"While extremely high in tannin and very unevolved, for those with patience and cold cellars, or who plan to pass on their wines to their children, this is a worthwhile choice. It is that backward, concentrated, and impressive. It exhibits a black/purple color in addition to stunning notes of graphite, black fruits, underbrush, chocolate, and roasted coffee beans. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich, the high but sweet tannins, combined with the freshness of the acids make for a remarkably youthful, nuanced wine that should easily age for three decades." Reviewed by Robert Parker.
The Wine Advocate, 93-95 pts.
"Flowers such as violets galore on the nose. Ripe fruit too. Full-bodied, with bright fruit and citrusy acidity. Long and racy. Really bright and wonderful."
Wine Spectator, 90-93 pts.
$47.50/750ML btl
$570.00/case of 12
Limit 12 Bottles per customer.
"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."
The Wine Advocate, 92-94 pts.
"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."
Wine Spectator, 88-91 pts.
$69.25/750ML btl
$831.00/case of 12
"Only 38% of the crop made it into the grand vin, and the result is a wine that blows away the 2005. Terrific texture and opulence, forward fruit, sweet tannin, and a lush personality are found in this dense purple-colored 2008 along with copious quantities of sweet berries, roasted coffee, underbrush, black currant, and black cherry fruit. Sensationally pure, textured, and full-bodied, this will be a flamboyant, showy offering in its youth, but it is capable of lasting 20-30 years. Reviewed by Robert Parker."
The Wine Advocate, 94-96 pts.
"Currant, mint and prune, with hints of wet earth. Full and velvety, with lots of fruit and silky, firm tannins. Long finish."
Wine Spectator, 89-92 pts.
"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." Reviewed by Robert Parker.
The Wine Advocate, 96-98+ pts.
"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."
Wine Spectator, 90-93 pts.
"Perhaps the finest Potensac made since the 1982, the 2008 is undoubtedly a sleeper of the vintage...While lacking the prestige of a grand cru classe, it offers an amazing display of sweet black cherry and cassis fruit intermixed with notions of earth and spice. Good purity, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, a seamless balance, ripe tannins, and fresh acids result in an amazing wine that should sell for a song. It should evolve for a decade or more." Reviewed by Robert Parker.
The Wine Advocate, 90-92 pts.
"Offers currant and blackberry. Very aromatic. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and bright acidity. Very fresh. The best Potensac in years."
Wine Spectator, 88-91 pts.
$20.00/750ML btl
$240.00/case of 12
"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."
The Wine Advocate, 89-91 pts.
"Perfumed, with hints of spices and currant. Full-bodied, with juicy tannins and a fruity finish. Clean and racy. A lot going on." -Wine Spectator, 87-90 pts.
$23.25/750ML btl
$279.00/case of 12
2008 - Chateau Prieure Lichine
"Blackberry and licorice aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with a solid core of fruit and supersilky tannins. Very well done."
Wine Spectator, 88-91 pts.
$31.00/750ML btl
$372.00/case of 12
2008 - Chateau Quinault L'Enclos
"The 2008 is a stylish, classic Quinault exhibiting abundant blueberry and raspberry notes intermixed with hints of toasty new oak, forest floor, and earth. The wine is medium-bodied and elegant with sweet tannin, and slightly less power and oak than usual." Reviewed by Robert Parker.
The Wine Advocate, 90-92 pts.
"Coffee and berry aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a berry and milk chocolate finish. Balanced."
Wine Spectator, 86-89 pts.
$27.00/750ML btl
$324.00/case of 12
"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." Reviewed by Robert Parker.
The Wine Advocate, 91-94 pts.
$26.25/750ML btl
$315.00/case of 12