En Primeur News : Tuesday, 18th May 2010

We have the release this morning of La Fleur de Bouard, the Lalande de Pomerol Chateau of Hubert de Bouard of Angelus. The price is £240 per case and the Parker score is 91-93. This is quite a blockbuster of a wine, very different in style from the more subtle Les Cruzelles from Denis Durantou which is still available at £180.

"The 2009 La Fleur de Bouard (made from yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare; 13.5% alcohol) is a Merlot-based wine with brilliant purity, abundant black cherry, plum, and boysenberry fruit, extraordinary density, decent acids, and high tannins. This full-bodied, concentrated, impressively endowed 2009 should age nicely for 10-15 years. 91-93 points." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

"Supersilky and round, with lovely berry, licorice and black chocolate character. Full and gorgeous. Like it. 92-95." James Suckling, Wine Spectator.

For those who like super-concentration the 400 case special cuvée Le Plus de La Fleur de Bouard (which Robert Parker describes as one of the top 20 wines of Bordeaux and rates 95-98) is also available at £1000 per dozen. A new world record price for a Lalande de Pomerol !

Another record release price of £1000 is being asked for Chateau de Fargues in Sauternes. Alexandre de Lur Saluces seems to think he's still at Yquem with this price! The wine is fabulous but bear in mind that we still have stock of the 2001 vintage at £750.

"The nose is rather taciturn at first, unfurling with tantalizing slowness: clear honey, pear, orange-blossom and apricot. Wonderful definition. The palate is not as powerful as others, but there is a tangible sense of minerality underlying the honeyed fruit, very focused and endowed with breathtaking definition and tension towards the vibrant finish. 95-97 points." Neal Martin, Wine Advocate.

Also available today is the second wine of the awesome Pontet Canet. Les Hauts de Pontet Canet is offered at £220. Not tasted by us yet, but if Pontet Canet 2009 receives 100 points in the bottle this will become a very attractive proposition indeed.