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SECOND WINES 2014, 2015 & 2016

Chateau Canon
The top Bordeaux Chateaux are masters of blending. The top wines are carefully crafted, by grape, age of vines, different plots, rows and vats. This pursuit of excellence means nowadays the top wines receive perhaps only one-third to half of the their total fruit……and their second wines are often fantastically good. 

Now the top Chateaux regard their second labels as a calling card; or a chance to charm. Made with the same attention to detail from high quality, fully ripe fruit that doesn’t fit the chosen style of the Grand Vin, second wines now tend to offer an earlier-drinking version of the Grand Vin’s pedigree but at a fraction of the price!

This is never truer than in recent vintages where Bordeaux has been on something of a qualitative hot streak.  We have chosen some of the finest examples from the top-performing Chateaux in the impressive 2014, 2015 and 2016 vintages; Canon, Figeac, Rauzan Segla, Carmes Haut Brion, Batailley, Pichon Lalande, Pichon Baron, Smith Haut Lafitte, Leoville Barton & Eglise Clinet.  These are some of our favourite wines in the office and they will all offer delicious drinking now and over the next decade. 
 
From just £200 per 12 IB, there is huge value to be had, offered here at sharp prices with most immediately available for delivery.
 
 
2014 Segla, Margaux
£230 per case 12x75 IB
Extensive investment in this historically important terroir has ensured Rauzan Segla has reached new heights in recent vintages.  Segla 2014 is a very fine Margaux.
"fine and polished tannins... Harmonious. Beautiful second wine. Hard not to drink now."
92 James Suckling
2014 Croix Canon, St Emilion
£240 per case 12x75 IB
The captivating Canon 2014 was one of the wines of the vintage and this vibrant second wine also impresses.
"beautiful on the nose and the palate... firm and silky. Lovely texture and length. Refined."
92 James Suckling
2014 Reserve de la Comtessse, Pauillac
£295 per case 12x75 IB
The charming second wine of Pichon Lalande.  Graceful with gorgeous juicy dark fruit, silky tannins and a fine bead of acidiity.
"The 2014 Reserve de La Comtesse is a delicious second wine. Soft, open-knit and caressing... an ideal red to drink over the next decade or so."
92 Antonio Galloni
2014 Petit Figeac, St Emilion
£320 per case 12x75 IB
A beautiful introduction to the elegant, classic Figeac style and what this exceptional gravel rich terroir is capable of.
"laced with the essence of sweet dark cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, licorice and leather... a highly appealing second wine. Driink 2018-2029."
92 Antonio Galloni
2015 Lions de Batailley, Pauillac
£200 per case 12x75 IB
A favourite of Neal Martin, Chateau Batailley really excelled in 2015.  You will struggle to find a better Pauillac for less.
"Some impressive presence and depth to this second wine of Château Batailley."
92 James Suckling
2015 Petit Haut Lafitte, Graves
£230 per case 12x75 IB
Smith Haut Lafitte has flourished under the under the Cathiards and the Cabernet-led Petit Haut Lafitte is another triumph.
"another terrific wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon speaks with authority. Black cherry, leather, earth, licorice and grilled herbs"
92+ Antonio Galloni
2015 Reserve de Leoville Barton, St Julien
£245 per case 12x75 IB   |  £255 per case 6x50 IB
Saint Julien was one of the top appellations in 2015 and the "Superb" Leoville Barton was one of the standout wines.
"pretty blackberry and wild strawberry scents on the well defined nose...  An absolute pleasure."
90 Neal Martin
2015 Griffons de Pichon Baron, Pauillac
£360 per case 12x75 IB
A blend of 55% Cabernet and 45% Merlot from similar terroir to the Grand Vin.  This is a serious Pauillac.
"dense, powerful and quite juicy, with plenty of black cherry, menthol, licorice and smoke overtones... a terrific choice for drinking over the next decade or so."
92 Antonio Galloni
2016 C des Carmes, Pessac Leognan
£220 per case 12x75 IB
The incredible transformation in quality at Carmes Haut Brion has made it one of the most sought after wines in Bordeaux with the brilliant 2016 setting a new benchmark.  The 2016 C des Carmes comes from vineyards near to Smith Haut Lafitte.
"Give this two or three years in bottle just to shave off a little abrasiveness and you will have a fine Pessac-Léognan."
90-92 Neal Martin, Apr 2017
2016 Petite Eglise, Pomerol
£360 per case 12x75 IB
The second label of Eglise Clinet is made from 100% Merlot and is a gorgeous Pomerol in its own right.
"This has the power of Pomerol Merlot combined with an elegant flood of tannins. The stunning purity of Durantou wines is always striking... Just so elegant."
94 Decanter

 

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