While we have to endure the hype about the best vintage ever in any viticultural region (aka Chateauneuf 2007), the first 2008s are being bottled and some of the 2009s are finishing fermentation.
2008 is widely seen as the “ugly duckling” and compared to 2002. I have to say, after tasting a lot of 2008s I completely disagree. It is very true that 2008 produced - painted with a broad brush - much less profound wines than 2007, less alcoholic, less “surmaturité”, a bit less of everything. But then, I like it! These are great food wines, a vintage that 10 years ago would have been seen as “average to good” (or “classic” as the Bordealais marketing-speak would say).
Many of the domaines have declassified their top cuvees and put the fruit in their base cuvees, this did help quality quite a bit. Examples are Domaine Barroche or Pierre Usseglio. There will be no Pure, neither a Mon Aieul in 2008. From what I have tasted so far, this is a good decision. I haven´t found disappointing wines in the ten or so 2008s I have tasted. And the good thing is, after the 2007 hype is over, we will see good discounts to move the 2008s. I can only recommend to try them, most will be surprised about the good quality.
As for 2009s, I have tasted a few out of barrel and as I am not a wine critic nor experienced barrel taster I can only repeat what the (mostly honest) winemakers told me: a vintage that has acid, tannin and ripeness levels that are between 2005 and 2007, potentially a good to very good vintage.
I just went to a tasting of 07 Chateauneufs in Paris, and I know I’m going to get grief for this, but they were not to my liking (overall, there were 1-2 that I liked, especially the Barroche). I tasted two 2008s and I preferred them to the roasted, pruney character I was getting from the 07s. I also tasted the 07s in the Rhone earlier this summer and my first impressions were similar to what I found in Paris: this “best ever” year is all about power.
Of course, wine being subjective, YMMV. But I plan on skipping 07 Chateauneuf.
Cheers!
From what I have heard via some trusted palates I know of, it seems that '07 Chateauneuf is DEFINITELY one to stay away from for me. I’m not into the over-fruited, high alcohol wines, particularly from France. Hopefully the '08’s will be a ‘classic’ vintage, and priced to move because of the ‘vintage of the best ever mega any ultimate super viticultural grape time and space’ '07’s.
My wife and I enjoy Chateauneuf and 2008 was or wedding year. Being considered the opposite of 2007 would be a good thing, being compared to 2002 would not…
I’m not Christian, and I didn’t sleep in a Holiday Inn last night, but I tasted one 2008, Pegau’s sample. It was a completely different, brighter wine than the 2007s I’ve had. If others are similarly bright and not focused on power and alcohol, 2008 will be very enjoyable to me.
I had heard this from different corners - declassified fruit, thin wines, etc, etc. In addition to that
many people noted that Mr. RP´s best scores onthe 2008s were around 92 and that most wines
hovered around 87-89 which after 2007 is a vast difference.
Christian, fantastic information and thanks for posting. I tasted a handful of '08 barrels and based off those, I agree with you. Lots of fresh acidity with good fruit. I certainly don’t agree with the '02 comparison.
Fully agree. The best thing about the 2008s will be the prices and the need to move them from retailer´s shelves. Those winemakers who have worked sensibly and have looked after their fruit will have good wines which will be availabe at bargain prices. The one I´ve liked so far was the Usseglio base cuvee.
Jeb, when are you over again, we need to drink a bottle together, love your reports.
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