Robert Parker recently released his latest Wine Advocate including his report on the 2008 vintage in Bordeaux. He sees many wines from 2008 rivaling their 2005s."... the quality of the 2008 vintage turned out to be excellent, with a number of superb wines that are close to, if not equal to the prodigious 2005 or 2000 vintages (two years with many of the best wines I have ever tasted from top to bottom)"
Reviews
Robert Parker 91 points 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. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years. Wine Spectator 90 Points Ripe and deep, with damson plum, black currant and linzer torte fruit aromas and flavors caressed by lush, spice-infused toast. The long finish is filled with licorice and graphite. Best from 2012 through 2018. 4,000 cases made. -JM Neal Martin Wine Journal 92 Points Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. The Grand-Mayne 2008 is in a rather awkward stage at the moment. It has a lifted blackberry and raspberry leaf nose, not complex but charming with some wood to be resolved. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, quite meaty and savoury with a wood dominated finish. Hopefully this will be integrated with time because it has impressive poise and length. Drink 2014-2025. Tasted October 2010.
Robert Parker 91 points
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. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.
Wine Spectator 90 Points
Ripe and deep, with damson plum, black currant and linzer torte fruit aromas and flavors caressed by lush, spice-infused toast. The long finish is filled with licorice and graphite. Best from 2012 through 2018. 4,000 cases made. -JM
Neal Martin Wine Journal 92 Points
Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. The Grand-Mayne 2008 is in a rather awkward stage at the moment. It has a lifted blackberry and raspberry leaf nose, not complex but charming with some wood to be resolved. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, quite meaty and savoury with a wood dominated finish. Hopefully this will be integrated with time because it has impressive poise and length. Drink 2014-2025. Tasted October 2010.
