De Venoge Louis XV 2008 (Gift Box + 2 glasses)

Description

By James Suckling in 2019 (JS95)

This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.

By Decanter in 2021 (YC94)

Louis XV presents a pure, delicate and fresh bouquet of white orchard fruits, white blossoms and hazelnuts. The palate has both crisp purity and roundness with an underlying, racy acidity. It has a layered texture and a mouthwatering finish. Made with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy) and 50% Chardonnay (20% from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil), with a dosage of 6g/L.

By Wine advocate in 2018 (WA93+)

The straw-yellow/white-golden colored 2008 Louis XV Brut Millésimé blends 50% Chardonnay (20 % from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil) with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy). Disgorged in January 2018 with a dosage of six grams per liter, the 2008 displays a clear, pure, fresh, chalky-tinged and vinous nose with lemon, white fruits, brioche, hazelnuts, white blossoms and some caramel notes. Pure, lean, fresh and elegant on the palate, with a lingering hazelnut flavor, this is a straight yet complex cuvée with grip and a long, well-structured and textured finish. This 2008 is still terribly fresh and should benefit from further bottle aging. For the moment, I am missing the mouth-filling generosity of the 2006 and 1995. Mind that this is the first vintage of de Venoge’s prestigious Louis XV where the base wines didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation! Total production: 10,326 bottles.