2008 First Growth's and Sauternes, IMW Annual Claret Tasting

 

First Growth

Haut-Brion:

Ruby. Scented and layered, subdued minerals, cassis and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely balance and very refreshing. Superb texture. Very long. 95+

Margaux:

Bright ruby. Seductive nose, floral, scented, refined cassis and some fine leather far behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering and stunning texture, refreshing and very long. 96

Lafite Rothschild:

Ruby. Very closed and difficult now. Ever so slightly scented, cassis, floral, some tobacco and cedar. Tender at the moment. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb and velvety texture with a lovely acidity nerve going through and carrying it. Very refreshing, layered and elegant. Very long. 96+

Mouton Rothschild:

Ruby. Scented and exotic, but less so than last bottle, cassis and spices and subdued for Mouton. Suspect it's just a face. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fuller body and texture, elegant and velvety texture, very long. 95

Cheval Blanc:

Ruby. Scented, exotic, blueberries, rich, complex and tight now. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and rich, layered but needs time to show. Long. 94

Yquem:

Golden. Apricots, honey, pineapples, vanilla, quite intense. Fresh acidity, superb texture, rounded, refreshing and superbly balanced. Gorgeous structure, refined, complex and long. Very fresh and pure. 97

Sauternes

Climens:

Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples and vanilla. Fresh acidity, elegant and smooth, a bit short. 91

Rieussec

Pale golden. VA and apricots nose, (the very last drops of the bottle). Fresh acidity, elegant and refreshing. Lovely acidity for Rieussec. 91

Suduiraut

Pale golden. Layered pineapples and apricots nose. Soft and superb balance, fresh acidity, playfull, lively and very refreshing finish. 93+

Nairac:

Pale golden. Leaner nose of apricots and vanilla. Fresh acidity, elegant palate, again some VA feel. 90

La Tour Blanche:

Pale golden. Lovely pineapple, apricots and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and long, very refreshing and a bit playful. Long. 93

Lafaurie-Peyraguey:

Pale golden. Elegant tropic fruits and pineapples nose. Fresh acidity, creamy pineapples, elegant and long. 92

De Myrat:

Pale golden. Pineapples and apricots, not too intense. Fresh acidity, rich but lacks nuances. 89

Guiraud 

Pale golden. Fresh and rich nose, apricots and honey. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, long. 92

Clos Haut-Peyraguey
Pale golden. Apricots and pineapples, almost mineraly. Fresh acidity, leaner but elegant, long finish. 88