Early releases include Lynch Bages, following on from the success last week for its Pauillac ‘rival’, Pontet Canet. At £750 per case this is cheaper than any other vintage on the market except the 2007, and while it’s not perhaps the steal we have all hoped it might be, the strength of the brand here means this too must come recommended. ‘A rich, hedonistic red blend, bursting with blackcurrant and liquorice flavours and dense, yet supple tannins. 10+ years’. Tim Atkin MW, (www.timatkin.com).
Along with Lynch come its second wine ‘Echo’ at £250, and the white Blanc de Lynch Bages, which relative to quite a lot of Cru Classé Graves offers a way of buying into what is a top vintage for white Bordeaux at a price level which is not dotty. (£120 per case of six bottles). I really liked the freshness of this wine.
Also out today are d’Issan (£360), Lascombes (£470), Marquis de Terme (£265), and Gloria which looks a potential buy at a reasonable £245.