By Edward Richardson on 02/06/2017
MALARTIC LAGRAVIÈRE is out at £246 per 6 bottles IB. We were really impressed by this fine, high-toned and very classy Pessac. Neal Martin gave it 94-96/100 and described it as a 'pixelated Pessac-Léognan that exudes style and panache.
By Edward Richardson on 01/06/2017
GRAND PUY LACOSTE is out at £367 per 6 / £734 per 12 IB. In his glowing note for the 2016 Neal Martin paid tribute to this 'bastion of quintessential Pauillac'. He says that, 'not unlike its stylistic sibling Montrose,' it is made in a style that he openly admits he 'adores'.
By Edward Richardson on 01/06/2017
Another busy morning in Bordeaux today.
By Edward Richardson on 31/05/2017
MALESCOT SAINT EXUPÉRY has been released at £252 per 6 bottles IB. We were all really impressed by this - it was clearly one of the stand-out wines from Margaux in 2016. Neal Martin gave it 94-96/100 and called it 'sensual and voluptuous' but with great delineation and precision on the finish.
By Edward Richardson on 22/05/2017
This morning sees the release of a trio of very impressive Saint Juliens. An excellent and highly-rated LANGOA BARTON has been released at £420 per 12 IB, and the stylish LA CROIX DE BEAUCAILLOU has followed at exactly the same price.
By Edward Richardson on 19/05/2017
CHÂTEAU GLORIA , which has been on a quality charge this year, is out today at £360 per 12 bottles IB. We were really impressed with the quality of the 2016. It has good volume and density but will certainly need time in the cellar to round out.
By Edward Richardson on 18/05/2017
CHÂTEAU LE CROCK is a fantastic little cru bourgeois that sits right between Cos and Montrose. In great vintages this property really sings so when Neal Martin says the 2016 is a spitting image of the 2010, the signs are very good indeed! We found it bold and hedonistic.
By Edward Richardson on 17/05/2017
Lots of En Primeur activity this morning. The pick of the bunch is CHÂTEAU TALBOT at £246 per 6 bottles IB. Jancis says this is a wine that represents all that is best about the 2016 vintage. She's absolutely right. It's a wine of typically profound structure but there is plenty of intense blackberry fruit behind all that mass.
By Edward Richardson on 11/05/2017
The ever dependable right-bank stable of Denis Durantou has just been released. These are wines where the price-to-quality ratio is always off the scale - even more so so in a fresh and juicy vintage like 2016. The SAINTAYME and LA CHENADE will provide enormous pleasure almost immediately.
By Edward Richardson on 29/04/2017
Day 1: First Impressions This was my first primeur campaign so excitement was trumping exhaustion as we boarded the 06:30 flight to Bordeaux. Some startling efficiency at head office meant that we were sitting at the front of the aircraft (at no extra cost I might add!).