Archive Releases
3 June 2008
At last, a bit of heat and increased tempo with this years 2007 Bordeaux releases. . .
Château Montrose
First out the blocks is the second growth St Estèphe, Château Montrose, which is offered @ £460.00 IB per case. . . It's worth noting the legendary Jean-Bernard Delmas (Ex Château Haut Brion) is now in charge of winemaking at Montrose. . . The 2007 has received excellent reviews from the majority of critics/publications;
Decanter Magazine 18.0
"Black-red, slightly smoky nose, very Cabernet and very fine concentration of ripe berry fruit, with fine terroir expression and masses of fruit in reserve to open up, backed by fine tannins". Drink 2015-25. 4 stars.
Neal Martin 90-93
"A limpid purple/garnet colour. I prefer this nose to the 2006 Montrose at en primeur last year. The fruit is clean, well-defined but tightly coiled. Unfurls nicely in the glass, some lovely ripe Cabernet Sauvignon here with a touch of tobacco. The Grand Vin displays a nice balance, good acidity, clean fruit, tight and perhaps rather linear. This is a Montrose not daring to take too many chances but succeeding in terms of creating a well poised, lighter wine that rather than being made to impress, is made to impart pleasure". Tasted April 2008.
Robert Parker 89-92
Les Forts de Latour & Château Leoville Barton Allocations
We're battling to confirm our allocations of both Les Forts de Latour (The second wine of Château Latour) and Château Leoville Barton – Both wines will be offered firstly to customers who have supported past vintages. . . I will be sending out our finalised offer later today. . .
Château Langoa Barton
Château Langoa Barton (Leoville Barton's sister Château) is offered @ £280.00 IB per case. . .
Decanter Magazine 17.0
Neal Martin 90-91
James Suckling 88-91
Robert Parker 87-89
Château Maléscot St.-Exupéry
Robert Parker awards Château Maléscot St.-Exupéry (91-93), which scores higher than Châteaux Lafite Rothschild & Latour. . . We are delighted to offer and highly recommend the 2007, which is available @ £265.00 IB per case.
We totally agree with Parker's comments "smart money (and less of it) can fetch such magnificent wines are Brane Cantenac, D'Issan, Lascombes, and Maléscot St.-Exupéry". . .
Highly recommended and one of our 'must' buys of 2007. . .
Château Branaire Ducru
Château Branaire Ducru (Saint-Julien 4ème Cru Classé) is released @ £270.00 IB per case. . . It's another pleasing reduction (Circa 14%) on last years price, even given Robert Parker's creditable score of 90-92 (the same as Les Forts de Latour, which will be at least double the price). Good value & delicious drinking in our opinion.
Château Calon Segur
Next up is Château Calon Segur (Saint-Estèphe 3ème Cru Classé), which is offered @ £320.00 IB per case. . . It's a very fair offering, given that prices for 'bottled' Calon Segur are usually higher – The 1999 is currently selling for £450.00 per case. . .