Legende R 2008

Legende R 2008 tastes claret by now. Bold, blackcurranty, earthy, flinty, spicy and savoury. It is more intense, complicated and lengthy than most cbs from Pauillac. As the 'third wine', it may not have the prestige of the second and of course, the first wine; its good structure leads to a subtle taste and is very affordable. Oak treatment is discreet(9 months and 40% of the juice oak-stored) and is not heady at all(13.5% ABV) at all. Fruit length is adequate but I would want it fruitier; not full-bodied but is good enough; not intense enough but is good enough as a lunch wine. It is not easy to find mature Pauillacs at this price level.

Decanting Is suggested.

Anson of Decanter talks about market reasons for 3rd and 4th wines. These reasons hold true for Legende and very much Legende starts for restaurants. It is still competitive in quality after restaurant mark-ups. A food wine with stronger mid-palate and structure, it may match easier with foods. Vines used are younger-strong enough to make certain impression-and its fruitier.

The first wine has been awarded RP98, WE97, Decanter97 and JS95.