Calon-Ségur has been going from strength to strength over the past few years, and young winemaker Vincent Millet’s expertise and talent have a lot to do with this. This knowledge is put to excellent use in the property’s second wine, Marquis de Calon (never offered en-primeur before) and the other St Estèphe property he manages,
Tag Archives: St-Estephe
The weather and its effects I witnessed first hand the topsy-turvy weather conditions, which made 2011 such a challenge for the vignerons; I was sunburnt and hot during the en-primeur tastings of the first week in April, rained on and distinctly chilly in August and then overheated again during my annual harvest visit in September.
It’s been a busy day in the office today, with a few of the most popular and sought-after wines being released, including Montrose, Lynch-Bages and Pichon Longueville (Baron). It was inevitable, after the slow start to the campaign, that we would see some days where it seems almost non-stop, but it certainly makes life
Arguably the world’s most yellow Château, Lafon-Rochet – under the leadership of Basile Tesseron – has been going from strength to strength over recent vintages, with Robert Parker saying that the 2010 “may [be the] finest Lafon-Rochet to date”. He gave it 92-94 points, saying “Although a classified growth, this wine is an undeniable sleeper
As we neared the end of our day yesterday, we were brightened by the release of two great wines from the Cuvélier stable – of Léoville-Poyferré fame. These two wines are perennial favourites of ours, offering style and substance at very fair prices. 2010 Château Le Crock, Cru Bourgeois St-Estèphe £180 per case of 12
Owned by the Gasqueton family, of Calon-Ségur fame, this is a Cru Bourgeois that greatly impressed us in this vintage. Taking its more famous sibling as a model, this has great structure, purity and St-Estéphe minerality, but balanced by a lush fruit character that makes this more immediately approachable than the more reticent Calon-Ségur. 2010
Another good release for this afternoon, one of the most highly-rated Crus Bourgeois of the vintage. Staying at the same price as last year’s release, this represents excellent value for money for the quality they have acheived this year. 2010 Château Ormes de Pez, Cru Bourgeois St-Estèphe £240 per case of 12 bottles in bond 2010 Ormes
“The 2009 Cos d’Estournel is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted…in the world!” Thus was this wine described by the world’s most influential wine-writer, Robert Parker. Far from classic St-Estèphe in style, this is an enormously powerful and statuesque wine that balances unctuous fruit with enticing freshness. 2009 Château Cos d’Estournel,
Described as “already irresistible” by Robert Parker, this second wine of the sought-after Château Montrose is a true crowd pleaser. An appealing and attractive wine, it has also released at a very reasonable price. 2009 La Dame de Montrose, St-Estèphe £360 per case of 12 bottles in bond The second wine from top St-Estèphe property,
One of the smaller Cru Classé properties, Cos Labory has been in the same family for over 100 years and makes reliably good quality wines at modest prices. 2009 Château Cos-Labory, Cru Classé St-Estèphe £267 per case of 12 bottles in bond Very perfumed with a noticeably sweet fruit character. Cabernet Franc has thrived this
Quick LInks & Recent Posts
Krug: bubbling over in Champagne… May 16, 2013
Château Palmer at The Square May 9, 2013
Wine Moments: Competition Winners May 8, 2013
Penfolds Grange 2008 and Icons tasting May 3, 2013
Bordeaux 2009-2012 – Grands Crus, Great Vintages May 1, 2013