From a bottle purchased upon release and cellared in pristine fashion, this blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon has an appearance that belies its age. Opaque ruby/red, it serves up aromas and flavors of kirsch, cassis, tobacco, licorice and loamy earth. Full-bodied and with well-integrated alcohol (14%), it is heavily oaked and has oppressive tannins that are quite characteristic of the vintage. That said, the middle palate is dense and the finish, albeit astringent, is lengthy. While there may be those who appreciate this austere style, my palate does not particularly align with the vintage. Fleur Cardinale has done a good job under the circumstances, but this is a wine where I fear that the tannins will outlast the fruit. Take your chances throughout the remainder of the decade and give this wine plenty of air. Drink now-2030.
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3/3/2024 - petermpls Likes this wine:
This takes a lot of time to open. Decant at 3-4 hours prior to drinking. Surprised by how closed down this is given the high % of Merlot.
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6/29/2022 - maxima wrote: 92 Points
Similaires à mes autres, même note.
Excellent encore une fois cette bouteille fut!
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6/28/2022 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 88 Points
From a bottle purchased upon release and cellared in pristine fashion, this blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon has an appearance that belies its age. Opaque ruby/red, it serves up aromas and flavors of kirsch, cassis, tobacco, licorice and loamy earth. Full-bodied and with well-integrated alcohol (14%), it is heavily oaked and has oppressive tannins that are quite characteristic of the vintage. That said, the middle palate is dense and the finish, albeit astringent, is lengthy. While there may be those who appreciate this austere style, my palate does not particularly align with the vintage. Fleur Cardinale has done a good job under the circumstances, but this is a wine where I fear that the tannins will outlast the fruit. Take your chances throughout the remainder of the decade and give this wine plenty of air. Drink now-2030.
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4/17/2022 - maxima wrote: 92 Points
Pas au niveau de l'incroyable 2005,
effet millésime qui joue pour 2005,
ce 2008 tire bien son épingle. Frais et
franc de gout, délicieux.
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3/31/2022 - levinml wrote: 90 Points
A bit more acidic than I’d prefer. A bit better 3rd night under pump, but surprised at high level of acid.
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