Source: 194, The Wine Advocate; Issue Date: 2nd May 2011 (RP-98)

A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years…at the minimum.
Drink Date: 2017 – 2052

Source: jamessuckling.com. Issue Date: December 19, 2010 (JS-95)

Minerals, tar and sous bois with dark fruit. Sweet tobacco. Black licorice. Full and chewy with lots of fruit but very reserved. So much mineral and sweet tobacco. It is all there. Give it four to five years of bottle age before beginning to explore the wine.

Source: Winemaker,

84% Cabernet Sauvignon15% Merlot 1% Petit Verdot
The growing season was closely monitored, coming after a severe winter and some spring frost. Flowering was not very productive, constant humidity favoured disease and the summer was moderately warm. Fortunately, September was fine and so it was possible to wait for the grapes to fully ripen, with late harvests.

TASTING NOTES (AT BOTTLING):
Dominated by red fruit, the nose remains clear, precise and complex.
In the mouth, the strength and classic style of this wine become apparent. There is fruit, substance, and tannins that are both supple and closely-textured.