A major sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 La Fleur Petrus (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) is a remarkably sexy, opulent wine that transcends the vintage character. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of sweet black cherries, licorice, truffles and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied with silky tannin as well as undeniable appeal, richness, purity and a 40+ second finish, this is a sure-fire big buy in 2008. Drink it over the next 20+ years.

Bright ruby. Peppery aromas of black fruits and licorice. Enters the mouth fat, then turns juicy and light, with good grip and floral lift to the dark berry flavors. Finishes with slightly tough tannins and lingering leafy and dried plum note, but there's plenty of fruit to support the tannins over time. New J. P. Moueix head winemaker Eric Murisasco has tried slightly higher fermentation temperatures in this vintage (30-31�C instead of 28�C) in an effort to gain volume and fleshiness.

Simple black fruit, a touch of menthol. Medium body, very soft tannins and some vegetal notes to finish. Lingering black fruit but not much complexity. (RH)

The 2008 La Fleur-Pétrus has a floral bouquet with pressed rose petal and iris scents embroidered into the blackberry and raspberry fruit, hints of truffle emerging with time. I love the delineation and freshness here. The palate is ripe and concentrated on the entry with layers of ripe redcurrant, cranberry jus and white pepper. There is real density to this La Fleur-Pétrus – one of the hidden gems of the vintage? (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.) - vinous.com, February 2018