2008 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations:
Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 2008 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 2008 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
Overall, the 2008 vintage was good. In Europe, the growing season was cooler than usual, resulting in a year that championed light- to medium-bodied wines with low alcohol and fresh acidity over heavy powerhouses. The best wines from the top producers may not only be drinking well now but may still have a few more years life in the cellar ahead of them, if stored correctly.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Fun Facts: Airbedandbreakfast.com was launched by its three founders, which is now known as Airbnb.
Eurovision Winner: Russia with the song "Believe" by Dima Bilan
Top Grossing Movie: The Dark Knight
Bordeaux: This year produced wines which have good balance with ripe, fine grained tannins, refreshing acidity and a real sense of 'terroir'. The yields were generally low overall, but quality is good to excellent, making these a great 17 year old wine gift for an anniversary this year.
Champagne: Initially a difficult, damp year with widespread mildew; drier conditions in August and a fine, warm September proved many producers’ saving grace. The vintage produced classically-styled wines with fresh acidity balanced by sound ripeness achieved late in the season.
Italian: This year was a good one for Nebbiolo thanks to long, late summer sunshine, however the earlier-ripening Dolcetto and Barbera did not fare so well.
Portugal: The 2008 port vintage produced excellent wines; had it not come so soon after the outstanding 2007 vintage, it may have been declared. The majority of the 2008 ports possess great colour extraction. The best exhibit finely tuned tannins, crisp acidity and fresh, concentrated wild berry flavours.
Spain: A very good quality year for Rioja, with favourable weather throughout autumn. In Ribera del Duero, temperatures were cooler than normal, giving a slow, balanced ripening process and elegant wines as a result.
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24 products found.
Palmer Port, 2008
Colheita Port, Douro
50cl Bottle
Exclusive to Vintage Wine and Port
A 50cl bottle of 2008 vintage Colheita Port Wine from Palmer Port.
This colheita port has been stored in seasoned oak casks since the 2008 harvest and bottled in 2019.
Tasting Notes:
The 2008 Port from Palmer has a deep tawny hue, which will darken and gain complexity over time. On the nose it shows orange peel, walnuts, figs and a touch of honey. On the palate, it is smooth and there is a lightness that is balanced by good acidity. The flavours coming through of dried fruits, honey, toffee, and a subtle hint of vanilla. Delivers a long and satisfying with layers of flavour, leaving a lasting impression of dried fruit and spice on the palate. …
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Price: £29.95
Stock: 18 in Stock
Quevedo, 2008
Colheita Port, Douro
*** 91 Points- Wine Enthusiast ***
Indulge in the full-bodied character of Colheita 2008, featuring a complex nose of chestnut, spices, dry grape, fig, and plum. Aged in both oak and chestnut wood barrels, this wine boasts a unique profile with noticeable tannins and a gradual transition from fresh fruit notes to drier, nuttier flavors. With remarkable aging potential, it promises to unveil increasingly intricate complexities over time.
Winemakers Notes
COLOUR
Intense brick colour
AROMA
Complex nose of chestnut, spices, dry grape, fig, and plum.
PALATE
The wine's full-bodied character is apparent on the palate, and it presents noticeable tannins that contribute to its elegant quality. …
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Price: £36.95
Stock: 15 in Stock
Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac, 2008
Ryst Dupeyron Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
50cl bottle
Includes original cardboard gift box
A well matured 2008 Armagnac suitable for sipping neat to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Deep amber colour, indicating a decade of oak aging. The nose is intense and rich, with notes of dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, and toffee. The palate is smooth and warming, with a balanced blend of dried fruit, honey, and spice. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of oak, spice, and a gentle warmth. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and rich, with a slightly viscous or oily texture. The wine has well-integrated flavours with a good balance of sweetness, spice, and oak. …
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Price: £44.95
Stock: 21 in Stock
Kopke, 2008
White Colheita Port, Douro
Presented in Kopke Gift Box
***93 Points- Vertde Vin***
The 2008 Kopke White port has a cool, light-amber colour. This unique white colheita derives from the traditional white grapes of the Porto e Douro region. Starting with aromas of a Pear Clafouti and burnt sugar, this elegant port delivers luscious flavours of Japanese pear-apple, with accents of hazelnut, nutmeg and orange zest. The lingering grapefruit finish provides the perfect balance for the sweetness.
Food Pairing:
Shows finesse and sophistication when combined with caramel desserts, dried fruits and spices, like caramel fondant with apple and ginger jelly, tatin tart, burnt cream and Cheeses of minimum intensity. …
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Price: £44.95
Stock: 5 in Stock
Kopke, 2008
Quinta Santa Luiz Vintage Port, Douro
Presented in original Kopke Gift Box
The 2008 Quinta Santa Luiz Vintage Port Wine comes from Kopke; the oldest port house. Established in 1638 by Nicolau Kopke and his son Cristiano, who came to Portugal as representatives of the Hanseatic League, the House has been run through the generations by several representatives of the Kopke family, obtaining an excellent reputation for its wines.
Learn more about Kopke
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Price: £49.95
Stock: 72 in Stock
Messias, 2008
Colheita Port, Douro
Colheita Ports are known for their elegance and finesse. The 2008 Messias Colheita Port showcases the characteristics of a single vintage and reflects the careful aging process in oak barrels.
Tasting notes:
Tawny colour with amber reflections, indicating prolonged ageing. Aromas of dried fruits like figs, dates, and apricots. Notes of almonds and walnuts, with hints of caramel and toffee. Hints of spices and a touch of oak. Smooth and velvety palate, with a wide range of flavours, including dried fruits and nuts. The sweetness is balanced by a good level of acidity, which adds structure and complexity. …
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Price: £34.95
Stock: 53 in Stock
Barbera d'Asti, 2008
Giordano
Barbera is a wine of prestige, rich colors that refer generally to the ruby purple, just what clothes cardinals; the bouquet is ample and composite, with fruity notes of blackberry, cherry, strawberry and red fruit jam and spicy aromas reminiscent of cinnamon, vanilla, green pepper.
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Price: £19.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Bardolino, 2008
Giordano
The Bardolino wine is obtained mainly from the grapes of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and possibly with the addition of other grapes minors. It has a brilliant ruby red colour. It is delicately fruity, with hints of cherry, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, currant and spices (cinnamon, clove, black pepper). It has a great drinkability and an extraordinary ability to match the food.
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Price: £29.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Blandys, 2008
Bual Colheita Madeira
Includes gift box as illustrated
*** Bronze Medal- IWSC 2023***
***94 Points-Silver- Decanter DWWA 2023***
Blandys Madeira has been synonymous with quality Madeira wine for over 200 years. The Blandys are unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their own original wine company. The family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine throughout its long history and members of the family continue to live on Madeira, maintaining a tradition that goes back to 1811.
About Blandys 2008 Bual Madeira
A medium rich single vintage (Colheita) Madeira. The Bual grapes were predominantly sourced from Calheta, Arco and Estreito da Calheta on the south coast of the island. …
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Price: £74.95
Stock: 9 in Stock
Chateau Beychevelle, 2008
St Julien 4me cru classe, Bordeaux
Château Beychevelle is a 4ème Cru Classé St-Julien wine estate with one of the most impressive châteaux in the whole of the Médoc. The 2008 is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Elegant and powerful, expressing aromas of red fruit, blackcurrants and spices.
About Château Beychevelle Chateau Beychevelle is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history that dates back to the 17th century, the estate has garnered a reputation for producing exceptional red wines. Spanning approximately 90 hectares, the vineyard benefits from gravelly soils and a favorable microclimate, …
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Chateau Haut Bailly, 2008
Graves Grand Cru Classe, Bordeaux
About Château Haut-Bailly Château Haut-Bailly is an esteemed wine estate located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history dating back to the 17th century, the estate has earned a reputation for producing exceptional red wines. Spanning approximately 30 hectares, the vineyard benefits from gravelly and sandy soils, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. Château Haut-Bailly's wines are celebrated for their elegance, finesse, and aging potential, showcasing ripe fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a distinct Pessac-Léognan terroir. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Haut Marbuzet, 2008
St Estephe Cru Bourgeois
The Château Haut-Marbuzet 2008 is a fine example of the estate's craftsmanship, produced in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. While 2008 was not as heralded as vintages like 2005 or 2009, it is recognized as a solid vintage, especially for producers like Château Haut-Marbuzet, who achieved commendable quality even in less ideal conditions. The wine reflects the balance, complexity, and approachability for which the estate is known.
Wine Overview
Château Haut-Marbuzet wines are typically crafted from a blend of:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Provides structure, tannins, and longevity. …
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Price: £59.95
Stock: 6 in Stock
Chateau Larcis Ducasse, 2008
St Emilon Grand Cru
The 2008 Château Larcis Ducasse is a highly regarded wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B). Château Larcis Ducasse is celebrated for its refined and terroir-driven wines, showcasing the limestone and clay soils of its south-facing slopes. The 2008 vintage, while not as celebrated as 2009 or 2010, produced wines with excellent structure, freshness, and aging potential, particularly on the Right Bank.
Wine Overview
The 2008 Château Larcis Ducasse is crafted from a blend typical of the estate:
Merlot (dominant): Contributing richness, softness, and ripe fruit flavors. …
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Price: £69.95
Stock: 12 in Stock
Chateau Lynch-Bages, 2008
Pauillac 5me Cru Classe, Bordeaux
Reviews for the 2008 Chateau Lynch-Bages: "A sensational effort for the vintage, this textured, opulent, superb Lynch Bages is already strutting its stuff and should easily last for 20 years. Medium to full-bodied with an opaque dense purple colour, notes of flowers and cassis, a layered texture that builds incrementally in the mouth and tremendous purity and depth, it can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more. Bravo!" Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 2011.
"Juxtaposed against the Pichon-Lalande, the Lynch Bages is far more reticent on the nose with more overt graphite and sous-bois aromas inflecting the fruit. …
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Price: £195.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Trotte Vielle, 2008
St Emilion Premiere Grand cru Classe, Bordeaux ** 90 Points- RoberParker.com **
The 2008 Château Trotte Vieille still has a vibrant ruby/purple-coloured and is still youthful, with terrific notes of black cherries, currants, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, ripe, still present tannins, terrific balance, and a lengthy finish. It’s surprisingly young and unevolved and has many years ahead of it. Drink now - 2034
Château Trotte Vieille is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history that dates back to the 18th century, the estate has earned a reputation for crafting exceptional red wines. …
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Price: £84.95
Stock: 7 in Stock
Cote-Rotie, 2008
Chapoutier, Côte Rôtie Les Becasses
The 2008 Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses represents a vintage that is often described as challenging, but capable of producing elegant and nuanced wines when handled with care. M. Chapoutier's commitment to quality ensures that this wine reflects the best of what the vintage had to offer.
Vintage Overview
2008 Rhône Vintage: A cooler and wetter year, particularly during the growing season, which required diligent vineyard management to combat disease and ensure proper ripening. Producers who meticulously managed their vineyards produced wines with finesse, higher acidity, and moderate alcohol levels. …
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Price: £49.95
Stock: 4 in Stock
Cote-Rotie, 2008
Chapoutier, Côte Rôtie Les Becasses
The 2008 Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses represents a vintage that is often described as challenging, but capable of producing elegant and nuanced wines when handled with care. M. Chapoutier's commitment to quality ensures that this wine reflects the best of what the vintage had to offer.
Vintage Overview
2008 Rhône Vintage: A cooler and wetter year, particularly during the growing season, which required diligent vineyard management to combat disease and ensure proper ripening. Producers who meticulously managed their vineyards produced wines with finesse, higher acidity, and moderate alcohol levels. …
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Price: £47.95
Stock: 1 in Stock
Klein Constantia, 2008
Vin De Constance - Klein Constantia, South Africa
Natural Sweet White Wine (gift box not included)
Since being introduced in 1986, Vin de Constance has consistently appeared in lists of the world’s top wines.
A rich, dark golden honey colour with intense perfumed nose of complex spice, cloves and vanilla. Developed secondary flavours of orange marmalade and dark chocolate. An intriguing and ever-evolving wine. The bold, sweet palate is perfectly balanced by tight acidity which results in a long-lingering honeyed finish.
Drink Now to 2040+
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
Pocas, 2008
Colheita Port, Douro
90 points in Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Mahogany color, aroma a bit closed, with notes of marmalade, dried apricots and hazelnuts. Very well in the mouth, with class and is not being too oily, gives a good proof, elegant and good ending.-90 pts Wine Enthusiast-
Colheita Port Storage and Serving Advice:
Colheita Port should be stored in a cool and dry place, sheltered from light and temperature fluctuations, and the bottle should remain in an upright position. If stored correctly, Colheita Ports will keep for decades in the bottle. Over time, it is natural that a little sediment will form at the bottom of a bottle of Colheita Port wine. …
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Price: £34.95
Stock: 7 in Stock
Pol Roger, 2008
Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill, Champagne Includes Pol Roger Presentation case
Super-fine bubbles. Aromas of toast, honey, hazelnuts, stone fruit and a little bit of mushroom and floral notes. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with a round and smooth mouthfeel. Good balancing acidity and a very long finish.
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Price: £325.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Prats and Symington, 2008
Chryseia
***18 Points- JancisRobinson.com***
In 1999 our family formed a partnership to make top Douro wines with the Prats family of Bordeaux. The first Prats & Symington wine was Chryseia 2000 which received widespread national and international acclaim. Since then Chryseia and its second wine, Post Scriptum, have consistently appeared amongst the most highly rated Douro wines.
Chryseia is our finest expression of the Douro Valley terroir. Made with great care and attention to detail at our winery at Quinta de Roriz. Chryseia represents our two families' commitment to producing the most elegant wine from two hallmark Douro grapes: Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. …
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Price: £145.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
Quinta do Vesuvio, 2008
Vintage Port, Douro ***93 Points Wine Enthusiast***
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
"As ever, Vesuvio is packed with its generous, opulent ripe fruit, showing richness, dense flavors, layers of jam and sweetness with a hint of caramel flavors. This is a Port for indulgence, ripe, rich and packed with flavor."
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Price: £69.95
Stock: 9 in Stock
Sangiovese, 2008
Primitivo IGT, Giordano
Very forward nose of leather and cherries, liquorice wild strawberries, ripe plums and pencil .The palate is very nice balance of sweet fruit and acidity.
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Price: £29.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Louis Roederer, 2008
Cristal, Louis Roederer, Champagne
In Presentation Box
***99 Points - Vinous***
2008 Louis Roederer Cristal
The 2008 vintage began with difficulty for Louis Roederer. After a stormy and rainy spring, flowering was late with widespread disease producing small and dense clusters of grapes. The dry summer, though cool with relatively little sunshine, resulted in a maturation process that was both dry and fresh. Exceptionally favourable weather conditions in September then fostered perfect maturation of the grapes, producing wines with an exceptional and natural balance between freshness and a concentration of flavours. As more releases hit the market, 2008 is being considered the next-best vintage since 2002. …
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Price: £450.00
Stock: Out of Stock