22 May 2009 

As we await the 2nd Tranche of Ausone as well as the releases of Lafleur, Petrus and Le Pin, we can now offer our final few cases of the the most sought after wines.

Many of these wines have only be offered previously to last years buyers but, with some arm twisting in Bordeaux  and purchase of further tranches, we are now able to offer our final remaining cases - but please be quick if they are of interest. All scores quoted are those of Robert Parker

First Growths

Lafite - £3250/case (98-100 points)
Margaux - £1850 (95-97)
Mouton Rothschild - £1850 (94-96)
Haut Brion - £1850 (95-97)
Cheval Blanc - £3350 (95-97)

High Scorers

Pavie - £1125 (96-98+)
Eglise Clinet - £850 (94-96+)
Ducru Beaucaillou -£745 (96-98+)
Pontet Canet - £595 (96-98+)
Pichon Lalande - £520 (94-96)
Montrose - £495 (95-97)
Vieux Chateau Certan - £480 (92-94)
Larcis Ducasse - £440 (95-97)
Gazin - £350 (94-96)
Clos Saint Martin - £340 (93-95+)
Leoville Barton - £330 (92-94)

Second Wines of the First Growth Parcel (1 case of each)

1 case Carruades de Lafite £495
1 case Les Forts de Latour £550
1 case Pavillon Rouge £320
1 case Clarence Haut Brion £425
1 case Petit Mouton £450

There are also some great values to be found. Amongst our favourites are:

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge - £285
Langoa Barton - £240
Calon Segur - £295
Petite Eglise - £165
Hauts de Pontet Canet - £160
Haut Bergey Rouge - £170

19 May 2009 

Afternoon

We now have the final releases of the campaign - and they are all big hitters- Leoville Lascases at £900 per case along with its second wine Clos Du Marquis at £260, Chateau Cheval Blanc at £3350 per case and Petit Cheval at £580 per case. These are amongst Robert Parker's favourite wines of the vintage and his tasting notes can be found below.

Now that all of the significant wines have been released onto the market we will be averaging out our purchasing prices on the most sought after wines of the vintage and offering these in the next couple of days so please do continue to check our news page and look out for our final offer.

Leoville Lascases

"Readers should not be surprised that the 2008 Leoville Las Cases is a great classic as the selection process here is as Draconian as at any of the first-growths. Slightly more than one-third of the production made it into the grand vin, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot. Yields were just under 38 hectoliters per hectare, and the natural alcohol of 13.4% is among the highest ever measured at this estate. The harvest was very late, between October 6-18, and the result is a wine boasting extraordinarily sweet tannin as well as abundant black cherry and cassis notes intermixed with a prominent underlying minerality. Despite the massive density, concentration, and length, the wine is extremely precise, nuanced, and impeccably pure. This phenomenal effort should be more drinkable in its youth than many other vintages of Las Cases because of the ripe tannins and sweet fruit density. It will need 5-10 years of cellaring, and should last for 40+ years. 95-97+ Robert Parker"

Clos Du Marquis

"For many years, Las Cases’ second wine has been the equivalent of a classified growth in the Medoc. The 2008 Clos du Marquis may be one of the two or three finest second wines I have tasted from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that came in at 13.5% natural alcohol, it is a pure, deep, full-bodied effort displaying classic aromas of creme de cassis, licorice, and crushed rocks. On the palate, there is a sensational black fruit character, no hard edges, and a seamless integration of all the component parts. This wine should drink beautifully for 15 or more years. 93-95 Robert Parker"

Cheval Blanc

"In time, the profound 2008 Cheval Blanc will rank alongside this estate's great successes of 2005, 2000, and 1998. A harvest that began at the end of September and concluded October 19 has produced a wine with the 1998's complexity and the power of the 2000. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 reveals an ethereal nose of subtle menthol intertwined with spring flowers, plums, black currants, and sweet cherries. The wine's seamlessness is enthralling, and, despite the late harvest as well as late malolactics, it is already displaying admirable complexity. This is a beautifully complete, full-bodied Cheval Blanc that dances across the palate with the finesse of a world-class ballerina. Analytically, there is plenty of tannin, but it is totally integrated. While the acids are slightly elevated, they are not noticeable. A tour de force! This wine should evolve for three decades or more. 95-97 points Robert Parker"

Petit Cheval

The finest second wine yet made at Cheval Blanc, the 2008 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Elegant, soft, and richly fruity, it offers up hints of wood spice, forest floor, flowers, and black fruits. With sweet tannin as well as good texture, it will be delicious young, yet evolve for 12-15 years. 90-92 Points

Morning

This morning sees the release of the most controversial wines of Bordeaux - those of Gerard Perse. Chateau Pavie has in the past split opinion. Very big and powerful in style, it has always scored very impressively with Robert Parker since Gerard Perse took over (96-98+ this year) but less favourably with British critics. However we have noticed a softening in the style here, over the past 3 vintages and it has since found far more universal praise. We can offer Chateau Pavie at £1125 per case. Other wines from Mr Perse today are Bellevue Mondotte at £1560 per case and Pavie Decesse at £930 per case.

Chateau Pavie £1125 per case under bond

"Is the 2008 Pavie superior to the 2005 and 2000? While that is impossible to know at this stage of its development, it will certainly be one of the three greatest Pavies made under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Cropped at a very low 30 hectoliters per hectare, the final blend is a classic Pavie combination of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 14.5% natural alcohol is the highest ever achieved at this estate. The inky/blue/purple color is followed by a wine with a concentrated, full-bodied texture, a layered mouthfeel, fresh acids, abundant tannin, and a 50-60-year evolution ahead of it. Compared to the enormous, but backward 2005, the 2008 seems even less evolved at a similar stage. Sweet creme de cassis, black cherry, licorice, and smoky barbecue characteristics combine with a liqueur of minerality that resonates from this terroir that is considered to be among the top dozen or so vineyard sites in Bordeaux. This remarkable offering, from a person who has, thankfully, ignored the petty jealousy and unfair criticism of his administration, is another St.-Emilion for your children’s children. For the fact-mongers, this cuvee was hand-harvested between October 13-21, with the grapes put in small plastic containers. Everything is moved by gravity flow, and there is no fining or filtration following a slightly longer than normal aging (28-30 months) in oak casks. 96-98+ Robert Parker"

"70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 65% new oak this year. Inky with barely a rim. Dark and firm, dry but with more freshness and the tannins a little more melted than in previous vintages. Gerard Perse described as 'more feminine' than in the last few years, though I think he must like his women to have worked out! Harvested last week in Oct to 2 Nov. Lovely dark fruit. Roasted but not cooked. Dark and intense but much more. Savoury and concentrated but not the bitterness of some previous vintages. 17.5+ Jancis Robinson"

Bellevue Mondotte £1560 per case under bond

"Good luck trying to find any of this wine, even with the worldwide economic crisis. From low yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the limestone plateau of the so-called Cote Pavie emerges from a 5-acre vineyard planted with 46-year-old vines. As usual, the Perse viticulture is impeccable, with crop-thinning, de-leafing, and hand rather than machine harvesting. This vineyard was harvested on October 20th, and the result is a compelling wine of great depth, richness, and aging potential. The dense purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary nose of charcoal, spring flowers, black raspberries, and creme de cassis. As my tasting notes read, this is “amazing stuff,” with incredibly sweet tannins as well as the vintage’s freshness and crispness, which makes it very different from recent vintages such as 2006, 2005, 2001, and 2000. This wine should be forgotten for a decade, and drunk over the following 30+ years. 96-98+ Robert Parker"

Pavie Decesse £930 per case under bond

"Like all the Perse wines, the 2008 Pavie Decesse is a backward, unevolved effort that just recently finished malolactic fermentation. An amazing effort (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) that was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare, it emerges from an 8+ acre vineyard planted in pure limestone whose vines average 47 years (relatively old by Bordeaux standards). The 2008 is another huge, massive, full-bodied St.-Emilion that is even more concentrated than the 2005 or 2000. Sweet notes of blackberries, kirsch, licorice, and crushed rocks are accompanied by an awesomely concentrated, pure, unevolved wine that appears set for 30-40 years of cellaring. It is best purchased by those who are willing to wait at least 10-15 years. This is another brilliant offering from Gerard and Chantal Perse. Are they obsessed? Yes. Are they perfectionists? Yes. As consumers, are we the beneficiaries? Yes. - 94-96 Robert Parker"

14 May 2009 

Hot news now with St Julien's top-scoring wine, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou now available at £745 per case (or £740 for 3 cases+).  Ducru receives a whopping 96-98 points from Robert Parker, with only Lafite & Pontet Canet scoring above it on the Left Bank.  Bruno Borie has brought this property back to top form in recent vintages with production of the first wine almost halved to 9000 cases.
In Bruno Borie's words, the 2008 Ducru Beaucaillou is "well above 2004, with much more structure than 2007, and more sensuality than 2006." I would add that it is even better than that, and as profound as the 2005. Approximately 33% of the crop made it into Ducru, which came in at 13.1% natural alcohol. This 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot blend reveals a dense opaque purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet bouquet of spring flowers, creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, espresso roast, and spice. A testament to the density and richness of this wine is the fact that no oak is apparent in the aromas or flavors. The wine is unctuously textured, but analytically, it has a good level of total acid and sound pH. This fabulous offering will age effortlessly for 30-40+ years.Bruno Borie deserves accolades for the remarkable things he has accomplished at Ducru Beaucaillou over the last few years.  96-98 points – Robert Parker

13 May 2009 

We now have the release of one of Robert Parker's top scoring wines of the vintage - Chateau Montrose. Scored 95-97 points, it is compared it to the 1990 Montrose (£3250 per case), the 1989, (£1650 per case) and the 2003 (£1470 per case). We are pleased to offer the 2008 for £495 per case or £490 per case for 3+ cases.
An undeniably great Montrose, after some time in wood, the 2008 should achieve the heights of the 2003, 1990, and 1989. Stylistically different from those wines, the 2008 harvest took place between September 29 and October 15, and yields were a modest 44 hectoliters per hectare. This superb terroir west of the Gironde River possesses a remarkable amount of gravel in the soil base. Sixty percent of the production made it into the 2008 Montrose, and the person responsible for so many great Haut-Brions, Jean-Bernard Delmas, came out of retirement to take charge over the last several vintages for proprietor Martin Bouygues. An inky/purple color is accompanied by sweet, pure aromas of black fruits and spice. This full-bodied wine exhibits superb concentration, sweet tannin, and a multilayered, textured, full-bodied mouthfeel with no hard edges. The sweetness of the tannin, the extraordinary purity of fruit, and the intense aromatics suggest a year of great ripeness. The difference between the 2008 and the 2003, 1990, or 1989 is the freshness and purity of expression. This should be a long-lived wine (35+ years), yet it will drink surprisingly well at a young age. For some reason, it comes across like an even more pure example of the 1989, even though there is nothing essentially comparable between the two harvests. 95-97 points - Robert Parker

Margaux's Malescot Saint Exupery is now also released and is now available at £260 per case under bond.
"Purple crimson. Rich and meaty on the nose – quite complex. Lots of life and nerve in here – really energetic and demanding. Great interest and complexity bubbling away beneath the surface. Long and exciting. Quite forward – perhaps because of the sheer weight of fruit. . 17+- Jancis Robinson.

Other releases include one of the best estates in Margaux, Chateau Rauzan Segla and the very consistent Branaire Ducru.

Rauzan Segla - £425 per case.
This outstanding effort is atypically forward, sexy, and opulent. Only 45% of the crop made it into this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Yields were 47 hectoliters per hectare, which is slightly higher than some estates, but the harvest was very late, between October 2-21. Sweet cassis, black cherry, licorice, tobacco leaf, and spice box are all present in the complex aromatics. In the mouth, the wine offers generosity, roundness, sweetness, and velvety, ripe tannins. I was surprised by how forward, precocious, and delicious this wine has already become. It appears set for a relatively long life of 25+ years. 91-93 points - Robert Parker

Other notable releases today include:-

PESSAC-LEOGNAN
Fieuzal Rouge (90-93 points RP) - £175 per case

ST EMILION
Moulin St Georges - Made by Alain Vauthier of Ausone fame. £240 per case.

Canon - Along with Rauzan Segla this has made giant improvements recently helped by the investment of the Wertheimer brothers (owners of Chanel) and the management of John Kolasa. £435 per case

11 May 2009

We are now pleased to offer a candidate for wine of the vintage....Chateau Pontet Canet 2008 is available on a first come, first served basis at £595 per case or £590 for 3+ cases. This is a Chateau flying high - since 2003, Pontet Canet is regularly one of the most impressive wines of the appellation - and a great value in comparison with Super-Seconds and of course, the appellation's First Growths: with 96-98+ points, Robert Parker puts it at the level of Lafite (98-100) and Latour (96-98). A big, voluptuous wine with great ageing potential, Pontet Canet is a triumphant 2008.   (RP 96-98+, NM 93-95, JR 17, WS 91-93)
"A wine for our children's children. Nobody in Bordeaux is more attentive to detail than Alfred Tesseron is at Pontet-Canet. Fashioned from incredibly low yields, a very late harvest, and a Draconian selection, the 2008 will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade, and it should still be in superb form circa 2060. An absolutely amazing effort, it boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of creme de cassis, graphite, charcoal, and incense, blockbuster depth, and full-bodied power. The tannins are high, but they are remarkably velvety as well as well-integrated. Sensational acidity gives the wine precision and vibrancy, but the impression is one of massive concentration and power. The 2008 Pontet-Canet, a candidate for the wine of the vintage, is a tour de force in viticultural precision and winemaking savoir faire. - 96-98+ points- Robert Parker

We also now have a small quantity available of Vieux Chateau Certan at £480 per case to offer on a general basis. This is a Pomerol that we were very impressed with once again. Very precise but unfortunately there is not much to go round as a strict selection left only 3,000 cases available. (RP 92-94+, NM 90-92, JR 17.5, WS 89-92)
"The 2008 Vieux Chateau Certan was still going through malolactics when I tasted it, so my score is probably on the low side. Yields were a strikingly low 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was slightly earlier than at most properties, starting on September 28 and ending on October 8. The final blend had not yet been determined, but what I tasted was 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As one might expect, this wine was among the least evolved and judge-able wines I tasted in late March. Nevertheless, it reveals outstanding potential, and once malo is finished, I would expect the wine to put on more weight and flesh. It reveals a dense purple color, plenty of depth, beautiful sweet, pure blue and red fruits, and notes of camphor as well as incense. The wine’s striking freshness, length, and overall potential are promising. Production is off by 25% as there will be 3,000 rather than the normal 4,000 cases of the 2008.Given the structure, acids, and overall concentration, this wine should evolve for 25-35 years. - 92-94+ points - Robert Parker

Also Chateau Troplong Mondot, with a wine to rival their 2005 (99 points)... The 2008 is now available at £475 per case.  (RP 95-97, NM 91-93, JR 16.5, WS 91-94)
What a worthy rival to the prodigious 2005! This is another superb success from proprietress Christine Valette, but it is distressing to hear that this property may be up for sale. The inky/blue/purple-colored, formidably concentrated 2008 exhibits aromas of smoke, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, roasted coffee, and spice box. Boasting fabulous fruit and purity, a multilayered texture, full body, and prominent, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this is a tour de force in winemaking from an outstanding and a perfectionist proprietor. Give it 5-6 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following three decades. 95-97 points- Robert Parker

We now just have our very last cases of Eglise Clinet (RP 94-96+) at £850 per case or £430 per case of 6 bottles. We expect this to be sold out shortly.

Other notable new releases include:

PESSAC-LEOGNAN
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge (RP 93-95, NM 89-91, JR 16+.5++, WS 89-92) at £340 per case.
The 2008 Smith-Haut-Lafitte, which is somewhat reminiscent of the brilliant 1998, exhibits sweet cassis, tobacco leaf, earth, and barbecue characteristics in its complex aromatics. The wine reveals ripe, supple tannin, medium to full body, gorgeous fruit, impeccable purity, and a luscious texture. It should be relatively approachable in its youth, and last for 25+ years. The final composition was 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. 93-95 points - Robert Parker

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc at £530 per case.  Very limited quantities available.

Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Rouge at £250 per case.
Another brilliant effort from an estate that has done superb work over the last 10-15 years, the 2008 reveals sweet, exuberant notes of lead pencil shavings, smoked herbs, sweet earth, and copious quantities of black currant and blackberry fruit. Dense and full-bodied with a richness and texture that are stunningly opulent, with no hard edges, there is plenty of tannin, but they are sweet and unaggressive. Good acidity provides freshness, precision, and definition to the wine’s component parts. It should drink well for 20-25 years. 91-94 points - Robert Parker

MARGAUX
Chateau Issan (RP 91-93, NM 90-92, JR 17, WS 87-80) at £260 per case
This beautifully elegant, precise, well-delineated 2008 displays a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of spring flowers, blue and black fruits, and subtle graphite and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a layered, expansive mouthfeel, impressive purity, and a long finish with no hint of aggressiveness, this effort should be at its peak in 4-6 years, and evolve for 20-25 years. 91-93 points - Robert Parker

POMEROL
Chateau Rouget at £220 per case
Potentially the finest Rouget I have ever tasted, the 2008 transcends its terroir. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet kirsch, black raspberry, and loamy soil characteristics offered in a full-bodied, opulent, sexy, lush wine with a stunningly long finish. It will be drinkable early in life, and should evolve for 15-20 years. 90-93 points - Robert Parker

7 May 2009

UPDATE (PM):
POMEROL
Chateau l'Eglise Clinet (RP 94-96+, NM 95-97, JR 17.5, WS 91-94) £850 per case IB.  
Superstar Pomerol l'Eglise Clinet is now out - a fabulous wine, with the concentration and structure to reward long-term ageing. With production (hovering around the 1000 case mark usually), down 15-20% in 2008, Eglise Clinet will be in strong demand.  Hot on the heels of the 100 point 2005 (£4000+) and the 96 point 2006 (£1400), the 2008 seems very well-priced at £850 and is a must-buy en primeur.
So many great wines have emerged from this property administered with meticulous care and obvious passion by proprietor Denis Durantou that it hard to say the 2008 is better than some of the previous wines produced over the last decade. It is more backward and less evolved than some of the other Pomerols in this vintage, but the wine boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as an exceptionally pure bouquet of creme de cassis, black raspberry liqueur, charcoal, and a hint of black truffles. Dense and pure with massive concentration yet undeniable elegance and precision (because of the fresh acids), this full-bodied effort, despite the high level of Merlot in the blend, requires 7-10 years of patience. It should evolve for 30-40 years after bottling, and will be fascinating to compare with some of the legends produced here over the last ten years. 94-96+ - Robert Parker

"There is no question that Pomerol seems to be the epicenter of many extraordinary wines. I would even go so far as to say the 2008 Pomerols eclipse/surpass the quality of the 2005s, 2001s, and 2000s. It is an amazing vintage in Pomerol, and this carries over to some of the finest wines made in the satellite appellation of Lalande de Pomerol." Robert Parker.

___________________

Today begins with the release of St Estephe star Second Growth Cos d'Estournel.  This is one property that is truly relentless in their pursuit of quality, with their precise work in the vineyard and a newly-built, 21st century-style chai.  Jean-Guillaume Prats continues his run of excellent vintages with another stunning effort in 2008 - this has to be close if not equal in quality to the First Growths once again.  The Euro release price is unashamedly the same as last year, but the quantity released onto the market 50% down.

ST ESTEPHE
Chateau Cos d'Estournel (RP 94-96+, NM 94-96, JR 18, WS 91-94) £770 per case IB (£765 for 2 cs+)
The 2008 Cos d’Estournel possesses an atypically high (85%) amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, with 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The first vintage vinified in the new facility, an unusually high percentage of the crop (78%) was included in the grand vin. The bad news is that yields were a minuscule 25 hectoliters per hectare. This wine achieved 13.8% natural alcohol, and the number of days between the flowering and harvest was 160, compared to the normal 100-110 (one of the keys to understanding the exceptionally high quality that characterizes the 2008 Bordeaux). There were no serious heat waves during the growing season, which meant that the maturation process was slow, long, and ideal. Combine that with the very low yields, and the superb weather from mid-September to late-October, and the often splendid results are much easier to comprehend. The inky/purple-hued 2008 Cos is still very young, and probably will improve even further as the wine came out of malolactic fermentation very late. It reveals exceptionally precise, fresh aromas of black fruits, crushed rocks, licorice, flowers, and subtle smoke. Dense and high in tannin, the extraordinary richness of polyphenols has given the wine power, substance, and depth, but the sweetness of the tannin and the seemingly low acidity, even though the wine tastes remarkably fresh and the pH is only 3.57 (compared to pH’s close to 4 when the fruit is this ripe), has given the wine a precision and elegance that is remarkable. And don’t forget, this is probably the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever used in a Cos d’Estournel blend. This wine should gain weight, richness, and a few Parker points by the time it is bottled. It is even denser and richer than the 1996, with an index of polyphenols at 80, which is not unusual for many of the top wines of the vintage, but is extremely high, and more along the lines of what one would find in the top wines of 2005. It should evolve for 30-35 years.  94-96+ points - Robert Parker

And the excellent second wine of Cos:
Pagodes de Cos (RP 90-92, NM 90-92, JR 17, WS 87-90) £240 per case IB
The second wine, the 2008 Les Pagodes de Cos, is the finest example of this cuvee yet made. A blend of 53% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot, with a natural alcohol of 13.5%, it offers beautiful freshness along with sweet, pure notes of creme de cassis, earth, and forest floor. Sweet tannin, striking concentration, and a lush style make for an impressive wine that should drink beautifully for 15+ years. 90-92 points - Robert Parker

ST EMILION
Chateau Pavie Macquin (RP 93-95, NM 93-95, JR 17, WS 90-93) £325 per case IB.  Gorgeously rich, modern St Emilion.
It is another superb effort from this property that was elevated to premier grand cru classe status until a judge in Libourne, for unknown reasons, threw out the classification, a decision beyond belief, that is now under appeal. A number of exceptional wines have emerged from Pavie Macquin, which is managed by Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, and the 2008 boasts a whopping 14.5% natural alcohol, higher than in 2005, 2000, or 1998. While extremely high in tannin and very unevolved, for those with patience and cold cellars, or who plan to pass on their wines to their children, this is a worthwhile choice. It is that backward, concentrated, and impressive. It exhibits a black/purple color in addition to stunning notes of graphite, black fruits, underbrush, chocolate, and roasted coffee beans. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich, the high but sweet tannins, combined with the freshness of the acids make for a remarkably youthful, nuanced wine that should easily age for three decades. 93-95 points - Robert Parker

5 May 2009

A flood of new releases today from almost every appellation, starting with the world's greatest sweet wine:

SAUTERNES
Chateau d'Yquem (RP 94-96, NM 94-97, JR 18, WS 91-94) - £1795 per case IB bottles or halves
....this is an Yquem that is unequivocally top of the pile in 2008. A light straw color with green tints in the glass. The bouquet is just wonderful, very perfumed with aromas of apricot, acacia honey and white flowers. A degree less clarity than the 2007, but perhaps more nuanced, more honeyed. The palate is a little more viscous than the 2007, lacquers the mouth with honey, apricot and orange zest. Very harmonious, the finish vibrant and edgy, real tension and energy in this Yquem. Very focused on the finish – not the “peacocks” tail of flavors that one finds on truly great vintages. But there is a surreal level of elegance and poise – an understated Yquem that should age effortlessly and returning to the glass it graces you with hints of almond and a dash of spice. In 2008, the king is king. P.S. RMP rated this blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon (94-96).  95-97 points - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

PAUILLAC
Chateau Pichon Baron (RP 92-94, NM 94-97, JR 17, WS 88-91)  £510 per case IB. 
Firm, but sweet tannins (which suggests ideal maturity) characterize this 2008. Displaying good minerality along with plenty of floral, creme de cassis, blackberry, coffee, and white chocolate notes, this full-bodied, dense, promising Pauillac is built to age for 20-25 years. 92-94 - Robert Parker

PESSAC-LEOGNAN
Chateau Haut Bergey Rouge (RP 92-94)  £170 per case IB.  92-94 points for under £200!
The earthy, smoky notes intermixed with notions of black fruits and road tar found in this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot are classic Graves traits. Sweet, dense fruit, with tremendous opulence, a layered mouthfeel, and excellent purity, freshness, and ripe tannins are displayed in abundance in this beautifully made offering from proprietor Helene Garcin. It should age effortlessly for 20 years. 92-94+ - Robert Parker

Chateau Branon (RP 94-97)  £460 per case IB.  One of Robert Parker's highest-ranking Graves this year, behind only Haut Bailly and the venerable Haut Brion.
This sensational effort displays massive concentration, extraordinary intensity, and soaring aromatics of roasted coffee, barbecued meats, graphite, blackberries, and cassis, dense fruit, full body, excellent purity, nuance, and unlimited potential complexity as well as longevity. This limited production cuvee, a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, ranks alongside Branon's sensational 2000. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025. 94-97 - Robert Parker

POMEROL/LALANDE DE POMEROL
The wines made by the super-talented Denis Durantou of Eglise Clinet, including a pair of excellent value entry-level wines:
La Chenade - £92 per case IB (Lalande de Pomerol)
Saintayme - £92 per case IB  (St Emilion)
Les Cruzelles (RP 90-92)  £148 per case IB.  Excellent value wine, a stone's throw away from Pomerol in Lalande de Pomerol.
Probably the finest wine yet produced by proprietor Denis Durantou, this sleeper of the vintage exhibits beautifully ripe black raspberry and black cherry fruit interwoven with notes of truffles, licorice, and flowers. Surprisingly dense, with medium to full body, silky tannins, and lovely freshness, this is a concentrated, fleshy, mouthfilling Lalande de Pomerol to drink during its first 10-15 years of life. 90-92 - Robert Parker

La Petite Eglise - £165 per case IB.  Denis Durantou's second label, La Petite Eglise comes from vats not used for the stunning Eglise Clinet.  Has to be the best value in Pomerol!

Chateau Clinet (RP 94-97) £420 per case IB.
This is the greatest Clinet since the incredible duo made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990. The dense purple-colored 2008 offers up beautiful floral, blackberry, and pen ink-like notes, exceptional intensity, that multilayered texture that seems to be commonplace in the top 2008 Pomerols, silky but elevated tannins, good freshness, precision, and nuance, a substantial size, and an extremely long finish with not a hard edge to be found. It should evolve for 30+ years. 94-97 - Robert Parker

ST EMILION
Chateau Monbousquet (RP 92-94)  £280 per case IB.
Like many of the Chantal and Gerard Perse wines, the 2008 Monbousquet is blacker than a moonless night. Like the other wines in the Perse portfolio, it is very backward, and was obviously just coming off malolactic fermentation on the three occasions I tasted it. Loaded with concentration, and perhaps even bigger than the 2005 or even the 2000, this blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon topped off at 14.5% natural alcohol. Sweet, pure notes of black cherries, roasted herbs, forest floor, and toasty oak are restrained, but intense. The wine’s purity, another hallmark of this vintage, gorgeous texture, and long finish with sweet tannins as well as more acids than normal, suggest it should drink beautifully young and evolve for up to a decade. 92-94 - Robert Parker

Chateau Figeac - £495 per case IB.  A St Emilion name.   Both classic and unique (thanks to the unusual blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc AND Sauvignon), Figeac always takes some time to come around and soften.

1 May 2009

Today we have the hotly-awaited scores from Mr Parker and his pronouncements on the 2008 vintage: 

"It did not take me long to realize that the 2008 vintage was dramatically better than I had expected. It had all the qualities that make an excellent and in some cases, a great vintage so special: exceptionally dark opaque colors, gorgeously ripe fruit, stunning purity almost across the board, great freshness (because it was a cool year), slightly higher acids than normal, and remarkable density as well as concentration. Moreover, one of the significant keys to evaluating quality is the maturity of the tannins. In 2008, the tannins are unusually velvety, even in wines that may lack concentration…. In some cases, there are wines as profound as 2005. In short, the vintage is vastly superior to 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 (with some exceptions in that unusual vintage), 2002, 2001, and 1999." 

These very positive comments will undoubtedly breathe new life into the releases so far and stocks of the more highly-rated wines are going quickly with Lynch Bages now sold out;  we have also had to purchase new stocks of Duhart Milon (93-95) and Pichon Lalande (94-96), and Leoville Barton (92-94).  With Pomerol the epicentre of quality this year, the just-released Chateau Gazin (94-96) looks like a great buy at £350 per case.  The epitome of elegant Graves, we also recommend Domaine de Chevalier Rouge (92-94) at £285 per case.

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge (RP 92-94) £285 per case IB.
One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades... The most noticeable thing is that consultant Stephane Derenoncourt has drastically cut back the influence of new oak, or at least its ability to intrude on the aromatics and flavors. This beautifully textured, dense purple-colored 2008 exhibits notes of graphite, spring flowers, and blue as well as red fruits in an elegant, full-bodied, flavorful, layered mouthfeel. The freshness of the vintage, combined with low yields has given this cuvee an atypical density and richness that is largely unprecedented. Production is relatively small for the size of the vineyard (about 8,000 cases). This beauty should drink well for 25+ years. 92-94 - Robert Parker

Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (90-92) £540 per case IB.

Chateau Gazin (RP 94-96) £350 per case IB.
The 2008 is a marvelous effort from this property situated adjacent to Petrus and only a stone’s throw from l’Evangile. An amazing effort, the wine exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, wonderful concentration, a beautifully sweet perfume of caramels, mocha, jammy black currants, and smoky blackberries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a layered, skyscraper-like texture, and sweet but elevated tannins. Overall, it displays gorgeous freshness and delineation. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025. 94-96 - Robert Parker

29 April 2009

Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste at £290 per case IB. Consistently good, classic Pauillac from Francois-Xavier Borie.
This has a lovely, far more expressive nose than I expected with black cherries, a touch of iodine and violets (redolent of the superlative 2006) with superb definition. Just a faint hint of oyster shells. The palate is full-bodied, fully ripe tannins, a little more rounded than usual but superb depth, a wine that really caresses the palate. Blackberry, a touch of briary and cedar with a dash of vanillary new oak towards the finish. Superb length. Up there with Pichon Lalande. This is a more feminine GPL compared to other vintages, but one imbued with great breeding. Excellent. 92-94 points - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

Chateau Haut Batailley at £210 per case IB. Lighter-styled claret also made by Francois-Xavier Borie,
Mid claret colour. Not terrifically ripe but beautifully balanced. Friendly, lively, transparent. Sweet. Very easy with a certain energy. 16.5 points. - Jancisrobinson.com

Chateau Cantemerle at £170 per case IB - Traditional favourite.
Crimson. Hint of rawness on the nose but lovely round silky texture on the palate. Pretty dry tannins but very fine ones. Muscular. Well done. 16 points - Jancisrobinson.com

Chateau Climens at £695 per case IB - Arguably the best wine from the Barsac area, 2008 follows a staggering good effort in 2007.
As every year, the final blend has not been made and the tasting at the châteaux is of various barrel samples of individual lots picked on different dates, even at different times of the day... The first tri was generally richer and more fruity than the others. My favourite lot was perhaps less concentrated than recent vintages but with a delicate floral character and lovely brightness and elegance. The slightly lower concentration seemed to allow an attractive liveliness. All six lots tasted were quite distinct, some more marked by oak than others, so it's hard to draw a conclusion on how the final blend will taste but this selection of possible components suggests a fresh, bright lightly floral wine, still with excellent intensity and lovely apricot botrytis depth but a little less rich than the 2007 and none the worse for that. (JH) 18 points - Jancisrobinson.com

Chateau Doisy Vedrines at £220 per case IB (bottles or half-bottles) - Good value, well-made Barsac at a reasonable price.
Spicy/sour lemon nose. Very pure citrus flavours, then richer orange depth and concentration. Pure, reasonably concentrated and fresh to the end. (JH) - 17 points - Jancisrobinson.com
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27 April 2009

We can now offer a selection of wines from Haut Brion:

- Often rivalling its First Growth sister in quality, Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is now offered at £1310 per case IB.  We can also offer the second wine of La Mission, Chapelle de la Mission, at £270 per case IB.

- Clarence Haut Brion - £425 per case IB - the newly-relaunched second wine of Chateau Haut Brion (formerly Bahans Haut Brion). Always good Pessac-Leognan, the second wine will now be presented in the same distinctive Haut Brion bottle as the Grand Vin.

- Plantiers Haut Brion - £265 per case IB - great value white wine from the Haut Brion stable, Plantiers is in fact the the second wine of two greats - Haut Brion Blanc and Laville Haut Brion.

Other recent releases include:

- Lagrange (St Julien) - £260 per case IB.  Another Chateau 'brand' whose worldwide popularity is on the rise.
- La Conseillante - £495 per case IB.  Consistently lovely Pomerol.
- Fonbel - £112 per case IB.  Good entry-level early-drinking St Emilion made by the great Alain Vauthier of Ausone fame.

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21 April 2009

A host of new releases now.  We start with the contender for best Margaux of the appellation, followed by a selection of well-known names from the Medoc.

- Chateau Palmer at £995 per case IB.  Never an en primeur bargain as such as the Chateau is never in a rush to sell.  Then again you don't see an awful lot of mature (or young) Palmer around.  Both Neal Martin and Jancis Robinson rate Palmer higher than Chateau Margaux this year.
Dark and glowing. Quite grown up and sophisticated. Draws you in on the nose - much more compelling than most 2008s. Sweet start - 51% Merlot! - very unusually high for 2008 and for Palmer. The opposite of Ch Margaux. Actually quite Ornellaia like, very soft and rich. Very seductive and lively. With velvety texture. Neat and energetic. Cool, even slightly minty. Really lots of pleasure. Even if quite unusual. The Palmer team love it - not least because it was so difficult. Italian bite. (Not that this will be a popular tasting note in Margaux.) Quite electric. 13.4%. Drink 2014-26.  18 - - Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com

- Chateau Calon Segur at £295 per case IB.  Consistently good, classic St Estephe.  What's more, the Chateau's pricing policy has remained sensible over recent vintages, despite impressive quality here. 
Deep crimson. Very different. Spicy sweet nose - very fluid. Quite a contrast to the austere Montrose we have just tasted! Quite rich and supple and fireworks. Round and rather glorious though not at all tarted up. Very fresh. Firm and with great spin though no compromises. Very classic. A very confident vintage for Calon-Ségur. Drink 2018-32. 17.5+ - Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com

- Chateau Talbot at £240 per case IB.  One of the cheapest vintages available. Talbot is another 'brand' with a loyal following in Asia - as stock disappears the price usually moves upwards.  An elegant Talbot that should age well.

- Chateau Beychevelle at £265 per case IB.  Another hot brand in the Far East...  Not much Beychevelle available under £400.
Quite aromatic. Very neat. Lovely sweetness on the front and a perfume. Great balance. Fine tannins. Fresh without being tart. Very well put together even if not the most extreme 2008. 17 - Drink 2017-2024 - Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com

- Chateau Lafon Rochet at £220 per case IB
A blend of 31% Merlot, 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot, this Lafon-Rochet displays moderate intensity on the nose: blackberry, blueberry and a touch of cassis. It could do with being a degree less macerated. The palate is full-bodied with saturated, chewy tannins, dense black fruits, hints of boysenberry, cedar and a touch of pepper. A very slick smooth finish that just needs a little more reserve. It will be interesting to see how this shows after bottling. 86-88 points - Neal Martin, eroberparker.com

- Chateau La Lagune at £275 per case IB.  Seems rather expensive to us...

SAUTERNES
- Chateau Guiraud at £310 per case IB or £325 halves.  2008 is a tiny Sauternes vintages and here the volume this year is down 70%.  A lovely wine, but we have the fabulous 2001 available at £370 per case.  Luscious, balanced and rinking beautifully now. 
This shows wonderful spicy botrytis, tarte Tatin and dried pineapple aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lots of spicy and sweet character. Long and flavorful. Very fine and beautiful. 91-94 points - James Suckling, Wine Spectator

- Chateau Suduiraut at £420 per case IB or £435 halves. 
Thick and very rich for the vintage, with loads of apple, cream, honey, toffee and botrytis character. Full and layered. 90-93 points - James Suckling, Wine Spectator

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17 April 2009

UPDATE: Late morning sees Chateau Pichon Lalande release.  Now available at £455 per case, this is a gorgeously flattering wine and once again, the cheapest Pichon Lalande going.

Dense crimson with a slightly weak rim. Scented, aromatic. Just 29% Merlot but this seems very fleshy and seductive. Not the firmest 2008 though there were dry tannins on the finish. A little lighter than some – a rather different, less dense wine than some more ambitious 2008 Pauillacs – but should give lots of pleasure. Very rich and round and flattering. There is ripeness and real charm here too. Impressive length. Drink 2015-25.  17.5 points - Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com

This morning we have the releases of the other wines from Lafite:

- First up, Lafite's other Pauillac, Chateau Duhart Milon at £265 per case, or £260 for 3 cases+.  Duhart has risen in popularity over recent years thanks to the enormous strength of the Lafite brand in Asia.  This is the price that Carruades used to be!  With Duhart 2006 at £325, the price is fair and seems like a good bet to move upwards.  Recommended.

"Purple. Extremely deep colour – deeper than Lafite! Fine, scented, aromatic and flattering on the nose. Lovely texture. Rather forward and fine tannined. Powdery texture. Lots of Cabernet (73%) but very ripe Cabernet. Very fine and neat – truly baby Lafite, except that of course it tastes much less embryonic in terms of development than its stablemate Lafite. A very successful seductive Duhart-Milon. Great balance. 17+" Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com

- Also available Chateau l'Evangile at £690 per case.  One of our favourite wines this year, Evangile is super-seductive.   One not to be missed by lovers of great Pomerol.
- Finally Chateau Rieussec is available (in miniscule quantities) at £430 per case or £440 for half-bottles.

Always a popular primeur, Chateau Lynch Bages is now available. Classic Cabernet and a great Pauillac, its following around the world means that the mature vintages are hard to find and even the price of good young vintages starts at £450.  At £355 per case IB the 2008 is cheapest Lynch available.  Recommended.

This has a cohesive nose: blackberry, cedar, just a faint hint of thyme - good definition and focus although not quite the thrilling clarity of Pichon Baron. This is a very "correct" Lynch Bages that reminds more a little of Latour, very pure black fruit, cedar, a touch of briary, a slight tertiary notes towards the finish. Very well balanced and defined, good length, nice persistency. Excellent - unadulterated Cabernet that should drink well over two decades. 91-93 points - Neal Martin, eroberparker.com

Lynch Bages lovers will also be interested to know that the second wine has been relaunched as Echos de Lynch Bages, now available at £165 per case IB, and their good value St Estephe Ormes de Pez is out at £155 per case IB.

Other recent releases include:
- From Margaux, Chateau Giscours at £255 per case.
- Pomerol's Chateau Gazin at £345 per case.

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16 April 2009
This morning another St Julien enters the fray, with Chateau Leoville Poyferre now available at £305 per case IB.

There's beautiful purity of fruit in this young wine, with blackberry and raspberry on the nose and hints of toasty oak. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Turns fresh and lively, with sweet fruit on the finish. 90-93 points — James Suckling, Wine Spectator

A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Ripe saturated blackberry on the nose with touches of cedar and smoke all in Poyferre’s usual extrovert style. The palate has very good fruit concentration with pure blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry and cedar. Good sense of mineralité and tension on the finish. Great length. Much improvement over the 2007. Excellent. 91-93 points — Neal Martin, Wine Journal

Black-red, rich, plummy and smoky blackcurrant fruit, well-concentrated, fleshy ripeness, broad and fresh, with firm tannins and inherent class is evident in the quality of the fruit. Drink 2017-30. (17.5 points) - Steven Spurrier, Decanter
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15 April 2009
As we finish typing up our vintage report and tasting notes the big releases have already started!  The rest of our En Primeur section should be completed by tomorrow morning and will include our overview on the vintage, as well as tasting notes from a variety of commentators.

First out was Chateau Angelus, barely waiting for buyers to arrive back from Bordeaux before releasing onto the market at, significantly, the same price as the 2004.  In Euro terms this is down 41% on last year - an important reduction that demonstrates an appreciation of the wider economic reality.  The 2004 price also sets a clear example for others to follow.  If Sterling were at 2004 levels, this would look very attractive indeed but nonetheless at £720 per case IB, it is still the cheapest Angelus around.  Vintages of comparable quality (2001, 2004) trade much higher thanks to a huge following in the Asian markets.  Typically Angélus in style. Deep, dark hue. Spicy, cedar nose. Rich, full extract but reined in and accented towards the fruit. Polished texture. Firm finish. Big but harmonious. Drink 2016-2028. (17.5 points) - Steven Spurrier, Decanter

The huge news yesterday was that Chateau Latour has stolen a march on the other First Growths by releasing their wine early and at a far reduced price. As only the first tranche has been released so far, we are pleased to offer this (subject to allocation) at £1590 per case IB.  This makes this by far the cheapest vintage of Chateau Latour going and so we expect very high demand.

Also out now from Chateau Latour, one of Bordeaux's best second labels, Les Forts de Latour, at £550 per case IB. Purple-red, smoky, almost seductive Pauillac fruit, yet has the firmness, grip and structure of a serious wine, not a blockbuster, fine purity and length. Drink 2015-25. (17 points) - Steven Spurrier, Decanter

Subtle aromas of currant and raspberry, with a minerally undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little one-dimensional on the palate, but very good. 89-91 points — James Suckling, Wine Spectator

This morning we have the ever-popular Chateau Leoville Barton, one of Bordeaux's best buys.  Barton enjoys an enviable reputation thanks to their consistent top quality and reasonable pricing.  This is one of a handful of wines that should be included on primeur shopping lists year after year.  The 2008 is offered now at £330 per case IB.  Recommended. Black-red, very good concentration of autumnal black fruits nose, impressively structured fruit, plummy ripeness on the attack, classic firmness on the finish, very good depth and persistence, powerful yet restrained. Drink 2018-30. (18 points) - Steven Spurrier, Decanter

Roses, blackberries, currants and wet earth. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and very pretty fruit. Long and juicy. A delicious wine, very balanced. 90-93 points — James Suckling, Wine Spectator

And from on the opposite side of the road the sister-Chateau of Leoville, Langoa Barton is also now available at £240 per case IB.  Similar in style to Leoville with the same fine-grained tannins, Langoa is softer and approachable younger .  One of the best value St Juliens, the 2008 is now the cheapest vintage available.  Recommended.  Deep purple-red, deep, slightly smoky, slighty briary black fruits nose, both freshness and depth on the palate, elegant concentration of fruit, tannins that will blend in to show an expressive, classy wine. Drink 2015-25. (17 points) - Steven Spurrier, Decanter

[We can also currently offer back vintages of Langoa: 2007 - £270, 2006 - £300, 2000 - £380, 1998 - £290, 1995 - £310]

St Julien stalwart Chateau Gruaud Larose is now offered at £270 per case IB (2007 price £295 per case). Plummy and perfumed, with sweet spices and currants. Lovely subtle nose. Full- to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely balance. Ripe and pretty fruit. Could get even better. — James Suckling, Wine Spectator. 

Deep purple-red, plummy and ripe blackcurrant fruit, but quite broad and jammy and seems to lack definition, pleasant but not persistent enough. Drink 2014-20. (15.5 points) - Steven Spurrier, Decanter

Finally today we have the releases from the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild.  Mouton's second label, the small-production Petit Mouton is also now available (£450 per case IB), which seems rather expensive to us.

Mouton's younger brothers are also now released: Armailhac (£230 per case IB) and Clerc Milon (£255 per case IB). 

Buying from Albany Vintners
We endeavour to have particularly competitive prices - thanks to our wide base of contacts, good relationships in Bordeaux and twenty years' experience in the fine wine market.  Our policy is to achieve maximum efficiency with low operating costs (no expensive central London rents/delivery fleet).  All profits are retained in the company providing a solid financial foundation. All prices are quoted In Bond UK, and therefore include delivery from Bordeaux to our warehouse in London, with no additional transport or insurance charges to pay.  Our minimum order value does not apply to En Primeur / Bordeaux 2008.