2011 Bordeaux – Moulin Saint Georges, Nénin and La Mondotte

by Charles Lea

Slow start to the morning after yesterday’s splurge. The buy here for me is the ‘cheapy’ from Alain Vauthier’s Ausone stable, Moulin Saint Georges. This wine is just one of those which seems to hit the spot every year, and every year I’m surprised by how incredibly reasonable it is, but then is is a not so well-known, ‘under the radar’ name. The critics are not unanimous, but Neal Martin is similarly seduced by this wine ‘A floral bouquet emanating from the ripe Cabernet Franc, hints of cassis and blackcurrant complemented by subtle crushed stone aromas with aeration. It is well defined and focused, the oak deftly assimilated into the wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely opening of vibrant, red berry fruit with hints of truffle and dried meats. It is very well balanced with svelte tannins and substance from start to finish. This is a supremely accomplished Saint Emilion from Alain Vauthier: feminine and…nubile.   92-94’ Neal Martin’s Wine Journal, erobertparker.com. Not bad for a mere £220? One to buy in lots of magnums.

Nénin, owned by the Delons of Las Cases, has been improving for many years, and I really liked it this year – not a silly price for this level of Pomerol.

La Mondotte, Stephan von Neipperg’s super-concentrated cuvée, is also out.

Today’s early releases have been added to by Troplong Mondot at £625.