Lynch Bages 2019
£790 per case/12 IB
It’s no secret that we are merely one of a legion of fans of this superb Pauillac, which is simply getting better and better as the years go by. The 2019 is a fabulous, if extremely contrasting, follow up to the 2018: where the 2018 was similar in scale and structure to the 2010, the 2019 is more comparable in style to the great 2009: it balances fabulous richness and fruit ripeness with freshness and precision. Also just like the 2009s, this wine is no ‘flash in the pan’ – it will go the distance. As Jane Anson (97 points – the same as the 2018) suggests “The tannins are pretty chewy, really closing in on the end of play, giving no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades”.
Haut Batailley 2019
£420 per case/12 IB
The 2019 Haut Batailley has been released this morning at GBP 420. This is almost 20% below the release of the 2018 and given the major improvements seen under its new ownership represents an excellent price.
Malescot St-Exupery 2019
£372 per case/12 IB
“Wow. This is so perfumed and mesmerizing with currant, floral and blackberry character. It’s full-bodied, yet so refined and polished with wonderfully fine-grained and crafted tannins. The finish goes on and on.” - 96-97pts James Suckling
Ormes de Pez 2019
£ 210 per case/12 IB
The best value wine in Bordeaux? We can’t think of a better one. Ormes de Pez, whose 2019 is released today at a mere GBP 210 per 12, is a bona fide St Estephe grown on fabulous terroir and made by none other than the geniuses at Lynch Bages. The 2018 was a truly superb wine but the 2019 could be even better – and it’s GBP 40 per case cheaper.
“Plenty of spice and plums on the nose. Full body, round tannins and flavorful finish. Raspberries and hazelnuts at the end.” -92-93pts James Suckling
Château Alcee
£130 per case/12 IB
The 2019 Alcee is a beautifully plush, polished and deeply fruited wine dominated by perfectly ripe Merlot, but held in check by a smattering of savoury Cabernet Franc. At the price it’s hard to understand how it can deliver this much quality…
'Takes off on the medium-bodied palate with fine, polished tannins and a long finish. The tannins come out at the end. Punchy merlot. 96% merlot and 4% cabernet franc.'
92-93pts James Suckling
Château Fonbel
£160 per case/12 IB
While the name Vauthier might be slightly less well known than that of Thienpont, the name of the family’s premier property is not: Ausone. This legendary property sitting high atop the limestone escarpment of St Émilion town has long produced some of the most intense, rich and ageable wines of the Right Bank.
'A juicy and rich young wine with lots of fruit and density. Round and soft tannins with hints of freshness at the same time.'
91-92pts James Suckling
Quinault L'Enclos
£300 per case/12 IB
'This is gorgeous, has a bounce in its step, lovely firm supple blackberry and black cherry fruits with a lot of juice that gives lift and character to the fruit. Full of chocolate shavings and mocha-edged charcoal. Very good.'
94pts Jane Anson, Decanter
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