2008 Chateau D'Agassac Haut Medoc 750 ml

Left Bank Magic from a “Classic and Outstanding” Vintage

At nine years old, drawn directly from the château’s frigid cellars in the Haut-Médoc, this is a perfectly aged Cru Bourgeois bargain.  The beautiful Chateau d’Agassac, which neighbors classified growths Cantemerle and La Lagune, has long been a source of left bank that over-delivers at its price.  At just $32 per bottle from the 2008 vintage, which Robert Parker praised for its “classic and outstanding wines that represent excellent value,” this Gold Medal, black-fruited, juicy and savory stunner shines.    

The Haut-Médoc continues to be one of the last great bargains in the prime real estate of the Left Bank. Château d’Agassac is set on the same gravel soils one finds in Margaux, just 15 minutes from the flagship Château Margaux. There are more similarities than differences when you compare the finest wines of the Haut-Médoc to their northern neighbors in Margaux. The biggest difference is price: top Margaux can fetch $1,000 per bottle while Haut-Médoc can always be had for much less.

Robert Parker was a big supporter of 2008 from early on. He quickly recognized the value proposition inherent to the vintage, noting “most 2008s remain somewhat forgotten and under-valued vis à vis the two subsequent vintages. These are classic and outstanding wines that represent excellent value.” He was, of course, singing to the choir here.