2008 Chateau Gracia Saint Emilion Grand Cru

97 Points from Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2008 Château Gracia is one of the wines of the vintage. Possessing an explosive nose of ripe blackcurrants, truffles, spice box, and dried herbs, this beauty hits the palate with beautiful amounts of fruit, a deep, opulent texture, notable freshness, and a finish that won’t quit. This is a brilliant 2008 that dishes out tons of pleasure. It’s drinking great today yet certainly has another 10-15 years of longevity, probably more. Don’t miss this beauty!" (2/28/19)

95 Points from Robert Parker: "One of the most remarkable St.-Emilions of the vintage, the 2008 Gracia (13.5% alcohol) is a candidate for “wine of the year.” Yields were 18 hectoliters per hectare and despite its aging in 100% new oak, the wine shows no evidence of new wood. The final blend was 80% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The full-bodied 2008 boasts an inky/purple color along with an Ausone-like nose of licorice, truffles, camphor, crushed rocks and blue as well as black fruits. More supple and opulent than the 2010, the 2008 is already beginning to round into shape and should be at its finest in 4-5 years and keep for two decades. Only, 4,700 bottles were produced." (5/1/2011)

From Wine Spectator: "Solid, showing a nice range of raspberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit, laced with ample tobacco, roasted cedar and mulled spice flavors. A cedar note lingers on the finish." (4/31/2011)