Exotically textured, with a melange of red fruits, licorice, flowers and citrus, the wine has body, length, purity of fruit and complexity. But it is the lush texture that steals the show! This beauty will age for at least 2 decades. Tasted July 2018

This has the generosity of a Pomerol, displaying airbrushed tannins against juicy, rich blueberry and raspberry Merlot notes, all enveloped in smoky grilled oak. This has cracked the persistency that most 2008s don't have, and there's a lovely flexibility to the tannins - you can bounce against them like a pro-wrestler on the ropes. Notes of fragrant blackberries and dark fruits, almond and black pepper - just really beautiful. Drinking Window 2018 - 2038
Tasted by Jane Anson (at BI, London, 01 Jan 2018)
Part of How Bordeaux 2008 wines taste now: 70 top names rated

The 2008 Le Pin is a classic that's evolving more slowly than the 2009 or 2010. Unwinding in the glass with a deep and youthfully primary bouquet of dark berries, cherries, exotic spices, vanilla pod and petals, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with a concentrated core of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, penetrating finish. While it can be drunk with pleasure today, it still possesses plenty of upside.

This wine had finished malolactic fermentation, but it was still very primary and largely unevolved. There will be approximately 525 cases of this 100% Merlot in 2008. A dense purple color is followed by notes of cassis, kirsch, plums, and hints of underbrush as well as roasted coffee beans. The wine possesses superb concentration, beautiful freshness, and an opulent, dense style with exceptionally sweet tannin. It will be an outrageously good Pomerol to consume over the next 25 years.

(100% merlot). Ruby-red. Captivating, dense nose offers very pure aromas of violet, ripe raspberry, black cherry, plum and minerals. Incredibly rich and exotic on the palate, with a compellingly pure black cherry flavor complicated by notes of sweet licorice, cinnamon and minerals. Finishes sweet, broad and extremely long, and though slightly more tannic than usual, the tannins are very smooth and polished. This is the only property in Pomerol on mainly gravelly soil that did as well as those situated on more clay-rich ground, which tended to make the best wines in Pomerol in '08.

The 2008 Le Pin has a sumptuous bouquet with red cherries, crushed strawberry, truffle, orange rind and light floral scents. It comes across as being fully mature although the palate indicates that it will gift a long drinking window. It offers plenty of raspberry and blackberry fruit, the tannins perhaps a little edgier than other vintages, a touch of graininess towards the fresh, mineral-driven finish. It is not the most voluptuous Le Pin, more reflective of the growing season than the terroir. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)

This is all silky and perfumed, with stunningly pretty raspberry, plum and cherry fruit flavors that glide effortlessly over perfumed spice and floral notes. It's almost too easy, but then the latent grip checks in, with black tea, clove and ganache taking over. Beautiful. Drink now through 2020. 375 cases made. — JM

It seems almost Burgundian in style with delicate and fresh aromas of dried berries such as strawberries and raspberries. Full to medium-body, it shows super fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Complex yet very delicate. Better after 2013.

Pure blackcurrant fruit, lovely tobacco scent – but it's all quite subtle and timid on the nose. Fairly restrained on the palate too. Moderate chewiness, refreshing acidity, bitter herbs to finish. All very sculpted and delineated, but doesn't go above and beyond. (RH)