2008 Red Wine

Decanter, 98 points: This takes a heartbeat to kick in, and then the weight and impact of this wine slowly kicks in. Those Cabernets have lift and punch, and although it's not ethereal like the Ausone or even the Lafite, it has power...

Vinous, 94 points: Vega Sicilia’s 2008 Tinto Valbuena 5 Anos is compelling. A young, intense wine, the 2008 is going to need significant time to fully come together, but it boasts superb depth, persistence and a total sense of harmony...

jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Aromas of dried cherries and plums with hints of flowers follow through to a full body with velvety tannins and a juicy, meaty, fruity aftertaste. Turns to chocolate powder as well. Drink or hold.

Vinous, 93 points: In 2008, Quintarelli did not bottle Amarone, but instead chose to declassify the juice into Rosso del Bepi. Fragrant and expressive, with a good deal of aromatic nuance, the Rosso is a terrific choice for readers who want...

Burghound, 93 points: (BH90-93 points) This is also elegant, pure and broadly aromatic with hints of earth, underbrush and a touch of the sauvage adding nuance to the red currant and violet notes that introduce rich and rather serious...

Vinous, 96 points: The 2008 Pichon-Longueville Baron has a refined and focused bouquet with classic blackberry, mint and graphite aromas that gather momentum with aeration. The palate is beautifully balanced with pure black fruit, a fine...

Wine Spectator, 91 points: (88-91) Sweet plum, strawberry and raspberry fruit character on the nose and palate. Full and silky, with lovely fruit and a long finish. Minerally undertone. –JS

jamessuckling.com, 99 points: This is one of the most balanced and harmonious Monfortinos that I ever tasted. Aromas of dried rose petals and oranges. It's full-bodied yet compacted and tight. Tannins are perfectly managed. It makes you want to drink...

Vinous, 92 points: Good dark red with a ruby tinge; not the darkest of these more recent vintages. Lively nose combines cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate, mint, leather and vanillin oak; hinted at a slight candied fruit quality as it...

Wine Spectator, 92 points: Inviting on the nose, with warm fig bread and hoisin sauce notes leading the way for lush cherry preserve, crushed plum and anise flavors. Silky and rounded on the finish, with a long, lingering black licorice note. Drink...

Vinous, 91 points: Bright ruby. Sappy and tightly focused raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of cinnamon and allspice. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, which offers sexy red berry preserve and floral flavors, with a...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: (WA 92-94 points) The 2008 La Nieta, tasted from barrel, is purple-colored with a racy, slightly high-toned perfume of mineral, lavender, spice box, incense, and black cherry. This is followed by a dense, structured wine...

Vinous, 91 points: Good bright red-ruby. Sexy, pure aromas of dark cherry, rose and violet. Juicy, delicate and penetrating, with pinot-like weight and sappiness. Displays a captivating sweetness without any loss of energy. Finishes long...