Friday 10th May 2019

Chateau Palmer (97-100 WS, 98-100 Dec, 97-99 WA) is undoubtedly one of the most talked about wines of the vintage, exceptional quality but miniscule production - the result of mildew that led to yields of only 11hl/ha.  Production of the Grand Vin is down around 50% and the decision was made to not make an Alter Ego in 2018. A great Palmer, though the price of £1445 per 6 is not for the faint-hearted (you can still pick up the 2015 and 2016 vintages at around the same price).  AG - "a stunning, head-spinning wine that may, in time, very well join the ranks of the truly epic Palmers. A wine of pure and total pleasure, the 2018 is nearly impossible to resist."

Chateau Larcis Ducasse is situated at the top of the famous Pavie hill and recent vintages have seen the historic property regaining its former glory.  The 2018 continues this upward trajectory with a raft of high scores across the board (96-98 WA, 94-97 AG, 97-98 JS, 94-97 WS) and a very reasonable price tag at £594 per 12, 10-20% cheaper than the 2015 and 2016, 2009 and 2010.  Like Beausejour Becot, this is top Saint Emilion in a great vintage and  promises to be highly successful.
 
Other releases:

Lafon Rochet – Overseen by the dynamic young proprietor Basile Tesseron, Lafon Rochet is an exciting property to watch.  Situated in St Estephe and neighbouring Lafite, the wine here is now more focused and refined than ever and it impresses again in 2018. Available at £384. 92-95 AG - "A wine of lovely finesse the 2018 Lafon-Rochet offers a striking combination of fruit density and nuance"

Today also sees the release of a couple of St Julien stablemates Chateau Gloria (£347) and Chateau Saint Pierre (£506) – both highly impressive in 2018.  92-95 AG "A powerful, virile wine, the 2018 Saint-Pierre is also one of the highlights of the vintage".  

Clerc Milon from the Mouton stable is released today and is offered at £730 per 12.  The wines of Clerc Milon have really impressed in recent vintages, so much so that this will be Director Jean-Emmanuel Donjoy’s last vintage before joining Mouton Rothschild.  Always in strong demand and sells out quickly en primeur.  93-96 WS - "Offers a long, pure, almost chiseled finish. A strong showing".

Finally from the makers of Lafite we have another Classed Growth Pauillac, Duhart Milon at £675 per 12, compared by Jeb Dunnuck to the excellent 2009 (£825) .  94-96 JD - "It should match or exceed the brilliant 2009".

Prices

CLERC MILON |   £730 per 12x75  |  £365 per 6x75
93-95 WA - It has a wonderfully rich, confidently sensuous palate with plenty of spicy layers and a velvety texture, finishing long and perfumed. This should age incredibly.

DUHART MILON |   £675 per 12x75  |  £338 per 6x75
94-96 JD - ...incredibly elegant Duhart-Milon that has ultra-fine tannins, a weightless texture, terrific balance, and a great finish. Seemingly all about finesse and elegance, it builds nicely on the palate and has a great finish. It should match or exceed the brilliant 2009.

GLORIA |   £347 per 12x75
93-96 WS - There's lots here, with raspberry, blackberry, currant and blueberry fruit all playing a role, along with lively briar and licorice snap notes. An apple wood frame keeps the elements in line.

LAFON ROCHET|   £384 per 12x75
92-95 AG - A wine of lovely finesse the 2018 Lafon-Rochet offers a striking combination of fruit density and nuance, all in an understated style that is quite appealing.

LARCIS DUCASSE |   £594 per 12x75
96-98 WA - Full-bodied and beautifully nuanced on the palate, it has layer upon layer of red and black fruit preserves with beautiful, velvety tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

PALMER  |   £2890 per 12x75  |  £1445 per 6x75
97-99 WA - This is one of those 2018 wines that has a beguiling brightness that comes from the many floral, spice and mineral accents among all that rich fruit. WOW!

SAINT PIERRE  |   £506 per 12x75
92-95 AG - A powerful, virile wine, the 2018 Saint-Pierre is also one of the highlights of the vintage.

For more information or to place an order, please call on 01223 849040 or email us  (finewine@albanyvintners.com)