With Hart and the Hehes.

Bottle from BK.

A surprise bottle, after the 1995 just last week or so. 2008 was sorta this terribly cold and wet growing season before the legendary 09 and 10. But the 08s I’ve had in the past 2 years have been drinking well.

The 08 Brane Cantenac was solid.

In the glass: bright ruby with bright garnet rim. Mid- body.

On the nose: oh! Very pure and still significantly primary. good intensity of red currant and cherries. Although… oddly enough, this 08 had a distinctly darker and deeper fruit tone than the 09 (much warmer and stronger vintage). Some flowery tone. Delicate cedar. Noticeable tertiary development with this earthy funk. Sweet.

On the palate: fully resolved tannins. Mid body, good intensity of fruit although perhaps a touch light on concentration. But this was still silky, and mid++ acidity. Very fresh, elegant and energetic.

This smelled and tasted like it’s in its absolute prime drinking window, and outperformed the baggage of its poor vintage.