One of the richer, sexier wines in the vintage, the 2008 Pichon-Longueville Baron offers a rock star perfume of red and black currants, crushed violets, graphite, and charcoal, with a hint of truffle working its way in there as well. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and expansive, it has more fruit and opulence than most, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s a wine to seek out and has another 20 years of prime drinking.

(a 71/29 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot; aging in 80% new oak) Dark ruby. Sexy aromas of redcurrant, blackberry and cedar display more obvious ripe fruit than usual. A true Pauillac on the palate, with great power and precision to its black fruit, cedar, and balsamic underbrush flavors. Finishes dense and long, with slightly dusty tannins. This reminded me of a fleshier version of the '88, or a more stylish version of the '98.

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Pichon Longueville Baron is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of Pauillac in 2008. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, coffee and licorice. Exceptionally full-bodied with velvety tannins and undeniable appeal, this gorgeous, well-proportioned, larger than life 2008 should age effortlessly for two decades or more. With the realistic pricing that remains for many 2008s, this is a no-brainer.