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Wine Spectator Scores 2008

If you would like to view individual appellations please select one of the headings below.

Red Bordeaux › St-Emilion › Pomerol › Margaux › Pauillac › Pessac-Léognan › St.-Estèphe › St.-Julien › Haut-Médoc › Dry Whites › Sauternes & Barsac

2008 Top-Scoring Red Bordeaux

St-Emilion

CHÂTEAU AUSONE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 93-96
Floral and perfumed, with blackberry and black cherry aromas. Minerally and pretty. So Burgundian on the nose. Full and supersilky, with a solid core of beautiful fruit. A wonderfully textured wine, with great length. Impressive for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CHEVAL-BLANC St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 92-95
Offers blackberry and flowers on the nose, with hints of prune and spices. Full and chewy, with vanilla and rose petal. This is muscular and angular now, but the finish lasts a long time. —J.S.

LA MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 92-95
Crushed berries and blackberry on the nose follow through to a full body, with a lovely berry and cherry character on the palate. Rich and long, with fresh acidity. Shows impressive concentration from the old vines of Merlot. Tiny production this year.—J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAVIE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 92-95
This is very Porty, with lots of fruit and richness. Big and powerful. A blockbuster style. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LARCIS-DUCASSE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 90-93
Intense black licorice and black fruits, almost black currant. Very aromatic. Full-bodied yet refined, with ultraripe and fine tannins and sweet, pretty fruit. Long. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 90-93
Flowers such as violets galore on the nose. Ripe fruit too. Full-bodied, with bright fruit and citrusy acidity. Long and racy. Really bright and wonderful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
A tobacco, berry and orange peel character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a clean finish. Refined and balanced. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE-MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
Shows aniseed, licorice and exotic fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with lots of concentration and a long, rich finish. Very reserved. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU BERLIQUET St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
Licorice and flowers, with black fruits on the nose. Full-bodied, with a very succulent and savory finish of meat, berry and aniseed. Subtle. 40 percent Cabernet Franc, 60 percent Merlot. Represents a huge improvement. Under the guidance now of winemaker —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CANON St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
Fresh and floral, with berry and raspberry aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe tannins and a licorice, berry and milk chocolate character. Displays a beautiful core of fruit. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CANON-LA GAFFELIÈRE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
Blackberry, black chocolate and licorice aromas follow through to a full body, with wonderful length and style. The 35 percent Cabernet Franc really comes through. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
Shows lots of rich fruit and berries, with hints of new wood and ripe tannins. Very pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAVIE-DECESSE St.-Emilion 2008 Score: 89-92
This offers a palate full of fresh crushed berries, ripe tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Refined. —J.S.

Pomerol
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CHÂTEAU LE PIN Pomerol 2008 Score: 93-96
Complex aromas of blackberries, cherries, chocolate and violets. Very Burgundian nose. Full-bodied, with a wonderful texture and sweet fruit. So much chocolate and silky texture. Really beautiful and mesmerizing. Superlong. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PÉTRUS Pomerol 2008 Score: 92-95
Shows fresh strawberry and cherry aromas, with hints of fresh herbs. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very balanced and pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR Pomerol 2008 Score: 92-95
A solid wine, with subtle layers to a dense structure of silky tannins, plum, blackberry and mineral fruit. Long, caressing finish. Very compact. Very precise. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS Pomerol 2008 Score: 91-94
There's lots of rose in this wine, with hints of dark chocolate and berries. Full and powerful, with chewy tannins and a long finish. A big, juicy wine. Very impressive for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE Pomerol 2008 Score: 90-93
Blackberries and other black fruits on the nose. Full and compacted, with lots of ripe and silky tannins. Long and structured. Very pretty wine. 86 percent Merlot, 14 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU L'EVANGILE Pomerol 2008 Score: 90-93
Exotic aromas of blackberries and roses. Orange peel and perfumes. Milk chocolate as well. Full-bodied, with a lovely texture of round tannins and a long, long finish. A beauty. Easily outstanding. 88 percent Merlot, 12 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU TROTANOY Pomerol 2008 Score: 90-93
Offers dark chocolate and fresh berry character, with a hint of plum tart. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and tannins. Long and chewy. All there. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY Pomerol 2008 Score: 89-92
Almost exotic on the nose, with apricot, orange and blackberry. Medium- to full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Firm and well-made. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA POINTE Pomerol 2008 Score: 89-92
Lots of bright berry and flowers on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a clean, fresh and fruity finish. Long finish. A large property on the way up. The first vintage that Hubert de Boüard de Laforest of Angélus has been consultin —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PROVIDENCE Pomerol 2008 Score: 89-92
Ripe and fresh, with strawberry pie and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Very chewy and structured for the vintage. —J.S.

VIEUX-CHÂTEAU-CERTAN Pomerol 2008 Score: 89-92
The texture is classic, with plum, fresh mushroom and berry aromas and flavors. Full and round, with lovely length. There is plenty of acidity, but it's balanced and pretty. Very long and fresh. 70 percent Merlot, 20 percent Cabernet Franc, 10 percent Cab —J.S.

Margaux
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CHÂTEAU MALESCOT-ST.-EXUPÉRY Margaux 2008 Score: 90-93
Delivers gorgeous aromas of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a beautiful core of pure, sweet fruit. So refined and pretty. A cold pre-fermentation maceration yields lots of bright fruit and fine tannins. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2008 Score: 90-93
Currant, blackberry and mineral aromas lead to a solid core of fruit, with fine tannins and a long, clean finish. Refined and very, very pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA Margaux 2008 Score: 90-93
Offers flowers, currant, berries and sandalwood on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and lots of fruit and freshness. Firm and racy. There's a little more Cabernet this year and no Petit Verdot. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux 2008 Score: 89-92
Shows blackberry and black cherry, with hints of currant. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a solid core. Long and fruity. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux Alter Ego 2008 Score: 87-90
Blackberry and cherry on the nose, with hints of smoke. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a silky finish. Slightly hollow midpalate. —J.S.

PAVILLON ROUGE DU CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2008 Score: 87-90
Currant and berries on the nose, with hints of vanilla and coffee. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely fruit. Refined and pretty, but short. —J.S.

Pauillac
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CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2008 Score: 91-94
This has a very intriguing nose. Already shows complex aromas of currant and crushed berries, with hints of dried flowers. Full-bodied and very chewy, with intense tannins, but polished and velvety. Long and pretty. The finish stays with you a long time. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2008 Score: 91-94
Offers currant and blackberry aromas, with hints of flowers. Starts as a slow attack on the palate, then builds with superpolished tannins and pretty fruit, offering berries and mineral. Long and caressing. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2008 Score: 91-94
Shows violet and crushed berries, with lots of other floral and fruit character. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish. Very, very pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET Pauillac 2008 Score: 90-93
Very dark and brilliant in color, showing wonderful pure fruit, with crushed blackberry, currant and fresh-cut flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, crisp, fruity finish. This offers impressive finesse and length. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-LALANDE Pauillac 2008 Score: 89-92
Currant, mint and prune, with hints of wet earth. Full and velvety, with lots of fruit and silky, firm tannins. Long finish. Very pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON Pauillac 2008 Score: 88-91
Rose and currant aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a clean finish. A more delicate style Clerc. —J.S.

LES FORTS DE LATOUR Pauillac 2008 Score: 88-91
Subtle aromas of currant and raspberry, with a minerally undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but very good. —J.S

CARRUADES DE LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2008 Score: 87-90
Dark currant and berries on the nose, with hints of violet. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but should develop well. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DUHART-MILON ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2008 Score: 87-90
Displays lots of currant and berries on the nose, with hints of sweet tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with tar and berry character, soft, round tannins and a medium finish. —J.S.

RÉSERVE DE LA COMTESSE Pauillac 2008 Score: 87-90
Mineral, mint, berry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full and soft, with velvety tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Very pretty already. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU D'ARMAILHAC Pauillac 2008 Score: 86-89
Blackberry and hints of cedar and dried flowers on the nose lead to a medium body, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a medium finish. Attractive and friendly. —J.S.

PAUILLAC DE CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2008 Score: 86-89
Displays currant and berry notes, with mineral and flowers. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a clean finish. —J.S.

LE PETIT MOUTON DE MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2008 Score: 86-89
Displays pretty rose and berry aromas and flavors in a medium-bodied package, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. —J.S.

Pessac-Léognan
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CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 93-96
A very complex wine, with black licorice, sweet tobacco, blackberry and earth. Full-bodied and long, with big, juicy tannins and lots of bright fruit, mushroom, earth and decadent fruit flavors. The most powerful wine of the vintage. Only 35 percent of the total production (normally this is 50 percent or 55 percent). Shows the selection. —J.S

CHÂTEAU LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 91-94
Bright and perfumed, with mineral, hot stone, fresh currant and blackberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Layered, chewy and structured. Solid for the vintage. —J.S.

LA CHAPELLE DE LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 88-91
Offers currant and plum on the nose, with hints of young sweet tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Medium finish. —J.S.

LE CLARENCE DE HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 88-91
Wonderful sweet tobacco and berry aromas follow through to a full body, with big, juicy tannins and a chewy finish. A little tough, but shows concentration for a second wine. —J.S.

CLOS MARSALETTE Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 87-90
Grapey and minerally on the nose. Medium-bodied, with refined tannins and a pretty finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 87-90
Minerals, violets and other flowers. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and very clean fruit. Minerally and fresh on the finish. —J.S.

DOMAINE DE LA PASSION HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2008 Score: 87-90
Crushed berries, plums and warm stones on the nose. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fresh, clean finish. 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 percent Cabernet Franc. From about 3.2 acres; a small parcel that used to be part of La Mission-Haut-Brion —J.S.

St.-Estèphe
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CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR St.-Estèphe 2008 Score: 88-91
Very pretty spicy aromas, with currant and blackberry. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicate velvety texture. Balanced and easy, with a medium finish. 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 percent Merlot and 2 percent Petit Verdot. This is much more —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MONTROSE St.-Estèphe 2008 Score: 88-91
Shows blackberry and black licorice, with hints of mint. Full-bodied and fruity, with very fine tannins, good acidity and a nice intensity of mineral and spices. —J.S.

LES PAGODES DE COS St.-Estèphe 2008 Score: 87-90
Blackberry aromas, with spices and toasty oak. Medium-bodied, with bright fruit and spicy undertones. A little short, but very pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE PEZ St.-Estèphe 2008 Score: 86-89
Tar and spice with currants on the nose. Full and silky, with good fruit and firm tannins. Citrus fruit on the finish. Tight. —J.S.

St.-Julien
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CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES St.-Julien 2008 Score: 91-94
Wonderful nose of roses, violets, raspberries and black licorice. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and lots of beautiful wood. Excellent. —J.S

CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2008 Score: 90-93
Fabulous nose of crushed blackberries, minerals and raspberries, with hints of licorice. Full, with very fine tannins and a racy finish. I love the precision of the tannins and the long finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON St.-Julien 2008 Score: 90-93
Roses, blackberries, currants and wet earth. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and very pretty fruit. Long and juicy. A delicious wine, very balanced. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON St.-Julien 2008 Score: 89-92
Bright blackberry and currant aromas, with flowers. Cool and fresh on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and juicy fruit. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU St.-Julien 2008 Score: 88-91
Currants and blackberries, with hints of black licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins and lots of pretty fruit. Love the nose. Tight and structured, but refined. —J.S.

CLOS DU MARQUIS St.-Julien 2008 Score: 88-91
A layered and minerally wine, with currants and berries. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Lacks a little in the midpalate. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE St.-Julien 2008 Score: 88-91
Plummy and perfumed, with sweet spices and currants. Lovely subtle nose. Full- to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely balance. Ripe and pretty fruit. Could get even better. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU ST.-PIERRE St.-Julien 2008 Score: 88-91
Sweet blackberry and currant on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins. Plenty of good fruit, with roses and berries. Clean and crisp. —J.S.

CROIX DE BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2008 Score: 87-90
Bright raspberry and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with layers of firm, slightly angular tannins and a mineral, berry aftertaste. Second wine of Ducru. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU GLORIA St.-Julien 2008 Score: 87-90
Grapey and fruity, with blackberry and licorice. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. A little more fruit concentration would push it up. —J.S.

Haut-Médoc
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CHÂTEAU CANTEMERLE Haut-Médoc 2008 Score: 87-90
Currant bush and berries on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a clean, fruity finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MALESCASSE Haut-Médoc 2008 Score: 87-90
There's excellent fruit and spice on the nose and palate, with a medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very good for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET Haut-Médoc 2008 Score: 87-90
Grapey, with blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a clean finish. —J.S.

Dry Whites

CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 92-95
Beautiful apple pie, lemon and apricot aromas. Full-bodied, with complex apple tarte Tatin and lemon peel flavors. There's bright acidity, but this is well-integrated. Solid. The best dry white of the vintage. —J.S.

DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 91-94
Very appley and melony, with hints of lemon and honey. Full-bodied, with very crisp, bright acidity and notes of green apple. Superlively and minerally. Tight and racy. Powerful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 90-93
Complex aromas of lemon, lime, celery and mineral. Full-bodied, with exotic fruit and racy acidity. Lively and very, very beautiful. Fieuzal is clearly back with this white. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 90-93
Coconut and cream, with lemon curd and subtle pineapple. Full-bodied, with layers of fruit and bright acidity. Superlively and crisp, with notes of lemon. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 90-93
Dense and rich, with spice, honey and apple pie character. There's lovely richness and freshness for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAVILLE HAUT BRION Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 89-92
This fresh, clean wine sneaks up on you, offering mineral, lemon and lime peel on the nose and palate, with vanilla and cream character. Lively, with bright acidity. —J.S.

AILE D'ARGENT Bordeaux White 2008 Score: 88-91
Offers sliced grapefruit and lemon, with hints of melon. Minerally and medium-bodied, with fresh lemon, bright acidity and a long finish. Very pretty and lively. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LATOUR MARTILLAC Pessac-Léognan White 2008 Score: 88-91
This offers a good core of fruit, with melon and lemon character. Full-bodied, with a balance of bright acidity and good fruit. —J.S.

PAVILLON BLANC DU CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Bordeaux White 2008 Score: 88-91
Lemon, light lime peel and mineral aromas. Medium-bodied, with lovely honey, celery and grass on the finish. More subtle and fine than the 2007. —J.S.

Sauternes & Barsac
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CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Sauternes 2008 Score: 91-94
This shows wonderful spicy botrytis, tarte Tatin and dried pineapple aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lots of spicy and sweet character. Long and flavorful. Very fine and beautiful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Sauternes 2008 Score: 91-94
Lemon peel, spice and candied fruit on the nose, with hints of botrytis. Very balanced and refined, with a full body. Long, delicate and pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE FARGUES Sauternes 2008 Score: 90-93
A very classy wine, with spice, honey and lemon peel character. Dense and powerful, with honey, white pepper and citrus fruit. Layered and rich for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT Sauternes 2008 Score: 90-93
Thick and very rich for the vintage, with loads of apple, cream, honey, toffee and botrytis character. Full and layered. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC Sauternes 2008 Score: 89-92
Rich and layered, with honey, caramel, botrytis spice and vanilla aromas and flavors. Long and very flavorful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE Sauternes 2008 Score: 89-92
Dense and rich for the vintage, with spice and honey character and hints of botrytis. Full, sweet and spicy on the palate. —J.S.

CLOS HAUT-PEYRAGUEY Sauternes 2008 Score: 88-91
There's lots of richness in this wine, with a spicy botrytis and honey character. Full and long. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DOISY-DAËNE Barsac 2008 Score: 88-91
Offers lemon, lime and honey aromas, with hints of botrytis spice. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with a spice and honey aftertaste. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY Sauternes 2008 Score: 88-91
Very fruity and pretty, with apple, honey and fresh apricot aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with hints of spice and a clean finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAMOTHE-GUIGNARD Sauternes 2008 Score: 88-91
Very lemony and spicy on the nose and palate, with a full body, medium sweetness and a spicy finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE MYRAT Sauternes 2008 Score: 88-91
Dense and rich, with lemon peel and some botrytis spice flavors. Full-bodied, with medium-to-light sweetness and a medium finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SIGALAS-RABAUD Sauternes 2008 Score: 88-91
Thick and rich for the vintage, with bitter lemon and botrytis spice character. Full and medium sweet, with bright acidity. Should develop nicely. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU D'ARCHE Sauternes 2008 Score: 87-90
Shows attractive pineapple pie and lemon curd character. Medium-bodied and medium sweet, with a clean finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU COUTET Barsac 2008 Score: 87-90
Spicy and lively, with bright acidity and plenty of noble rot character. Medium- to full-bodied and medium sweet, with a medium finish. Wait and see. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DOISY-VÉDRINES Barsac 2008 Score: 87-90
Lemon and melon character, with a citrus peel and candied fruit character. Medium-bodied and medium sweet, with a clean finish. —J.S.