Archive Releases
11 May 2009
It's as rare as hens' teeth to see a fifth-growth releasing a second tranche however, Château Pontet Canet is nothing ordinary and the demand for their superb 2008 is fever pitch. . . For those who missed the 'opening' offer, we're now delighted to offer on a first-come-first serve basis the opportunity to purchase their stunning 2008 'untied' @ £575.00 IB per case
Robert Parker 96-98+
"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".
Today we start with two of our old favourites; Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge & Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. . .
Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, which has received a whopping 93-95 from Parker, and is available @ £340.00 IB per case or £335.00 IB if 2 or more cases are purchased.
"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".
Sadly, there's 50% less 2008 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc compared to last year hence the reason why you'd better be quick if you want a few cases – Offered @ £525.00 IB per case. Jancis awards 17.0 points, only a '+' away from Haut Brion Blanc which sold @ £3,000.00 per case! Robert Parker awards 91-93 placing it on-par with Pape Clement Blanc. . .
Over in Saint Emilion we are able to offer the very high-scoring Clos St Martin @ £330.00 IB per case. . . **Parker loved the 2008 and thinks its better than 2000, 01 and the 2005 – The latter currently sells @ £1,450.00 per case. . .
Robert Parker 93-95+
"The 2008 Clos Saint-Martin is the finest wine made at this estate since 2005, 2001, and 2000. A final blend of 75% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc has resulted in a dense purple-colored wine exhibiting sweet aromas of creme de cassis, crushed rocks, and a hint of kirsch. The striking aromatics are followed by a liqueur of minerals on the palate. Full-bodied with precise acids, sweet, ripe tannins, and impressive concentration, this wine tips the scales at 14% natural alcohol (probably as high as the 2005 or 2000). It should drink well for 25+ years".
Be quick!