16 April 2014
Usually the most eagerly awaited releases during En-Primeur we now have the wines from Lafite Rothshild.
Leading the way is the Grand Vin which at £3250/12 is almost 40% cheaper than we can offer any physical vintage - the 2006 is our cheapest physical vintage at £5280 a case. Lafite's second wine, Carruades de Lafite is now offered at £990 per case and Duhart Milon at £520. To complete the set we have the the sweet wine owned by Lafite, Rieussec at £520 and their Pomerol, Chateau Evangile at £1100.
We also have the release today of Climens at £435 a case or £450 for halves. Not yet rated, it usually ranks second only to Yquem in Sauternes, which we expect to be released at a far higher price. Although not tasted by us, we expect this to provide stunning drinking at this price - this could be the bargain of the vintage!
Red Bordeaux
LAFITE - £3250 per case/12 IB.
"Superb black-red colour, fine depth of blackcurrant fruit, all elegance, precision, clarity and class, total vineyard expression that will repay keeping." 94 Decanter
"Lovely Lafite fragrance on the nose and almost crunchy fruit on the palate, no hint of a poor vintage, quite forward for Carruades." 90 Decanter
"The 2013 Duhart-Milon impresses for its energy, cut and focus. Freshly cut flowers, smoke, graphite, melted road tar and smoke all take shape in the glass. The 2013 is smoky, gamy and rich, with good depth and intensity for the vintage, all supported by firm, incisive tannins. The harvest took place from October 1 to 14. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot." 90-92 Antonio Galloni
"The Grand Vin is a blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc picked from 27 September and 5 October, at 13.03% alcohol (to be exact!) raised in 100% new oak. The bouquet is very pure and intense - there is patently some top quality Merlot here. The palate is medium-bodied with sinewy tannins matched by some of the most concentrated fruit you will find in this vintage. No, there is not the persistency or grip towards the finish of a great L'Evangile, but it has an intensity that will surprise you, plus I suspect that time in barrel will fill out the finish. Tasted April 2014." 91-93 Neal Martin
Sauternes/Barsac
CLIMENS - £435 per case/12 IB.
"A greater diversity of lots this year than usual, ranging from delicate to unctuous, but the final blend should be terrific. An elegant, layered, harmonious wine with freshness." 94 Decanter
RIEUSSEC - £520 per case/12 IB.
"This has masses of bortrytis-spice character. It’s full but balanced and intense, with loads of dried-fruit character and a spicy, intense finish. Superb. I like the sweet-savory character." 95-96 James Suckling
All wines are available in cases of 6 (pro rata) and halves, magnums and larger formats.
UK £
EU €
HK $
US $