La Fleur de Gay 2008

Another outstanding success in a vintage that was very strong for Pomerol, the 2008 exhibits notes of plum sauce, raspberries, licorice and a hint of toasty oak. Surprisingly powerful for the vintage, the wine is medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and a long finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

This could turn out to be the finest La Fleur de Gay since the incredible duo of 1989 and 1990. Made from 35-year-old Merlot vines planted on the plateau of Pomerol, sandwiched between the renowned Lafleur and Le Gay, the dense purple-hued 2008 exhibits aromas of sweet black raspberries, blueberries, graphite, charcoal, and subtle wood. The wine displays a sensational texture, tremendous purity, and a remarkably long finish of nearly 50 seconds. There is no aggressiveness, the tannins are ripe, and the wine's acidity provides crispness as well as precision. Revealing exceptional density as well as potential, it should evolve over 20-25 years.