2008 - Chateau La Confession

"This is an amazing effort among the many dazzling 2008 St.-Emilions...[Proprietor Jean-Philippe] 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." Reviewed by Robert Parker. -The Wine Advocate, 92-94 pts.
"Violet and sandalwood on the nose, with dark fruits. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and fresh fruit. A little lean on the palate, but pretty." -Wine Spectator, 87-90 pts.