Thibault Liger Belair Corton Renardes '08 is a gorgeously textured and complex wine of impeccable harmony.
Broad stroke statements only go so far about vintages, with every year presenting opportunities for success and failure, each gardener in their own garden.
From what I remember, there was mildew pressure during the growing season, yields were down, and MLF was slowed, which made early assessments difficult. It also made the wines easier on the pocketbook when it came time for end of season discounts, so I stocked up on some wines I wouldn’t normally get to buy. 
I’ve opened roughly 2 cases so far of about a dozen different, mostly 1er cru wines (Mugnier, Arnoux, G. Mugneret, l’Arlot, J-N Gagnard, and Lafarge among others) and have been able to taste a majority of them more than once, except for Mugnier Chambolle, notably.
By and large, I think the wines are evolving positively and steadily. Ian used the word young to describe his LSG, which I think is apropos for wines of that level in 2008, and not at all so different from what one might usually expect year to year, generally speaking. (Though, I am thinking about revisiting '11 next before '09 & '10).
The slow Malo was what really impacted the vintage in a weird way. I was there in March of 2009 tasting in barrel, and everyone was hesitant to show the wines since many of them were not done with malo. I went back in 2010 (twice), and the wines were significantly better.
The wines were late to market too, and 2009s were shipped almost right after. It was a strange and tough vintage to sell.
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This
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Ian,
Did you attend any of the January events in London in 2010? I recall some damning comments that followed; I seem to recall one leading reviewer felt he had to publish his notes from a subsequent April visit, which were far more positive.
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Did not, but tasted extensively in 2010 (and later in 2011 at La Paulee) and didn’t really taste anything alarming. The wines suffered from an odd dumb phase post bottling. Producers all pointed to the very low malos for the reason.
One additional reason 2008s were hard to sell was because in 2008 and 2009 the world’s economy was falling apart. Made for great prices on 2007s and 2008s.
I don´t get it … who said “nightmare”?
I remember John Gilman praising the 2008 vintage.
I disagreed but never wrote it´s a bad vintage, but also no great one, too high acidity and not really “sweet” fruit to balance it … “classic” - yes!
2013 might not turn out dissimilar … (both not my absolute fav. vintages)
Who loves Burgs with high acidity will be very satisfied …
What I have tasted out of bottles over the last 2-3 years was usually good, not great … and still a bit on the young side, but accessable.
(will now be off for 2 weeks in France)
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I opened a d’angerville taillepieds a few weeks ago from 08 that was very awesome. Hubert lignier also did well in 2008.
As we all know, good producers know what to do generally.
I also had some pretty acrid 08s as well from Humbert freres and remoissenet that I almost could’ve assumed were nebbiolo given the poor handling of acid.
My experience was really different. I had 2008s about 6 months before I had the 2009s. Due to the large gap between 07 and 08 hitting the market, I bought 06s and 07s at great prices and was able to increase my allocations of 2008s, and for subsequent vintages as well. 2009s were a blessing because they were easy to sell.
Once again, a vigneron quoted by Martin reflecting on the difficulties the weather that year posed for making good wine.
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Count me as one who has always loved the '08 vintage in (red) Burgundy. Do I consider it “the best”? No. But, it’s a pet favorite, and I love that my opinion is not shared by many. 
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Just so we are both on the same page, I get everyone’s confusion. It’s the title of Neal’s article, and while in quotes, it is easy to miss in size 36 font.
Read the article by Neal. Although 2008 has ,up to now, been a bit disappointing for my palate I regret that Neal did not bother to revisit the year more thoroughly. Like the late great CLIVE did way back. 2 years ago the Vogüé MUSIGNY 2008 was not up to its usual standard and I decided then to wait before opening another bottle. According to Neal the waiting was quite useless…
SINCERELY JOHAN
Nightmare? I think not!
Just opened an 08 Digioia-Royer Chambolle Les Gruenchers this weekend, and it was in a perfect spot. Super elegant and super complex.
2004 or 2003 on the other hand…
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Just drank the ‘08 Hudelot-Noellat Nuits ‘Murgers’. The wine was very pale, quite mature, and quite delicious. Such sweet pinot flavors I suspected borderline heavy-handed chaptalization. But it was a pleasure to drink.
I love his wines, very underrated. You may be turning this in to a “what 2008 red burgs are you opening to see if Neal Martin is crazy or not” thread
I’ll happily join in.
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Or maybe it will stay the way it is as “OP’s thread title misrepresents Vinous article, and Berserkers go apeshit.”
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You may be turning this in to a “what 2008 red burgs are you opening to see if Neal Martin is crazy or not” thread
I’m in, have a bunch of 1er cru bottles and would rather wait until 15 years to start on these but what the heck.
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Friends,
In the meantime i had a fantastic RUCHOTTES 2008 by Roumier and great Clos-de-Bèzes from Clair and ROUSSEAU alongside a wonderful ECHEZEAUX 2008 by ANNE GROS. This week I’ll be trying RICHEBOURG 20008 by ANNE GROS.
SINCERELY JOHAN