Allred hosted an offline to celebrate his 15th wedding anniversary and a number of 2008 Bordeaux (together with other 2008 (and other vintage) wines were opened. All of the wines below were served double blind. Bottom line is that the 2008 Bordeaux were showing well at 15 years old. Here are my notes:
2008 Château Cos d'Estournel
Served blind. Brickish red color. This had a smoother texture than the other 2008 Bordeaux. Medium bodied with crushed grape skin, plum, oak and graphite notes. Long finish. I previously had the 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003. This 2008 was among the best of them with the 1995 and 2000. 95 points.
2018 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
Served blind. This was the youngest wine at our tasting but still drinking well at this young age. A dry medium bodied wine. Notes of black olives, iron and raspberry. 92 points.
2008 Château Montrose
Served blind. Garnet color. This Second growth wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Very aromatic and open. Full bodied with grainy tannins. Notes of ripe berries, pomegranate, oak and minerals. Smooth texture. This was superior to the 1986, 1997 and 1998 vintages of Montrose that I have had but just below the 2000 in quality. 94 points.
2008 Château Troplong Mondot
Served blind. I previously had the 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010 and although this was a good wine it was my least favorite of the wines I've had. I suppose that was to be expected since those other vintages are considered stronger. This wine had a dusty character with cocoa, burnt oak, leather and black currant notes. It tasted more mature than the other wines in the lineup. Dry finish. 90 points.
2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select
Served blind. Opened by Allred. 2nd time I have had this wine. Deep purple color. This was still rather tight and likely needs more time to show better. Notes of plums, leather, pepper and black cherries. Round finish. Other vintages I've had include the 1985, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2009 and 2010. The best was the 2009. 93 points.
2008 Derenoncourt Cabernet Sauvignon
Served blind. Opened by Allred. Decanted 2 hours. This had a portlike nose with prunes predominating. A full bodied and heavy wine. Notes of blackberry, cassis and black pepper. 91 points.
VM