2008 Trotanoy, Pomerol (Previously $235)

96 points Robert Parker: "One of the superstars of the vintage, the 2008 Trotanoy is a wine that transcends the vintage. Typically, this is not one of the more lush, sexy wines of Pomerol, but rather a muscular, masculine effort, and that’s the case in 2008. A deep purple color is followed by copious amounts of red and black fruit, earth, cedar and forest floor notes. The wine reveals a full-bodied texture, phenomenal concentration for a 2008, plenty of sweet tannin and a terrific finish. While it was surprisingly approachable, it will benefit from several years of cellaring and last 20-25 years. Bravo!" (05/11) 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Full, deep red-ruby. Brown spices, milk chocolate and minerals complicate intense dark berry, black fig and plum aromas. Sweet, lush and broad on entry but with firm acidity giving the wine a light touch, then multilayered and opulent in the middle, with unctuous dark fruit, coffee and earth flavors. Finishes ripely tannic, smooth and powerful. This extremely impressive Trotanoy is quite accessible already but has the stuffing to age well and improve for another 20+ years. Super wine." (Jul/Aug 2011) 92 points Wine Spectator: "This is a more powerful expression of Pomerol, with black tea and tar notes framing the core of blackberry and plum fruit. Loam, roasted tobacco leaf and braised cèpe notes fill in on the finish. This should be fun to age. Best from 2013 through 2020." (04/11)