2008 Chambertin

Notably pale. Sweet and charming and vaguely rhubarby. Sweet start and real fluidity and charm. Long and rich. Very fine tannins in harmony with gentle fruit. (JR)

Medium red. Subdued but complex aromas of raspberry, minerals, flowers, mint and pepper. Supple, sweet and harmonious, with the noblest texture of these 2008s. Inner-palate energy is provided by a firm minerality plus notes of Tellicherry pepper and spices. Quite suave on the back end, with the tannins supported by mid-palate density of material. This really gained in fleshiness during the malolactic fermentation, noted David Rossignol.

Sweet chocolate malt on the nose. Then racy and lively. Lots of punch and satisfaction even if not the subtlest or most traditional. If you hate sweetness of any sort, you would hate this. But it offers lots of pleasure and balance, and race. Also tasted 13 Jan 2010. Score 17.5. Drink 2013-19: Lots of fruit, very heady. Lots of solidity. But not an extra element of excitement. Very slightly low key. No majesty but lots of simple pleasure. (JR)