Like the 2004, cool blue fruit with floral flourishes. But the 2008 has superior mid-palate concentration, revealing yet another underrated vintage that you should purchase, as it came before the 'sexier' 2009 vintage. Much like the 2003, the 2008 surprises - but for an opposite reason. It exudes admirably subtle power, the alcohol balanced by the acidity. 'This wine has superb complexity coming from a long growing season and steady maturity,' commented consultant Stephane Derenoncourt at the tasting, which he prefers to the 2009 vintage. I prefer the 2008, too, for reflecting even more the 'minerality' of the limestone plateau. 3.66pH.

A little reserved on the nose at first, you have to seach for this one, but it is there once the tannins roll back. Another of the classic Bordeaux vintages, with black cherry and raspberry fruit, packed with black pepper spice, soy and searing oyster shell that is such a delicious signature of these limestone soils. Tertiary character beginning to assert itself, the tannins are still giving plenty of structure and support, but the emphasis is spice, tobacco and woodsmoke over fruit. 80% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consultants.

A strong effort, the 2008 was made from tiny yields of 28.5 hectoliters per hectare, and attained 14% natural alcohol. It reveals sweet licorice, black currant and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with truffle and asphalt characteristics in its pure, rich, opulent, full-bodied personality. One of the finest St.-Emilions of the vintage, it is far more accessible than the 2010 and should continue to drink well for 15-20 years.

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Clos Fourtet 2008 has a ripe blackberry and raspberry scented bouquet with a touch alcoholic warmth. The palate is sweet and chewy on the entry, rather tart acidity with a slightly pinched on the finish, however, there is good weight of fruit underneath and I feel this just needs several years to meld together. Tasted January 2012.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2012

Bright red-ruby. Crushed blueberry, violet and licorice on the perfumed nose. Pliant, supple and sweet, with a very smooth texture if not exceptional complexity to the flavors of black fruits and chocolate. No rough edges here. Finishes with lush, chocolatey tannins and lingering aromatic perfume.

Deep purple. Fruit-driven aromas of ripe raspberry and blackberry, complicated by milk chocolate and a hint of leather. Fresh and fruity, with hints of licorice and cayenne pepper mingling with the red fruit flavors. Not especially concentrated but finishes floral and persistent. This property employs two of the keenest minds of the Right Bank as consultants, Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet, and thus one can't help but expect greatness to come.

Black cherry and leather with furry tannic grip and some rather feral hints on the finish, suggesting something a bit mossy and decomposed. Finishes with a bitter persistence. Combative. (RH)