2008 Haut-Bergey, Pessac-Léognan

“A wine that offers all the right characters. The fruit has a lively, vivid juiciness, with sweet berry fruits. The tannins have just a touch of toast, but essentially come from the dense fruit. (RV)” (04/2009)

“Another sleeper of the vintage, the relatively evolved, elegant, complex 2008 Haut-Bergey offers up notes of smoked tobacco, cassis, cherries, licorice, Asian plum sauce and spice box. With abundant fruit, an opulent texture and an elegant style, this pretty, medium-bodied, richly fruity wine should drink well for 12-14 years. (RP)” (05/2011)

“Opaque ruby-purple. The restrained but very deep nose hints at minerals, blackberry, blackcurrant and tobacco leaf, along with traces of cedar and graphite. More expressive on the palate, where rich, ripe dark fruit flavors are nicely framed by harmonious acids and suave tannins. Finishes long and sweet, with hints of dark roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate. The best Haut-Bergey I recall tasting at this stage of its evolution. (ID)” (05/2009)

“Wild, smoky aromas of redcurrant, plum, meat and leather. Concentrated, saline and serious, with a slightly rustic quality to the plum and leather flavors. A firm but fine coating of tannins give this seamless wine good spine. (ST)” (08/2011)