The Farr Vintners en primeur tasting team this year is the biggest ever with a diverse range of ages, palates and tasting experience. Our "two wise men" are here again to offer us their wisdom and knowledge. Derek Smedley MW tasted his first en primeur vintage in 1961 and Barry Phillips bought his first case of wine - Lafite 1953 - as an eleven year old schoolboy! Their expertise in tasting raw young cask samples is invaluable to the younger members of our team.
Derek Smedley hard at work
|
The junior participant this year is 22 year old Thomas Parker fresh from representing Oxford in the University Varsity Match blind tasting against Cambridge.
All 9 members of the London sales and purchasing team are here as well as 3 members of Farr Vintners Hong Kong led by the indefatigable and un-jet-lag-able Jo Purcell.
Our first stop was Rauzan Segla where our old friend John Kolasa had laid on a massive tasting of over 200 cask samples from across the Bordeaux region. Scotsman John has been in Bordeaux for 40 years now (with over a decade spent running Chateau Latour) and describes 2010 as being a vintage of perfect structure and "lift" thanks to the great backbone and acidity that is the hallmark of the year.
John Kolasa talks to Stephen Browett
|
John says that this is a vintage of perfect balance that reminds him of the 2002 (for its low yield), 2003 (for its ripeness) and 2005 (for its ageworthiness). A classic "British" vintage, he says, which is more complex, elgant, classic and "serious" than the more sexy and opulent 2009.
Despite the huge choice of samples on display here, there is no doubt that the winner is the sensational Rauzan Segla which could well turn out to be the best wine produced here since 1986. John's Canon from St Emilion is also hugely impressive and comfortably outscores both Pavie and Figeac that are served on the same table (two wines that are wildly different in style).
Jonathan Stephens and the venerable Barry Phillips
|
In the evening we visited the cellars of a distinguished Bordeaux negociant for another huge line-up of samples. The results of this and further tastings will appear here shortly but suffice to say that at this early stage, we are very impressed with what we have tasted. 2010 is clearly a great vintage and it looks like the wonderful 2009 has a twin to contend with - although certainly not one that is identical.
Tomorrow we visit the First and Second Growths so stand by for further news.
