En Primeur News : Wednesday, 16th June 2010

We now have the release of the outstanding 2nd growth Rauzan Segla. Under the direction of John Kolasa (formerly of Chateau Latour) the wines here get better and better and this is clearly a really great Margaux. Robert Parker has not really appreciated Rauzan Segla in the past but even he calls this wine "outstanding" and rates in 92-95. Other critics think that it's even better than that. The price is £700 per case.

 

"A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, with 10% vin de presse. The Merlot picked from 22nd to 25th September then 28th September until 1st October. The Cabernet picked 3rd October and from 5th until 11th October (no Cabernet Franc and the Petit Verdot, though ripe, just did not blend well), cropped at 41hl/ha. The nose is well defined, very classic in style with blackberry, black olive, graphite and an intriguing note of woodbines. This is a magnificent Rauzan-Segla, easily the best I have tasted at en primeur. Firstly, it is much more harmonious than usual at this nascent stage, the acidity level is just about perfect, there is a vibrancy that is really enthralling and the poise on the finish ranks alongside that of Chateau Margaux, tasted just before. The finish is very strong, slightly creamy in texture, but also superbly defined and with superb length. Very natural and refine, yet powerful. This may be the best Rauzan Segla that John Kolasa has made. 96-98 points." Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com

 

"Shows a lovely concentration of currant and blackberry. Hints of vanilla follow through to a full body, with layers of ripe fruit and fine, fruit-coated tannins. I love the ripe and pretty fruit to this. Very fruit-forward. The château cut back on the new wood, and went for a fruitier style. I like thatShows a lovely concentration of currant and blackberry. Hints of vanilla follow through to a full body, with layers of ripe fruit and fine, fruit-coated tannins. I love the ripe and pretty fruit to this. Very fruit-forward. The château cut back on the new wood, and went for a fruitier style. I like that. 93-96." James Suckling, Wine Spectator.

 

"Fine dense red, beautifully poised, naturally concentrated wild roses Margaux nose, superb fragrance that leads to a finely polished palate with great depth and purity, a great vineyard expression, power and finesse all in balance, very good indeed. 18.5" Steven Spurrier, Decanter.com

 

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We now have the release of one of the best-known names in Saint Julien. Chateau Talbot is a wine that is hugely popular the world over (especially in the Far East) for its accessible style. Robert Parker states that this is the best Talbot since the 1982 and 1986. The price is £400 per case which is the same as that  of neighbour Lagrange and 20% cheaper than Gruaud Larose. With a famous name and a good score this seems like a fair price.

 

"This is the most impressive Talbot since the 1982 and 1986. It reveals an opaque plum/garnet/purple color as well as knock-out aromas of black fruits, cedar, incense, licorice, and a Provencal garrigue-like character. Substantial, sexy, and seductive, it is almost slutty in its exuberance and ostentatiousness. It was a thrill to drink this loaded St.-Julien. It should offer irresistible drinking over the next 20-25 years. 92-94 points." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.

 

"A red with a solid core of blueberry and currant aromas, with spices too. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a balanced finish. Very pretty. 92-95" James Suckling, Wine Spectator.

 

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Pontet Canet have this morning released their 2nd tranche and we will now be confirming orders to all customers who bought it in 2008 and pre-ordered it in 2009 and some other pre-order customers, but unfortunately there has not been enough wine for everyone. The wine is now sold out.

 

L'Evangile is also released but sold out as we did not enough to satisfy all the pre-orders.

 

La Petite Eglise at £260 is also out and we will be able to satisfy pre-orders and maybe there will be a few cases remaining for general sale.

 

Marojallia, the Margaux "vin de garage" from Jean-Luc Thunevin is now available at £550. This is very well rated by The Wine Advocate and The Wine Spectator. Now on open sale.