2016 Bordeaux – Pichon-Lalande, Pontet Canet, Haut Bailly, Petit Figeac

by Edward Richardson

Out today is PICHON LALANDE L&S at £710 per 6 bottles IB. This left Galloni completely spell-bound. He scored it 97-100/100 and described it as ‘simply extraordinary...without question one of the wines of the vintage and potentially a legendary wine in the making.’ He added, ‘although not inexpensive, Pichon-Lalande is arguably the single finest relative value ageworthy wine in Bordeaux right now. Readers should do whatever they can to pick up the 2016.’ Galloni is absolutely right. This does still represent good value given its quality – especially so when you consider the high release prices of many other top wines in 2016.

PONTET CANET is out at £675 per 6 bottles IB. This drew a litany of praise from the critics. Galloni awarded it 96-99/100 and described the wine as, ‘exotically ripe, powerful and voluptuous, it brings together the richness of the 2009 with the structure of the 2010… In a word: Superb.’ Neal Martin wasn’t far behind, scoring it 95-97/100. Jancis gave it 18/20. Jane Anson thought it ‘hard to resist‘ and rated it 97/100. The price does look high but Ponet Canet is always a wine in high demand so, if you would like some, do let us have your orders as soon as possible.

HAUT BAILLY L&S has also been released at £495 per 6 bottles IB. This was another very sleek and classy Pessac. There’s wonderful cool tension and great intensity to the fruit. This finish is also a master-stoke, beautifully precise, gliding and long. Neal Martin rated it 96-98/100 and said, ‘what a brilliant Haut-Bailly, perhaps the best that I have tasted in almost 20 years of tasting at this estate.’ Jane Anson gave it 97/100, Galloni scored it 94-97+/100 and called it ‘a great Haut-Bailly in the making.’ Sadly this is only available in tiny volumes but do place any orders and we will try our best to meet them.

PETIT FIGEAC is also out at £445 per 12 bottles IB. This is a very good quality deuxième vin. As Galloni says, it is ‘dark, supple and inviting, with lovely mid-palate depth and creaminess. It is exactly what a second wine should be: an introduction to the house style.’

As ever you can keep up to date with everything #Bdx16 on our Recent Releases page.