28 April 2014
Two top-tier Pomerols this morning, starting with Chateau Clinet which impressed us this year. Just 3750 cases were made of the 2013 vintage, which owner Ronan Laborde thinks may even be better than their very good 2012: the fruit precision of 2008, but with more juiciness. We are pleased to see it released at a sensible price of £420 per case and so 15% cheaper than any other available vintage of Clinet. We can also offer La Conseillante at £625 per case. Finally on the right bank, Cheval Blanc has been released at £3250 per case along with its second wine Petit Cheval at £1050 per case.
From St Julien, Leoville Barton is often a primeur favourite of our customers but at £465 a case fans of the estate may be more inclined to look back at the 2007 or 2008 vintages which can be both found at £420 per case. Saint Pierre is also now available at £300 per case.
We can also offer the red (£195) and white (£210) wines from Chateau Carbonnieux, the white in particular looks excellent value for the quality.
Also available:
Sociando Mallet at £200
"The nose takes some time to unfurl, broody and reticent at first, revealing redcurrant and cranberry scents mixed with dried flowers with time. The palate is well balanced with quite linear tannins, the oak nicely integrated and lending this Clinet good depth. It is a more masculine Clinet without the length of a great Château Clinet, but clean and pure. It will need 5 or 6 years to unwind after bottling." 90-92 Neal Martin
"There is something "tranquil" about the aromatics of the La Conseillante. Fresh strawberry and violet scents gently waft from the glass: nothing powerful but very pure, the oak seeming to be nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is quite a taut and linear La Conseillante with fresh acidity, more masculine than recent vintages and perhaps edging towards a more classic style. It gently builds in the mouth and leaves just a hint of iodine on the finish. This is a fine, precise La Conseillante for mid-term drinking." 90-92 Neal Martin
"A lovely mix of red berry and blackberry fruit, with focused red currant, bergamot and black cherry notes. A twinge of mesquite, with a note of black tea, hangs on the finish. There's lovely perfume now, with subtle persistence through the finish. This opens steadily at it airs. Cabernet Franc and Merlot." 91-94 James Molesworth, WS
"A fresh, clean glass with hazelnut, chocolate and berry. Medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Light and pretty. Lots of cabernet franc character even though it's more than two-thirds merlot. Yummy second wine of Cheval." 87-88 James Suckling
"This shows a solid core of fruit here with a wonderful asphalt, berry and mineral character. Full body, with excellent tannins, fruit and acid balance. Impressive. The extra dose of cabernet sauvignon at 85% and no cabernet franc makes this wine exceptional for the vintage." 91-92 James Suckling
"Bright and fruity with blueberry and cream character. Medium body with fine tannins and an attractive finish. Sociando performs outstandingly in difficult years." 90-91 James Suckling
"Deep colour, ripe smoky cassis nose, good ripeness and clarity of fruit, smoothness and charm to come." 90 Decanter
CARBONNIEUX ROUGE - £195 per case/12 IB.
"The vivid raspberry and bright cherry fruit is lined with an iron note, staying focused through the lightly taut finish." 87-90 James Molesworth, WS
CARBONNIEUX BLANC - £210 per case/12 IB.
"A very tangy and bright white with intense white peach, grapefruit and mineral character. Full body, crisp acidity. Gorgeous. One of the best Carbonnieux ever." 93-94 James Suckling
All wines are available in cases of 6 (pro rata) and halves, magnums and larger formats.
UK £
EU €
HK $
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