La Mission et all

		Yesterday saw the release of all the Haut-Brion wines. We are still purchasing Haut-Brion, Haut-Brion Blanc and Laville Haut-Brion; we hope to offer these wines next week. The second vintage of Clarence Haut-Brion is now available at £430 per case. This is now a very smart second wine, bottled as it is in the same shape bottle as the Grand Vin. La Mission Haut-Brion is also available at £1325 per case. This is a wine that is frequently the equal or in some cases superior to Haut-Brion. The 2008 is exceptionally suave, yet powerful. A very complete La Mission. And for those of us who can only dream about Haut-Brion Blanc, we have Plantiers du Haut-Brion. Taken from the young vines from both the Haut-Brion Blanc and Laville Haut-Brion vineyards, this is a great value option for lovers of white Pessac-Leognan.
Château La Mission-Haut-Brion, Cru Classé, Pessac-Léognan Clarence de Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan Les Plantiers de Haut-Brion, Bordeaux Blanc Chapelle de La Mission, second wine of La Mission-Haut-Brion

A flurry of activity

Again, another busy day on the Place. First thing we saw Calon Segur release at £295 per case. The `Lafite of St Estephe` has sold incredibly well. The new recruits from Ch Margaux and Ch Latour have brought their considerable expertise to the party and are pushing quality even higher. Bravo. Next came Talbot. We have offered at £240, which is a market beating price, and this too seems to have been well received. This afternoon heralds the release of La Conseillante. Consistently one of the best wines from the plateau of Pomerol; the 2008 really shone at the UCG tasting. At £495 per case, this is a very serious, creamy textured Pomerol, which will thrill and delight those with a penchant for a bit of Merlot.

Château La Conseillante, Pomerol

Château Calon Ségur, 3ème Cru Classé, St. Estèphe

Château Talbot, 4ème Cru Classé, St. Julien

Lafon Rochet joins the party

This is always one of the most consistent and best priced wines from St Estephe. The estate has a great terroir and always releases at a sensible price. Anyone looking for a good value classified growth with excellent aging potential should seriously consider the 2008 Lafon Rochet.

Château Lafon-Rochet, 4ème Cru Classé, St Estèphe

Pavilion Rouge and Rol Valentin

Two new releases this morning - Pavilion Rouge at £315 per case and Rol Valentin at £215. The Pavilion is an extremely well made wine and chateau Margaux have been very realistic with their pricing. This looks good value! Sadly, we didn't get to taste Rol Valentin 2008, but this Stephane Derenoncourt made St Emilion has a loyal following and has a reputation for making consistently good, polished wines, vintage after vintage. Château Rol Valentin, St. Emilion Grand Cru Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux