By Charles Lea on 14/05/2012
Two contenders for wine of the vintage out this afternoon, Château Margaux, which Robert Parker rates 94-96, and Château Palmer, which is also exceptional. It's worth reading the notes to see who scores which higher. Robert Parker says of Margaux: 'It rivals what they achieved in both 2010 and 2009, which is virtually impossible to contemplate given the quality of those two vintages'.
By Charles Lea on 14/05/2012
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.
By Charles Lea on 10/05/2012
Out this afternoon is Château d'Aiguilhe, Stephan von Neipperg's entry level wine (a Castillon from the same stable as Canon la Gaffeliere). This is down 19% on the 2010 in € terms, so a good effort in this lower price range.
By Charles Lea on 10/05/2012
After a quiet day yesterday, ending with the release of Meyney (£210) in the late afternoon, this morning sees the release of Giscours, which I quite liked in its soft milk-chocolatey style, and to which Neal Martin has given a nice note (91-93, 'It has a pleasing purity for the vintage.
By Charles Lea on 10/05/2012
After yesterday's release of Pontet Canet, which seems to have 'worked' pretty well, we have a couple of rather lesser brands trying their luck at a similar discount to last year.
By Charles Lea on 09/05/2012
Away from the drama of whether the big names will double overnight, the 'trading' side of the market, there remains solid value to be had in amongst the lesser names, and frankly we do rather enjoy the process of unearthing gems at the right price.
By Charles Lea on 09/05/2012
Lots of hyperbole out on the market this morning, following the release of one of the 'shooting stars' of recent Bordeaux vintages, Château Pontet Canet.
By Charles Lea on 04/05/2012
Château Tronquoy-Lalande & Château La Tour Carnet It is no particular secret that Robert Parker tends to like the lush, ripe, dense, sweet style wines like La Tour Carnet made by M. Magrez, (who also owns Pape Clement, and many others) while some 'old school English' have been rather shocked by them.
By Charles Lea on 03/05/2012
If Beychevelle had any other label on it I would not even consider offering it. Down 15 or so % on the 2010 price, and frankly the least interesting (as a wine) of all the Cru Classé Saint Juliens.
By Charles Lea on 02/05/2012
Bordeaux 2011 - Labégorce, Du Tertre, Monbrison, 1st Vintage of Mauvesin Barton So, Robert Parker's notes and those of Neal Martin are published (on www.
By Patrick Sandeman on 01/05/2012
May Day, it's raining again and with forecasters predicting yet another wet month ahead of us, surely this must already the wettest drought on record? It certainly feels like it.