En Primeur Cases
Unless specifically stated all prices shown here are per case x 12 bottles, under bond at our warehouse - LCB Tilbury Docks. Onward delivery or storage & all taxes are not included but we are happy to quote for these on arrival of goods. Please contact the office for expected date of arrival.
Payment taken at time of ordering. Allocation of stock not guaranteed until written confirmation has been received. E&OE
Bordeaux Vintage 2010
You may remember that a couple of months back I wrote about the impending Bordeaux 2010 En Primeur campaign? For those who missed it – the Bordeaux En Primeur campaign is the big event of the wine calendar, anyone who wants to be involved in ‘fine wine’ has to have a piece of the pie. For decades it has driven the world wine markets, setting the tone & flavour that all wine trading would follow. But it seems, like all things these days, the wheels are falling off the Bordelain band-wagon.
Here’s the issue – 2010 is a good vintage in Bordeaux. No arguments there. But most agree it’s not quite as good as the 2009’s, yet it seems the Chateaux are happy to hike the price by on average 15% regardless & this on top of similar price increases for the last 8 or so years.
Here’s a good example… Rauzan Segla – Margaux 2eme Cru Classe. 2010 released to the trade for an eye watering €84 per bottle (pretty much £84 these days). This remember is based on reviews by a small handful of journalists who taste wines that are not even necessarily the finished article & who have no knowledge at what price the wine will be released… oh & of course also based on the whim of the Chateau. In no other industry do opinion makers have to trial unfinished items, possibly not even closely resembling the finished article & without knowing the context in which these items exist?
What is worse is that in a matter of minutes I could find you bottles of mature, ready to drink good & great vintages of the same wine for similar if not a cheaper price. In short the whole process has become a farce & the public, the drinkers, are the ones that loose out.
What will be the outcome of this? Many journalists, commentators & traders alike are becoming increasingly vocal about their opposition to the whole silly charade. We will just have to wait & see if this snowballs & pushes much needed change. We for one have terminated our En Primeur campaign for Bordeaux 2010 & hope that other wine regions of the world learn from this debacle.
The world is changing… watch this space.
France
£300.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine (James Lawther MW) 17/20
Just the ticket. Perfumed, floral, fresh with lovely length and line. Possibly the best ever from this estate. Drink 2017-2030. (17 points)
Just the ticket. Perfumed, floral, fresh with lovely length and line. Possibly the best ever from this estate. Drink 2017-2030. (17 points)
£120.00 Buy
Robert Parker 89-92 :
A major sleeper of the vintage from this 100-acre vineyard near Cantemerle and Giscours, the 2010 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot produced under the guidance of well-known consultant, Claude Gros. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by sweet black raspberry, black cherry and black currant fruit notes intermixed with notions of licorice and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and supple textured, this sexy Bordeaux should be consumed over the next 5-8 years
A major sleeper of the vintage from this 100-acre vineyard near Cantemerle and Giscours, the 2010 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot produced under the guidance of well-known consultant, Claude Gros. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by sweet black raspberry, black cherry and black currant fruit notes intermixed with notions of licorice and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and supple textured, this sexy Bordeaux should be consumed over the next 5-8 years
£240.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 91-93/100:
A quintessentially elegant style of Bordeaux, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Cantemerle possesses elegant floral notes intermixed with hints of blueberries, raspberries, sweet red cherries and currants. Medium-bodied with impressive purity, concentration and texture, it is not a heavyweight, but rather a well-proportioned, stylish red that should drink nicely for 15-20 years. Drink 2011-2031
A quintessentially elegant style of Bordeaux, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Cantemerle possesses elegant floral notes intermixed with hints of blueberries, raspberries, sweet red cherries and currants. Medium-bodied with impressive purity, concentration and texture, it is not a heavyweight, but rather a well-proportioned, stylish red that should drink nicely for 15-20 years. Drink 2011-2031
£140.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100:
Tasted at Calon-Segur, this sample was taken from a new barrel, though it will be raised in 80% new oak. This is the first vintage to be vinified at the new cuverie and is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot with the addition of 10% vin de presse. This has an attractive bouquet with brambly black fruits, a touch of hot slate and wild hedgerow. Very natural. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins on the entry, good acidity and a lot of freshness on the finish, with notes of blackberry, wild strawberry and a touch of tobacco. What a great Saint Estephe! Drink 2012-2022. Tasted March 2011.
Tasted at Calon-Segur, this sample was taken from a new barrel, though it will be raised in 80% new oak. This is the first vintage to be vinified at the new cuverie and is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot with the addition of 10% vin de presse. This has an attractive bouquet with brambly black fruits, a touch of hot slate and wild hedgerow. Very natural. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins on the entry, good acidity and a lot of freshness on the finish, with notes of blackberry, wild strawberry and a touch of tobacco. What a great Saint Estephe! Drink 2012-2022. Tasted March 2011.
£230.00 Buy
2nd wine of Pape Clement
Wine Spectator (James Molesworth) 90-93/100
A dark, winey style, with macerated black currant and fig notes and a tongue-coating note of tar and espresso. Stays fresh, despite its weight, with a long, black fruit-filled finish. —J.M.
Wine Spectator (James Molesworth) 90-93/100
A dark, winey style, with macerated black currant and fig notes and a tongue-coating note of tar and espresso. Stays fresh, despite its weight, with a long, black fruit-filled finish. —J.M.
£325.00 Buy
Wine Spectator (James Molesworth) 92-95/100
A ripe, mouthfilling style, with lots of roasted spice, dark fig, currant confiture and mulled plum notes. The juicy, fleshy finish still has some toast to soak up, but there's great underlying acidity.
A ripe, mouthfilling style, with lots of roasted spice, dark fig, currant confiture and mulled plum notes. The juicy, fleshy finish still has some toast to soak up, but there's great underlying acidity.
£520.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine 19/20:
Perfect balance, lots of class, super-refined texture, great length, great wine: purity and power! Drink 2020-2040. (19 points)
Perfect balance, lots of class, super-refined texture, great length, great wine: purity and power! Drink 2020-2040. (19 points)
£275.00 Buy
Wine Spectator (James Molesworth) 90-93/100:
This is textbook Margaux, with a supple, velvety feel and a stylish core of plum, red currant and black cherry fruit laced with perfumy spice and followed by lightly dusty tannins. —J.M.
This is textbook Margaux, with a supple, velvety feel and a stylish core of plum, red currant and black cherry fruit laced with perfumy spice and followed by lightly dusty tannins. —J.M.
£225.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 91-93/100:
Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. This has a limpid ruby/garnet colour. The nose is very pure, lacquered in creamy new oak with some exotic dark fruits bursting to take centre stage and burst into song. The palate is full-bodied with a very ripe entry and very fine tannins. There is immense purity here, very focused with a silky smooth finish. Knowing Mon. Fayat this is a no-expense spared Pomerol...and it shows. Tasted March 2011.
Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. This has a limpid ruby/garnet colour. The nose is very pure, lacquered in creamy new oak with some exotic dark fruits bursting to take centre stage and burst into song. The palate is full-bodied with a very ripe entry and very fine tannins. There is immense purity here, very focused with a silky smooth finish. Knowing Mon. Fayat this is a no-expense spared Pomerol...and it shows. Tasted March 2011.
£268.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100
Tasted twice with consistent notes, the Ferriere ’10 is a blend of 32% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 66% Cabernet Sauvignon delivering 13.5% alcohol at a pH 3.60. It has a light, fresh, quite “stony” bouquet that takes time to unfurl. Typically of Ferriere it has striking acidity on the entry, very fresh and lively dominated by the cedar-infused Cabernet Sauvignon leading to an elegant finish. Compact but very fine. Tasted April 2011.
Tasted twice with consistent notes, the Ferriere ’10 is a blend of 32% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 66% Cabernet Sauvignon delivering 13.5% alcohol at a pH 3.60. It has a light, fresh, quite “stony” bouquet that takes time to unfurl. Typically of Ferriere it has striking acidity on the entry, very fresh and lively dominated by the cedar-infused Cabernet Sauvignon leading to an elegant finish. Compact but very fine. Tasted April 2011.
£295.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 91-93/100
The de Fieuzal ’10 has a very generous, open-knit, refined and delineated bouquet that really is a treat: so pure and feminine. The palate is displays fine tannins, bright red-berried fruit with good acidity, almost Saint Emilion like towards the fleshy, silky finish. Lovely. Drink 2013-2020+ Tasted April 2011.
The de Fieuzal ’10 has a very generous, open-knit, refined and delineated bouquet that really is a treat: so pure and feminine. The palate is displays fine tannins, bright red-berried fruit with good acidity, almost Saint Emilion like towards the fleshy, silky finish. Lovely. Drink 2013-2020+ Tasted April 2011.
£290.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 92-95/100
2010: The greatest Fleur Cardinale since the 2005, the super-powerful, rich, opaque purple-colored 2010 exhibits beautiful floral notes intermixed with black raspberry, blueberry and boysenberry fruit as well as a hint of minerality. Exuberant and flamboyant with full-bodied richness, stunning purity and an impressive, textured mouthfeel and finish, this beauty should age effortlessly for 12-20 years. Drink 2011-2031
2010: The greatest Fleur Cardinale since the 2005, the super-powerful, rich, opaque purple-colored 2010 exhibits beautiful floral notes intermixed with black raspberry, blueberry and boysenberry fruit as well as a hint of minerality. Exuberant and flamboyant with full-bodied richness, stunning purity and an impressive, textured mouthfeel and finish, this beauty should age effortlessly for 12-20 years. Drink 2011-2031
£300.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 91-93/100
A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the first time in six years that Cabernet Sauvignon has been included in the Grand Vin. I have been worried that Grand Mayne was getting a little too “showy” on the nose in recent vintages, but this 2010 is pleasantly refined and focused with dark berried fruit, a touch of gingerbread and spice box. The palate is full-bodied and dense with grippy tannins, blackberry, boysenberry and a touch of cedar, quite masculine and assertive towards the finish. This will merit several years in bottle but good potential. Tasted April 2011.
A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the first time in six years that Cabernet Sauvignon has been included in the Grand Vin. I have been worried that Grand Mayne was getting a little too “showy” on the nose in recent vintages, but this 2010 is pleasantly refined and focused with dark berried fruit, a touch of gingerbread and spice box. The palate is full-bodied and dense with grippy tannins, blackberry, boysenberry and a touch of cedar, quite masculine and assertive towards the finish. This will merit several years in bottle but good potential. Tasted April 2011.
£320.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 91-93/100
2010: The finest Haut-Bages-Liberal I have tasted in many years, this sleeper of the vintage exhibits a blue/purple hue as well as projected aromatics of blue and black fruits, spring flowers and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with moderately high tannins, a layered mouthfeel and a long finish, it should be at its best between 2017 and 2035. Drink 2014-2035. (91-93+ points)
2010: The finest Haut-Bages-Liberal I have tasted in many years, this sleeper of the vintage exhibits a blue/purple hue as well as projected aromatics of blue and black fruits, spring flowers and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with moderately high tannins, a layered mouthfeel and a long finish, it should be at its best between 2017 and 2035. Drink 2014-2035. (91-93+ points)
£1,025.00 Buy
James Suckling (James Suckling) 95-96/100
Wow. What a superb nose of blackberries, flowers and licorice. Full bodied, with a powerful palate of super rich fruit yet bright tannins and loads of blackberries and ctirus on the finish. This is really structural with amazing purity of fruit. It is so direct and powerful. Chic brick house of a wine. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Wow. What a superb nose of blackberries, flowers and licorice. Full bodied, with a powerful palate of super rich fruit yet bright tannins and loads of blackberries and ctirus on the finish. This is really structural with amazing purity of fruit. It is so direct and powerful. Chic brick house of a wine. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.
£320.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 92-94/100
The Haut-Batailley ’10 is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It has what you might describe as a very “natural” bouquet with wild blackberry, raspberry, just a touch of pencil lead and wet limestone. Not an intense nose, but very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with very precise tannins, good acidity, just a little hardness at the front-palate, but this will soften. The backbone is very impressive, the finish very masculine, classic, the Cabernet Sauvignon dominating and imparting great purity and expression of terroir. Superb. As always, one of Pauillac’s over-looked gems. Drink 2017-2040. Tasted March 2011.
The Haut-Batailley ’10 is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It has what you might describe as a very “natural” bouquet with wild blackberry, raspberry, just a touch of pencil lead and wet limestone. Not an intense nose, but very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with very precise tannins, good acidity, just a little hardness at the front-palate, but this will soften. The backbone is very impressive, the finish very masculine, classic, the Cabernet Sauvignon dominating and imparting great purity and expression of terroir. Superb. As always, one of Pauillac’s over-looked gems. Drink 2017-2040. Tasted March 2011.
£450.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (194), May 2011 Neal Martin, Score: 92-94:
The Chateau La Tour Blanche has a complex bouquet with scents of grapefruit, honey, apricot and white flowers. The palate is very well-balanced, with a great sense of tension and poise, and notes of citrus lemon, lime, dried honey and a touch of marmalade that lead to a tightly wound, focused, almost Germanic finish. This is intriguing Sauternes that should repay considerable cellaring.
The Chateau La Tour Blanche has a complex bouquet with scents of grapefruit, honey, apricot and white flowers. The palate is very well-balanced, with a great sense of tension and poise, and notes of citrus lemon, lime, dried honey and a touch of marmalade that lead to a tightly wound, focused, almost Germanic finish. This is intriguing Sauternes that should repay considerable cellaring.
£179.00 Buy
Second wine of Grand Puy Lacoste
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100:
A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc the Lacoste-Borie displays light briary and blackberry fruit on the nose, just a hint of cold black tea and truffle. Fine definition. The palate is quite supple on the entry, that Merlot adding a pleasant fleshiness to counter the precise Cabernet, a little short on the finish but very fresh and perhaps “clinical”. Very lively and “classic”. Drink 2016- Tasted March 2011.
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100:
A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc the Lacoste-Borie displays light briary and blackberry fruit on the nose, just a hint of cold black tea and truffle. Fine definition. The palate is quite supple on the entry, that Merlot adding a pleasant fleshiness to counter the precise Cabernet, a little short on the finish but very fresh and perhaps “clinical”. Very lively and “classic”. Drink 2016- Tasted March 2011.
£340.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 91-93/100:
The Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey has an ebullient nose of Tropicana, dried honey and quince that intensifies in the glass whilst maintaining impressive definition. The palate is very well-balanced with superb tension and focus, a Sauternes built of minerality and poise, leading to a citrus, almost spicy finish that leaves the mouth tingling with pleasure.
The Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey has an ebullient nose of Tropicana, dried honey and quince that intensifies in the glass whilst maintaining impressive definition. The palate is very well-balanced with superb tension and focus, a Sauternes built of minerality and poise, leading to a citrus, almost spicy finish that leaves the mouth tingling with pleasure.
£345.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 92-94/100:
2010: Proprietor Basile Tesseron may have produced his finest Lafon Rochet to date. The 2010's inky/blue/purple color is followed by a distinctive bouquet of spring flowers, blueberry pie, blackberry liqueur and crushed rocks. Although a classified growth, this wine is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage as its price remains reasonable. The wine possesses terrific structure, ripe tannins and a voluminous, broad, deep impression on the palate. The fruit intensity, purity and richness suggest 4-5 years of cellaring will be required and the wine will last for 20+ years. Drink 2015-2035
2010: Proprietor Basile Tesseron may have produced his finest Lafon Rochet to date. The 2010's inky/blue/purple color is followed by a distinctive bouquet of spring flowers, blueberry pie, blackberry liqueur and crushed rocks. Although a classified growth, this wine is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage as its price remains reasonable. The wine possesses terrific structure, ripe tannins and a voluminous, broad, deep impression on the palate. The fruit intensity, purity and richness suggest 4-5 years of cellaring will be required and the wine will last for 20+ years. Drink 2015-2035
£173.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc delivering 13.95% alcohol and a pH 3.71. The nose is a little taciturn at first with blackberry, a touch of cassis, a hint of espresso and minerals. Good definition. The palate is full-bodied with fine but sturdy tannins, very nice focus with a refined, nicely poised, very pure finish where the Cabernet lends a touch of graphite and cedar. This is a very fine Lalande-Borie that might be over-shadowed by Ducru. Drink 2015- Tasted March 2011.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc delivering 13.95% alcohol and a pH 3.71. The nose is a little taciturn at first with blackberry, a touch of cassis, a hint of espresso and minerals. Good definition. The palate is full-bodied with fine but sturdy tannins, very nice focus with a refined, nicely poised, very pure finish where the Cabernet lends a touch of graphite and cedar. This is a very fine Lalande-Borie that might be over-shadowed by Ducru. Drink 2015- Tasted March 2011.
£225.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 92-94/100
The Latour-Martillac has a comparatively broody nose with tertiary, dark berried fruit, touches of black olive and sous-bois. Good definition and very natural. The palate is medium-bodied with assertive tannins on the entry, good weight, quite masculine with firm grip, dense blackberry, raspberry, cedar and graphite towards the finish. Good length. This should be very fine after bottling. Tasted April 2011.
The Latour-Martillac has a comparatively broody nose with tertiary, dark berried fruit, touches of black olive and sous-bois. Good definition and very natural. The palate is medium-bodied with assertive tannins on the entry, good weight, quite masculine with firm grip, dense blackberry, raspberry, cedar and graphite towards the finish. Good length. This should be very fine after bottling. Tasted April 2011.
£945.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 94-96/100
2010: This 1,000-case cuvee is always a candidate for having the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc (80%) of any wine from Bordeaux. The balance is Merlot. A magical wine, the dense purple-colored 2010 exhibits notes of incense, camphor, blueberries, blackberries and spring flowers. With sweet tannin, medium to full body and the high percentage of Cabernet Franc, it should put on additional weight and provide plenty of pleasure over 10-15 years. It is a stunning example of what heights Cabernet Franc can achieve in St.-Emilion. Drink 2011-2026
2010: This 1,000-case cuvee is always a candidate for having the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc (80%) of any wine from Bordeaux. The balance is Merlot. A magical wine, the dense purple-colored 2010 exhibits notes of incense, camphor, blueberries, blackberries and spring flowers. With sweet tannin, medium to full body and the high percentage of Cabernet Franc, it should put on additional weight and provide plenty of pleasure over 10-15 years. It is a stunning example of what heights Cabernet Franc can achieve in St.-Emilion. Drink 2011-2026
£500.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 92-94/100
The Malartic-Lagraviere has a well defined, minerally nose with fine definition and poise. The palate has fresh green lime on the entry, crisp and tense with great precision on the green apple, lime and lemon zest exit. One of the best white wines that I have tasted out of barrel at this estate. Tasted April 2011.
James Suckling (James Suckling) 94-95/100
What a wine, with wonderful intensity of lemon, limes, dried papaya. Full and layered for a white. It goes on for minutes. This estate is rocking now. Tasted twice.
The Malartic-Lagraviere has a well defined, minerally nose with fine definition and poise. The palate has fresh green lime on the entry, crisp and tense with great precision on the green apple, lime and lemon zest exit. One of the best white wines that I have tasted out of barrel at this estate. Tasted April 2011.
James Suckling (James Suckling) 94-95/100
What a wine, with wonderful intensity of lemon, limes, dried papaya. Full and layered for a white. It goes on for minutes. This estate is rocking now. Tasted twice.
£395.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 93-95/100
The Malartic-Lagraviere has a very well defined, quite floral bouquet with crushed violets, small dark cherries and a touch of dark plum. Very good clarity and refinement. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins, very good acidity lending tension and focus towards the finish. This is a fantastic Pessac that deserves a long-term berth in your cellar. Tasted April 2011.
The Malartic-Lagraviere has a very well defined, quite floral bouquet with crushed violets, small dark cherries and a touch of dark plum. Very good clarity and refinement. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins, very good acidity lending tension and focus towards the finish. This is a fantastic Pessac that deserves a long-term berth in your cellar. Tasted April 2011.
£300.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 92-94/100
The Marquis de Terme ’10 has a well-defined bouquet with ripe blackcurrant, cedar, boysenberry and a touch of shellfish. Good lift and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with fully ripe tannins, very good weight and acidity, quite linear at the moment but very harmonious and cohesive towards the finish. The oak seems to be totally in tune with the fruit, whereas in 2009 it was dancing to a slightly different beat. This is an excellent Marquis de Terme. Tasted April 2011.
The Marquis de Terme ’10 has a well-defined bouquet with ripe blackcurrant, cedar, boysenberry and a touch of shellfish. Good lift and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with fully ripe tannins, very good weight and acidity, quite linear at the moment but very harmonious and cohesive towards the finish. The oak seems to be totally in tune with the fruit, whereas in 2009 it was dancing to a slightly different beat. This is an excellent Marquis de Terme. Tasted April 2011.
£156.00 Buy
Jancis Robinson (Jancis Robinson) 17/20:
Mid crimson. Very sweet and voluptuous start and then just the merest hint of sandpaper and great, supple, ripe tannins. The merest hint of greenness on the finish but overall pretty lovely. Fresh and ‘feminine’ though there is no shortage of tannin! What a good Maucaillou. Drink 2017-2026
www.jancisrobinson.com
Mid crimson. Very sweet and voluptuous start and then just the merest hint of sandpaper and great, supple, ripe tannins. The merest hint of greenness on the finish but overall pretty lovely. Fresh and ‘feminine’ though there is no shortage of tannin! What a good Maucaillou. Drink 2017-2026
www.jancisrobinson.com
£240.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine (Steven Spurrier) 17/20:
Superb concentration of very ripe fruit, lots of richness and depth, will be very impressive. Drink 2016-28.
Superb concentration of very ripe fruit, lots of richness and depth, will be very impressive. Drink 2016-28.
£450.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 91-93/100
Picked between 27th September and 10th October, the Pagodes is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot delivering 14.13% alcohol with a pH of 3.51. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the nose with blackberry, pencil shavings, a touch of plum and fine mineralité. The palate has great tension on the entry with a citric freshness, very good weight and yet it glides through to a harmonious finish. This is a lovely Pagodes. Drink 2012- Tasted March 2011.
Picked between 27th September and 10th October, the Pagodes is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot delivering 14.13% alcohol with a pH of 3.51. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the nose with blackberry, pencil shavings, a touch of plum and fine mineralité. The palate has great tension on the entry with a citric freshness, very good weight and yet it glides through to a harmonious finish. This is a lovely Pagodes. Drink 2012- Tasted March 2011.
£250.00 Buy
James Suckling (James Suckling) 91-92/100
Lovely berry and chocolate character with full body, velvety tannins and a balance of mineral and currants. Finally on its way up.
I would argue that Pedesclaux has been on its way up for nearly a decade - just lurking in the shadows. (n)
Lovely berry and chocolate character with full body, velvety tannins and a balance of mineral and currants. Finally on its way up.
I would argue that Pedesclaux has been on its way up for nearly a decade - just lurking in the shadows. (n)
£315.00 Buy
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100
A blend of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 59% Merlot raised in 50% new oak, the nose takes its time to reveille in the glass: blackberry, small dark cherries, a touch of smoke and cigar box. Good definition but very tight. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins, good definition but perhaps like Calon-Segur, a little disjointed at this stage. Good weight on the sinewy finish with dense black tarry fruits, quite uncompromising at the moment but that is not such a bad thing in the long term. The Phelan-Segur 2010 has good potential and may surprise in bottle just as the great 2005 is doing. Drink 2014-2025+ Tasted March 2011.
A blend of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 59% Merlot raised in 50% new oak, the nose takes its time to reveille in the glass: blackberry, small dark cherries, a touch of smoke and cigar box. Good definition but very tight. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins, good definition but perhaps like Calon-Segur, a little disjointed at this stage. Good weight on the sinewy finish with dense black tarry fruits, quite uncompromising at the moment but that is not such a bad thing in the long term. The Phelan-Segur 2010 has good potential and may surprise in bottle just as the great 2005 is doing. Drink 2014-2025+ Tasted March 2011.
£180.00 Buy
James Suckling (James Suckling) 91-92/100
This is one of the fruitiest Potensacs that I remember, with loads of blueberry and currants. Full and velvety. Plenty going on underneath
This is one of the fruitiest Potensacs that I remember, with loads of blueberry and currants. Full and velvety. Plenty going on underneath
£340.00 Buy
2nd wine of Chateau Pichon Comtesse.
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100
A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot, delivering 13.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.76 the Reserve has a relatively luscious, generous, Margaux-like bouquet thanks to its floral nature. Good definition and vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a very tannic, cedar and graphite infused entry thanks to the Cabernet, quite strict and linear, very good weight (the most I have ever seen of a Reserve) with a slightly foursquare finish. Drink 2014-2025. Tasted March 2011.
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 90-92/100
A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot, delivering 13.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.76 the Reserve has a relatively luscious, generous, Margaux-like bouquet thanks to its floral nature. Good definition and vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a very tannic, cedar and graphite infused entry thanks to the Cabernet, quite strict and linear, very good weight (the most I have ever seen of a Reserve) with a slightly foursquare finish. Drink 2014-2025. Tasted March 2011.
£555.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine 18,5/20:
Some oaky, smoky elements dominating the fruity, juicy ones, but so impressive in the mouth. Great volume, great concentration, bags of refined and complex flavours, great length, and more Sauternes-like this time than Riesling. Drink 2020-2050. (18.5 points)
Some oaky, smoky elements dominating the fruity, juicy ones, but so impressive in the mouth. Great volume, great concentration, bags of refined and complex flavours, great length, and more Sauternes-like this time than Riesling. Drink 2020-2050. (18.5 points)
£110.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine (Steven Spurrier) 16,5/20:
Deep, compact yet complex flavours, a very elegant southern Haut-Médoc with a good future. Drink 2014-22. (16.5 points)
Deep, compact yet complex flavours, a very elegant southern Haut-Médoc with a good future. Drink 2014-22. (16.5 points)
£260.00 Buy
Jancis Robinson (Jancis Robinson) 16,5/20:
Lively and racy and with more than a hint of young oak! Sweet start and very polished palate. Chewy finish but with lots and lots of sweet fruit. Well done! Quite luscious, very like a fine St-Estèphe. Drink 2017-2027.
www.jancisrobinson.com
Decanter Magazine (Steven Spurrier) 17/20:
Great depth of fruit, deep ripeness and resonant flavours, fine texture and vigour, very good future. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)
Lively and racy and with more than a hint of young oak! Sweet start and very polished palate. Chewy finish but with lots and lots of sweet fruit. Well done! Quite luscious, very like a fine St-Estèphe. Drink 2017-2027.
www.jancisrobinson.com
Decanter Magazine (Steven Spurrier) 17/20:
Great depth of fruit, deep ripeness and resonant flavours, fine texture and vigour, very good future. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)
£560.00 Buy
Jancis Robinson (Jancis Robinson) 18/20:
Tasted blind 4 Apr: Rich and subtle on the nose; it already feels heavy in the glass. Very big and bold. Spicy. One of the sweetest and it seems to be interesting too! Very rich for a 2010. RS 142 g/l, TA 3.8 g/l. Tasted 7 Apr: Mid pale gold. Broad and rich and fresh but with very ripe pear-juice notes. There is real weight here. Much less citrus peel than most other 2010 Sauternes. Real race. Dangerously delicious now. Long. Super clean. Medium to heavy weight. Great undertow. Long. Nervy. (Score: 18 18-35) Drink 2022-2040
www.jancisrobinson.com
Tasted blind 4 Apr: Rich and subtle on the nose; it already feels heavy in the glass. Very big and bold. Spicy. One of the sweetest and it seems to be interesting too! Very rich for a 2010. RS 142 g/l, TA 3.8 g/l. Tasted 7 Apr: Mid pale gold. Broad and rich and fresh but with very ripe pear-juice notes. There is real weight here. Much less citrus peel than most other 2010 Sauternes. Real race. Dangerously delicious now. Long. Super clean. Medium to heavy weight. Great undertow. Long. Nervy. (Score: 18 18-35) Drink 2022-2040
www.jancisrobinson.com
£450.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine (Steven Spurrier) 17/20
Rich, very ripe cassis Cabernet fruit, smooth, even succulent flavours, quite an open style in this vintage. Drink 2016-26. (17 points)
Rich, very ripe cassis Cabernet fruit, smooth, even succulent flavours, quite an open style in this vintage. Drink 2016-26. (17 points)
£430.00 Buy
Decanter Magazine (James Lawther MW) 18,5/20
Back to the winning ways of the first ('08) vintage. Intense, complex - violet, red fruit and spice aromas. Lovely depth of fruit on the palate - rich, round and caressing. Tannins ripe but present. Long, fresh finish. Drink 2018-2030. (18.5 points)
Back to the winning ways of the first ('08) vintage. Intense, complex - violet, red fruit and spice aromas. Lovely depth of fruit on the palate - rich, round and caressing. Tannins ripe but present. Long, fresh finish. Drink 2018-2030. (18.5 points)