The Outsiders 2016

Top non-Bordeaux wines released though the Bordeaux marketplace

Almaviva from Chile started the release of non-Bordeaux wines through the Bordeaux 'place' in 1998, using the same distribution system as Bordeaux primeurs. There were good reasons - this was a market place used to handling the distribution of top wines, and one of the partners in Almaviva was the Rothschilds of Mouton.

Other wines followed suit and now there is a small season of releases of top wines each September:

Opus One, from Napa, is another collaboration with the expertise from Bordeaux. Others such as some of the very top Italian wines Masseto and Solaia, not to mention the other Chilean greats, Clos Apalta and Seña, and have little connection with Bordeaux other than the grape varieties. Perhaps their owners just want them to be considered alongside the great Cabernet and Merlot wines of Bordeaux itself.

Opus One 2013, released on 5th September is a great vintage which has rapidly sold out across the market. Rated 'greatest Opus ever' and 100/100 by James Suckling and 94-96+ by The Wine Advocate 'Firm yet also voluptuous, the 2013 has it all'. We have 4x6 left at £1150 per six bottles in bond - first come first served.

2014 Almaviva 2014 was released on the 7th September. This wine has been rated 97/100 by James Suckling, other critics seem not to have tasted it yet. It is offered at £400 per wooden case of six bottles in bond.

Masseto 2013,arguably the greatest of all the 'SuperTuscans', was also released on the 7th September. Bordeaux is proving slow to pass on the allocations, so patience for now - please email if interested in an allocation.

Clos Apalta 2013 was released on the 8th September. Clos Apalta is one of the most awarded wines in the world and with Penfold's Grange one of only two new world wines ever to feature as no.1 in the Wine Spectator's annual top 100.

Seña 2014 was released on the 12th September. Seña seems to be playing the old Bordeaux one-upmanship game, coming out just above the price of Almaviva. Distinctly Chilean, and also distinctly fine, Seña is big and bold.

Solaia 2013, also released on the 12th may be one of the least dense vintages of this wine released, but it is also a step change and completely fascinating in its intensity and elegance. At a tasting of many of these wines last week it was the two Italians which were the most classical and long.

Many of these wines are available in larger sizes, please request prices if interested.

This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.