Archive Releases

23 April 2009

I'm pleased to report that the campaign is back underway – I was rather fearful that the remaining Châteaux would wait until Monsieur Parker released his scores (expected mid next week) however, we've seen a flurry of releases from the Haut Brion/ La Mission Haut Brion stable this morning.

First up is Château La Mission Haut Brion, which we can offer for £1,300.00 IB per case.

Even though their 2008 has received some excellent reviews – (92-94+) from Neal Martin, (91-94) from James Suckling and 18.0 points apiece from Jancis Robinson and Steven Spuurier/Decanter.com, I'm actually wondering if there's any value in buying this? Particularly as the 2001 is selling around the £800.00 mark and the 2004 sub £800.00. It doesn't seem much of a bargain to me!

Château Haut Brion, one of the wines of the vintage is offered @ £1,800.00 IB per case. . . It's loved by Neal Martin who awards (94-96 – Same as Mouton). James Suckling awards 93-96, which I believe is his top left-bank score, Jancis gives 18.0 points and Decanter.com a whopping 19.0… NB: This will be strictly allocated.

Clarence De Haut Brion (2nd wine of Haut Brion) is offered @ £430.00 IB per case. I'm sorry to sound a bore but I can't see any sense in buying this either – Leoville Barton, Calon Segur & Pichon Lalande offer much more wine for your money!

Demand for Haut Brion Blanc is enormous however, their 2008 price is barmy and we're struggling to find any sense in justifying a price tag of £2,900.00 IB per case. . . I'd rather take 3 cases of 2007 Pape Clement Blanc or 6 cases of Smith Haut Lafitte, which are much better in my opinion.

Unfortunately, it's a similar story with Laville Haut Brion (Blanc), which is not priced to sell @ £2,500.00 IB per case. . . Bonkers!

I'm sorry to be so gloomy but honesty pays!