1 | Wine | 95 or higher, 2008 | Page 5

"The 2008 Sassicaia is a rich, deep wine imbued with notable class in its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, minerals and smoke. The 2008 is a decidedly buttoned-up, firm Sassicaia that is currently holding back much of its potential, unlike the 2006 and 2007, both of which were far more obvious wines. Readers who can afford to wait will be treated to a sublime wine once this settles down in bottle. Muscular, firm tannins frame the exquisite finish in this dark, implosive Sassicaia."

"The 2008 Redigaffi is impeccable in its elegance and polish. Dark cherries, licorice, espresso and mocha meld together beautifully in this textured, fleshy wine. Despite its sophisticated personality, there is plenty of tannin lurking underneath to provide support. This is a beautifully round, opulent, yet impeccably balanced wine of the highest level. Smoke, minerals, licorice and tar wrap around the intense finish. Redigaffi remains a unique and powerful expression of Merlot from the Tuscan coast."

"A dense ruby/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of spring flowers intermixed with blueberries, black raspberries, wet rocks and spice box. Deep, full-bodied, rich and intense, this gorgeous effort again demonstrates what brilliant winemaking and a top-notch terroir can produce." 97-99 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The 2008 Ultreia De Valtuille received the same elevage as its less expensive sibling. To say that has more of everything is a gross understatement. The complex aromatics leap from the glass; on the palate the wine is dense, rich, and velvety, and it gives true meaning to the expression “iron fist in a velvet glove”. It is an extraordinary effort that should drink well for 10-15 years, probably longer."

"From one of my favorite sites (because of its similarity to a top vintage of La Mission Haut Brion), the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard exhibits classic notes of burning embers, hot gravel, steel, blueberries, flowers and blackberries followed by an intense, full-bodied, profoundly concentrated wine. This riveting effort should drink nicely for 25+ years. There is a flinty underpinning to this offering that comes from the 20-acre vineyard in St. Helena. Despite being aged in 100% new oak, there is no evidence of wood in the aromatic or flavor profiles. This profound Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is as grand as the 2007." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Very ripe yet high-pitched aromas of wet stone, hawthorn and botanical herbs. Broad, silky and sweet, with a three-dimensional quality to the superrich yet sharply delineated flavors of crushed stone, violet and lavender. Perhaps best today on the superb rising finish, where the wine's compelling vibrancy carries through. Another wine of great dimension. Lardiere used 60% new oak here, but the wood element is fully integrated and virtually invisible. Showing spectacularly well today, perhaps due in part to the fact that this wine finished its fermentation early." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Pungent red berry and mocha aromas are lifted by powerful crushed-stone minerality and complicated by an ineffable floral/earthy perfume. A real essence of 2008 on the palate, with outstanding sappy cut and penetration to the flavors of cherry, red berries, minerals and spice oil. The building finish spreads out inexorably to saturate the palate. Rigorous and stimulating: a wine of extraordinary complexity, energy and depth. This was one of my top 2008s from barrel a year ago and it's at least as impressive in bottle."-Stephen Tanzer

"The 2008 Chambertin-Clos de Beze is an intensely floral, cool wine graced with exquisite finesse in its dark red berries, flowers, minerals and menthol. It is naturally less obvious than the 2009, but just as convincing. A textured, sweet and multi-dimensional finish rounds things out in style. The Beze is quite a bit more open than the Bonnes Mares, but it nevertheless needs time, and probably lots of it."