The first tranche of Chateau Ausone literally leaped out of the doors of our St James's Street office. Hardly a surprise given the potentially perfect score from Robert Parker and the impeccable reputation of this estate, forged by perfectionist proprietor Alain Valthier. Yields were down substantially, so we could only offer the first tranche to those who had purchased the 2007. Since the demand has been sky high, we have been busy sourcing more stock, and are delighted to offer a very limited quantity at the second tranche price of £7500.
We could eulogise for hours about the intensity and complexity of Alain's wines, but we simply wouldn't do them justice. They possess an ethereal quality that is hard to put into words. Ausone has for some time now been right at the very pinnacle of the Bordeaux trade. Unchallenged as the outstanding wine from St Emilion, it also vies for the title of the best wine in Bordeaux, even the world. The 2008 is no exception; quite simply, it is breathtaking.
We have also procured a few more cases of Margaux, also at their second tranche price. This appears to be another wine in high demand. A tiny quantity of the 2008 has been released on to the market, so we were relieved and elated to be offered a few more cases.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Friday, 22 May 2009
Le grand weekend
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
Our French chums have taken a long weekend, so now we must wait until next Tuesday (after our own public holiday) before we can complete the campaign. We eagerly await the release of Le Pin and Lafleur, two of the greatest wines from Pomerol – then it will be a wrap.
A complete round-up of the 2008 campaign will follow in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, we would bring your attention to the last few cases of:
Haut Brion - £1895
Haut Brion Blanc - £3000
Laville Haut Brion - £2575
Chapelle d`Ausone - £875
La Mission Haut Brion - £1325
Leoville Las Cases - £895
Leoville Barton - £330
Pontet Canet - £540
Figeac - £495
La Conseillante - £495
Le Tertre Roteboeuf - £980
L'Eglise Clinet - £875
L'Evangile - £725
Vieux Chateau Certan - £495
These were amongst our favourite wines from this vintage and are now in limited supply. Please hurry to secure your allocation.
A complete round-up of the 2008 campaign will follow in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, we would bring your attention to the last few cases of:
Haut Brion - £1895
Haut Brion Blanc - £3000
Laville Haut Brion - £2575
Chapelle d`Ausone - £875
La Mission Haut Brion - £1325
Leoville Las Cases - £895
Leoville Barton - £330
Pontet Canet - £540
Figeac - £495
La Conseillante - £495
Le Tertre Roteboeuf - £980
L'Eglise Clinet - £875
L'Evangile - £725
Vieux Chateau Certan - £495
These were amongst our favourite wines from this vintage and are now in limited supply. Please hurry to secure your allocation.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Lafite Rothschild second tranche
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer | Lafite Rothschild has released a tiny second tranche to the market. This fabulous 98-100 point wine was our joint wine of the vintage with Le Pin and Ausone. The second tranche is a full £600 more than our initial release at £3350, but for one of the greatest modern day Lafites, maybe it's worth it... |
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
The end is nigh (or neigh)
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
It has been a busy day in Bordeaux and there are now just a handful of releases to come. The last big name from the Medoc, Leoville Las Cases has shocked us all with a very fair price, £895. This wine is clearly of first growth quality and the team unanimously loved it. At under half the price of the First Growths, this is a definite `buy`.
Bringing up the rear is Cheval Blanc. Admittedly, this has been released at a significant discount to the 2007, but it is still stupendously expensive at £3350. It is a magical wine, but at quite a price. The Petit Cheval is a very fine example and at £575 certainly offers those who love this estate a better value option.
Bringing up the rear is Cheval Blanc. Admittedly, this has been released at a significant discount to the 2007, but it is still stupendously expensive at £3350. It is a magical wine, but at quite a price. The Petit Cheval is a very fine example and at £575 certainly offers those who love this estate a better value option.
`Power of the Perse`
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
Gerard Perse’s wines are uncompromising, unashamedly modern and unmissable if you share Mr Parker’s love for tannins and big, extracted wines. Please find a list of Gerard’s wines below, complete with Parker notes.
Monday, 18 May 2009
The Moueix family's latest baby...
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
We are delighted to announce the birth of a new star in St Emilion. JP Moueix acquired the Chateau formally known as Belair in 2008. This property was once one of the most sought after wines in Bordeaux and rivalled the first growths as the most expensive wine from the region. However, many years of mediocre wine-making has ruined their once great reputation. This fabled terroir, next to Ausone on the upper slopes of the limestone terrace to the south of St Emilion can and will again produce superb wines. The 2008 is definitely a great effort. A huge amount of endeavour has gone into this wine. Several tries and miniscule yields have resulted in the finest Belair (-Monange) in decades. Congratulations to the Moueix team for their outstanding 2008 and we look forward to many more great wines from this estate.
`The 2008 is clearly a product of fully ripened fruit and physiologically mature tannins, something the previous administration rarely sought, too frequently harvesting under-ripe fruit with green, astringent tannins. The results were always predictable - reprehensible wines from an extraordinary terroir. That has all changed under Christian and Edouard Moueix's guidance. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 reveals an extraordinary aromatic display of crushed rocks, spring flowers, and abundant kirsch and black raspberry fruit. The wine possesses good acids, unreal minerality, and superb intensity, texture, and length. The harvest was extremely late, between October 14-21, and after the selections were done, the final yield came to 12 hectoliters per hectare - commercial madness. The result is an amazing effort that should evolve for 30 years. Formerly known as Chateau Belair, 2008 is the first vintage in which Christian Moueix, his son, Edouard, and new oenologist, Eric Murisasco, had 100% control at Belair-Monange, and they have admirably demonstrated just what this great terroir is capable of producing. Cropped at an unreal 18 hectoliters per hectare, it appears ready to compete with its near-by neighbor, Ausone`. 93-95+ points. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
Due to the small production and high demand, Belair-Monange will be allocated. Please express your interest to your account manager.
`The 2008 is clearly a product of fully ripened fruit and physiologically mature tannins, something the previous administration rarely sought, too frequently harvesting under-ripe fruit with green, astringent tannins. The results were always predictable - reprehensible wines from an extraordinary terroir. That has all changed under Christian and Edouard Moueix's guidance. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 reveals an extraordinary aromatic display of crushed rocks, spring flowers, and abundant kirsch and black raspberry fruit. The wine possesses good acids, unreal minerality, and superb intensity, texture, and length. The harvest was extremely late, between October 14-21, and after the selections were done, the final yield came to 12 hectoliters per hectare - commercial madness. The result is an amazing effort that should evolve for 30 years. Formerly known as Chateau Belair, 2008 is the first vintage in which Christian Moueix, his son, Edouard, and new oenologist, Eric Murisasco, had 100% control at Belair-Monange, and they have admirably demonstrated just what this great terroir is capable of producing. Cropped at an unreal 18 hectoliters per hectare, it appears ready to compete with its near-by neighbor, Ausone`. 93-95+ points. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
Due to the small production and high demand, Belair-Monange will be allocated. Please express your interest to your account manager.
1st releases of the 3 day week
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
Since the sale of sister property, Yquem, to LVMH, de Fargues has been the sole jewel in the Luc Saluces crown. This is clearly one of the most successful Sauternes of the vintage, receiving 94-96 points from the Neil Martin, but at £815 per case, perhaps Climens and Rieussec look better buys.
This new week brings the release of yet another massive, full-throttle St Emilion, Clos de Sarpe. With a huge 93-96+ from Robert Parker, this micro cuvee (just 500 cases have been produced) will require considerable patience…
This new week brings the release of yet another massive, full-throttle St Emilion, Clos de Sarpe. With a huge 93-96+ from Robert Parker, this micro cuvee (just 500 cases have been produced) will require considerable patience…
Friday, 15 May 2009
White out...
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
The news today is no news. All is quiet on the Place, so we have taken the opportunity to offer the great white wines from Haut Brion, Laville Haut Brion, Pape Clement, Margaux and Domaine de Chevalier. The 2008s are not as fat and rich as the 2007s, but they are classically mineral and possess the brightness and charm one expects from great Bordeaux sec. We thought that they were delicious, thrilling wines, but sadly they have been made in tiny quantities.
Mouton second tranche
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer | We are delighted to offer a small second tranche of Mouton Rothschild 2008. We have secured a small parcel and can offer these cases at either £1825 per case untied, or £1750 (the first tranche price) linked to either Clerc Milon (£265) or d`Armailhac (£235). These sister properties are really on top of their games. The Mouton wine-making team have made great strides and the quality of these wines has really been lifted. Please hurry to avoid disappointment. |
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Hedonistic St Julien…
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
The big news this morning is the release of one of the shinning lights of St Julien, Ducru Beaucaillou. Bruno Borie's wonderful estate is producing fabulous wines. It has been their ambition to make a wine of first growth quality, and the 2008 certainly rivals the big five. This is a monumental Ducru, boasting enormous power, concentration and weight as well as offering complexity and finesse. Kudos to Bruno for producing one of the outstanding wines of the vintage and a worthy successor to his outstanding 2005.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
More Margaux
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
This morning sees the release of two spectacular Margaux properties, Lascombe and Malescot St Exupery. Lascombe is in a fine vein of form and has developed a large following in the far east. Malescot has also enjoyed a renaissance since the millennium. A string of successful wines has risen this property from almost obscurity to its position as one of the major players in the commune. Anyone looking for smart Margaux, should seriously consider both of these 2008s.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
For lack of a better headline... `95-97 point` Montrose
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer | Jean Delmas, formally of Haut Brion has produced a splendid 2008. This is a really deep, brooding effort. It is classic and austere and will reward patience. A very fine Montrose and at £500 per case, this looks good value when compared to the likes of Palmer and older vintages of Montrose. |
Fashionable new releases…
Posted by Julian Campbell, BuyerThis morning we have several new releases, including two from the fashion giant Chanel. One might wonder what a Parisian fashion house and perfumer is doing producing Margaux and St Emilion. What we can tell you is that Rauzan Segla and Canon are much improved. The hard work and considerable investment are really paying dividends - these are two great efforts.
Next we have Alain Vauthier’s Moulin St George. The vineyards of this St Emilion property adjoin those of the great Chateau Ausone. Robert Parker has referred to this property as a `junior Ausone` in the past, and we believe it to be amongst the best value buys from St Emilion.
Jumping back to the other side of the Garonne, we have the release of Branaire Ducru. This fourth growth property is well situated across the road from Beychevelle - another consistent performer from the St Julien commune.
To complete the round up, we have the mighty impressive de Fieuzal. This Pessac property has wowed Mr Parker; a really long-term effort and stunning value for money…
Monday, 11 May 2009
Trophy wines…
Posted by Julian Campbell, BuyerToday we are delighted to release some of the highest scoring wines of the vintage. Haut Bailly and Troplong Mondot have matched Haut Brion and Cheval Blanc with 95-97 points from Mr Parker. When you consider that the 2005 Troplong is almost £2000 per case, this, ` worthy rival to the prodigious 2005!`, looks like a keen buy. Veronique Sanders continues to push quality ever higher at Haut Bailly. A great wine and a very fair price. Hurry while stocks last.
Finally, Pavie Macquin and Smith Haut Lafitte. Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt keep up their recent run of form. This could very well be in the same league as the monumental 2000 and 2003. Smith Haut Lafitte is making better wines than ever before. A wine with a big score to price ratio…
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Great value from the right bank
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
We can now offer three of the best value wines from the right bank. Firstly, Feytit Clinet, a 91-93 Parker point Pomerol. This estate has wonderful terroir and consistently makes attractive and very well priced Pomerol. Secondly, the marvellous Petite Eglise, the second wine from L`Eglise Clinet. Denis Durantou is one of the finest wine-makers in Bordeaux and his 2008 Petite Eglise exhibits all the qualities you would expect from one of his wines. Thirdly, and possibly the best value of all is La Chenade. This Lalande de Pomerol property has made a wonderful 2008 – packed with juicy, fruit character, this is a really impressive and delicious little drinker.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Post Parker Releases
Posted by Julian Campbell, BuyerOver the Bank Holiday, we have seen the release of the magnificent Chateau Figeac. The 2008 is one of their greatest wines in recent times. The whole J&B team were thrilled by the quality; a really immense wine, which will reward long term cellaring.
Today has seen the release of Yquem and Pichon Longueville (Baron). Both have been well received by the critics. We instantly fell for the Yquem, which is the standout Sauternes this vintage. The flavours are complex and very precise, whilst the price of £1820 is the best release price since the 2004.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
`an excellent and in some cases, a great vintage`, Robert Parker
Posted by Tom Jenkins, Bordeaux Buyer
Well, the long wait is over. Mr Parker has presided over the 2008s and he likes them… a lot…
`There is no question that Pomerol seems to be the epicenter of many extraordinary wines. I would even go so far as to say the 2008 Pomerols eclipse/surpass the quality of the 2005s, 2001s, and 2000s. It is an amazing vintage in Pomerol.` With reference to the Medoc he continues, ` One can’t really taste the acidity as one often does in young Burgundy, but there is a precision, nuanced, fresh character to these very intense wines that is somewhat reminiscent of the way the top wines presented themselves in 1996 and 1986, but the finest 2008s are more dense.`
His scores match the enthusiastic words. Several wines are nudging the 100 point mark. Please find a selection of highly rated wines already available to buy at J&B listed below:
2008 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion - £1325 `Another property that is harvested very late (September 23-October 17), the 2008 La Mission-Haut-Brion is a powerful, backward effort that is not yet fully expressing itself. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, it reveals a deep blue/purple hue in addition to sumptuous aromas of melted asphalt, graphite, blueberries, and black currant liqueur. Dense, with high but velvety tannins, top-flight purity, and a full-bodied, backward, formidably endowed style, this beauty seems to be set for a long life. It is difficult to compare 2008 with any other recent vintage, but the closest would probably be 1998. A La Mission made for four decades or more of cellaring, it is a top-notch effort that should improve during the elevage in barrel`. 94-96+ points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Palmer - £1020 `The 2008 Palmer, which tips the scales at 13.5% natural alcohol (among the highest achieved at this property), is a blend of 51% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot. It is a massively rich wine with an inky/purple color, sensational density of fruit, velvety tannins, a glorious bouquet of black fruits, licorice, incense, and subtle barbecue smoke, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a fabulous texture and length. With several minutes of swirling, an enticing floral note emerges. The wine’s glycerin and sweetness suggest it will be approachable 3-4 years after bottling, yet keep for three decades or more. It appears to be among the finest Palmers made this decade, rivaling both the 2005 and 2000`. 95-97+ points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau L'Evangile - £725 `It was an atypically late harvest at this famed Pomerol estate, beginning on September 29 and ending on October 14. Even more remarkable were the frighteningly low yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare. The final blend was 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, and the natural alcohol hit 13.7%, among the highest of the last one-hundred years. The acidity is surprisingly good given the ripeness of the fruit and the generally high alcohols in the 2008 Bordeaux. The dense purple-colored 2008 l’Evangile exhibits a floral nose of sweet mulberries, black currants, and black cherries, a full-bodied, lush texture, silky tannins, and an exceptionally fine finish. While not that evolved, this precocious Pomerol was tasting unusually well for such a young barrel sample. It should drink well for 15-20 years`. 93-95 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Providence - £520 `This is the first superstar wine Christian Moueix has produced from this vineyard beautifully situated on the plateau of Pomerol. Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it was harvested in October (as were most top Pomerols), and reveals a powerful, rich, massive style that is atypical for a Moueix offering. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of black cherries, black currants, blackberries, licorice, and even a hint of truffles. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful with high tannins, huge depth, and a seamless integration of its component parts, this appears to be an utterly profound wine that should age effortlessly for 20-30 years`. 95-97 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182 2008 Chateau La Conseillante - £495 `This estate has long been known for its elegant, complex, racy, supple, delicious wines, but the 2008 is more massive, structured, and concentrated than usual. There is a lot going on in this richer, more tannic effort. No one will be disappointed, but purchasers should not expect a wine that will be drinkable upon release. A dense ruby/purple color as well as plenty of concentration, sweet, but elevated tannins, and a huge finish suggest this estate is moving in the direction of Gazin, Lafleur, and Trotanoy. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030`. 92-94 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Vieux Chateau Certan - £475 `The 2008 Vieux Chateau Certan was still going through malolactics when I tasted it, so my score is probably on the low side. Yields were a strikingly low 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was slightly earlier than at most properties, starting on September 28 and ending on October 8. The final blend had not yet been determined, but what I tasted was 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As one might expect, this wine was among the least evolved and judge-able wines I tasted in late March. Nevertheless, it reveals outstanding potential, and once malo is finished, I would expect the wine to put on more weight and flesh. It reveals a dense purple color, plenty of depth, beautiful sweet, pure blue and red fruits, and notes of camphor as well as incense. The wine’s striking freshness, length, and overall potential are promising. Production is off by 25% as there will be 3,000 rather than the normal 4,000 cases of the 2008.Given the structure, acids, and overall concentration, this wine should evolve for 25-35 years`. 92-94 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Pichon Lalande - £465 `The 2008 Pichon Lalande’s final blend was 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Only 38% of the crop made it into the grand vin, and the result is a wine that blows away the 2005. Terrific texture and opulence, forward fruit, sweet tannin, and a lush personality are found in this dense purple-colored 2008 along with copious quantities of sweet berries, roasted coffee, underbrush, black currant, and black cherry fruit. Sensationally pure, textured, and full-bodied, this will be a flamboyant, showy offering in its youth, but it is capable of lasting 20-30 years`. 94-96 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Gazin - £355 `The 2008 is a marvelous effort from this property situated adjacent to Petrus and only a stone’s throw from l’Evangile. An amazing effort, the wine exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, wonderful concentration, a beautifully sweet perfume of caramels, mocha, jammy black currants, and smoky blackberries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a layered, skyscraper-like texture, and sweet but elevated tannins. Overall, it displays gorgeous freshness and delineation`. 94-96 – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge - £290 `One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier's 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare, which is significantly lower than in most top vintages. The most noticeable thing is that consultant Stephane Derenoncourt has drastically cut back the influence of new oak, or at least its ability to intrude on the aromatics and flavors. This beautifully textured, dense purple-colored 2008 exhibits notes of graphite, spring flowers, and blue as well as red fruits in an elegant, full-bodied, flavorful, layered mouthfeel. The freshness of the vintage, combined with low yields has given this cuvee an atypical density and richness that is largely unprecedented. Production is relatively small for the size of the vineyard (about 8,000 cases). This beauty should drink well for 25+ years`. 92-94 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Duhart Milon - £275 `As I have previously written, Duhart Milon has become one of the stars of Pauillac thanks to the meticulous attention to detail as well as the investments made by the Rothschild family. A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, with the Cabernet picked during the week of October 8-15, and the Merlot a week earlier, the 2008 offers up sweet aromas of cassis, licorice, crushed rocks, and forest floor in an expressive, graceful aromatic display. Freshness, superb concentration, high but ripe, sweet tannins, and good acids characterize this dense, concentrated wine. It possesses a stunning upside potential of 25-30 years. Yet, like so many of these 2008s, the ripeness of the tannins along with the density and sweetness of the fruit suggest it will be approachable at an early age`. 93-95 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
`There is no question that Pomerol seems to be the epicenter of many extraordinary wines. I would even go so far as to say the 2008 Pomerols eclipse/surpass the quality of the 2005s, 2001s, and 2000s. It is an amazing vintage in Pomerol.` With reference to the Medoc he continues, ` One can’t really taste the acidity as one often does in young Burgundy, but there is a precision, nuanced, fresh character to these very intense wines that is somewhat reminiscent of the way the top wines presented themselves in 1996 and 1986, but the finest 2008s are more dense.`
His scores match the enthusiastic words. Several wines are nudging the 100 point mark. Please find a selection of highly rated wines already available to buy at J&B listed below:
2008 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion - £1325 `Another property that is harvested very late (September 23-October 17), the 2008 La Mission-Haut-Brion is a powerful, backward effort that is not yet fully expressing itself. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, it reveals a deep blue/purple hue in addition to sumptuous aromas of melted asphalt, graphite, blueberries, and black currant liqueur. Dense, with high but velvety tannins, top-flight purity, and a full-bodied, backward, formidably endowed style, this beauty seems to be set for a long life. It is difficult to compare 2008 with any other recent vintage, but the closest would probably be 1998. A La Mission made for four decades or more of cellaring, it is a top-notch effort that should improve during the elevage in barrel`. 94-96+ points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Palmer - £1020 `The 2008 Palmer, which tips the scales at 13.5% natural alcohol (among the highest achieved at this property), is a blend of 51% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot. It is a massively rich wine with an inky/purple color, sensational density of fruit, velvety tannins, a glorious bouquet of black fruits, licorice, incense, and subtle barbecue smoke, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a fabulous texture and length. With several minutes of swirling, an enticing floral note emerges. The wine’s glycerin and sweetness suggest it will be approachable 3-4 years after bottling, yet keep for three decades or more. It appears to be among the finest Palmers made this decade, rivaling both the 2005 and 2000`. 95-97+ points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau L'Evangile - £725 `It was an atypically late harvest at this famed Pomerol estate, beginning on September 29 and ending on October 14. Even more remarkable were the frighteningly low yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare. The final blend was 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, and the natural alcohol hit 13.7%, among the highest of the last one-hundred years. The acidity is surprisingly good given the ripeness of the fruit and the generally high alcohols in the 2008 Bordeaux. The dense purple-colored 2008 l’Evangile exhibits a floral nose of sweet mulberries, black currants, and black cherries, a full-bodied, lush texture, silky tannins, and an exceptionally fine finish. While not that evolved, this precocious Pomerol was tasting unusually well for such a young barrel sample. It should drink well for 15-20 years`. 93-95 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Providence - £520 `This is the first superstar wine Christian Moueix has produced from this vineyard beautifully situated on the plateau of Pomerol. Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it was harvested in October (as were most top Pomerols), and reveals a powerful, rich, massive style that is atypical for a Moueix offering. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of black cherries, black currants, blackberries, licorice, and even a hint of truffles. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful with high tannins, huge depth, and a seamless integration of its component parts, this appears to be an utterly profound wine that should age effortlessly for 20-30 years`. 95-97 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182 2008 Chateau La Conseillante - £495 `This estate has long been known for its elegant, complex, racy, supple, delicious wines, but the 2008 is more massive, structured, and concentrated than usual. There is a lot going on in this richer, more tannic effort. No one will be disappointed, but purchasers should not expect a wine that will be drinkable upon release. A dense ruby/purple color as well as plenty of concentration, sweet, but elevated tannins, and a huge finish suggest this estate is moving in the direction of Gazin, Lafleur, and Trotanoy. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030`. 92-94 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Vieux Chateau Certan - £475 `The 2008 Vieux Chateau Certan was still going through malolactics when I tasted it, so my score is probably on the low side. Yields were a strikingly low 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was slightly earlier than at most properties, starting on September 28 and ending on October 8. The final blend had not yet been determined, but what I tasted was 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As one might expect, this wine was among the least evolved and judge-able wines I tasted in late March. Nevertheless, it reveals outstanding potential, and once malo is finished, I would expect the wine to put on more weight and flesh. It reveals a dense purple color, plenty of depth, beautiful sweet, pure blue and red fruits, and notes of camphor as well as incense. The wine’s striking freshness, length, and overall potential are promising. Production is off by 25% as there will be 3,000 rather than the normal 4,000 cases of the 2008.Given the structure, acids, and overall concentration, this wine should evolve for 25-35 years`. 92-94 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Pichon Lalande - £465 `The 2008 Pichon Lalande’s final blend was 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Only 38% of the crop made it into the grand vin, and the result is a wine that blows away the 2005. Terrific texture and opulence, forward fruit, sweet tannin, and a lush personality are found in this dense purple-colored 2008 along with copious quantities of sweet berries, roasted coffee, underbrush, black currant, and black cherry fruit. Sensationally pure, textured, and full-bodied, this will be a flamboyant, showy offering in its youth, but it is capable of lasting 20-30 years`. 94-96 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Gazin - £355 `The 2008 is a marvelous effort from this property situated adjacent to Petrus and only a stone’s throw from l’Evangile. An amazing effort, the wine exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, wonderful concentration, a beautifully sweet perfume of caramels, mocha, jammy black currants, and smoky blackberries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a layered, skyscraper-like texture, and sweet but elevated tannins. Overall, it displays gorgeous freshness and delineation`. 94-96 – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge - £290 `One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier's 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare, which is significantly lower than in most top vintages. The most noticeable thing is that consultant Stephane Derenoncourt has drastically cut back the influence of new oak, or at least its ability to intrude on the aromatics and flavors. This beautifully textured, dense purple-colored 2008 exhibits notes of graphite, spring flowers, and blue as well as red fruits in an elegant, full-bodied, flavorful, layered mouthfeel. The freshness of the vintage, combined with low yields has given this cuvee an atypical density and richness that is largely unprecedented. Production is relatively small for the size of the vineyard (about 8,000 cases). This beauty should drink well for 25+ years`. 92-94 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
2008 Chateau Duhart Milon - £275 `As I have previously written, Duhart Milon has become one of the stars of Pauillac thanks to the meticulous attention to detail as well as the investments made by the Rothschild family. A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, with the Cabernet picked during the week of October 8-15, and the Merlot a week earlier, the 2008 offers up sweet aromas of cassis, licorice, crushed rocks, and forest floor in an expressive, graceful aromatic display. Freshness, superb concentration, high but ripe, sweet tannins, and good acids characterize this dense, concentrated wine. It possesses a stunning upside potential of 25-30 years. Yet, like so many of these 2008s, the ripeness of the tannins along with the density and sweetness of the fruit suggest it will be approachable at an early age`. 93-95 points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 182
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Xavier’s wines
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer | Xavier Borie has yet again produced two of the best value wines of the vintage. From deep gravel croupes slightly inland from the town of Pauillac, GPL is a classically styled, Cabernet Sauvignon dominated effort. When this wine is good, it makes a mockery of the 1855 classification. 2008 promises to be such a wine. We really can’t endorse these wines enough. |
Marvelous Mouton
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
Today we have released Chateaux Mouton Rothschild. A truly great wine, and it is flying… The other Mouton wines, Petit Mouton, Clerc Milon and d`Armailhac are also fabulous in 2008. These are all very smart Pauillacs and represent great value for money.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Haut-Brion raises the bar
Posted by Julian Campbell, Buyer
We expect Mr Parker to `come out` this week. It will be fascinating to see how he reviews the 2008s. We loved the best wines of the vintage, but there is often a transatlantic split in these more classic vintages. We'll keep you posted as and when we get more news.
We released Haut-Brion this afternoon at £1825, which has been well received. We suspect a little bit of one-upmanship here, but Haut-Brion have made a wonderful wine that more than justifies the price.
We released Haut-Brion this afternoon at £1825, which has been well received. We suspect a little bit of one-upmanship here, but Haut-Brion have made a wonderful wine that more than justifies the price.
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