5 | Wine | Saint Emilion, $20 to $50, 2008

"Sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box and herb aromas jump from the glass of this dark plum/garnet-hued 2008. As in most vintages, this is an equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Soft and complex, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years." -Robert Parker

"Much like the 2010, this blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, with a little Malbec thrown in, exhibits a dark plum color and notes of raspberries, roasted herbs, incense, wet rocks and herbs. It is a medium-bodied, very evolved, elegant wine to drink over the next 8-9 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Sweet and sour cherries, red currants, loamy soil notes and roasted herbs. ...make an appearance in this round, surprisingly elegant and pretty wine, which displays good freshness, a nice equilibrium and a medium-bodied mouthfeel." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"A sleeper of the vintage. ...this impressive, full-bodied, surprisingly concentrated 2008 offers an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberry liqueur and cassis. Full-bodied and impressively broad and savory with silky tannins, it is an unqualified success in the vintage." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"This is a sleeper of the vintage. This sexy, beautiful wine has the same potency as the 2010, which is surprising given the difference in alcohol strengths in these two vintages. Soft, round and opulent, this sexy 2008 reveals lots of white chocolate, espresso roast, Christmas fruitcake, black currant and cherry characteristics in its flamboyant bouquet. Round, medium to full-bodied and lush, it can be enjoyed now and over the next decade."

"The 2008 La Confession is a sleeper of the vintage. Super successful, this spicy wine exhibits some toasty oak and loads of licorice, espresso roast, blackberry and cassis. A blend of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Franc, it hit 13.8% natural alcohol. The purity, the texture, and the multi-layered mouthfeel all are impressive and make this wine very drinkable now but capable of lasting for at least another 12-15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.