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Bordeaux 2017: Palmer, Alter Ego, Valandraud...
23rd April 2018.
With the ink barely dried on our 2017 tasting notes the En Primeur campaign has started with a bang this morning...
Chateau Palmer is released onto the market! One of the biggest names in Bordeaux and a perennial favourite of our customers En Primeur this is released at £2350 per 12 bottles IB (17% less than the 2016 release price). The excellent second wine Alter Ego de Palmer is released at £585 per 12.
Also out this morning is the wine that started Saint Emilion's 'Garagiste' movement in the 1990's and still one of the best examples of modern Saint Emilion, Chateau Valandraud at £1200 per 12 IB combining rich fruit and structure in impressive balance.
Sauternes and Barsac was badly hit by the frost but generally the quality is very good indeed. We can now offer Coutet at £342 per 12 bottles/24 halves. Quantities made are tiny with yields an incredible 8h/ha. "A top sweet white for the vintage." James Suckling
For our full vintage report, click here.
Margaux
£2350 per 12 / £1175 per 6
97-98 James Suckling "This is a sexy and well-formed 2017 with very velvety and suave tannins that go on for minutes. Full-bodied, soft and round. Extremely long and last for minutes"
92-95 Wine Spectator "This is solidly ripe, with juicy energy adding extra lift to the mix of plum, cherry and blackberry fruit. A super-fresh iron streak checks in, along with mouthwatering bay and savory notes. This stands out from the pack."
£585 per 12 / £292.50 per 6
92-93 James Suckling "This shows excellent body and depth of fruit. Rich and very deep. Layered and flavorful. Solid and chewy. Serious second wine."
89-92 Wine Spectator "Lively, featuring lots of lavender and savory hints mixed with black cherry and plum flavors. Shows a light bramble note. Open-knit, with juicy energy on the finish."
St Emilion
£1200 per 12 / £600 per 6
93-94 James Suckling "A solid and structured young red with plenty of polished tannins and a juicy finish. Flavorful and focused."
93-96 Wine Spectator "Gorgeous blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry compote flavors flow out from the core, enveloping the apple wood, anise and black tea frame as they move. Offers a gorgeous feel, ample depth, lovely polish and fine underlying acidity throughout. A terrific effort."
Sauternes / Barsac
£342 per 12 / £171 per 6*
93-94 James Suckling "Lots of powdered mushrooms, dried lemons and apricots. Full-bodied, dense and layered. Beautiful finish. A top sweet white for the vintage."
92-95 Wine Spectator "Bright pineapple and white peach flavors rush forth, with a zip of tangerine running through the creamy finish. Shows lots of honeysuckle accents on the finish. Youthfully tight, but delivers wonderful length."
*Sweet wines may be ordered in half-bottles (case of 12x37.5cl or case of 24x37.5cl) at no extra cost.
Please enquire, order online or contact us at sales@albanyvintners.com.
En Primeur wines, offered lying In Bond in the UK Summer 2020.
Wines may be ordered in special sizes for a small supplement (6x150cl Magnums, 1x300cl double magnum, 3x300cl double magnums, 1x600cl imperial) . Please enquire for details.
Sweet wines may be ordered in half-bottles (case of 12x37.5 or case of 24x37.5) at no extra cost.