2008 La Fleur Morange

Dark, particularly dense crimson. Obviously lots of fruit extraction but not bitter or drying tannin. Already quite round and supple and a pleasure to drink. Mulberries and good freshness on the end. Pretty impressive and almost more like a good, fresh 2009. Impressive ripeness. (JR)

Unlike the 2006 and 2007, this does not have an essay of several hundred words in both French and English giving the wine's viticultural and oenological background. Deep ruby. An interesting tarry nose with great concentration. Lovely roundness and the tannins are much better managed than in the 2006, for example. You could drink this with great enjoyment today. It will surely develop more complexity but it is beautifully made. Refreshing finish after all the ripeness. (JR)

A remarkable achievement, from vines cropped at very low yields, the 2008 La Fleur Morange is also sensational. According to Claude Gros, this wine hit 14% natural alcohol, in a vintage where the average was around 13% to 13.5%. Dense purple in color, it possesses intense blueberry and dark raspberry jam notes intermixed with camphor, crushed rock, and spring flowers. Full-bodied, unctuously textured, long and stunningly pure, this wine should drink well for at least 10-15 years. This was a terrific discovery by Jeffrey Davies of Signature Selections, an American wine broker who has lived in Bordeaux for over 30 years. Both the 2008 and 2010 cuvees are remarkable efforts.