2008 Château Lafaurie-Peryraguey

The 2008 Lafaurie-Peyraguey has always been a little inconsistent from bottle to bottle. It seemed to shine just after bottling but has somehow lost focus ever since. This recent bottle has a pretty almond and honeysuckle bouquet that reveals hints of jasmine but misses the penetration and intensity of the previous vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine bead of acidity, fresh and linear but pulling up a tad short on the finish. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at home.

- Neal Martin (07/2019)

Lots of character here with a full body, medium sweetness and loads of honey, apple pie and clove character. Flavorful finish. Well done for the vintage. Better in 2016. (10/2012)

The 2008 Lafaurie-Peyraguey has a pale to medium straw-gold color. It leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of apple jelly, orange blossoms, and key lime pie, leading to nuances of crème brulée, toasted almonds, and brine. The palate is vibrant and refreshing with loads of invigorating citrus zest and mineral sparks to lift the intense flavors, finishing zesty. (07/2024)

A lacing of coconut milk weaves in and out of the green tea, roasted almond, creamed melon and dried apricot notes in this superripe red. The unctuous finish shows a slight twinge of heat. For fans of the powerful style. Drink now through 2017. 2,416 cases made.

- J.M.

The 2008 Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey has a light but well-defined bouquet of almond and honeysuckle, vanilla pod emerging with time and perhaps showing just a little too much oak at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with good acidity and tension. There is a freshness and minerality here, even if it is missing the persistence and depth of either the 2007 or 2009. Drink this over the next decade.

- Neal Martin (12/2014)