This violet-tinted Pauillac boasts texture. Charm and generosity dominate the nose; a distinctive trait of the 2008 Lafite-Rothschild. The wine shows great complexity despite commanding red fruit aromas. Shaking exposes that rich texture, along with the much appreciated clear-cut and neat expression. The imposing solid palate - a classic Pauillac - reveals the coherence of the structure. The delightful tannins are rounder - even more so than other thick and sunny vintages. This 2008 Lafite-Rothschild ends on a persistent and most agreeable finish. Enthusiast will without a doubt have more than one glass.
A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum.