Bordeaux 2008 en primeur - Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés

A successful year for Saint-Emilion, with deep colours, flattering aromas, suave texture, ripe tannins and marked acidity. The wines are both seductively fruity and structured for ageing. Despite the late harvesting (some producers finished early November!) there's little overripeness and few have made the mistake of over-extraction. The pick of the vintage comes from clay-limestone and gravely soils, notably at the high achieving end of the spectrum. Stylistically there isn't the power and punch of 2005 and 1998 but the quality is not far off. Some of the charm of the better 2001s can be perceived, otherwise it's a difficult call. The imprint of Saint-Emilion's various terroirs is clearly evident. James Lawther MW.


(Note: this section includes those wines promoted/demoted in the now aborted 2006 classification)