2008 Essence de Dourthe (Bordeaux Superior)

This is a branded wine produced from the very best lots that the Dourthe firm owns, which includes some well-known chateaux such as Le Boscq in St.-Estephe, La Garde in Pessac-Leognan, Belgrave in the Medoc, and Grand Barrail in St.-Emilion. Only 500 cases are made, and the 2008 is a beauty. Dense purple, with loads of black currant fruit intermixed with hints of coffee bean, tobacco leaf, and licorice, the wine is medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with sweet tannin. Even though this is a branded negociant wine, it is at the highest level of quality and should age nicely for at least a decade.