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Many 2008s have come out in the past 48 hours, including a perennial favourite, Lynch Bages which was just released this morning. Lynch Bages has been a top wine for many years enabling to catapult far beyond its Fifth Growth status enabling it to compete with Third and even Second Growths. In 2008, it impressed us with its concentration and distinguished style, reminiscent of their excellent 1996.
In addition to Lynch Bages, we are further including a selection of top performers such as d’Armailhac, who made a delicious, refined 08; Clerc Milon, an ample, fruit driven wine; a classically styled, solid perfoming Gruaud Larose; a velvety yet powerful Léoville Poyferré; and two second wines, Pavillon Rouge de Margaux and Forts de Latour.
Ch Lynch Bages 5eme Cru Pauillac
£360.00
2014 – 2028+
A masculine, brooding wine, the 2008 has impressive power, concentration and structure with attractive notes of roasted coffee, pencil lead and black currant. We think that it is reminiscent of the 1996 in its purity, definition and prowess.
JR:16.5+, WS:89-92, MJ:17.5, GD:90-92
Ch Léoville Poyferré 2eme Cru St. Julien
£305.00
2014 – 2028+
A lovely Poyferré that tastes delicious as ever. In its trademark style, it is poised, super velvety and offers a sweet core of fruit. In addition to its charm, its impressive structure has made this wine built to last.
JR:16-, WS:90-93, MJ:18, GD:90-92
Other New Releases:
Ch d’Armailhac, Pauillac
£235.00
2012 – 2025+
Perfumed, succulent and fresh, it offers notes of wild black cherries, aromatic spice and red currants. Its fine tannins gently coat the palate and lead to its long length. If you are a d’Armailhac fan, the 2008 will tick all the right boxes.
JR:16.5, WS:86-89, MJ:16.5, GD:89-92
Ch Giscours, Margaux
£260.00
2014 – 2028+
Giscours produced a big 2008 that is full-throttle in its personality offering a serious palate of rich bramble fruit, velvety yet notable tannins and lots of freshness. Jancis describes this wine as having “˜wonderful confidence’.
JR:17.5, WS:87-90, MJ:16, GD:88-90
Ch Duhart Milon, Pauillac
£265.00
2014 – 2027+
The middle wine in the Lafite stable, the 2008 Duhart is Pauillac through-and-through revealing notes of graphite, cedar and cassis. It is richer yet also stockier than Carruades but still remains poised. This should age well.
JR:17+, WS:87-90, MJ:16.5, GD:88-90
Ch Clerc Milon, Pauillac
£270.00
2013 – 2026+
A bigger wine than d’Armailhac, the 2008 Clerc Milon displays a bold, velvety palate and a cornucopia of jammy, red berry fruit (no doubt from its notable 40% Merlot). Despite its curves, it has impressive power – round yet robust.
JR:16.5, WS:88-91, MJ:16.5, GD:89-92
Ch Gruaud Larose, St. Julien
£280.00
2013 – 2025+
Gruaud Larose has been making serious efforts in the past few years, and it has been showing. Aromatic on the nose with notes of roasted coffee, cassis and red cherry. Finishes on dark chocolate. Jancis describes this wine as “˜very beguiling’.
JR:17, WS:88-91, MJ:17, GD:89-91
Pavillon Rouge, 2nd wine Ch Margaux
£315.00
2013 – 2026+
Plump, fleshy but poised, this medium-full bodied wine was produced with a notable 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (normally only 55%) which gives the 2008 a more focused than flashy feel. Its fine tannins linger on the palate pointing to the fact that this wine is a bit more muscular than usual.
JR:16, WS:87-90, MJ:17.5, GD:88-91
For more details of the campaign go to our website.