En Primeur News : Wednesday, 25th April 2012

Today's first en primeur release was that of the popular Saint Estephe property Les Ormes de Pez. This Chateau has the same ownership and wine-making team as Lynch Bages and has really upped its game in recent vintages. The quality level here is at least as good as that at many classed growths but the price of £210 per case is modest as usual. Another good value wine is Poujeaux, now out at £190.

In Saint Emilion we have Beausejour Becot which is £10 cheaper than the current price of the 2008 at £390. Just over the border in the Côtes de Castillon we have Domaine de l'A at a modest £185. This is the home property of Stephane and Christine Derenoncourt and the quality here matches that of many a Saint Emilion at double the price.

In Sauternes the Barsac property Doisy Daene has clearly made a great sweet wine in 2011 and the price of £290 is not unreasonable - although that does make Doisy Vedrines at £220 look even better value than it already is. The "super-cuvée" of Doisy Daene - L'Extravagant is released at £3100 per 24 halves (it's only produced in half bottles) but customers may purchase in quantities of 6, 12,18 or 24 halves. Also in Sauternes we now have La Tour Blanche at £385.