Archive Releases
30 April 2009
We've just added Robert Parker's 2008 Bordeaux scores and vintage appraisal to our website and to put it simply, they're absolutely huge. It's clearly evident that Parker adores this Bordeaux vintage (particularly the right-bank) and goes as far as describing some Châteaux wines as "close to, if not equal to the prodigious 2005 or 2000 vintages (two years with many of the best wines I have ever tasted from top to bottom)"
"What impact will this have on the prices & En-Primeur campaign"?
The pendulum has now clearly swung in favour of the Châteaux & négociants as demand (as we've already experienced this morning) is ferocious to say the least. Wines, which have been sitting on tick-over on the négociants books, are now selling out fast – Pichon Lalande (£465.00) being a good example of the same. Those wishing to purchase this wine and 'other' pre-Parker releases, Château Palmer (95-97+) which Parker describes as rivalling both the 2000 & 05, are currently selling at £1,650.00 & £1,900.00 respectively - £1,020.00 for the 2008 will seem very attractive to many now!
This Mornings Release:
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge comes highly recommended @ £295.00 IB per case or £285.00 IB per case if 2 or more cases are purchased. . .
92-94 R. Parker
"One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier's 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare, which is significantly lower than in most top vintages. 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."
Hold on – It's going to be a very interesting & frenetic few weeks!