Château Margaux 2008

This stood out immediately among the five first growth wines for its floral hit right off the first nose. The epitome of elegance, as I found at the 10-year point, but it is now also starting to deepen and layer, with concentrated black fruits balanced by linen-textured tannins, slowing the progress of the fruit through the palate, stretching out the flavours. First suggestions of tobacco and curling woodsmoke, with a mouthwatering finish – so moreish. 1.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Just 36% of overall production. Drinking window: 2021-2042. Part of Anson: How the Bordeaux 2008 first growths taste now. Score – 97. (Jane Anson, decanter.com, April 1, 2021)