2008 Château Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux

Ch. Palmer was one of only two châteaux in 2008 where we seriously felt that the quality almost matched the incredible level of their illustrious 2005s – the other was Ch. Latour. This exceptional quality almost justifies Palmer's price this year. Yes, it is high but, by Jove, Palmer’s 2008 is as good as a First Growth and better than most of them this vintage.

With a glorious concentration of blackcurrant fruit on the nose and an intense, smooth, fruity, rich yet fine-boned palate, this is a wine which just oozes power but with such incredible precision it takes your breath away. Satin-esque, fine-grained tannins add elegance and there’s an intriguing, almost raspberry hint to the finish. This has the depth and power to last for decades but the perfect balance gives it an almost balletic quality: pure sophistication.

Berry Bros. & Rudd