2008 Barolo
Château Rayas
Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache Blend 2008
Rayas 08 exceeded my expectations — it was in great condition. We decanted it at 3 PM and started drinking at 7 PM. In the first phase, it showed sweet red fruit notes. In the second phase, herbal/vegetal notes emerged. In the third phase, a cooling mintiness appeared.
This bottle wasn't as explosively aromatic as the 07 I opened last time — that 07, after two hours of decanting, unleashed an incredibly rich and enchanting floral bouquet. It was like the scent of a garden transitioning from summer into autumn — grand and opulent, with a hint of fading beauty. Notes of black cherry, rose, and blood orange intertwined, and the aromas kept evolving over time — garrigue, incense — complex and alluring, with a grand structure and a rich, round palate.
The 08, on the other hand, feels more like a refined lady from a scholarly family — graceful, gentle, intellectual, with no aggressive edge. — 2 months ago
Thierry Allemand
Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2008
On paper they say 08 wasn’t a good vintage but hey I love it. Old vine Reynard is excellent in 2008 showing all the Allemand sigs with dark fruit, olive tapenade and a liquid rock minerality. 08 is particularly Bordeaux like and not at all thin—that magical Reynard vineyard really ups the concentration of any vintage. Always a thrill to drink Allemand, my favorite Syrah. — 6 months ago
Silver Oak
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
**Wine Review: 2008 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Opened November 2024)**
The 2008 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, opened today, showcases an impressive balance and complexity, affirming its status as a finely aged wine. Its deep ruby hue remains vibrant, with exceptional clarity that invites exploration.
On the nose, ripe aromas of blackberry syrup and dark fruits are prominent, complemented by elegant notes of dried ginger and a subtle floral undertone. These aromas suggest both maturity and freshness, creating a captivating bouquet.
The palate offers a bold, full-bodied experience, featuring flavors of graphite and pencil lead that add intrigue and depth. The oak is beautifully integrated, enhancing the wine's harmony without overshadowing the fruit. The tannins, while still present, are soft and smooth, allowing the wine’s fruity core to take center stage.
Despite its 16 years of aging, this wine retains a youthful vibrancy, with its primary fruit flavors shining through. The finish is balanced and moderate in intensity, leaving a lasting impression of refinement.
Enjoyed today, this wine is a testament to the careful craftsmanship of Silver Oak. While it has clearly benefited from its time in the cellar, it remains dynamic and will continue to develop nuances for years to come. — 2 years ago
Château Cos d'Estournel
Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2008
Better with the Rib-cap. The 08 vintage was spotty to good. This one shows the shortcomings of the 08 vintage. Really good fruit, but lacks typical, depth, mid palate, and length.
The nose is class Bordeaux.Ripe to ruby fruits of, black plum skin, slightly syrupy blackberries, plum, dark cherry liqueur, strawberries, dark currants. Dark chocolate cake with glaze, screaming, lead pencil shavings, tobacco, leather, dry riverstone, limestone marl, forest floor with dry leaves, soft, incense, black, licorice, red, cola, dry herbs, tomato, leaf, with dark and red flowers, framed in violets.
The palate is ripe to ruby fruits of, black plum skin, slightly syrupy blackberries, plum, dark cherry liqueur, strawberries, dark currants. Dark chocolate cake with glaze, screaming, lead pencil shavings, deep, dark spice that expands wide, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, caramel and vanillin, dry tobacco with ash, leather, dry riverstone, limestone marl, dry crushed rocks, forest floor with dry leaves, moist clays, soft, incense, black, licorice, red, cola, savory dry herbs, tomato leaf, dry oak barrel shaving to cedar with dark and red flowers, framed in violets, acidity is ok, just not right, finish is good, not great, it falls hard on spice and is short of a minute.
93 with the Rib-cap. Green Bean from my organic gsrden. Drink now through 2035. — 7 days ago
Dom Pérignon
Brut Champagne Blend 2008
Soft lemon and lime with a slate minerality on the nose. Beautiful intensity and focus on the palate. Salinity and a touch of sweetness — 2 months ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2008
Still one of my fave producers of Rioja — 9 months ago
Marchesi Antinori
Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2008
Pahlmeyer
Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2008
A stunner. — 19 days ago
Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2008
Still youthful showing red & black fruits, cedar, leather, graphite, spice & tobacco — 6 months ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008
Deep & polished showing red & black fruits, cassis with notes of licorice, menthol, graphite & tobacco leaf — 4 years ago
Andrew Cullimore
Medium ruby garnet , with medium thin garnet ruby rim. This is quite closed at first , needs some time in the glass . Quite somber and dark fruited , with anis , dry spice and porcini , black tea. Quite meaty and deep . On the palate this is more generous , with quite rich saline edged dark fruits , currants , black tea and porcini . Quite fresh acidity and quite noticeable grippy tannins . Long and really quite intense on the palate , spiced saline finish . Even though there are lots of tertiary notes, there is great freshness and grip on the palate , it’s long and saline. Certainly improved with time in the glass and overall this shows pretty well at the moment. From now and over the next 5-10 years . — 23 days ago