Well, the J&B team have scarcely cleared passport control before a flurry of releases have landed in our in boxes. The good news is that there are some fabulous wines which possess real poise, intensity and a real sense of style. Some similarities have been made to the great vintages of the '40s and '50s. We certainly detected lots of lovely violet notes as well as a precision and purity we haven't seen for some time.
First out of the blocks is Hubert de Bouard. Hubert has taken the bold decision to release early and at his 2004 release price. Hopefully this will send the right message to other Chateau owners on the other side of the Garonne... But what about the wine? Well, Angelus 2008 is certainly one of the contenders for 'wine of the vintage'. It possess enormous potential. A wine with real intensity and power, yet exhibits such finesse and charm. Bravo to Monsieur de Bouard for creating such a wonderful wine and for setting an example to fellow proprietors.