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These past few days saw a deluge of 2008 Bordeaux releases. Long-awaited Pichon Baron emerged yesterday. This is one of the stars of the vintage that revealed a dense, chewy and complex palate that will be worthy of long-term cellaring.
One of the hottest wines of the vintage is Clinet. Parker described this wine as “the greatest Clinet since the incredible duo made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990″, giving it 94-97 points. As a result, demand for this wine in Bordeaux has been great. Like most Pomerol estates, the quantity available is small, so be quick!
Though not scored by Parker, we all gave Figeac a unanimous vote as being one of the best St. Emilions produced in 2008. It ticked all the right boxes and delivered an impressive (almost Pomerol) punch which lingered long on the palate.
Two other excellent Pomerols, Feytit Clinet and Certan de May also made an appearance. These are well worth considering owing to Pomerol’s reputation in producing exceptional wines in 2008.
Last but not least, Gloria seems great value at £195. Parker described it as a “˜fabulous sleeper of the vintage’, giving it 90-93 points.
Ch Pichon Baron, Pauillac
£520.00 £/cs IB
2014 – 2030+
Deep ruby purple in colour and aromatic on the nose with notes of damson plum, blackberry and crunchy red cherry. Its lovely sweet core leads to a velvety yet pronounced structure and a dark chocolate finish. Many tasters felt this wine to be a standout of the vintage.
JR:17+, WS:88-91, RP:92-94, MJ:18.5, GD:91-93
Ch Clinet, Pomerol (very limited)
£450.00 £/cs IB
2014 – 2030+
Aromatic, curvaceous and plump with layers of wild bramble fruit and lightly toasted spice. Despite its velvety texture, it offers exceptional precision and focus which sets the 2008 apart from other recent vintages. Despite its approachable personality, its notable concentration and depth makes this worthy of long cellaring.
JR:17, WS:89-92, RP:94-97, MJ:17.5, GD:92-94
Ch Figeac, St. Emilion
£500.00 £/cs IB
2014 – 2030+
A powerful and impressive Figeac that is brooding and deep, offering notes of black cherry, cassis and dark chocolate. An “˜old style’ Right Bank wine that is polished, sculpted and restrained which will impress any Figeac fan. Produced from 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
JR:16++, MJ:17.5, GD:91-94
Ch Feytit Clinet, Pomerol
£300.00 £/cs IB
2013 – 2026+
“One of the finest efforts yet made at this estate situated not far from Trotanoy and Latour a Pomerol…The wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a muscular, concentrated, full-bodied style with brilliant purity as well as texture…Consumers should keep an eye on this Pomerol estate.” Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, April 2009
WS:88-91, RP:91-93
Certan de May, Pomerol (very limited)
£575.00 £/cs IB
2013 – 2028+
A rich and lifted wine that offers impeccable balance amongst its impressively endowed palate of fruit, velvety tannins and notable freshness. Finishes on notes of lightly toasted spice and roasted coffee. One of the best we tasted from the Moueix stable. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
JR:16.5, WS:89-92, RP:91-93, MJ:18, GD:91-93
Ch Gloria, St. Julien
£195.00 £/cs IB
2012 – 2026+
“This estate has been fashioning terrific wines over recent vintages, and the 2008 is an opulent, dense purple-hued effort…It exhibits fabulously pure fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a flamboyant, almost exotic richness. Very ripe, pure, and long, this will be a wine to drink young, but given past examples, it should be capable of lasting 15-20 years. It is a fabulous sleeper of the vintage.” Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, April 2009
JR:16, WS:87-90, RP:90-93, GD:88-90