Robert Parker 92 points
A strong effort, the 2008 was made from tiny yields of 28.5 hectoliters per hectare, and attained 14% natural alcohol. It reveals sweet licorice, black currant and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with truffle and asphalt characteristics in its pure, rich, opulent, full-bodied personality. One of the finest St.-Emilions of the vintage, it is far more accessible than the 2010 and should continue to drink well for 15-20 years.
Wine Spectator 90 Points
Juicy, with a tasty mix of dark plum, crushed fig and blackberry fruit, followed by licorice, black tea and maduro tobacco. The long finish lets it all hang together nicely. Drink now through 2015. 3,330 cases made. -JM
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar 90 Points
Bright red-ruby. Crushed blueberry, violet and licorice on the perfumed nose. Pliant, supple and sweet, with a very smooth texture if not exceptional complexity to the flavors of black fruits and chocolate. No rough edges here. Finishes with lush, chocolatey tannins and lingering aromatic perfume.
Neal Martin Wine Journal 90+ Points
Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. The bouquet is surprisingly timid at first with subtle aromas of blackberry leaf, blackcurrant wine gums and strawberry. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, quite dry tannins, but there is one heck of a lot of fruit here. Smooth and polished towards the finish, disguising some quite bullish tannins. This will be interesting to watch, since I feel that it will only improve with age. Drink 2013-2025. Tasted October 2010.
