Appellations

Latest Releases

Haut Brion Label

24 April 2014

Today sees the release of the wines from the Dillon family, the owners of Haut Brion.  2013 is the smallest production of Haut Brion in the last decade with just 5900 cases produced (8000 in 2012). 

The Haut Brion Blanc is a contender for wine of the vintage and is only available in minuscule quantities.

La Mission is a wine that frequently touches the quality of the First Growths but at half the price.  This year it is very close in quality to Haut Brion but in a firmer, more masculine style, and our team was split as to which of the two we preferred.

Other notable releases include Brane Cantenac (£295/cs), and classic Pauillacs Grand Puy Lacoste (£340/cs) and Haut Batailley (£230/cs).

HAUT BRION - £2400 per case/12 IB or £1200 per case/6 IB.
"Superb colour, lovely earthy black fruit spices nose, wonderful texture of velvety fruit in the La Tâche style, with tannins for the future, undeniable depth and class." 94 Decanter

HAUT BRION BLANC - £6600 per case/12 IB or £3300 per case/ 6 IB.
"Shows remarkable depth and richness, with straw and brioche accents helping the finish glide along beautifully. A stunner, possibly the wine of the vintage." 95-98 James Molesworth, WS

LA MISSION HAUT BRION - £1320 per case/12 IB or £660 per case/6 IB.
"Superb ruby red, lovely nose of slightly earthy autumn fruits, fine texture, purity and harmony, not robust, almost a feminine La Mission, expressive and sophisticated." 92 Decanter

LA MISSION HAUT BRION BLANC - £5250 per case/12 IB or £2625 per case/ 6 IB.
"The second sample at the end of primeur had a wonderful saline, marine influence on the finish that added another layer of complexity. Congratulations on one of the best wines of the vintage." 94-96 Neal Martin

CLARENCE HAUT BRION (2nd wine of Haut Brion)  - £550 per case/12 IB or £275 per case/6 IB.
"Superb carmine-ruby, smooth and ripe black fruits, slightly earthy with lovely texture, clarity and good future." 90 Decanter

CHAPELLE DE LA MISSION (2nd wine of La Mission) - £330 per case/12 IB or £165 per case/6 IB.
"This is chewy and mineral with an oyster-shell and light iodine undertone. Full body, round tannins and a fresh finish. Intense acidity." 88-89 James Suckling

"Shows remarkable depth and richness, with straw and brioche accents helping the finish glide along beautifully. A stunner, possibly the wine of the vintage." 95-98 James Molesworth, WS

BRANE CANTENAC - £295 per case/12 IB.
"Loads of strawberry and berry character with a fantastic intensity. Medium body, with a beautiful core of fruit and a long finish. Rose petals and fruit. Wonderful finesse. A triumph for the vintage." 92-93 James Suckling

GRAND PUY LACOSTE - £340 per case/12 IB.
"It has a fragrant red berry fruit on the nose: raspberry leaf and cranberry, undergrowth and a touch of tobacco. It is very classic G.P.L. style but dialled down from previous vintages." 90-92 Neal Martin

HAUT BATAILLEY - £230 per case/12 IB.
"It has a light and slightly leafy bouquet with touches of bay leaf and undergrowth. It is missing a little vigour at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline character on the entry (like Lynch Bages). It gains cohesion towards the finish, remaining resolutely 'classic' in style with a nice touch of austerity lingering on the aftertaste." 88-90 Neal Martin



All wines are available in cases of 6 (pro rata) and halves, magnums and larger formats.