking out. It should drink well for 12-15 years."
Score: 91-93 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Shows blackberry and blueberry aromas, with cassis. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and refined tannins. Long and classy."
Score: 90-93 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"This has a deep purple/ruby colour. The nose is fragrant, with ripe cherry, blueberry and a touch of violets. Nice definition although it needs time to open. The palate is silky smooth, very intense, lovely poise and purity with blueberry, cassis, a touch of spice, Very nice weight on the finish. This is an outstanding Saint Emilion for the vintage. Tasted April 2009."
Score: 92-94 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$47.00
per bottle
x cases
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Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2008
"Very appley and melony, with hints of lemon and honey. Full-bodied, with very crisp, bright acidity and notes of green apple. Superlively and minerally. Tight and racy. Powerful."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"This ...
"Very appley and melony, with hints of lemon and honey. Full-bodied, with very crisp, bright acidity and notes of green apple. Superlively and minerally. Tight and racy. Powerful."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"This has a superior mineral intensity than other dry white Bordeaux this year with very good definition. The palate has a ripe apply entry with pear, lime and gooseberry, very vibrant with great length. Its class really shows through. This is a great success considering the vintage."
Score: 91-93 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
Score: 90-92+ Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$127.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch L'Evangile, Pomerol 2008
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Ch L'Evangile, Pomerol 2008
"Exotic aromas of blackberries and roses. Orange peel and perfumes. Milk chocolate as well. Full-bodied, with a lovely texture of round tannins and a long, long finish. A beauty. Easily outstanding. 88 percent Merlot, 12 percent Cabernet ...
"Exotic aromas of blackberries and roses. Orange peel and perfumes. Milk chocolate as well. Full-bodied, with a lovely texture of round tannins and a long, long finish. A beauty. Easily outstanding. 88 percent Merlot, 12 percent Cabernet Franc."
Score: 90-93 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"It was an atypically late harvest at this famed Pomerol estate, beginning on September 29 and ending on October 14. Even more remarkable were the frighteningly low yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare. The final blend was 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, and the natural alcohol hit 13.7%, among the highest of the last one-hundred years. The acidity is surprisingly good given the ripeness of the fruit and the generally high alcohols in the 2008 Bordeaux. The dense purple-colored 2008 l’Evangile exhibits a floral nose of sweet mulberries, black currants, and black cherries, a full-bodied, lush texture, silky tannins, and an exceptionally fine finish. While not that evolved, this precocious Pomerol was tasting unusually well for such a young barrel sample. It should drink well for 15-20 years."
Score 93-95 Robert Parker, eRobertparker.com
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Case (12)
$172.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac 2008
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Ch Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac 2008
"There is a floral appeal to the nose violets overlaying fragrant bramble and bilberry. The palate is power packed, lots of ripe fruit backed by coffee, dark chocolate and black truffles. Underlying red fruits lighten and give brightness ensuring an ...
"There is a floral appeal to the nose violets overlaying fragrant bramble and bilberry. The palate is power packed, lots of ripe fruit backed by coffee, dark chocolate and black truffles. Underlying red fruits lighten and give brightness ensuring an elegant twist on the finish."
Score: 92-95 Derek Smedley MW
"This has a lovely, far more expressive nose than I expected with black cherries, a touch of iodine and violets (redolent of the superlative 2006) with superb definition. Just a faint hint of oyster shells. The palate is full-bodied, fully ripe tannins, a little more rounded than usual but superb depth, a wine that really caresses the palate. Blackberry, a touch of briary and cedar with a dash of vanillary new oak towards the finish. Superb length. Up there with Pichon Lalande. This is a more feminine GPL compared to other vintages, but one imbued with great breeding. Excellent."
Score: 92-94 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
"Offers cassis and dried raisin on the nose, with hints of flowers. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a clean finish. I would like to see a little more fruit in this."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$68.50
per bottle
x cases
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Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac 2008
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Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac 2008
"Subtle aromas of currant and raspberry, with a minerally undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but very good."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"A ...
"Subtle aromas of currant and raspberry, with a minerally undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but very good."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"A blend of 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31.5% Merlot with 2% Petit Verdot, this is a lovely nose, very refined, pure blackberry, cassis, a touch of cedar/pine forest, superb definition - more feminine than usual. Just a touch of dried orange peel in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, fine tannins, very fresh, very precise rather than a powerful, expansive Les Fort. Like the Grand Vin, it has an aloof finish. Well-crafted, wonderful focus if the depth of a great vintage like '05."
Score: 90-92 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$128.50
per bottle
x cases
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Le Clarence de Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Le Clarence de Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2008
The second wine of Chateau Haut Brion is consistently very good. Made from First Growth fruit and assembled from the vats that don't suit the final blend of Haut Brion itself. From 2007 onwards it will be known as Le Clarence de Haut-Brion (instead ...
The second wine of Chateau Haut Brion is consistently very good. Made from First Growth fruit and assembled from the vats that don't suit the final blend of Haut Brion itself. From 2007 onwards it will be known as Le Clarence de Haut-Brion (instead of Bahans), in tribute to Clarence Dillon who purchased Haut Brion in 1934. It will, for the first time, be bottled in the iconic and distinctive Haut Brion bottle. 45% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc.
Wonderful sweet tobacco and berry aromas follow through to a full body, with big, juicy tannins and a chewy finish. A little tough, but shows concentration for a second wine."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$105.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Ch La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2008
"There is a charming fragrance and elegance about the nose, first black fruits then fresher red. The palate is power packed, the rich black fruits lightened towards the back by fresher red ensuring an elegant length."
Score: 91-94 Derek ...
"There is a charming fragrance and elegance about the nose, first black fruits then fresher red. The palate is power packed, the rich black fruits lightened towards the back by fresher red ensuring an elegant length."
Score: 91-94 Derek Smedley MW
"43% Merlot, 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc.Dark crimson. Lightly fragrant with a hint of tea leaves. Now this is elegant! But it's rather different from old La Missions. Much more polished and suave. Once this puts on weight it should come into better balance. At the moment it's perhaps just a little too light, but is certainly marvellously pure and has a wonderful line along the palate."
Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com
"Bright and perfumed, with mineral, hot stone, fresh currant and blackberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Layered, chewy and structured. Solid for the vintage."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, Wine Spectator
"A blend of 43% Merlot, 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. This is more conservative on the nose than the Chateau Haut-Brion, but with time it begins to unfurl (at least ten minutes in the glass.) Blackberry, cedar, a touch of sandalwood - very tight, but it begins to blossom, developing hints of boysenberry and wild nettle. The palate is like a tight fist, austere and introverted, a moody bugger but there are some very fine tannins and structure towards the finish. A dark horse."
Score: 92-94.5+ Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$310.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch d'Yquem, Sauternes 2008 375ml
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Ch d'Yquem, Sauternes 2008 375ml
Note: these are half bottles, 375mls.
"There is a lovely purity to the fruit and clear botrytis concentration, if less than in the great years. Has all the hallmarks of a fine, elegant Yquem. A very polished, well-presented sample. Drink ...
Note: these are half bottles, 375mls.
"There is a lovely purity to the fruit and clear botrytis concentration, if less than in the great years. Has all the hallmarks of a fine, elegant Yquem. A very polished, well-presented sample. Drink 2013-2035."
Score: 5 Stars & 18.5 Points - Decanter.com
"Lemon peel, spice and candied fruit on the nose, with hints of botrytis. Very balanced and refined, with a full body. Long, delicate and pretty."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, Wine Spectator
"Coming in with 139 degrees residual sugar and a pH of 4.75, this is an Yquem that is unequivocally top of the pile in 2008. A light straw color with green tints in the glass. The bouquet is just wonderful, very perfumed with aromas of apricot, acacia honey and white flowers. A degree less clarity than the 2007, but perhaps more nuanced, more honeyed. The palate is a little more viscous than the 2007, lacquers the mouth with honey, apricot and orange zest. Very harmonious, the finish vibrant and edgy, real tension and energy in this Yquem. Very focused on the finish - not the "peacocks" tail of flavors that one finds on truly great vintages. But there is a surreal level of elegance and poise - an understated Yquem that should age effortlessly and returning to the glass it graces you with hints of almond and a dash of spice. In 2008, the king is king. P.S. Robert Parker rated this blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon (94-96)."
Score: 95-97 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$230.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Climens, Barsac 2008
Ch Climens has a long and well-documented history stretching back about 500 years. Often talked about as second only to Yquem in terms of sweet wine from France, and certainly the very best of its appellation. No reviews of the finished as usual, ...
Ch Climens has a long and well-documented history stretching back about 500 years. Often talked about as second only to Yquem in terms of sweet wine from France, and certainly the very best of its appellation. No reviews of the finished as usual, but Decanter has given their appraisal upon tasting the separate components.
"As usual, not yet assembled: three 1st trie, five 2nd trie, two 3rd trie, together with a mini assemblage were tasted. The overall impression was of great purity and freshness, intense fruit acidity with just medium richness. There is around 120 grams of residual sugar against 150g in 2007. The assembled cask showed the aromatic quality and length. Drink 2012-2032.
5 Stars, 18.5 points - Decanter Magazine
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Case (12)
$167.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Suduiraut, Sauternes 2008
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Ch Suduiraut, Sauternes 2008
"Christian Seely triumphed both in Pauillac and Sauternes in 2008. This Suduiraut displays immense intensity on the nose with clear honey, limestone and a touch of almond. Crystalline. The palate is medium-bodied, lovely texture, honeyed fruit, ...
"Christian Seely triumphed both in Pauillac and Sauternes in 2008. This Suduiraut displays immense intensity on the nose with clear honey, limestone and a touch of almond. Crystalline. The palate is medium-bodied, lovely texture, honeyed fruit, butter, mandarin, a touch of quince and almond. Cohesive right through to the long, seductive finish. This is a sophisticated, "confident" Sauternes that will cellar effortlessly."
Score: 93-95 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
"Thick and very rich for the vintage, with loads of apple, cream, honey, toffee and botrytis character. Full and layered."
Score: 90-93 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"The perfume jumps from the glass with a lovely expression of botrytis richness. Typically for Suduiraut, there is more richness than usual in the year, but matched by a lovely acidity and fruit. Drink from 2014-2035."
18 Points - Decanter Magazine
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Case (12)
$101.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Guiraud, Sauternes 2008
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Ch Guiraud, Sauternes 2008
"This shows wonderful spicy botrytis, tarte Tatin and dried pineapple aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lots of spicy and sweet character. Long and flavorful. Very fine and beautiful."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, ...
"This shows wonderful spicy botrytis, tarte Tatin and dried pineapple aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lots of spicy and sweet character. Long and flavorful. Very fine and beautiful."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$75.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Coutet, Barsac 2008 750ml
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Ch Coutet, Barsac 2008 750ml
"Spicy and lively, with bright acidity and plenty of noble rot character. Medium- to full-bodied and medium sweet, with a medium finish. Wait and see."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$85.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Rieussec, Sauternes 2008
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Ch Rieussec, Sauternes 2008
Rieussec is always one of the most popular names and, after Yquem, usually the best wine of the appellation.
"Rich and layered, with honey, caramel, botrytis spice and vanilla aromas and flavors. Long and very flavorful."
Score: 89-92 ...
Rieussec is always one of the most popular names and, after Yquem, usually the best wine of the appellation.
"Rich and layered, with honey, caramel, botrytis spice and vanilla aromas and flavors. Long and very flavorful."
Score: 89-92 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$105.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch d'Aiguilhe, Cotes de Castillon 2008
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Ch d'Aiguilhe, Cotes de Castillon 2008
"A sleeper of the vintage as well as a great bargain, this effort from Stefan von Neipperg’s empire is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Like so many of his wines, the grapes are hand-harvested in small plastic containers, there is ...
"A sleeper of the vintage as well as a great bargain, this effort from Stefan von Neipperg’s empire is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Like so many of his wines, the grapes are hand-harvested in small plastic containers, there is strict temperature control, a month-long maceration, a Burgundian punch down (pigeage), malolactic takes place in oak, and the wine is aged sur-lie. An inky/purple color is followed by a beautiful bouquet of crushed rocks, black raspberries, and blueberries, sensational intensity, sweet, but high tannins, good acidity, and amazing length, especially for a wine of this pedigree. It should drink nicely for a decade."
Score: 90-92 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Very ripe and floral, with mineral and fresh herb. Medium- to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Impressive as always for the price and the vintage."
Score: 89-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"A soft, surprisingly elegant, evolved effort, this 2008 does not reveal a lot of depth, but it offers sweet black cherry fruit, a charming personality, and background oak as well as earth. Consume it over the next 5-6 years."
Score: 86-88 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$32.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Lagrange, St Julien 2008
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Ch Lagrange, St Julien 2008
"A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot with just 40% of the Grand Vin. Harvest: 6th October finished 23rd October. The nose is far more introverted than in previous years but well defined with blackberry, cassis, just a ...
"A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot with just 40% of the Grand Vin. Harvest: 6th October finished 23rd October. The nose is far more introverted than in previous years but well defined with blackberry, cassis, just a touch of mocha and cedar. Tightly coiled. The palate has it all going on: beautifully fine tannins, wonderful balance and purity, this is an exquisite Lagrange that is bursting with energy. Bon vin! Tasted twice with consistent notes."
Score: 92-95 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$59.85
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Phelan Segur, St Estephe 2008
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Ch Phelan Segur, St Estephe 2008
"A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 is the finest Phelan-Segur since the 1990. It possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as loads of blueberry and cassis fruit intertwined with hints of charcoal and that unmistakable floral note that appears in ...
"A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 is the finest Phelan-Segur since the 1990. It possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as loads of blueberry and cassis fruit intertwined with hints of charcoal and that unmistakable floral note that appears in many of the 2008s. Medium to full-bodied with abundant fruit, soft tannins, and obvious near-term appeal, it should last for 10-12 years."
Score 88-90 Robert Parker, eRobertparker.com
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Case (12)
$45.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch d'Armailhac, Pauillac 2008
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Ch d'Armailhac, Pauillac 2008
"Blackberry and hints of cedar and dried flowers on the nose lead to a medium body, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a medium finish. Attractive and friendly."
Score: 86-89 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"This has a deep broody ...
"Blackberry and hints of cedar and dried flowers on the nose lead to a medium body, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a medium finish. Attractive and friendly."
Score: 86-89 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"This has a deep broody nose with dark fruits, briary, a touch of dark chocolate. Very pure but introverted. Lots of cedar fruit coming through, a touch of autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, fine tannins, ripe black fruits, cedar, touches of dark cherry and boysenberry. Vibrant and fresh towards the finish. Moderate length. This is a great effort - lip-smackingly tasty!"
Score: 90-92 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$54.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Sanctus, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Sanctus, St Emilion 2008
"A brilliant effort from the proprietor of La Bienfaisance, Sanctus comes from a 7.5-acre parcel planted on clay, limestone, and the famous iron-rich soils of the vineyard. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc produced from modest yields of ...
"A brilliant effort from the proprietor of La Bienfaisance, Sanctus comes from a 7.5-acre parcel planted on clay, limestone, and the famous iron-rich soils of the vineyard. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc produced from modest yields of 24 hectoliters per hectare, it boasts a deep purple color followed by aromas of blueberry pie, creosote, charcoal, and background oak. Full-bodied, dense, and opulent with excellent fruit purity, sweet tannin, and fresh, crisp acids, this beauty came in at 14.2% natural alcohol. It should be delicious in 2-3 years, and will evolve for 15 or more."
Score: 91-94 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$45.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Ch Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan 2008
"The 2008 exhibits superb minerality as well as the delicacy of a great culinary preparation, packed and stacked with flavor, yet light on its feet. The 2008 will compete, perhaps eclipse the sensational 2005 and 2006. A dense ruby/purple color is ...
"The 2008 exhibits superb minerality as well as the delicacy of a great culinary preparation, packed and stacked with flavor, yet light on its feet. The 2008 will compete, perhaps eclipse the sensational 2005 and 2006. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of charcoal, graphite, black currants, sweet cherries, spice box, and subtle earth. The wine possesses super purity, a medium to full-bodied, gorgeous texture, ripe, sweet tannins, and a layered mouthfeel. The acidity provides freshness, vibrancy, and delineation to all the component parts of this very concentrated yet quintessentially elegant wine. It is a sensational effort that should begin showing secondary nuances of complexity in 8-10 years, and evolve for three decades or more.In a few short years, new proprietor Robert Wilmers and his winemaker, Veronique Sanders, have raised Haut-Bailly's quality to the level of Pape-Clement, La Mission-Haut-Brion, and Haut-Brion."
Score: 95-97 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$94.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Duhart Milon, Pauillac 2008
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Ch Duhart Milon, Pauillac 2008
"The richness of ripe fruit gives flesh to the nose and a supple start to the palate. The mix of black fruits ensures complexity and although the tannins feel firm they do not over dominate. Hints of raspberry give an elegant feel to the ...
"The richness of ripe fruit gives flesh to the nose and a supple start to the palate. The mix of black fruits ensures complexity and although the tannins feel firm they do not over dominate. Hints of raspberry give an elegant feel to the finish."
Score: 89-93 Derek Smedley MW
"Purple. Extremely deep colour - deeper than Lafite! Fine, scented, aromatic and flattering on the nose. Lovely texture. Rather forward and fine tannined. Powdery texture. Lots of Cabernet (73%) but very ripe Cabernet. Very fine and neat - truly baby Lafite, except that of course it tastes much less embryonic in terms of development than its stablemate Lafite. A very successful seductive Duhart-Milon. Great balance."
Score: 17+ Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com
"Displays lots of currant and berries on the nose, with hints of sweet tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with tar and berry character, soft, round tannins and a medium finish."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, as usual, Duhart is always rather introspective at this stage, broody, a little smoky at first, noticeable sous-bois and cigar box notes which are its trademark. I think this should open out during its élevage. With further aeration some nice graphite notes emerge. The palate is masculine, foursquare, good acidity but as always, sulky and stoic. Cedar, cigar box, autumn leaves. Very "classic" in style - a Duhart that yearns for cuisine to accompany it. A tough proposition."
Score: 86-88 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$63.25
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Poujeaux, Moulis 2008
"Now under the full control of the Cuvelier family (who has done such a splendid job at St.-Emilion’s Clos Fourtet), the 2008 Poujeaux reveals more depth, richness, and concentration than previous examples. A sleeper of the vintage, its deep ...
"Now under the full control of the Cuvelier family (who has done such a splendid job at St.-Emilion’s Clos Fourtet), the 2008 Poujeaux reveals more depth, richness, and concentration than previous examples. A sleeper of the vintage, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of red and black fruits, outstanding purity, medium to full body, and supple tannins in the finish. It should drink well for 12-15 years."
Score: 89-91 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$38.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs 2008
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Ch Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs 2008
"Subtle raspberry and mineral character, with medium body and a fresh finish. A balanced, fruity and refined Puygueraud. Half the normal harvest. 70 percent Merlot, 25 percent Cabernet Franc, 5 percent Malbec."
Score: 86-89 James Suckling, ...
"Subtle raspberry and mineral character, with medium body and a fresh finish. A balanced, fruity and refined Puygueraud. Half the normal harvest. 70 percent Merlot, 25 percent Cabernet Franc, 5 percent Malbec."
Score: 86-89 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$19.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch L'Arrosee, St Emilion 2008
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Ch L'Arrosee, St Emilion 2008
"A racy, noble offering from this terrific vineyard, the 2008 l'Arrosee exhibits admirable purity and elegance as well as sweet raspberry and kirsch-like fruit, and underlying floral and crushed rock notes. Medium to full-bodied with ripe tannin, ...
"A racy, noble offering from this terrific vineyard, the 2008 l'Arrosee exhibits admirable purity and elegance as well as sweet raspberry and kirsch-like fruit, and underlying floral and crushed rock notes. Medium to full-bodied with ripe tannin, this is a long, intense, rich, but delicate, light on its feet St.-Emilion to consume over the next 15-20 years."
Score: 90-93 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$68.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Lafon Rochet, St Estephe 2008
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Ch Lafon Rochet, St Estephe 2008
"Blueberry and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body, with licorice and dried currant. Chewy and tannic, yet the tannins are polished. Very good for the vintage."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$52.00
per bottle
x cases
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Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Leognan 2008
"One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier's 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters ...
"One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier's 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare, which is significantly lower than in most top vintages. The most noticeable thing is that consultant Stephane Derenoncourt has drastically cut back the influence of new oak, or at least its ability to intrude on the aromatics and flavors. This beautifully textured, dense purple-colored 2008 exhibits notes of graphite, spring flowers, and blue as well as red fruits in an elegant, full-bodied, flavorful, layered mouthfeel. The freshness of the vintage, combined with low yields has given this cuvee an atypical density and richness that is largely unprecedented. Production is relatively small for the size of the vineyard (about 8,000 cases). This beauty should drink well for 25+ years."
Score: 92-94 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$67.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 2008
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Ch Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 2008
"There is a lot happening on the nose, first the fragrance of violets, then bilberry and bramble with underpinning all, rich cassis. The palate has depth of flavour, an appealing suppleness from rounded tannins, complexity from the coffee and toasty ...
"There is a lot happening on the nose, first the fragrance of violets, then bilberry and bramble with underpinning all, rich cassis. The palate has depth of flavour, an appealing suppleness from rounded tannins, complexity from the coffee and toasty oak with stylish elegance from the bright raspberry and loganberry."
Score: 92-96 Derek Smedley MW
"Shows violet and crushed berries, with lots of other floral and fruit character. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish. Very, very pretty."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"The '08 Mouton is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot (a substantially higher proportion of the former.) The nose is already quite complex: blackberry, oyster shell, briary, a touch of seaweed. Good definition, quite a mercurial nose, the oak well integrated. The palate is superb: great fruit intensity, this is an ebullient Mouton Rothschild with a real sense of energy and tautness. Superb balance, great poise, blackberry, boysenberry and a wonderful sense of mineralité towards the assertive finish. A certain sense of femininity about this Mouton. Regal!"
Score: 94-96 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
"(83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot.) Fine purple-red, fine aromatic elegance, blackcurrants present, but subdued and a lovely satiny texture takes over with almost creamy tannins, a finely-grained wine almost understated now but with internal power and length that will continue to develop in barrel to show the lush fruit that is typical of Mouton. Drink 2017-35."
Score: 18.5 Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine
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Case (12)
$375.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Haut Bergey, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Ch Haut Bergey, Pessac-Leognan 2008
Undoubtedly one of the bargains of the vintage.
"The earthy, smoky notes intermixed with notions of black fruits and road tar found in this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot are classic Graves traits. Sweet, dense fruit, with ...
Undoubtedly one of the bargains of the vintage.
"The earthy, smoky notes intermixed with notions of black fruits and road tar found in this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot are classic Graves traits. Sweet, dense fruit, with tremendous opulence, a layered mouthfeel, and excellent purity, freshness, and ripe tannins are displayed in abundance in this beautifully made offering from proprietor Helene Garcin. It should age effortlessly for 20 years."
Score: 92-94+ Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$39.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan 2008
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Ch Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan 2008
"Not far off the quality of the monumental 2005, Pape Clement's 2008 was cropped at a lowly 30 hectoliters per hectare. The final blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, and there are approximately 7,500 cases. The 2008 ...
"Not far off the quality of the monumental 2005, Pape Clement's 2008 was cropped at a lowly 30 hectoliters per hectare. The final blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, and there are approximately 7,500 cases. The 2008 displays a dense purple color as well as a classic northern Pessac-Leognan nose of truffles, asphalt, scorched earth, charcoal, creme de cassis, spice box, and spring flowers. Super-pure and medium to full-bodied with stunning concentration, admirable purity, slightly more acidity than usual, and formidable depth and length, given the sweetness of the tannins and the ripeness of the fruit, this wine should be approachable in 4-5 years, but the vintage's crisp style suggests it will last for 25-30 or more years.The flagship estate of one of the most remarkable men in France, Bernard Magrez, it counts Michel Rolland as their guru-in-chief. The viticultural work is meticulous, with de-leafing and crop-thinning, all the grapes are hand-harvested in small plastic crates, and are destemmed by hand by more than 200 people - unheard of anywhere else in Bordeaux. The wine receives a Burgundian-like punch-down treatment, a month-long maceration, and the wine is moved by gravity (rather than traumatic pumps) through all the different steps of winemaking. It is aged on its lees for nearly a year. For over a decade now, the result has been one of the greatest wines of Bordeaux, clearly a wine of first-growth quality."
Score: 94-96 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$185.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Troplong Mondot, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Troplong Mondot, St Emilion 2008
"What a worthy rival to the prodigious 2005! This is another superb success from proprietress Christine Valette, but it is distressing to hear that this property may be up for sale. The inky/blue/purple-colored, formidably concentrated 2008 exhibits ...
"What a worthy rival to the prodigious 2005! This is another superb success from proprietress Christine Valette, but it is distressing to hear that this property may be up for sale. The inky/blue/purple-colored, formidably concentrated 2008 exhibits aromas of smoke, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, roasted coffee, and spice box. Boasting fabulous fruit and purity, a multilayered texture, full body, and prominent, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this is a tour de force in winemaking from an outstanding and a perfectionist proprietor. Give it 5-6 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following three decades."
Score: 95-97 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"This is very serious and impressive for the vintage, offering silky tannins and cool, racy fruit, with nutmeg, blackberry and light vanilla character."
Score: 91-94 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"If Christine Valette wanted to make a statement (about the aborted 2006 classification) then she's done it with this wine. Dark, powerful, brooding, it has a massive weight of cassis flavoured fruit and tight tannic frame. Very impressive. Drink 2015-2028."
Score: 18 Points - Decanter.com
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Case (12)
$110.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Pontet Canet, Pauillac 2008
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Ch Pontet Canet, Pauillac 2008
"A wine for our children's children. Nobody in Bordeaux is more attentive to detail than Alfred Tesseron is at Pontet-Canet. Fashioned from incredibly low yields, a very late harvest, and a Draconian selection, the 2008 will not be close to ...
"A wine for our children's children. Nobody in Bordeaux is more attentive to detail than Alfred Tesseron is at Pontet-Canet. Fashioned from incredibly low yields, a very late harvest, and a Draconian selection, the 2008 will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade, and it should still be in superb form circa 2060. An absolutely amazing effort, it boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of creme de cassis, graphite, charcoal, and incense, blockbuster depth, and full-bodied power. The tannins are high, but they are remarkably velvety as well as well-integrated. Sensational acidity gives the wine precision and vibrancy, but the impression is one of massive concentration and power. The 2008 Pontet-Canet, a candidate for the wine of the vintage, is a tour de force in viticultural precision and winemaking savoir faire."
Score: 96-98+ Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Very dark and brilliant in color, showing wonderful pure fruit, with crushed blackberry, currant and fresh-cut flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, crisp, fruity finish. This offers impressive finesse and length."
Score: 90-93 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 30% Merlot. We learnt a lot after 2007. A deep purple colour. The nose has very good intensity, brambly black fruits, a touch of boysenberry, a hint of the Thames estuary, a slight clayey scent although it is more akin to mudflats. Good definition. With aeration it starts to gain cedar scents. The palate is full-bodied with firm, grippy tannins, pure blackberry, cassis, blueberry, this is a Pauillac that really lacquers the mouth. Great persistency on the finish with a touch of black pepper and violets right on the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted three times, the sample at a negoçiant showing a little more tension and structure."
Score: 93-95 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$120.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Pichon Baron, Pauillac 2008
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Ch Pichon Baron, Pauillac 2008
"Firm, but sweet tannins (which suggests ideal maturity) characterize this 2008. Displaying good minerality along with plenty of floral, creme de cassis, blackberry, coffee, and white chocolate notes, this full-bodied, dense, promising Pauillac is ...
"Firm, but sweet tannins (which suggests ideal maturity) characterize this 2008. Displaying good minerality along with plenty of floral, creme de cassis, blackberry, coffee, and white chocolate notes, this full-bodied, dense, promising Pauillac is built to age for 20-25 years."
Score: 92-94 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Very vibrant blueish purple. Complete and neat. Low key but in the same idiom as Latour with 71% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tight and dry and not at all flashy. Serious stuff. May well develop into something really quite considerable."
Score: 17+ Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com
"Just 52% of the total crop in the Grand Vin, which is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot from the "historical" part of the vineyard cropped at 35hl/ha. This has a lovely, more restrained nose, blackberry, smoke, touch of cigar box, Very pure. The palate is medium-bodied, very cohesive and lithe, beautiful balance, Very fine tannins, less opulent than usual, conservative but there is a lot of breeding here. Not a powerful Pichon Baron, but there is an ethereal sense of harmony and focus. This is a tour de force Pichon Baron."
Score: 94-97 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
"Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a balanced finish. Refined and polished. Could use a little more midpalate."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$122.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Clinet, Pomerol 2008
"This is the greatest Clinet since the incredible duo made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990. The dense purple-colored 2008 offers up beautiful floral, blackberry, and pen ink-like notes, exceptional intensity, that multilayered ...
"This is the greatest Clinet since the incredible duo made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990. The dense purple-colored 2008 offers up beautiful floral, blackberry, and pen ink-like notes, exceptional intensity, that multilayered texture that seems to be commonplace in the top 2008 Pomerols, silky but elevated tannins, good freshness, precision, and nuance, a substantial size, and an extremely long finish with not a hard edge to be found. It should evolve for 30+ years."
Score: 94-97 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Dark in color and concentrated on the nose, with crushed blackberry and tar. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a long finish. Beautifully crafted."
Score: 89-92 James Suckling, Wine Spectator
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Case (12)
$95.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch La Confession, St Emilion 2008
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Ch La Confession, St Emilion 2008
"This is an amazing effort among the many dazzling 2008 St.-Emilions. Proprietor Jean-Philippe Janoueix (who appears to be in his mid-thirties) has produced a riveting wine from a blend of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Franc that tips the scales at ...
"This is an amazing effort among the many dazzling 2008 St.-Emilions. Proprietor Jean-Philippe Janoueix (who appears to be in his mid-thirties) has produced a riveting wine from a blend of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Franc that tips the scales at 13.8% natural alcohol. Janoueix, an advocate of high density vine plantings, has fashioned a 2008 with sensational fruit levels, an inky ruby/purple color, stunning texture (akin to a Shanghai skyscraper), and tremendous purity. Despite 100% malolactic in new French oak, and aging in the weird looking cigar-shaped barrels, the oak is well-concealed by the wine’s wealth of fruit and concentration. Chocolate, charcoal, blackberry, and blueberry aromas and flavors dominate this sensational effort. It possesses high tannins, but, like so many of the top wines of this vintage, they are sweet and ripe. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020+. "
Score: 92-94 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$50.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Monbousquet, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Monbousquet, St Emilion 2008
"Like many of the Chantal and Gerard Perse wines, the 2008 Monbousquet is blacker than a moonless night. Like the other wines in the Perse portfolio, it is very backward, and was obviously just coming off malolactic fermentation on the three ...
"Like many of the Chantal and Gerard Perse wines, the 2008 Monbousquet is blacker than a moonless night. Like the other wines in the Perse portfolio, it is very backward, and was obviously just coming off malolactic fermentation on the three occasions I tasted it. Loaded with concentration, and perhaps even bigger than the 2005 or even the 2000, this blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon topped off at 14.5% natural alcohol. Sweet, pure notes of black cherries, roasted herbs, forest floor, and toasty oak are restrained, but intense. The wine's purity, another hallmark of this vintage, gorgeous texture, and long finish with sweet tannins as well as more acids than normal, suggest it should drink beautifully young and evolve for up to a decade. This is an incredible offering from an unheralded terroir. By the way, the 1999 and 2000 are still adolescents in terms of their evolution."
Score: 92-94 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Deep, dark colour. Dense, ripe and modern but with a freshness and vivacity as well. Supple texture. True to the house style. Drink 2015-2024."
Score: 4 Stars & 17 points - Decanter.com
"Shows lots of rich fruit and berries, with hints of new wood and ripe tannins. Very pretty."
Score: 89-92 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$67.50
per bottle
x cases
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Pavillon Rouge de Ch Margaux 2008
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Pavillon Rouge de Ch Margaux 2008
The very sought-after second wine of Ch Margaux.
"Currant and berries on the nose, with hints of vanilla and coffee. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely fruit. Refined and pretty, but short."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, ...
The very sought-after second wine of Ch Margaux.
"Currant and berries on the nose, with hints of vanilla and coffee. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely fruit. Refined and pretty, but short."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$75.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Calon Segur, St Estephe 2008
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Ch Calon Segur, St Estephe 2008
"Perhaps that explains the elegant, but rich style of the 2008 Calon Segur, which is dominated more than usual by Cabernet Sauvignon. Cropped at 40 hectoliters per hectare, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. ...
"Perhaps that explains the elegant, but rich style of the 2008 Calon Segur, which is dominated more than usual by Cabernet Sauvignon. Cropped at 40 hectoliters per hectare, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. Its sweet perfume of black currants, tobacco leaf, and licorice is followed by a wine with superb purity, good freshness, and a full-bodied style with ripe tannin as well as a long finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the 1996, although this vintage carries a much higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 should be relatively approachable given the sweetness of the tannins, and will evolve for 20-25 years.Calon Segur's harvest took place between October 1-16, not particularly late in the context of this vintage."
Score: 90-93 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Very pretty spicy aromas, with currant and blackberry. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicate velvety texture. Balanced and easy, with a medium finish. 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 percent Merlot and 2 percent Petit Verdot. This is much more Cabernet than normal."
Score: 88-91 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"Deep purple, pure, rich and aromatic blackcurrant fruit with a touch of wild roses, extremely elegant, harmonious with immense charm and sufficient depth to last a long time. The Lafite of Saint-Estephe. Drink 2015-30."
Score: 5 Stars & 18.5 Points - Decanter.com
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Case (12)
$70.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Gloria, St Julien 2008
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Ch Gloria, St Julien 2008
"This estate has been fashioning terrific wines over recent vintages, and the 2008 is an opulent, dense purple-hued effort displaying sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with hints of tapenade, licorice, and roasted herbs. It exhibits fabulously ...
"This estate has been fashioning terrific wines over recent vintages, and the 2008 is an opulent, dense purple-hued effort displaying sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with hints of tapenade, licorice, and roasted herbs. It exhibits fabulously pure fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a flamboyant, almost exotic richness. Very ripe, pure, and long, this will be a wine to drink young, but given past examples, it should be capable of lasting 15-20 years. It is a fabulous sleeper of the vintage."
Score: 90-93 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Grapey and fruity, with blackberry and licorice. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. A little more fruit concentration would push it up."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$46.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch de Fonbel, St Emilion 2008
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Ch de Fonbel, St Emilion 2008
"A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of black cherries, black currants, incense, smoke, and damp earth. This medium-bodied St.-Emilion reveals excellent depth, ripeness, freshness, and vibrancy as well as velvety tannins. Enjoy ...
"A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of black cherries, black currants, incense, smoke, and damp earth. This medium-bodied St.-Emilion reveals excellent depth, ripeness, freshness, and vibrancy as well as velvety tannins. Enjoy it during its first 10-12 years of life."
Score 88-90 Robert Parker, eRobertparker.com
"Crushed blackberries with hints of fresh flowers follow through to a full body, with a good concentration of fruit and silky tannins. Medium finish. Merlot, with 20 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Petit Verdot and 5 percent Carmenère."
Score: 87-90 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$25.00
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Haut-Marbuzet, St Estephe 2008
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Ch Haut-Marbuzet, St Estephe 2008
Ch Haut-Marbuzet is an under-valued estate. Many commentators on Bordeaux hold Haut-Marbuzet in the highest regard, with Clive Coates once ranking it third in the St Estephe commune behind only Montrose and Cos d'Estournel.
Haut-Marbuzet has ...
Ch Haut-Marbuzet is an under-valued estate. Many commentators on Bordeaux hold Haut-Marbuzet in the highest regard, with Clive Coates once ranking it third in the St Estephe commune behind only Montrose and Cos d'Estournel.
Haut-Marbuzet has certainly been on the rise in recent years. The vineyard covers 61 hectares and is planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, a significant area of Merlot which accounts for 40%, and Cabernet Franc making up the total with 10%.
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Case (12)
$59.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Reignac, Bordeaux Superieur 2008
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Ch Reignac, Bordeaux Superieur 2008
"A beautifully made, perennial overachiever from proprietor Yves Vatelot, the 2008 Reignac was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare, enjoyed malolactic in barrel, and was aged on its lees for four months. The result is a beautiful blend of 75% ...
"A beautifully made, perennial overachiever from proprietor Yves Vatelot, the 2008 Reignac was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare, enjoyed malolactic in barrel, and was aged on its lees for four months. The result is a beautiful blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. As good as the outstanding 2005, the 2008 transcends its appellation with its display of power, deep, dark fruits, spice box, and cedar. Pure and dense with ripe tannins as well as the vintage’s remarkable freshness and precision, it should drink well for 6-8 years."
Score: 90-93 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$27.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Lanessan, Haut Medoc 2008
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Ch Lanessan, Haut Medoc 2008
"A wine to search out for value as well as essentially classified growth quality, this sleeper of the vintage offers copious quantities of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, and spice box aromas, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated style, ripe ...
"A wine to search out for value as well as essentially classified growth quality, this sleeper of the vintage offers copious quantities of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, and spice box aromas, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated style, ripe tannin, and good freshness and purity. Drink it over the next 15+ years."
Score: 88-90 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
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Case (12)
$22.50
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Rol Valentin, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Rol Valentin, St Emilion 2008
Château Rol Valentin is one of the new breed of 'garagiste' wines that have emerged in St-Emilion in the last 10 years. These wines are made in tiny quantities and are usually very deeply coloured, intensely concentrated, and packed with superripe ...
Château Rol Valentin is one of the new breed of 'garagiste' wines that have emerged in St-Emilion in the last 10 years. These wines are made in tiny quantities and are usually very deeply coloured, intensely concentrated, and packed with superripe fruit with strong notes of new oak.
"Offers notes of blackberry, mineral and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very fine. Tightly knit, like a ball of cashmere thread."
Score: 90-93 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
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Case (12)
$49.85
per bottle
x cases
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Ch Larcis Ducasse, St Emilion 2008
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Ch Larcis Ducasse, St Emilion 2008
"For decades to come, the 2008 Larcis Ducasse will undoubtedly be compared with this estate's immortal 2005. I did not expect such a blockbuster effort from this St.-Emilion property, but low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and a harvest that ...
"For decades to come, the 2008 Larcis Ducasse will undoubtedly be compared with this estate's immortal 2005. I did not expect such a blockbuster effort from this St.-Emilion property, but low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and a harvest that lasted from October 9th to October 20th produced a wine with the highest alcohol level, 14.2%, ever achieved. Consultants Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt seemed to have coaxed just about everything one could from this extraordinary terroir. The final blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc has resulted in an opaque purple-colored wine exhibiting a sweet, almost intoxicating perfume of blue, red, and black fruits intermixed with notions of spring flowers, forest floor, and damp earth. Full-bodied and opulent with an outrageously pure, textured mouthfeel, sweet tannin, and slightly more acidity than the monster 2005, this is a tour de force as well as one of the most compelling wines of the vintage. Given the global economic crisis, I suspect the price should be one-third to one-half of the 2005. In short, that means readers should buy, buy, buy. The 2008 should be approachable after bottling (because of the sweetness of the tannins as well as the extraordinary ripe fruit), and evolve for 20-30 years."
Score: 95-97 Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com
"Intense black licorice and black fruits, almost black currant. Very aromatic. Full-bodied yet refined, with ultraripe and fine tannins and sweet, pretty fruit. Long."
Score: 90-93 James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"This has a ripe, dark cherry, bergamot tinged nose, more refined than recent vintages with a touch of warm earth. The palate is full-bodied with chewy tannins, a good level of ripeness and purity with a grainy finish. Very good depth and expression. This is a more constrained style of Larcis-Ducasse, ergo I prefer this to other vintages."
Score: 91-93 Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
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