Burgundy 2010 – Vintage Review by James Goodhart.

It is most definitely a vintage for ‘Burgundy lovers ‘ No hype’ like in 2009. On the whole the quality of the 2010s varies a lot more between producers and villages. Where the 2009’s were luscious, seductive more fruit driven, the best of 2010s are elegant, refined more precise in balance between the acidity and the fruit and we think have the potential to lay down for longer. Reminds me of a beautiful, well educated, classy, long legged filly with plenty of staying power!

It was a vintage with many problems, challenging growing conditions which started with temperatures of minus 20 degrees in December 09 which killed an average 5% of vines and weakened numerous more. Cold and wet conditions during the crucial flowering resulted in loss of crop due to coulure and millerendange. The Summer was very wet giving more problems of rot and disease. September was dry and cool which saved the vintage however this resulted in concentration of the grape must and very small grapes. Sorting tables to select the best bunches was essential.

Back at the winery the low yields meant a high ratio of skin to juice which can result in high tannins, body and colour unless monitored correctly. The 2009 vintage in comparison almost made itself whilst the 2010 vintage needed an expert hand and gentle guidance.

My overall view is that the 2010 is richer and riper than the 2008 and 2007 vintages and more in-line with the 2006 and 2002 vintage. Commenting on the 2010 vintage, Arnaud Mortet (Domaine Denis Moret) says “ A great vintage and one of the best for 10 years. I prefer 2005. There is not the same weight, but the balance is very nice. 2009 was fruity and flattering, but for me the 2010 has more freshness, elegance and is more Pinot Noir”.

For me it’s more about the acidity balance, more typical classic burgundy, that will offer more longevity than the 2009’s. We have tasted many wines over the last month and have selected the producers we feel have made the best wines of the vintage, our highlights include: Domaine Faiveley, Rossignol Trapet, Nicolas Potel at Maison Roche de Bellene and Bertrand Ambroise.

Investment Wine

The Grand Cru Red Burgundies are increasingly becoming more front line / first grade investments. With China showing more interest in the better Burgundy Domaines and more sophisticated, they are looking for investments outside of Bordeaux. Prices are starting to move, allocations are under more and more pressure with is a good sign.

The 2010 Grand Cru and 1er Cru are all down on allocations due to the lower yields and increase in international demand. Many of these have been sold on allocation.

See our full list of Burgundy 2010, or you can see the wines we have available from the producers we have bought from this year -

Domaine Faiveley

Domaine Faiveley with 115 hectares split between an estate of 78 hectares in Mercurey and 37 hectares in the Cote d’Or is one of the largest vineyard owners in Burgundy. Now under the guidance of Erwan Faiveley who took over in 2004 he mixes the principles of modern oenology with tradition maturation in French oak barrels, in their 19th C vaulted cellars. The vineyards are run with dramatic precision, nothing is left to chance, from selecting the vines, Faiveley replant around one/thirtieth of the vineyard each year, to ensuring low yields though guyot-pruning and strict ebourgeonnage and if necessary a green harvest further reduces the crop. The quality of the 2010’s is without doubt a vintage of classic excellence, the Domaine has achieved great consistency throughout each of the villages.

Maison Roche de Bellene – Nicolas Potel
It is always a pleasure to see Nicolas his passion for Burgundy wine is tremendous and very infectious. Maison Roche de Bellene’s philosophy is to select only the best grapes working with the vineyards to produce outstanding wines, to produce what he calls the “Haute Couture” of wine. Nicolas is a great believer in biodynamics and is working towards Organic status in the vineyards.

“Not the richness of the 2009, more the style of 2002 with good acidity and not too much tannin” Nicolas Potel

Nicolas has matured some of some of his wines in 600 litre demi cask to make sure the wines don’t get over oaked / dry out. The 2010 vintage, is a vintage of subtly.

We met Nicolas in London so we didn’t have the chance to taste all his wines but both Samantha and I walked away grinning ear to ear, In one word Nicolas’s 2010 are ‘stunning’ and he offers some of the best value in the Côte de Nuits. It is no surprise that he is now selling wines in 42 countries around the world.

Rossignol Trapet
Quality has soared since brothers Nicolas and David Rossignol converted the domaine to biodynamic viticulture. In particular, the wines display significantly more depth and concentration than when they took over from their father in the 1990s. In 2010, they picked late, starting on 29th September, in order to obtain the maximum ripeness and maturity. The yields are the lowest since the early 1990s and the wines have unusual richness and structure as a result. It’s getting harder and harder to get an allocation. They impressed me greatly.

Bertrand Ambroise
Bertrand and his son François own just over 16 hectares of vines in Nuits St George and Corton. In 2010 yields were low after poor weather during the crucial flowering period reduced the potential size of the crop. Harvesting, however, took place in good weather at the end of September and beginning of October. Ripeness was perfect and not a single wine required chaptalisation. Bertrand will bottle the 2010 reds a few months earlier than last year in order to preserve the maximum of fruit.

I was hugely impressed by Bertrand Ambroise 2010 and actually prefer them to the 2009’s which were glitzy and more fruit driven. His 2010 are more classy and elegant with a tremendous acidity / fruit balance. Both Bertrand and myself think they will cellar for longer. Bravo.

Bertrand described his wines as “almost perfect, great concentration, really good balance with ripe tannins and longevity”

For further informtion contact Bon Coeur Fine Wines Ltd – Tel: 01765 688200

A review of Yesterday’s releases. A brace of Pauillac’s and a big gun St Julien.

Pontet Canet has just come out….trying to get allocations and I will try and offer it to those who bought last year first

Gruaud Larose, St Julien 2010 £530 per case. This works as it’s a big name and the quality has taken a jump up to warrant the price. Very Limited be quick

Haut Batailley, Pauillac 2010 £320 has also moved through the ranks (and so has the price) but the rise in quality has justified the price increase. Best Haut Batailley and Xavier Borie thinks it is the best since the 1961 – It’s very good. RECOMMENDED

Finally we have the Haut Bages Liberal 2010, also at £320 – all Tasting notes are on the website – I have included my tasting notes for these En Primeur 2010 - JG below.

Gruaud Larose, St Julien 2010                                              Released at £530

Tasted at the UGC Tasting at Branaire Ducru. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. Abundant blackberry and cassis. Sweet, ripe fruit black fruit, Luscious, almost juicy fruit with nice minerality and subtle tannins which mean that it can be drunk early. Drink 2015-2028. (April 2011) JG

Haut Bages Liberal, Pauillac 2010                                         Released at £320

Tasted at the UGC tasting at Branaire Ducru. Chateau on the up. With neighbours of Latour and Pichon Baron. Black currants and bilberries. Excellent structure on the palate, silky tannins, luscious fruit with minerality and an elegant acidity balance. Excellent Pauillac. Drink 2018-2027.  (April 2011) JG

Haut Batailley, Pauillac 2010                                                £320

Tasted at Grand Puy Lacoste. Blackberry fruit with a touch of summer fruits, graphite. Very precise, like a slightly toned down GPL – similar in style. Xavier Borie thinks it’s on par with the 1961. One of the best Haut Batailley that I have tasted. Very good. Drink 2018 to 2028. (April 2011) JG

Ch de Fargues, Sauternes (considered to be Yquem’s little Sister) was released yesterday at £900

I haven’t bought any as I think the Suduiraut 2010 (£550), Doisy Daene 2010 (£315) and Clos Haut Peyraguey 2010 (£365) are the star buys at the top end of Sauternes and for an good entry level Sauternes the Ch Liot 2010 is hard to beat at £149.

Today’s releases

Denis Durantou from Eglise Clinet has released his other right bank wines that are always superb value for money. Slightly modern in style, very well made. You just can’t go wrong with them. They are all recommended. The Les Cruzelles is worth the upgrade – Tim Atkins has described it as a ‘mini Eglise Clinet and given it 93 points.

Chateau La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol 2010                             £120

“Bright fruit with plum and chocolate with violets and berries. Full and bright with firm tannins. Intense. Wild fruit” 91-92 Points James Suckling JamesSuckling.com

Chateau Saintayme, St Emilion 2010                                                £120

“Denis Durantou’s pure Merlot from Saint Emilion was picked between 6th and 9th September has a precocious nose with super-ripe plum, mulberry and a touch of fresh fig. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded velvety texture, low acidity, very caressing on the vanillary finish. Plush and seductive. Tasted April 2011” 88-90 points Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com

Chateau Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol 2010                          £180

“From the proprietor of the well-known Pomerol estate of L’Eglise Clinet, the 2010 Les Cruzelles, a sleeper of the vintage, is an amazingly constituted effort that transcends its humble appellation. Aromas of black raspberries, licorice, truffles and camphor are followed by a sweet, round, opulent, generous wine that should be consumed over the next decade” 90-93 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

“This is pure Merlot. So much chocolate and vanilla character. Full and velvety, with lovely fruit.” 90-91 Points James Suckling JamesSuckling.com

Other Releases today

Personally I struggled with the Potensac however it’s hugely popular and everyone else seemed to like it . The Fombrauge never really goes up much in value – modern styled but good.

Chateau Potensac, Cru Bourgeois, Medoc 2010                         £180

Tasted at Leovilles Lascases (and owned by Leoville Lascases). Very popular claret on the UK market. To be honest struggled to taste – Too much tannins, tasted slightly raw, possibly green but surely not from this vintage – Judgement reserved” (April 2011) JG

“Traditionally made, yet exhibiting some modern touches such as ripe fruit, the 2010 Potensac is another sleeper of the vintage from this estate, owned by Jean-Hubert Delon, the proprietor of Leoville Las Cases. Classic Bordeaux notes of red and black currants, earth, and spice box are well-presented in this deep ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied wine, which should drink nicely for a decade or more.”  87-89 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

“The Potensac ’10 is a blend of 42% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot including 9.3% vin de presse. It offers 13.6% alcohol with a pH of 3.55. There is just a slight sense of sur-maturité on the nose perhaps from the Merlot, just a hint of prune. Not over the top but it is just there. The palate is full-bodied with succulent grippy tannins…a huge Potensac that is redeemed but very silky finish. Long in the mouth, one of the few 2010′s that actually reminds me of the 2009. Tasted March 2010.”   92-94 points’. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com

“This is one of the fruitiest Potensacs that I remember, with loads of blueberry and currants. Full and velvety. Plenty going on underneath” 91-92 points’.James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

“Very dark crimson. Rich and scented and very ripe black fruit on the nose. Loose texture – much more so than I would have imagined for this property in 2010 – with tightening tannins only on the very end. Almost painful levels of tannin and acidity on the finish. Bit of a trial to taste at this stage. Were stones macerated in the fermentation vat? A lesson in austerity.” 16/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com

“Dense blackcurrant fruit, still backward, but much more class than its Médoc neighbours and a very good future. Drink 2015-25” 16.5/20 points Steven Spurrier, Decanter.com

Chateau Fombrauge, Pessac 2010                                                                £200

Tasted several times in April. Modern style, polished black fruits with liquorice and touch of graphite. Good Fombrauge from Bernard Magrez. Drink 2017-2022. JG

“From the largest estate in St.-Emilion (130 acres), the opaque purple-colored 2010 Fombrauge was produced from late harvested fruit (the harvest finished on October 21). It possesses fresh notes of blueberries, red and black currants, lead pencil shavings and espresso roast. Medium to full-bodied and rich with sweet tannin, it should drink nicely for 10-12 years” 90-92 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

Please click here for our Bordeaux En Primeur 2010 Review – written by James Goodhart, Managing Director of Bon Coeur Fine Wines.  James went out to Bordeaux at the beginning of April to the En Primeur Bordeaux 2010 tastings and has not only included the wine critic notes from the likes of Robert Parker, Neal Martin and Jancis Robinson but has also meticulously written his own tasting notes and review of the 2010 Bordeaux vintage.

To summarise James says “The Bordeaux 2010 is without doubt an excellent vintage and a unique vintage. A vintage of extremes, fantastic fruit, acidity, tannins and alcohol. To my knowledge we have never had a vintage with so many extremes, therefore it is hard to compare to another vintage. In terms of fruits it has the power and concentration of the 2005. The cool nights in August and September have resulted in higher acidity levels which often gives the wines a refreshing lift. The tannins are more apparent than the 2009 vintage however the fruit levels are more than a match and when all these components are blended well it is without doubt a fabulous vintage.

If you would like to follow our En Primeur campaign please follow us here on our Wine Blog or on Twitter @BonCoeurWine

If you are thinking of buying En Primeur 2010 do Contact Us

Thanks.

After celebrating at Chateau de Sours the night before, Friday morning started a little fussy…  We were treated to some fabulous hospitality by Martin owner at CdS, involving a superb tasting of the 2010s Le Source Clos Cantenac and Petit Cantenac - well made and balanced I was impressed.

The first stop of the day was with being treated to VCC 86, Cos 90 and D’Yquem 98, luckily Bill was driving and pulled me away before it became to messy.

First stop was Haut Brion, which is inside the rocarde (Bordeaux ring road). Rupert Luxembourg talked us through La Mission and Haut Brion wines.

10 minutes around the corner and we were at Pape Clement where we taste a range of Bernard Magrez wines before going into the Chateau and tasted the Pape Clement wines with Bernard’s son. Modern styled wines but very impressive.

From Pape Clement we had an hours drive to Climens, where we taste cask sample of the 2010 – there were 17 lots in total and we tasted 8 different lots.

Very interesting insight into the important of botrytis and difference between picking dates. We ended at climens with a vertical tasting of the 09 down to 05 of which the 2005 was my personal favourite

Then it was a 10 minute journey to D’ Yquem where we tasted the 2010 again. (3rd time) really elegant with loads of apricot fruit. They are comparing the style of the 2010 to that of the 1988.

A quick dash down the road to Suduiraut where we tasted the 2010 where compared it to the 2007 whicj was slightly less sweet than the 2010 with a touch more lemon marmalade. Both very good. We then compared the 2009 vintage with the 2005 which surprisingly was my favourite again.

Back into the car for a hour journey to the north Medoc where we tasted the Nenin wines, Potensac, Petit Leon as well as Clos du Marquis and Leoville Lascases. I was a little disappointed with the Potensac, Petit Leon and Clos du Marquis.

From Lascases we went to Ducru Beaucaillou where I tasted Fourcas – Borie for the first time – This is a Listrac property, that Borie Family own was fairly impressive. Lalande Borie was good which is a St Julien based near Lagrange, and La Croix de Beaucaillou is no longer the second wine of Ducru but a single wine from some vineyards that borders Leoville Barton. Ducru was very impressive but I think the price will also be unfortunately impressive (2009 was at £2,000.)

Our Final Chateau visit of the day and the week was a well known Chateau called Lafite where we tasted Carruades, Duhart Milon and Lafite itself. All very good but the Duhart Milon was better than Carruades and likely to be released at half the price. Lafite was very impressive, mega structure with abundant, sweet dark berry fruit but married beautify with well integrated tannins and acidity.    What a way to Finish!

A short walk across the grass took us to the Union Grand Cru tasting that was being held at Lascombes where we tasted the following Margaux, D’Angludet, Cantenac Brown, Dauzac, Demirail, Durfont Vivens (disappointing), Ferriere, Kirwan, Labegorce, Marquis de Terme, Prieure Lichine and Rauzan Segla (Excellent) Where the quality was generally very good.

After a late lunch (2.30pm) we drove to the UCG Sauternes and Barsac tasting at Chateau Demarail which was an excellent way of cleansing the palate. Favourites where Lamothe Guignard, de Malle, Caillou, D’Arche, Doisy Daene, Coutet and Lafaurie- Peyraguey.

Then onto Ch d’Agassac for the Cru Bourgeois Tasting where there was about 200 Cru Bourgeois. Being fairly selective I tasted my way through most to the better known Cru Bourgeois. The following where all good. Aurilhac, Beaumont, Beau Site, Caronne Ste Gemme, Cissac, La Clare, Clauzet, Dasvin-Bel-Air, Le Crock, La Grands Chenes, Lamothe Bergeron, Liversan, Loudenne, La Mouline and Tour de Pez.

Then a rush back to Bordeaux to shower and change before head out to Quentin Saint Baron (30 minutes out of Bordeaux on the Bergerac Road) to Chateau de Sours where we tasted the Le Source, Clos Cantenac and Petit Cantenac with one of life’s great enthusiasts, Martin Krajewski, owner of Chateau de Sours.  We were also treated to a lovely dinner washed down with some great wines in larges formats – Vieux Chateau Certain 1986 out of an Imperial, Cos D’Estournel 1990 in Magnum and a Double Mag of D’Yquem 1998.

We escaped from Bordeaux town without any problems (the traffic can be hell at rush hour) and arrived at La Lagune for our first tasting 8 minutes early (7.30 Uk time).  La Lagune was very good, gentle blend, well knitted together. Big fan of this. Its got loads of finesse. Then we went to Giscours to be met by the charming Alexander Van Beek who took us through Du Tertre (real change of style here – liked it) , La Sirene de Giscours and Giscours which were all very good.

From Giscours we went to D’Issan where we had Blason de D’Issan, D’Issan but also Lilian Ladouys and Pedesclaux. D’Issan was good – very generous, juicy fruit.

Next stop was Brane Cantenac where we compared the 2009 against the 2010. Both very good. I was very impressed…

After D’Issan we went to Chateau Margaux. Where we tasted Pavillon Rouge and Blanc and Margaux itself.   One word captures these wines they were simply outstanding! We learned more about the new 3rd wine of Margaux (haven’t decided a name yet) with the first vintage being 2009. This wine will not be released En Primeur and is aimed at the tradition markets of Europe, USA and Japan.

From Margaux we went to Lascombes where they invited us to taste the cepage (blend of different grapes) separately. Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Both Chevalier de Lascombes and Lascombes were good… more modern and powerful than you expect from Margaux….

More to follow on my last post which I will send on my return to Yorkshire – I hear it’s good weather which is great.  Looking forward to some sleep …….

Bordeaux was almost deserted this morning when we got up. Due at Calon Segur at 8am (7.00 am in the UK). Saw Madame de Baritault and started with the Capbern Gasqueton (Cru Bourgeois) owned by Calon Segur which was excellent – Great black currant and well balance before trying the excellent Calon Segur.  Then back in the car and round the corner for a tasting at Phelan Segur. We had a vertical tasting of 2010 down to 2007. All good but the 2007 was a little thin. 2009 and 2010 were very close in quality. Slightly firmer tannins in the 2010.

Next stop was Cos Labory where we tried the owners other property called Anderon- Blanquet and Cos Labory of both 2009 and 2010. We had an interesting conversation about the Medoc owners always preferring the more tannic vintage.

Montrose was the next destination – Tried Tronquoy – Lalande as well as Dame de Montrose and Montrose – Big nose of condensed black, sweet, ripe fruit and a hint of spice. Multi-layered and structured with added black currants, cassis, smooth sweet with under-lying minerals. Very long finish ( could still taste it when I got back in the car!)

Cos was the next stop, Tasted Goulee, Padades de Cos and Cos. All impressive, modern in style. Cos was huge.

Mouton Rothschild for 11.30am. Tasted Petit Mouton, D’Armailhac, Clerc Milon and Mouton. I think the Petit Mouton and D’Armailhac were good. Clerc Milon was a little tight. Mouton is showing well good, mega structure but un-revealing in many ways – As one of the Amercian buyers in our group put it “Mouton, she was only showing her ankles but the Petit Mouton – was a slut – twice nightly – sexy, open and easy to taste”!  I couldn’t have said it better myself..

After Mouton we headed to Grand Puy Lacoste, where we also tasted Lacoste Borie (2nd wine of GPL) and also Haut Batailley. Having a soft spot for GPL I was really pleased by the outcome, Very ripe, sweet brambly fruit, underlying minerals and refined tannins…A quick dash around the town of Pauillac and we were at Pontet Canet. Pontet Cantet has now been certified Bio-dynamic and organic (first Medoc Grand Cru Classe) to receive this. Ponet Canet was awesome – One of the top five wines I have tasted. Power, depth and structure but with great purity and elegant. Brilliant.

We then went to the Queyside in Pauillac for a spot of lunch (20 minutes) before rushing off for a 2pm appointment at Pichon Lalande where we tasted Bernadotte, Reserve de Comtesse, Haut Beausejour and de Pez. The Pichon Lalande was first rate but I was really impressed by the de Pez – Excellent balance and structure with abundant sweet red and black currant fruit.

Next stop was the Union Grand Cru at Braniare Ducru which was for the Northern Medoc Grand Cru (St Estephe, Pauillac and St Julien) where we tasted Ormes de Pez, Lafon Rochet, Haut Bages Liberal, Grand Puy Ducasse (disappointing) Batailley, Talbot, St Pierre, Gloria, Leoville Poyferre, Leoville Barton, Langoa Barton, Lagrange, Gruaud Larose, Branaire Ducru and Beychevelle.

Back to the Car (Little Polo) but luckily with air con…as it got up to 26 C and was getting a little hot for the Yorksire blood. Then off to Citran where we tasted a few Cru Bourgeois and La Lagune (excellent – Pure and precise) We tasted Greysac, La Tour de By, Beaumont, Belgrave, Citran, Coufran, de Camensac, de Lamarque, La Lagune, Maucaillou, Fonreaud, Fourcas Dupre and Fourcas Hosten.

We were then trying to go to the Cru Bourgeois tasting at Ch d’Agassac but decide to pull stumps as we had to go to the 2010 D’Yquem tasting at the Opera house in Bordeaux and then onto the Cammanderie du Bontemps dinner where we tried some excellent wines from Ducru Beaucaillou 1989, Smith Haut Lafite Blanc , de Fargues 2005, Climens 2003, Kirwan 2001, Suduiraut 1997, Pontet Canet 2004 and Mouton Rothschild 1988 to complete the marathon.

Got back at midnight … alarm set for 6am…. we are picking up some of the team and are headed out to La Lagune for 8am.

Its the third day of my Marathon Wine Tasting for the En Primeur Bordeaux 2010 vintage.  I feel like I’ve been here for a week already…. the amount of wines on show and available to taste is staggering… people from all over the world have decended on Bordeaux for the 2010 vintage.

I am carefully making notes and also retasting wines that I thought showed great promise in the quest to bring you a balanced view of the vintage.  It is without doubt a good vintage, but how good is the question. 

Today was a day of literally Chateaux hopping…

Started with a quick 5 wines at Pavie at 8am. Pavie was good, huge wine but with impressive depth and structure. Also tasted Monbousquet and Pavie Decesse which were very good.

Onto L’Arrosée for a couple more. Lovely wine, good fruit, structure and well knitted tannins and alcohol. Next was Chateau Canon which was brilliant and then onto Larcis Ducasse for about 10 wines including Pavie Macquin and a special cuvee called George (wasn’t too bad at all). They were all wines consulted by Stephane Derenoncourt.

Then we went to La Couspaude for another UGC tasting, The star here was Figeac. Then a race to Cheval Blanc, where we tasted D’Yquem as well all before 12pm. Petit Cheval was showing better than Cheval Blanc.

From Cheval Blanc we went on to La Pointe in Pomerol – tasted Clinet (excellent), Petit Village, le Conseillante etc and had a spot of lunch. After lunch we went to Soutard from the Michel Roland wines. Hard work, big modern wines, all a bit similar. Struggled with a lot. Big tannins and good fruit but often a bit unexciting.

With a mouth full of tannin we went Malactic Lagraviere for the Pessac UGC tasting….

Jamie

This is day two of my En Primeur Tastings in Bordeaux.  Its been a busy day and well attended, lots of people and not enough time in the day…

Started in the morning at the Syndicat St Emilion tasting at the Salle des Dominicans is St Emilion. Tasted 47 wines in total. Over all quality is very good, only one faulty wine. Fruit and structure in the wines was very good. A couple has issue with tannins and a few others were a bit hot (high in Alcohol) Some stars were Faugeres, Clos de Madeline, Clos de Jacobins and Fleur Cardinals.

Then we went to the St Emilion Grand Cru Classe tasting at Chateau Villemaurine where we tasted the majority of the Grand Cru Classe that we hadn’t already tasted (another 30 wines) I was impressed by L’Arrosée and  Larcis Ducases.

After a ten minute lunch break we rushed off to the Syndicat de Pomerol tasting at Mairie de Pomerol (Village Hall) where I taste 17 Pomerols. Favourites were L’Enclos, Feytit-Clinet and Gazin but was impressed again within by the fruit and entry level Pomerols like Bourgneuf.

After the Pomerol tasting we went to the Circle de Rive Droite tasting which was in a large Marquee at Ch Grand Barrail – hotel on the Libourne to St Emilion Road. Tasted a few Bernard Magrez wines like Magrez Fombrauge and Fombrauge but also most good Grand Cru like Trimoulet that I have never tasted before. Ended up tasting a few Bordeaux Blanc to cleanse the palate a bit – Thieuley Blanc 2010 showed really well.

The Final destination of the day was the La Grappe Tasting which is Stephane Derenoncourt portfolio of wines that he consults for which was a total of 65 properties. To be honest I started cherry picking the wines. It was held at Chateau La Gaffeliere. Some real favourites, Pavie Macquin, Smith Haut Lafitte, Poujeaux (again) and Domaine Chevalier Rouge but also some surprises like Petit Village and Berliquet

Tomorrow is just as manic. Bank to St Emilion for some of the big boys…Pavie for breakfast at 8.30am – think of me when you have your cornflakes at 7.30 am – I will be trying Pavie !!

 Jamie