Bordeaux 2015: Leoville Barton, Giscours, Duhart, Lascombes, Climens

Leading off this afternoon:

• Giscours at £390 per 12. The best ever Wine Advocate score for Giscours and offered at a significant discount to the 2009 (£480) and 2010 (£460). 96-97 Suckling "This sets a new level for Giscours...Clearly the best Giscour since 1970 and 1975" and 94-96 Neal Martin "I wager that the 2015 will be the best since the 1961. Time to fall back in love with this great Margaux property.". Certainly a very worthy addition to any cellar. RECOMMENDED
  
• Duhart Milon at £500 per 12. Owned and made by the team behind Chateau Lafite, Duhart is a very fine Classed Growth in its own right and has a strong following.  The 2015 is offered cheaper than the 2005, 2009 and 2010 (all £600+).
• Rauzan Gassies at £350 per 12. Has more stuffing to it this year but a bullish price rise of 35% makes it one of the highest increses so far.

This morning's releases:

• Leoville Barton at £580 per 12.  One of the great and classic names of St Julien and undoubtedly a succces in 2015. Released cheaper than the 2009 (£620) and with better scores across the board including an especially effusive note from Neal Martin. 94-96 NM "This is just an outstanding, classic, drop-dead gorgeous Léoville Barton that is destined to give immense pleasure over the coming years. Bravo Anthony, Lilian et al.".  RECOMMENDED
  
• Lagrange at £305 per 12. The most affordable Classed Growth St Julien (3rd Growth) with 90-92 from Neal Martin "There is a pleasant spicy, white pepper note that lingers on the aftertaste of what should be one of the earlier drinking Saint Julien wines.".
• Croix de Beaucaillou at £320 per 12.  La Croix de Beaucaillou comes from its own vines located in the centre of St Julien and sports a label specially designed by Jade Jagger. A very good second label and a big step up in quality here.  91-93 Neal Martin "The quality is loaded more in the mouth than on the nose at the moment, but it is a seriously classy 'deuxième vin' that just needs a little more persistence on the finish.".
• Lalande Borie at £180 per 12. This good value St Julien property is situated just west of Lagrange and is owned and managed by the Borie family of Ducru Beaucaillou.  89-91 Neal Martin "The tannins are quite dense, lending weight to this Lalande-Borie, the acidity is nicely judged and the finesse finally comes through towards the finish."
• Branaire Ducru at £404 per 12. The same score from Neal Martin (90-92) as for the 2014 (£300) but with a sharp price increase. 93-94 James Suckling "This is very structured and tight with chewy polished tannins and blueberry, blackberry. Full and savory. Should develop beautifully.".
• Lascombes at £530 per 12. A rich and powerful Lascombes with 92-95 from Antonio Galloni "All the elements fall into place in a juicy, succulent Margaux endowed with superb overall balance."
• Climens at £515 per 12. All the makings of an excellent sweet white here with similar scores to the 2009 and a smiliar price too.  96-98 Neal Martin "This is a fabulous Climens from Bérénice Lurton and her team, and as usual, those with wise heads will opt to lay bottles down for 15 years to get the most from this special Barsac. It is destined to be a great Climens".