Bellevue 2005 no more!

We did say “while it lasts” but in all honesty, did not expect that dizzying speed, that stash melted down like butter in a sizzling cast-iron skillet awaiting a ribeye.

So now, we kick things up a notch or two with another insane vintage St.-Émilion Grand Cru jewel for under $30!

“A beautiful 2008” – Jeb Dunnuck

…says the man. We agree. Little did he know that 12 years after the remarkable 2008 vintage this could still be had for such little money. To his credit, neither did we. There was no room to hesitate, so we jumped on it. There isn’t enough to guarantee it lasting long.

Let’s divert the mic to Robert Parker again, THE expert on all things Bordeaux, who reported on the virtues of 2008 in St.-Émilion, “an extremely strong vintage, it appears to be a notch below 2005, but it is better than any other vintage of the last decade except 2000.”

Now let’s crack this puppy open and give it a spin…

Saturated ruby-red with shades of mahogany brushing against the glass, enticing to the eye. Explosive aromas of blackberry, minerals, violet, dark chocolate and espresso fill the very same glass next. Brisk acidity over chiseled dark berries leads the mouthfeel, dense with great precision, while silky at the same time. Plush and surprisingly long on the seamless finish, with substantial dusty tannins, and tons of life left to continue to age well. Either enjoy it with a long meal or simply with cheese, charcuterie, dried fruits & nuts.

If this cost $300 a pop as some of its neighbors do, we’d unquestionably conclude that you overpaid. At the fair market price of $50, it is a genuine steal. And for what you are paying here today, let’s just quote Dunnuck again, “Larmande is certainly worth your money”

Grab all you can, you won’t see an ‘08 this ready to go under $30 again!

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“A solidly structured wine, showing great swatches of fruit, wrapped around dark tannins. There is a juicy element, some wood, also a sense of aging.”

90 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“Château Larmande has turned out a beautiful 2008. It has a classic bouquet of ripe black fruits, tobacco, cedar, and hints of leafy herbs. Medium to full-bodied, textured, rounded, and seductive, I love its fruit as well as its classic, complex bouquet. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. Drink 2019-2029.”