BORDEAUX – COTES de CASTILLON
2008 Chateau Croix Mouton (Bordeaux) - Purple core and opaquish intensity in color. There is some new oak and crushed berry on the nose with some concentration in the mid-palate. It is a modern wine with some length and reminds me of the Right Bank dominated by black fruits. 86-88 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Marjosse (Bordeaux Superieur) - Owned by Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc and Ch. D’Yquem fame. Purple core and garnet rim with brilliant intensity. The wine offersa refined nose of cherry and cassis with some soil and a slight mocha indicating some oak infusion. 84-86 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Reynon (1er Cotes de Bordeaux) - Although this wine is not imported in the US, it is worthy of a review. The wine exhibits full intensity of a purple core and fuchsia rim. The striking is wine offering crushed berries with fleshy round tannins. A provocative wine showing some length in the mid-palate. 87-89 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Puygueraud (Bordeaux Cotes de Francs) - Always a stunner of a wine for the price with a major following of recent, this year in no different! A true ‘pawn to protect the big soldiers’ in your cellar, the 2008 effort shows a purple core with a fuchsia rim. The nose is somewhat restrained, but the palate shows length and power with full intensity and concentration of black fruits. A relatively complex wine with crème de cassis liquor from Dijon and a gravelly minerality that is not present in most wines in this category. The texture is fleshy with some grip and round tannins that will integrate quickly for early drinking. 87-89 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Mont-Perat (1er Cotes de Bordeaux) - **My Sleeper of the Category** Purple core with a fuchsia rim, offering crushed berry and sweet attack of candied cherry fruit, this wine is showing almost like a finished wine already. There is good length and concentration with refined tannins. A wine to take a look at in this price point! 87-89 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Prade (Bordeaux Cotes de Francs) - This wine shows a purple core with fuchsia rim and is opaquish. A violet perfume, crushed berry fruit, and some minerality adds complexity to this wine with excellent length and refines small grained tannins. This wine is showing well. 85-87 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Cap de Faugeres (Cotes de Castillon) - The wine exhibits a purple core with a fuchsia rim a new wine with full intensity. Fruity and grapey with some mocha and decent length in this medium-bodied wine. Fresh and lively fruit with well integrated small grained tannins make this wine appealing. 88-90 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Joanin Becot (Cotes de Castillon) - Always a top performer for the region in this price point! Deep garnet/ruby color with purple rim and brilliant intensity. Fresh ripe crushed berry with plus concentration and some richness in the mid-palate. This medium to full bodied wine shows what Juliette Becot told me at our JJB Ladies of Bordeaux dinner last year where she employs the new technique of delestage! This is where the fermenting juice is drained from the tank during primary fermentation and gently pumped back over the must (skins, stems, and seeds). This delestage technique is where the tannins are sort of lengthened and oxygenated and the wine benefits with a fleshy rich mid-palate. 89-91 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Puy Arnaud (Cotes de Castillon) - Purple/Garnet core with a purple rim. Fresh berry fruit with some black cassis. Grapey. Nice entry with moderate length in the mid-palate and good concentration with fleshy tannins, this wine performs well at this stage of the game. 87-89 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Carignan ‘Prima’ (1er Cotes de Bordeaux) - Purple core and fuchsia rim. A perfumed nose of grapey crushed berries and crushed flowers. Medium bodied and moderate tannins, this wine is a good effort for the price point. 85-87 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau D’Aiguilhe (Cotes de Castillon) - Purple core with fuchsia rim on this ripe perfumed wine. There is plus concentration of black fruits and complex tar, and gravelly minerality to go along with crushed flowers. There is power in this medium to full bodied effort with brooding tannins that makes this wine an over achiever for the price point and the vintage! 88-91 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Domaine De L’A (Cotes de Castillon) - Stephane Derenoncourt - This is the man in the Right Bank. His own wine! We sat down with him and he said point blank, if no one wants to buy this wine, I will drink it all for myself and friends-in Magnum! Purple core and opaquish and finishing purple to the rim - showing full intensity in this young wine. Restrained in the nose from being in a reduced state until sampling, I shook the wine and released a gorgeous perfume of pure clean black fruits (blackberry and cassis) and crushed rocks. This is a concentrated wine with minuscule yields of 18 hls/ha after the selecting and culling on the sorting table from the 25hls/ha initial harvest numbers. This is definitely an over achiever for the vintage in its price point. This is definitely the best wine in the category so far! Some glycerol lushness in the lengthly mid-palate - well integrated tannins. 90-92 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
MEDOC – HAUT MEDOC – MOULIS – LISTRAC - full notes coming soon!
2008 La Lagune - Ruby red core with a medium ruby red rim. Subtle aromas of Rainer Cherry, strawberry, and chalk with some nicely integrated herbal aromas including black tea and sage. Firm upon entry this wine fleshes out on the mid-palate into one of the bigger Medoc wines of the vintage. Firm tannins and some nice toasty oak notes as well. This is classic Bordeaux. 91-93 points, Alex Lallos, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
MARGAUX
2008 Chateau Desmiral - Pleasant notes of cinnamon and clove. A fine mid-palate with weight/ The tannic finish detracts. 87-89 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Marquis D'Alesme Becker - Beautiful cherry blossom nose. The wine is light and thin, and becomes astringent. 85-87 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Durfort Vivens - Notes of bell pepper and dill. Wet forest floor in the spring, after a rain. Short finish. 82-84 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Du Tertre - Some light red fruit and cherry aroma. Enough fruit to carry the tannins. A pleasant easy going finish. 87-89 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Cantenac Brown - Light chocolate and brick aromas. Heavy weight on the palate and very concentrated. The tannic finish detracts. A challenge to judge. 87-89 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Rauzan Gassies - Clapping erasers after school, chalk dust nose. Rather light mid-palate, lets the tannin take control/ A quickly dissolving finish. 85-87 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Prieure Lichine - Nice floral element on the nose. Pushing hard to be more than it is, without enough flesh on in the mid-palate, leaves the wine tannic, astringent and harsh. 83-85 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Brane Cantenac - Rich, dark mahogany color. A distracting green nose, some underbrush flavors. Seems forward, with an early drinking window. 88-90 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Malescot St. Exupery - Showing some green, under ripe elements. Good weight and balance, plenty of depth. Rallies to a strong finish. 90-92 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau D'Issan - Upfront floral lavender and lilacs in bloom. Good body with excellent concentration. A complete wine that finishes on a high note. 91-93, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Lascombes - Starts out pleasant with some red fruit smells. Seems soft, with some vanilla flavors coming out. Bold tannins on the finish. Needs time? 89-90 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Giscours - Aroma of pomegranate, lavender mixed with fresh cedar. Enough fruit, richness and weight to keep the tannins at bay. Over all pleasant wine with potential. 89-91 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Rauzan Segla - Green olive and mint. Rough tannins show up quickly, with a sudden, short finish. 87-89 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Palmer – Alter Ego - 52% Merlot; 48% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aroma of grilled meat covered in cherry sauce. A very spicy flavor mixed with dry herbs. Tannins in check on the finish. 87-89 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Palmer - 51% Merlot; 41% Cabernet Sauvignon; 8% Petite Verdot. Pleasant plum notes highlighted by spearmint and licorice. Solid middle weight, tannins come off sharp and rough. 90-92 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Margaux - 87% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Merlot; 1.5% of Cab Franc & Petite Verdot each. Only a third of the harvest went into the final selection of their top wine. Margaux got it right in 2008, showing that with sacrifice, fine wine was made. Classic notes of violets and lavender, showing a supple, rich, dense mid-palate. While the finish is long, pronounced and pleasant. 91-93 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pavillon Blanc - 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Easy to guess Sauvignon Blanc. Aroma of lemon-lime, kiwi and quince. Showing very lean, super high acid, a tad tart. 87-89 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
SAINT JULIEN
2008 Chateau Gloria (Saint Julien) – An awesomely perfumed nose; very rich and complex on the palate. Bright red cherry and tobacco are predominating in this lovely wine. 89-91 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Beychevelle (Saint Julien) – This wine is very primary at the moment showing lots of earth and forest floor on the nose. On the palate very spicy flavors, chewy, and tannic. This wine is going to need many years in the bottle until it is ready to drink. 88-90 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien) – On the nose this wine shows dark red and black fruits as well as a rather herbaceous, green pepper note. This wine is rather lighter in body than the other Saint Juliens, not very concentrated and has a vanilla oakiness. 88-90 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Saint Pierre (Saint Julien) – Very concentrated and rich at this point, was showing dark red fruits on the nose and palate as well as a subtle tarry component. On the nose a bit of baby powder and well integrated smooth tannins. 90-92 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Branaire Ducru (Saint Julien) – Incredibly dark in color, but not a lot of weight on the palate. There are notes of candied cherry on the nose, and this wine has subtle tannins making it very smooth in the mouth. 89-91 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (Saint Julien) – Very complex on the nose and palate. Ripe red fruits, good concentration, smooth tannins, and a nice long finish make this wine a winner! 91-93 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Leoville Barton (Saint Julien) – This has an extremely flowery nose, as well as notes of red raspberry, and a slight earthy/herbal note that adds complexity to this wine. On the palate I get violets, cassis, caramel, and lavender. Copious tannins are present but are smooth and silky. 92-94 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
PAUILLAC
2008 Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse - Very pure nose, with notes of blackberry, pencil lead and stone. Nice entry, medium body and nice red fruit on the palate. Moderate length and showing a fair amount of grip, at this point the tannins are still a little coarse but once resolved this should develop some elegance. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Lynch Moussas - Showing a relatively developed nose of currant and tobacco this feels like it will be approachable early. Medium body and length. Although there is a pleasing anise aspect on the back palate there is a bit of a green streak in this wine and the finish is a touch bitter and short. 85-87 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Haut Bages Liberal - The nose was rather closed at this time, but spice plum and raspberry jam aromas are present. Decent weight and body, but unquestionably green and tannic with a tart, clipped finish full of gritty tannin. 83-85 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Haut Batailley - A wonderfully bright and fresh nose full of strawberry and raspberry aromas. This is very clean, showing great fruit purity, balance and good body. An adequate amount of tannin rounds out this pleasing Pauillac. 89-91 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau d’Armailhac - Lightly perfumed nose with elements of clove, cinnamon and cherry. Cherry and currant flavors play out on the palate but a green aspect and aggressive tannins detract from the fruit. 86-88 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Clerc Milon - A remarkably developed nose with big and bold aromas of cherry, cassis and graphite. A nice dose of minerality and dust on the palate plays well with the fruit. Finishes with a firm grip and beautiful length. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste - The nose is driven by minerals, clearly some graphite and lead mixing with notes of red berries, cherry and tobacco. Smooth and sweet entry with nice balance and just the right amount of tannin on the lingering finish. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Le Petit Mouton - Showing an almost Rhone-like nose with an interesting combination of game and blackberry aromas. Medium weight, with juicy red fruit and a bit of vanilla and spice on the finish, though it ends rather abruptly. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pichon Lalande - Attractive aromas that blend notes of mint and rosemary with bold red fruits. This is extremely big, full and round on the palate but there is definitely a balance as well. A nice surprise, however the tannins will certainly need to resolve themselves a bit before this really starts to show its potential. 92-94 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pichon Baron - Concentrated color, with a complex and deep nose of blackberry and oak notes. This is rather big and massive on the palate, yet there’s a degree of grace as well. Unfortunately, the tannins are slightly astringent and this takes away from some of the better aspects of this wine. 89-91 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Les Forts de Latour - 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 2% P.V.; 47% of the vintage was used to produce this wine. A rich and classic nose of cedar, cigar, raspberry and a touch of pepper. A decidedly chalky, earthy element on the palate, this finishes a bit on the rough side as the tannins have considerable bite. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pontet Canet - This reveals great purity and freshness from the start. The aromas are exceptionally clean with notes of blackberry, earth and rocks. Bold and lush on the palate this has a modern feel in contrast to other wines from the region. Very enjoyable overall with decent grip and a lengthy finish. 93-95 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Mouton Rothschild - A fantastic and full nose of blackberry jam, mineral and floral notes. Full-bodied, with exceptional purity of flavors. Lush and juicy on the palate with plenty of dark fruit flavors and a touch of minerality and spice on the finish. The tannins are integrating nicely and this has terrific length. A solid effort! 92-94 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Lynch Bages - Medium ruby core with a bright red rim. Restrained nose of red currant, boysenberry, and tart cherry with a touch of damp earth as well. This suprisignly fruit driven Lynch Bages is big and lush upon entry then thins out a bit before finishing with a nice tannic punch. I like the prospects of aging this wine for at least a couple decades after bottling. Nicely textured yet firm in overall structure. 90-92 points, Alex Lallos, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
SAINT-ESTEPHE
2008 Chateau Petit Bocq - Purple/Garnet core and ruby rim. Ripe cherry cassis and warm berry compote with some vanillin on the perfumed nose. Candied red cherry fruit in this medium-bodied and medium to high acid wine. Only question is the gripping tannins shut off the wine quickly in the mid-palate. But, with the candied fruit, I believe this wine will flesh out nicely after the tannins resolve – maybe within 2 years after the wine hit the US market. 86-88 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateu Meyney - Purple/garnet color with brilliant intensity. But the wine turned me off with a funky faulty nose – probably too much bret? 82-83 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Phelan Segur - Garnet red color showing a wine with little intensity for the region. Red current nose and flavours with a thin indistinguishable light to medium bodied wine that has too much grip for the fruit to handle. This is a poor effort in my opinion. The tannins cut the wine even before the fruit hits the attack on entry. 82-83 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Calon Segur - Garnet color in a brilliant clear intensity. The fruit is a sweet candied cherry and currant and straight forward on the nose. The palate follows in suit with a candied red cherry in a medium-bodied and medium to high acid profile. The wine does show some ripeness and complimented by round tannins that are showing a bit better for the flight from Saint Estephe. 89-91 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Cos d’Estournel - Purple core with fuchsia rim opaquish! Creme de cassis and kirsch liquor dominates the nose with a fragrant rose petal perfume for good measure. A tertiary nose of loamy gravelly soil adds complexity. A sweet entry of spicy black cherry and cassis with blackberry in plus concentration expands to a glycerol mid-palate and opulent ripe tannins. The rocky gravelly clay loamy soil is evident early. Excellent! A top wine for Saint Estephe. 92-94 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
GRAVES; PESSAC LEOGNAN
2008 Chateau Latour Martillac - Nice tobacco, top soil and earthy notes. Showing forward, the tannins are ripe and supple, with time they do take on an edgy note on the finish. 86-88 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Carbonnieux - After high hopes from a lovely black-cherry scented nose the flavors of cut, wet, green grass and astringent finish left me cold. 82-84 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Domaine de Chevalier - One of the few Domaines of the Medoc, most are called Chateau. Fantastic aroma of dried rose petals, flint and stone. Truly a terrior driven wine, rich with minerality. 90-92 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Fiezul - Refreshing aromas of dark fruit and blueberries. Plenty of flesh on a medium size frame. Doing well, even with a short finish. 86-88 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion - Pleasant road tar, fresh tobacco aroma. Good body, and fine finish. Shows promise. 88-90 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte - Bright floral nose, could pass as a wine from Margaux. Light to medium body, holds its own on controlling the tannins on a long, full finish. 91-93 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
2008 Chateau Pape Clement - A fantastic nose of oak, smoke and fresh berries! Super fat, supple, rich and concentrated. More than a mouthful of wine, well done! 91-93 points, David Derby, JJ Buckley Fine Wine
SAINT EMILION – SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU
2008 Chateau Fleur Cardinale (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) – This wine has huge tannins that spread all across the palate. On the nose and palate a plethora of black fruits as well a hint of toasted sesame seed, and vanilla. Very Nice. 90-92 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Quinault “L’Enclos’ (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) – A big, concentrated wine that is very weighty on the palate. Loads of black and red fruits framed by subtle toasty oak and a mouthful of tannins. 91-93 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Confession (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) – On the nose grape soda, fish food flakes and a rocky minerality. Very bright on the palate with some toasty oak as well. Smooth tannins and a long finish. Possibly Flawed Sample, ?? points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Bellevue (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) – This wine was very primary on the palate and on the nose. This was probably picked very ripe as it was bordering on raisiny. This wine was sweet and juicy with a good dose of toasty oak. 90-92 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Gomerie (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) – Floral and elegant on the nose. Spicy and juicy on the palate, not a lot of new wood present. This wine is very integrated with very smooth and long tannins that carry through the finish. 91-93 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Peby Faugeres (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) – This is a very modern style wine that reminded me exactly of a well made CA zinfandel. Notes of toasty oak, cherry and strawberry, nice acidity. 92-94 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Rol Valentin - Deep purple core with a medium bright ruby rim. Superp nose of dark chocolate, blackberry, and black currant wrapped around mocha and coffee. Very clean and fresh throughout with fine grained tannins and a nice mineral driven backbone. This is a hedonistic and delightful wine that will be at its best within the first 10-15 years. 91-93 points, Alex Lallos, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
ST. EMILION GRAND CRU CLASSE
2008 Chateau Tertre Daugay - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt). This chateau is under the same ownership as La Gaffeliere. A big and bold nose with deep, black fruit aromas as well as lighter floral notes. A soft, smooth entry with a touch of spice on the front palate this wine has very good acidity. Overall, quite balanced and structured with a moderate finish. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Clos de l’Oratoire - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt). The vineyard is planted on a north facing hill which does not receive that much sun exposure. However the sand and clay soil retains heat and the slope has great drainage - advantageous conditions for the grapes. This unique site produces wines with exceptional aromatics. This has a very perfumed nose with delicate lavender and rose aromas as well as a subtle note of smoke. Light to medium body with a nice pleasing finish, it’s an understated wine that does not win you over by being overtly forward, it’s just simple, gentle and graceful. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Clos St. Martin - Cloves and light berry notes are present on the nose. Rather ripe and big, there is a nice mineral component, chocolate and spice notes, with low acidity and light tannins. Finishes with a pleasing note of caramel. 91-93 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Gaffeliere - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt). The nose reveals aromas of sweet tea and berries. This has a nice, graceful entry, medium body and finishes with big, round tannins. A good mix of tobacco and red fruit in this classy and masculine wine. 90-92 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Beausejour Becot - A bright nose with wild berry aromas that mingle with notes of anise and mint. Really good body here and a palate full of rich fruit and brambles. The tannins are well integrated. A balanced effort with good length. Quite simply a complete wine. 90-92 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Clos Fourtet - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt - this is the first vintage with him consulting). 80% Merlot, remainder a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Wildflowers, rose and mineral aromas. Showing well today with a smooth entry, juicy (almost opulent) fruit and tannins that are quite resolved. Good effort! 91-93 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pavie Macquin - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt). From a 15ha vineyard, while small in relation to many areas of the Left Bank, for St. Emilion this is quite large (according to Derenoncourt, the average size of many vineyards in St. Emilion is around 5ha, giving it a feel of ‘Burgundy in Bordeaux’.) This is rich and pure right off the bat with full aromas of blackberry, cherry and chocolate. This follows on the palate where it displays great balance and length. Espresso and anise notes come in on the back palate and linger on the beautiful finish. 93-95 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt). Starts out with a complex and gorgeous nose of ripe dark fruit, racy minerality, and flowers. This has some serious weight and a great core of fruit. Exceptional length here, chocolate crème notes find their way into the finish and integrated tannins round this wine out. Awesome! 91-93 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Figeac - This begins with attractive blackberry and black cherry aromas. However, it’s rather tight on the palate, showing tart fruit and rough tannins. I was hoping for more based on the nose, so I’m hoping this will find more balance with time. 84-86 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Larcis Ducasse - (Tasted with Stephane Derenoncourt). Located very close to Pavie, Dernoncourt explained that this property may have the best terroir in St. Emilion. An exceptional nose with great complexity - enchanting notes of fresh blackberry, cherry, flowers, and chocolate just spill from the glass. Very clean and showing great purity the dark fruit flavors are deep and rich. The tannins are very well integrated. A beautiful wine that will be immediately pleasurable and will hopefully get better with age. 94-96 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Troplong Mondot - There are elements of mint and eucalyptus in addition to cherries on the nose. Rather soft and thin on the palate with tart berry flavors and a hint of anise, the tannins are overpowering and the finish is brief. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Angelus - The nose reveals some complexity with aromas of strawberry, earth and tar. The entry is soft and smooth and there’s an attractive depth to the flavors, but the tannins are a tad coarse at this time. Could be very good with just a little more time. 90-92 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
VIGNOBLES PERSE - Gerard Perse
2008 Chateau Sainte Colombe - 13.5% al - 65% Merlot; 25% Cabernet Franc; 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 42 hls/ha on clay and limestone soil; 31 year old vines. Super dark vibrant purple color with a fuchsia rim. The nose is high-toned cranberry and spicy kirsch liquor. A strong attack of black fruits on the palate hits first with a small expansion in the mid-palate then a grippy brood of tannins dry out the fruit. 84-86 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Clos l’Eglise - 14.5 al – 70% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc; 15% Cabernet Sauvignon – 35hls/ha from 39 year old vines. Vibrant black/purple core with fuchsia rim; opaqusih. Perfume of black cassis and crème de cassis with minerality and ripe tannins. Delicious, back to the Right bank ripeness. Very dense black fruits with plus concentration and lengthy extracted mid-palate. 90-92 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Clos Les Lunelles - 80% Merlot; 10% Cabernet Franc; 10 Cabernet Sauvignon from 30 year old vines. Black/purple core with vibrant purple rim. Perfume of crushed black and blue fruits and Super Cassis de Dijon. Blueberry pie entry expands to black raspberry framed in a dense fat rich and lush mid-palate. Is this a wine from France or a Napa cult Cab in disguise? The finish maintains structure with a balanced grip to all of this ripe delicious Right Bank elixir! 89-91 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Monbousquet - 60% Merlot; 30% Cabernet Franc; 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from 40 year old vines and a yield of 40hls/ha. Vibrant purple core and purple rim with full intensity. Focused perfume of blackberry blossom, and blackberry pie and mocha with fresh pavement minerality that is persistent. The palate is impressive with a bramble of spicy blackberry and black raspberry liquor with a creamy rich lush broad and expansive mid-palate. It is like a chocolate cake with a molten gooey chocolate center! The palate is just impressive in intensity and persistence with ripe plus concentration of fruit and well polished tannins. This wil=ne will benefit from aging, but you will want to drink it now and enjoy the forward densely pack fruit now! 90-92 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pavie Decesse - 90% Merlot; 10% Cabernet Franc - 70% new oak and 30% one year used barrels. 30hls/ha yields from 48 year old vines on a plateau next to and just under Chateau Pavie and above and adjacent to Pavie Macquin and across the small valley from Ausone. Black vibrant purple core with fuchsia rim. Such a pretty nose of crushed flowers, rose petal, and sweet ripe black fruits including blackberry (mure) liquor and Super cassis de Dijon are persistent and precise. Secondary nose of crushed rocks anise and fresh pavement adds complexity. The entry on the palate is dense and precise showing off the ripe low-yielding polished fruit that expands nicely in the lush rich mid-palate. In addition, complex mineral gravelly pulverized rocks dials up this wines credibility as one of the top efforts in the Right Bank year over year. Tannins are precise and well integrated and match the plus concentration of fruit. 92-94 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pavie - 45 year old vines; 32hls/ha. Black and opaque purple core with vibrant purple fuchsia rim. Elegant nose, if somewhat restrained due to intense efforts to maintain a pure reductive state, offers Asian spice, blackberry compote, and mineral purity with that extra complexity I have come to appreciate when a wine also has a loamy clay soil descriptor that speaks only of Bordeaux and usually only the Left Bank! The palate is juicy spicy blackberry fruit with gravelly mineral/soil earthiness and balanced grip with well managed super fine grained tannins. 93-95 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Bellevue Mondotte - 47 year old vines; 25 hls/ha yield. Vibrant black/purple core with vibrant purple fuchsia rim. Blueberry cheese cake liquor of ripe black fruits and vanillin on the nose is balanced with underlying minerality. Attack of juicy blue fruits are intense and concentrated quickly building in the mid-palate and finishes with super round tannins. The only issue is whether these ‘God Father’ touchy tannins will lengthen and balance the copious amount of ripe lush fruit. 93-95 points, Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
POMEROL - full notes coming soon!
BORDEAUX BLANC – PESSAC LEOGNAN
2008 Chateau Latour Martillac Blanc (Pessac Leognan) – Very grassy, gooseberry, lemon, and orange peel. This has great vibrant acidity and a long clean finish. 90-92 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc (Pessac Leognan) – This wine is grassy, and slightly reductive on the nose. On the palate showing sea shell and minerally notes. Intense and round with lighter acidity. 88-90 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc (Pessac Leognan) – Honeyed, flowery and citrus driven. This wine has medium plus acidity, a touch of toasty oak and a pleasant saline quality that adds another dimension of complexity. 89-91 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Blanc (Pessac Leognan) - Very bright and crisp on the palate with notes of peaches and flowers. This has balanced acidity and is very pleasant to drink. 89-91 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (Pessac Leognan) – Tropical fruits, sea shells, fresh cut grass, and honeydew melon. Lots of acid, and a long clean finish. 90-92 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (Pessac Leognan) – This wine is very grassy, but is big, fat and round on the palate. Notes of lemon, lime, sea shells and a slight sea salt characteristic. 88-90 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc (Pessac Leognan) - Tropical, orangey and vanilla toast from the new wood. I get some lemon meringue pie on the palate and bright acidity that makes this wine a pleasure to drink, it is just way too young. 91-93 points, John Sweeney, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
SAUTERNES
2008 Chateau De Myrat - Light gold in color. This has a beautiful nose of apricot, pineapple and orange marmalade. Quite concentrated flavors of citrus fruit and moderate length. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Doisy-Vedrines - Light apple and citrus fruit come through on the slightly subdued nose. However, this gets better and builds on the palate with rich, creamy flavors of citrus and orchard fruit balanced by good acidity. Culminates in a fantastic and persistent finish. 90-92 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Doisy Daene - Apricot, pear and tangerine aromas are complimented by a touch of honey. There’s an element of minerality on the palate that offsets the richness of fruit. Good length as well. 89-91 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Coutet - A big punch of pineapple and peach aromas lead the way on this fruit forward Sauternes. Abundant citrus fruit on the palate but a little flabby overall and a tad hot on the finish. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Guiraud - This has a pretty nose of peach, citrus and tropical fruit with a touch of honey. Mango, pineapple and crème flavors are balanced but not overly complex and the finish is moderate. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Suduiraut - Very unique, this has a great nose with complex aromas of tropical fruit that meld well with pear and floral notes. Great balance between the weight and acidity, there is a pronounced honey flavor rounding out the fruit on the palate. A very complete wine and a real pleasure. 92-94 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau De Fargues - A bright nose featuring notes of oranges, pear and white flowers. Nice and rich flavors of honey, citrus, pineapple and crème brulee are precise and acidity balances the viscosity of the wine. 91-93 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Rieussec - Wow what a beautiful pale golden color (clean and clear). Absolutely intoxicating aromas of peach, ripe citrus, and apricot confiture. Shows tons of botrytis but remains fresh and lively on the mid-palate. Lots of toasty marshmallow and charred oak with everything in the right place (and in the right proportion). Loaded with fruit, but replete with the proper acidty… Delicious. 94-95 points, Alex Lallos, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
MOEIUX WINES
2008 Chateau Puy-Blanquet (St. Emilion Grand Cru) – Aromas of black cherry, mint and bitter chocolate. This has a light, easy entry and a charming character to the fruit. A note of spice presents itself in addition to sweet, round tannin that linger on the pleasing finish. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Serre (St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe) – Quite aromatic on the nose, with a darker character than the previous wine, showing blackberry and raspberry notes with a touch of smoke. Smooth, round and viscous this has an excellent mouthfeel and there’s a subtle bit of creamy oak and caramel on the finish. 89-91 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Magdelaine (St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe) – From a 28 acre vineyard planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on 2/3 limestone soil and 1/3 clay-limestone. An immediate neighbor to Ausone and Belair. Rather herbaceous and mineral driven on the nose, I found this wine to be a little thin and showing decidedly green flavors. The tannins being very controlled and restrained was a redeeming quality. 86-88 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Belair-Monange (St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe) – This was formerly known as Chateau Belair and the addition of Monange to the title is in homage to Anne-Adele Monange, the grandmother of Christian Moueix and great-grandmother of Edouard Moueix, the Managing Director of this property. The nose was a little subdued at the moment, but notes of fruitcake, cherry and spice were lurking in there. Medium bodied and round but lacking a certain depth to the fruit, the tannins are quite firm on the finish of this traditionally styled wine. 88-90 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Plince (Pomerol) – Very aromatic with blackberry, thyme, spice, herbs and floral notes. Soft entry and a good mid-palate showing a good quantity of fruit and weight. The tannins are integrating nicely and this has fine length. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Lafleur-Gazin (Pomerol) – From a 21 acre vineyard planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on silt, gravel and clay soils. Located on the northern slope of the plateau of Pomerol between Lafleur and Gazin, hence the name. The nose reveals fresh, clean and pure aromas of blue fruit, peppermint and spice. Starts slow on the palate then gradually builds showing good weight and balanced acidity. A nice element of chocolate on the finish and the tannins are right where they belong. A solid effort. 90-92 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Grave a Pomerol (Pomerol) – From a 19.5 acre vineyard planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc on gravel with some light clay. Located on the western slope of the plateau of Pomerol. Primary grape aromas, but also rather fresh with notes of anise, herbs and mint this is actually quite appealing in its size and ripeness on the nose. Good balance and weight with the tannins in check, the only downside is the wood flavors slightly overpowering the fruit and the finish ends a little abruptly. 87-89 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Bourgneuf (Pomerol) – Deep and dark aromas of raspberry, black cherry and anise. This has a smooth entry but feels a little heavy and dull and the tannins are persistent on the finish. 85-87 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Certan Marzelle (Pomerol) – From a 5 acre vineyard planted to 100% Merlot on gravel over clay soils. A little tight and closed, with subdued notes of strawberry, cherry and herbs on the nose. Medium body but rather dull overall this finishes with a trace of oak and medium tannin displaying some grip. 85-87 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Latour a Pomerol (Pomerol) – From a 20 acre vineyard planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on 2/3 gravelly/clay soil and 1/3 clay/silt soil. A very aromatic nose revealing attractive notes of raspberry, dark earth, smoke and tree bark. With a smooth and sweet entry, this has a great presence of fruit on the palate and superb balance. Quite rich, with good weight, length and complexity there is a bit of chocolate and oak on the finish. 91-93 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau La Fleur-Petrus (Pomerol) – From a 35.5 acre vineyard planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on gravel soil. Located just across from Petrus. A big and juicy nose with elements of pine and shaved wood complementing the fruit. Very supple and rich with low tannins and a very lengthy finish this is rather modern in style. I only wish the finish was longer. Great! 92-94 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Hosanna (Pomerol) – From a 34 acre vineyard planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on gravel soil. This wine has a clean and fresh nose exhibiting deep aromas of raspberry and black cherry. Soft and sweet on the entry, this builds on the mid-palate and finishes with persistent and round tannins. Very nice! 92-94 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Providence (Pomerol) – From a 10 acre vineyard planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on clay/gravel soil. Very modern stylistically, this shows seem decent complexity. Aromas of black cherry, wild berries and strawberry with a meaty notes presenting themselves in the mix. Similar to the Hosanna but more tannic. 93-95 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Certan de May (Pomerol) – A big wine that is very fruit forward both aromatically and on the palate. Notes of sweet cherries, anise, mint and a bit of herbs. However there is also a degree of elegance that is very promising for this wine. Anxious to see how this one develops. 90-92 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Trotanoy (Pomerol) – From a 18 acre vineyard planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on clay/gravel soils and dark clay. Has a style similar to Petrus due to the similar nature of the soils. The nose on this wine just jumps out of the glass and hits you directly. Very impressive, with lovely notes of raspberry jam, strawberry, cherry, truffles and a trace of minerals. Although big, this starts slowly in the mouth and builds up to a nice crescendo. Quite firm but nice and round tannins has me very hopeful for the true potential of this wine. 95-97 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines
2008 Chateau Petrus (Pomerol) – From a 28.5 acre vineyard planted to 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc on dark clay soil. Precise and focused, this is a phenomenal wine. Wild berry, strawberry, black cherry, spice and earth notes are all present on the complex nose. Big and full bodied, with a glycerol feel on the palate, this wine delivers a mouthful of pure and complex fruit. Exquisite, round tannins and a long, sweet finish. As it should be, the star of the show. Bravo. 97-99 points, John Perry, JJ Buckley Fine Wines