Bordeaux 2022 En Primeur Release Diary
Our Bordeaux 2022 Release Diary is where you can read our journey through the campaign and get a real insight into En Primeur. Please check back here regularly, for updates and releases as and when they happen, read our views, and get to grips with market sentiment.
If you would like to discuss the campaign, a particular wine or how this vintage will complement your investment wine portfolio or working cellar, please call our Private Client Team on 01325 776466.
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Thursday 22nd June
This morning we have the eagerly awaited release of Château Figeac at £1,518 IB per 6x75cl. The Manoncourt family, Frédéric Faye and the whole team at Figeac could not have hoped for a better release to see in the new era as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate, and it will come as no surprise that it's sure to be one of the sought after wines of the vintage. The Wine Advocate's William Kelley concurs, stating it is "a brilliant wine with which to celebrate this property's elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classé 'A' status... serious yet civilized, it's the quintessential Figeac", awarding it an almost perfect score of 98-100 points.
In neighbouring Pomerol, Château La Conseillante is also out at £1,326 IB per 6x75cl. An estate going from strength to strength under the watchful eye of Marielle Cazaux since her arrival in 2015. It has been extremely well-received by critics with Neal Martin declaring "Marielle Cazaux has crafted one of the most intellectual La Conseillante wines in recent years" (97-99 points), and William Kelley agreeing, noting it as "a remarkable wine that has the potential to emerge as one of the wines of the vintage" (97-100 points).
Both wines are sold on allocation to those who purchased it last year.
Wednesday 21st June
Today in Pessac-Léognan we have the releases from Domaine Clarence Dillon, namely Château La Mission Haut-Brion at £1,590 IB per 6x75cl, and Château Haut-Brion at £3,090 IB per 6x75cl.
Tuesday 20th June
This morning in Pauillac we have the release of Château Mouton Rothschild at £3,108 IB per 6x75cl, and is sold on allocation to those who bought last year.
In St. Julien Château Ducru-Beaucaillou has been released at £1,122 IB per 6x75cl. While marking 20 years of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou’s legendary resident-owner, Bruno-Eugène Borie, being at the helm of the property, the 2022 vintage serendipitously exemplifies his unwavering commitment to quality. The growing season, characterised by intense heat and limited rain, was extremely demanding, however, the estate’s skilled team – headed by its visionary leader and boasting an exceptional terroir – prevailed, resulting in an outstanding vintage. It is fair to say it's back where it belongs alongside the elite of the "Super Second" estates. Bravo, Bruno!
Across on the Right Bank in St. Émilion, this afternoon we have the release Château Canon at £720 IB per 6x75cl. This Premier Grand Cru Classé estate has been on a meteoric rise in the last few years' following its purchase by Chanel and installing the enigmatic Nicolas Audebert at the helm as Managing Director. Nicolas and his team have once again worked their magic in 2022, despite its challenges. It has been extremely well-received by critics with William Kelley stating it is "a magical wine that will be worth every effort to track down... this pure, perfumed and ineffable complete Canon is built for the ages..." and scored it an almost perfect 99-100 points.
Monday 19th June
The week begins in Pessac-Léognan with Château Smith Haut Lafitte releasing both Rouge at £1,367 IB and Blanc at £1,439 IB both per dozen.
Across in Margaux, Château Margaux is out at £3,096 IB per 6x75cl and is sold on allocation to customers who have bought the previous vintage. The estates second wine, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, has also been released at £1,800 per dozen.
Finally in St. Julien, Château Léoville Las Cases has been released at £1,386 IB per 6x75cl. Volume is down by roughly 60% in comparison to the 2021 vintage, hence the large price increase. However, demand will no doubt be high with many critics scoring it within the 100 point range (98-100 Neal Martin, 98-100 Antonio Galloni and 98-100 William Kelley).
Friday 16th June
Eglise Clinet has been released at £1,554 for 6 IB. Almost sold through with a few available if you are quick.
Next up this morning is the big guns of Lafite, all sold under allocation at £3,570 for 6 IB.
Montrose at £873 for 6 IB released with Dame de Montrose at £378 for 12 IB. Dame de Montrose is a recommended buy.
Troplong Mondot in St Emilion was orginially down to release but they have deferred release to Tuesday.
Thursday 15th June
Haut Bailly is released and available £1,440 per 12 IB.
Closely followed by Calon Segur at £1,220 per 12 IB and Capbern £230 per 12 IB, both from Saint Estephe.
Their second wine Marques de Calon Segur is available at £288 per 12 IB.
Pontet Canet is out and released at £1,077 per 12 IB.
Wednesday 14th June
A flurry of releases this morning. One of our favourite Margaux wine Issan has been released today. "This is one hell of an Issan’ 96-97/100 points. James Suckling £612 per 12 IB. Not to be overlooked is their second wine, Blason d'Issan... it offers great value at £228 per 12 IB and is a STAR BUY.
Clinet also made an appearance at £980 per 12 IB, one of the best mid-range Pomerols. My real Star of Pomerol is Clinet's neighbour, Feytit Clinet that is also out at £606 per 12 IB.
Followed closely behind was Gruaud Larose released at £840 per 12 IB. A firm customer favourite "The progress at this estate continues with the terrific 2022 Gruaud Larose" writes William Kelley, scoring it 94/96. Neal Martin scores it 95/97 "this easily surpasses vintages made at the estate over the last decade and more. Perhaps like the legendary Gruauds of old (1982, 1961, 1928, even 1870)? Gruaud reborn."
We have a little Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, St Julien 2022 at £228 per 12 IB.
Cos d’Estournal is released at £2,232 per 12 IB.
Pagodes de Cos is available at £46 per 12 IB and Cos d’Estournal Blanc at £1,480.
Tuesday 13th June
Headline act of the morning is Lynch Bages at £1,272 per 12 IB. Great wine and Scores
In St Julien, Leoville Poyferre closely followed, released at £1014 In recent years the Chateau has improved dramatically again thanks to tweaks in viticultural and vinicultural management, producing great wines worthy of its 2nd Growth status, yet prices remain reasonable for St. Julien of such quality. "A very solid LP with black berry, blackcurrant, crushed stone and lavender character. Full and really well structured with a linear length to it. Focused and so polished. Thoughtful." 96-97/100 points. James Suckling
Echo de Lynch is available at £390 per 12 IB as well as Larcis Ducasse at £867 per 12 IB. 98-99 score from JS. Limited stock
Pape Clement Rouge of Pessac Leognan also made an appearance, released at £750 per 12 IB.
Monday 12th June
Strong start to the week, we are now in full swing with lots of releases being under starters orders.
Brane Cantenac is out at £720 per 12 IB. Worth looking at - serious stuff.
Pichon Baron available at £1,620 per 12 IB – some strong scores.
Neal Martin certainly liked Phelan Segur giving it 95/97 points, available at £450 per 12 IB.
Brane Cantenac released at £720 per 12 IB along with Domaine de Chevalier Rouge at £680 per 12 IB.
Friday 9th June
A busy morning with Rauzan Segla released at £1,010 per 12 IB, has been well-received by critics with Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Independent stating it is "crafted like a Chanel suit" and scoring it an impressive 97-99 points. Jane Anson agrees declaring it "brings precision to the exuberance of the vintage, barely puts a step wrong..." There is no denying this "Super Second" has produced an impressive effort in 2022.
Giscours available at £600 per 12 IB.
Highly sought after Beausejour Becot was in demand, at the time of writing only a few available at £708 per 12 IB
All sold through allocation, Petit Eglise released at £486 per 12 IB.
Thursday 8th June
Busy morning on the Place. The sister Chateaux of Gloria and St Pierre in St Julien were first out. Gloria is always a great buy, price up 20% but the quality warrants the price rising and you won’t be disappointed. St Pierre is always underrated and has a very loyal following.
In Margaux we had Chateau Margaux highly desirable neighbour Malescot St Expury at £540 per case IB.
The Louis Roederer joint owed properties were next out with their flagship Chateau Pichon Comtesse Lalande out at £1032 per 6 IB. A near perfect wine with nearly all scores being 97 or above from the Critics. Reserve de Comtesse out at £432 per 12 IB and Chateau de Pez in St Estèphe being their other release.
Late morning saw the right bank make a move with the highly rated Chateau Pavie Macquin in St Émilion that is beautiful crafted by Nicolas Thienpont.
In the afternoon, two highly sought after wines that were on our hit list made their releases... Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is Pauillac that is a new RISING STAR at £402 IB. Its neighbour to Chateau Pichon Comtesse Lalande and Chateau Latour and has been biodynamic since 2019. Chateau Rouget, Pomerol is also a rising star, situated by Chateau L’Eglise Clinet it has real class and reminds our buying team of a mini La Conseillante, priced at £430 IB.
Wednesday 7th June
Busy morning with the hotly tipped Chateau Les Carmes de Haut Brion from the Pessac Leognan stable first out the stalls at £660 per case. Allocations are down by 30%. Closely followed by Chateau D’Armailhac, Pauillac at £484 per 12 from the very successful Mouton Rothschild stable. A wine that’s hotly tipped by Neal Martin (93-95 points) and James Suckling (96-97 points)
Chateau Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac Leognan at £408 per 12 In Bond was next out onto La Place, one of the rising stars of Pessac and just behind Domaine de Chevalier in the rankings. Malartic Lagraviere was closely follow by the Right bank’s Chateau Trotte Vieille which sadly we didn’t get the opportunity to taste over the week in Bordeaux. It’s hotly tipped with 98-99 Points from James Suckling, 94-96 from Wine Advocate and Neal Martin and 96-98 from Lisa PB. A busy morning.
In the afternoon, two highly sought after wines that were on our hit list made their releases... Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is Pauillac that is a new RISING STAR. It is neighbour to Chateau Pichon Comtesse Lalande and Chateau Latour and has been biodynamic since 2019. Chateau Rouget, Pomerol is also a rising star, situated by Chateau L’Eglise Clinet it has real class and reminds our buying team of a mini La Conseillante.
Tuesday 6th June
A flight of early bird releases this morning from the Left bank starting with Château Lagrange in St Julien at £474 IB per dozen. This is the best here in a long time here and good scores with 95-97 Neal Martin, 96 Jane Anson, 94-96 Wine Advocate, and 94-95 James Suckling. Also out is Château Haut Marbuzet from St Estèphe and Château Marquis de Terme in Margaux.
Chateau La Gaffeliere has released at £684 per 12, £342 per 6 bottle. It is one of St Emilions rising stars, situated between Ausone and Pavie. Worthy of its great scores. Neal Martin 95-97, Wine Advocate 95-96, 96-98 Lisa P-B and 96-97 Suckling. Don’t over look Clos La Gaffeliere at £192 per 12 bottle, La Gaffeliere’s second wine that really over delivers.
Back across on the left Bank, Château Pedesclaux has been released at £403.20 IB per dozen. This is one of Paulliac's rising Stars, which borders Mouton Rothschild near Milon and Vinous reckons its the 'best ever' from this Chateau.
Pencils are sharpened and ready to go with the anticipated release of Château Les Carmes de Haut Brion tomorrow morning...
Monday 5th June
This morning saw Château Ausone released first thing at £1700 IB per 3x75cl, and was allocated to last years buyers. It was then closely followed by Château Palmer at £1788 IB per 6x75cl as well as their sublime Alter Ego de Palmer at £402 IB per 6. Allocations are down on Alter Ego in 2022, so we are expecting it to sell out quickly.
A flurry of releases this afternoon, however, nothing to get too excited by. On the left bank in the Medoc Château La Lagune is out at £432 IB per dozen. It was good, though we slightly prefered Château Cantemerle (released at £266) to be honest and you can buy the 2020 at 25% cheaper.
Over on the Right Bank in Pomerol, Château Le Bon Pasteur has been released at £258 IB per 6. This isn't a property that we have worked with, however, we can get a hold of it if you're interested. In neighbouring St. Émilion, Château Grand Corbin Despagne is out at £310 IB per 12, which is a property on an upward spiral but our St. Émilion Star Buys are Grand Cru Classé estates Château de Ferrand at £300 IB and Château Laroque at £292.80 IB, both per dozen respectively.
Friday 2nd June
This morning we have seen several releases from Vignobles von Neipperg, namely Saint-Émilion properties Château Canon La Gaffeliere at £780 IB, and Château La Mondotte at £1,728 IB, both per 12x75cl.
In Pauillac, the 5th Growth estate Château Haut-Batailley is also out at £525 IB per dozen. This estate was purchased by the Cazes family (Lynch-Bages fame) in 2017 and although great improvements have been made since, we feel the release price is quite expensive when compared with Château Batailley, at a fraction of the price (£372 IB per dozen).
Thursday 1st June
Today in St. Julien, Château Talbot has been released at £578 IB per 12x75cl. Owned by the Bignon-Cordier family since 1917, Château Talbot is one of the largest in the in St. Julien. The estate has come a long way under consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt and more recently, Managing Director Jean-Michel Laporte (ex-La Conseillante), where it has produced some fantastic wines in recent years, and their 2022 vintage is a good effort with Jane Anson stating it is "one to follow over ageing, this is an impressive Talbot." There is no denying Talbot is a dependable source of quality Claret, and a firm favourite with many UK customers.
Over in Pauillac, Lafite's sister estate Château Clerc Milon is out at £792 IB per dozen.
This afternoon in St. Émilion, Château Corbin has been released at £315 IB per 12x75cl. This is an excellent Grand Cru Classé property that we have been following for several years under the watchful eye of the fourth female generation with Annabelle Cruse-Bardinet. The 13-hectares of vines are split into two blocks located in the north-west of St. Émilion upon the Corbin plateau where the higher proportion of clay subsoil for the area (opposed to limestone), produces rich, yet ripe and refined wines. We are big admirers of Corbin having discovered it during the first lockdown when tasting it side by side with Canon... we were so impressed we lovingly refer to it as our "mini Canon"! We have been consistently impressed with Annabelle's work overs the years and it is quite rightly one of our rising star estates.
Wednesday 31st May
This morning have seen the releases of the Durantou wines: Saintayme at £150 IB, which is always one of the best St. Émilion Grand Cru wines available. Over in Lalande-de-Pomerol, La Chenade at £185 and Les Cruzelles at £204 IB, and last but by no means least, Montlandrie in Côtes de Castillon at £185 IB (all wines priced per dozen respectively). Denis Durantou was my winemaking hero who sadly passed away well before his time a back in 2020 It's hard to find wines from the Right Bank (St. Émilion, Pomerol, Lalande-de-Pomerol and Castillon) with such pedigree and value for money. However, these wines certainly do, and furthermore Noémie and Constance clearly have Denis' magical touch... Bravo les filles! These wines come highly recommended; I personally add a few cases to my cellar collection each vintage, and suggest you ought to do the same.
This afternoon Château Branaire-Ducru at £474 IB per dozen has been released. This is an estate that has come on leaps and bounds in recent years under the watchful eye of François-Xavier Maroteaux, and offers some of the best value for money in St. Julien. Neal Martin agrees stating "this represents an excellent Branaire Ducru that will age over many years and will surely appeal to those seeking more classical Saint-Julien. Tasted three times and was more impressive each time. Branaire-Ducru continues its upward trajectory under properietor François-Xavier Maroteaux", awarding it 95-97 points.
Tuesday 30th May
This morning Château Sociando-Mallet has been released at £325 IB per dozen. This is a wine we enjoyed during our UGC tasting week, however, on current exchange rates it works out to a 25% increase on last years offering. We understand that the estate lost around 50% off the crop due to hail, and although it is an excellent Sociando, we feel it is a bit on the expensive side.
In Pauillac, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste has been released at £715 IB per 12x75cl. Located in the heart of Pauillac and owned by the Borie family since 1978, now under the watchful eye of Emeline Borie, Grand Puy Lacoste produces some of the finest wines in the appellation, and is a long-standing favourite with many of our customers. We discussed the vintage with Emeline and Francois-Xavier, with the latter stating that it is “in the top 5 vintages of the last 40 years”... high praise indeed! It has been well received with critics too as Neal Martin declares it "a Pauillac endowed with huge potential", scoring it 96-98 points. The Wine Advocate's William Kelley concurs, commenting that it's "somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate's brilliant 1982", and awarded it 95-97 points.
The estates second wine; Lacoste-Borie, has also been released at £241 IB per dozen and shouldn't be overlooked!
A flurry of release from Bordeaux continues this afternoon with Château Labegorce at £302 IB per dozen. It is a hidden gem property situated on the famous Route des Châteaux, with 70-hectares of vines (some of which border Margaux and Lascombes) in the heart of the Margaux appellation. Owned by the Perrodo family since 1989, quality has increased dramatically under their ownership due to heavy investment in both vineyard, and cellar. Neal Martin awarded it 92-94 points declaring that "this will be an utterly charming Margaux", and we agree!
Wednesday 25th May
This morning Château Potensac has been released at £246 IB per dozen. Owned by the Delon family (proprietors of Château Léoville Las Cases in St. Julien as well as Nénin in Pomerol) for several centuries; Potensac is one of the leading names of AOC Médoc and a great source of reliable Claret, especially in vintages such as 2022. Bravo!
Tuesday 23rd May
Today we have seen the release of Château de Ferrand at £300 IB per dozen. This has become a HIDDEN GEM for us at Boncoeur, as there has been impressive investment from Philippe and Pauline over the last few years, and it's paying dividends at £23-£25 a bottle In Bond... it's a steal! Personally the quality of this wine is more in the £30-£50 price bracket. It is an awesome property having the second highest elevation in Saint-Émilion (102 metres) just behind Château Troplong-Mondot (110 metres). They are practising organic viticulture in the vineyards with certification coming in 2024. We believe this is a property on the fast track to St Émilion's Premier League!
This afternoon we have seen the Mitjavile stable releases beginning with Château Tertre Roteboeuf and has been run by the enigmatic François Mitjavile since 1977, and is without question one of the very top producers in the appellation. The 5.7-hectare vineyard is located on a small limestone outcrop in between Châteaux Pavie and Bellefont-Belcier, which is planted with 80:20 Merlot to Cabernet Franc, and is know for producing deep, rich and ethereal wines. It has been released at £990 IB per 6 and is sold on allocation.
Mitjavile also owns Château Roc de Cambes, which is out at £330 IB per 6. A 12.5-hectare estate in the neighbouring Côtes de Bourg appellation. Simply referred to as Roc de Cambes, there is no denying it is the star of the appellation and offers Mitjaviles' magic at a fraction of the price of its famous St. Émilion sibling. Last but by no means least, Domaine de Cambes is also out at £230 IB per 6. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a second wine of Roc de Cambes; it's a property in its own right with a terroir and identity of its own offering excellent value for money, and is a superb window into the wonderful Mitjavile world!
Monday 22nd May
This weeks begins with the release of Château Ormes de Pez in St. Estèphe at £255 IB per 12x75cl. We kindly refer to it as the "baby brother" of Lynch Bages (owned by the Cazes family) and it shines bright in the 2022 vintage! Jane Anson described it as "one of the best-value and most consistent estates" in the appellation from her book, Inside Bordeaux, and it's hard to disagree... this is a stunning Les Ormes de Pez and is on our recommended buy list.
Thursday 18th May
This morning we have seen the release of the Krajewski Family wines: Château Séraphine at £600 IB 6x75cl (Pomerol), as well as Clos Cantenac at £365 and Petit Cantenac at £210 (St. Émilion), both In Bond per dozen that have been beautifully crafted by Martin Krajewski and his daughter Charlotte (Lolly).
As many of you know we have been following the developments of these estates under the careful eye of both Martin and Lolly for some years. They have put in a tremendous amount of hard work which is now certainly paying off. Lolly spent 10 years working in six different countries (across four continents) before heading back home to Bordeaux, bringing with her modern and innovative wine-making techniques whilst still respecting the traditions of regional heritage. Martin, as you may remember is the ex-owner of Château de Sours, whom we lovingly refer to as the "Prince of Bordeaux" and has firmly found his roots on the Right Bank. Château Séraphine in Pomerol is Martin and Lolly's modern, ground-breaking project, which has been described in recent years by both Neal Martin and Jane Anson as "one to watch". High praise indeed!
Today and tomorrow are Jours Fériés / Banks Holidays in France, and so we do not anticipate any further releases this week.
Wednesday 17th May
First out of the blocks this morning we have the release of Château Batailley at £372 IB per dozen. The 5th Growth Pauillac estate prides itself on the prime location of its vineyard to the west of the iconic Château Mouton Rothschild, where it constantly produces one of the most classic styles of Pauillac. Owned by Borie-Manoux and often described as the "jewel in their crown", the 2022 vintage and has received impressive scores amongst critics and is always a firm favourite with many UK customers. Furthermore, the 2022 vintage also has a special label in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, a great lover of the wines of Bordeaux, and in particular, Château Batailley.
Tuesday 16th May
In St. Émilion this morning we have the release of Château Berliquet at £548 IB per dozen. This is without a doubt a property on the up and will come as no surprise as being included in our "Rising Stars" list, having been purchased by Chanel several years ago and bearing the fruit of Nicolas Audebert's labour. William Kelley agrees, declaring "the 2022 Berliquet is brilliant, bursting with aromas of plums, wild berries and lilac, followed by a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant palate that's deep and mineral. It's likely to be another of the vintage's more attractive en primeur proportions. This estate just goes from strength to strength...", scoring it 94-95 points. We agree, it's made in the trademark polished, pure style of Canon and is a PROPERTY TO WATCH.
Over in Pauillac, Château Duhart-Milon has been released at £756 IB per 12x75cl. This 4th Growth Pauillac estate is owned by Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and their vineyards border those of Château Lafite Rothschild itself in the heart of the appellation. Duhart-Milon was in the shadow of its iconic sister estate until 2001, when it was finally granted it's own team for both vineyard and cellar. It has never looked back going from strength to strength, and the 2022 is a superb wine and I think this is the best I have tasted from the barrel!
Back across to St. Émilion this afternoon as Château Laroque is out at £293 IB per dozen. Located to the east of the village of Saint-Émilion up on the famous limestone plateau (St-Christophe-des-Bardes), and is without a doubt a Rising Star, and quite simply a MUST BUY. It is one of the largest Grand Cru Classé estates with 61-hectares under vine and there has been intensive investment in both the vineyard and winery in recent years, and is now bearing fruit in the 2022 vintage as Jane Anson declares it "really impressive" and scored it a whopping 97 points.
Monday 15th May
This morning begins with a bang as Château Beychevelle is released at £835 IB per dozen. This classified 4th Growth from St. Julien lies in the far south of the appellation near the hamlet of St-Julien-Beychevelle and owns 78-hectares of vines (a high percentage of which is Merlot), and therefore produces one of the more approachable wines from the appellation. There has been a significant step up in quality over recent vintages under the watchful eye of Managing Director: Philippe Blanc. The 2022 offering is no different, and has been well-received amongst critics, namely Vinous' Antonio Galloni stating the "2022 Beychevelle is fabulous... More than anything, I admire the wine's freshness and drive, qualities that have not been present in recent vintages. That makes the 2022 one of my favourite recent vintages here."
This afternoon in Margaux we have seen the release of Château du Tertre at £366 IB per 12x75cl. It is one of the oldest estates in the Medoc, and for a long time, an underperforming Classified Growths (5th Growth) in the region until Eric Albada-Jelgersma purchased the estate in 1997, and had heavily invested over the last two decades in an attempt to reinvigorate the Château. Jane Anson notes in her book, Inside Bordeaux, that du Tertre is "a rising star in the appellation" and we agree - following our week with the Union des Grands Crus (UGC) in April, the 2022 offers possibly the best ever vintage we've tasted and it's great to see du Tertre back on top form!
Friday 12th May
This morning Château Meyney has been released at £282 IB per dozen. Located in the heart of St. Estèphe, this is a hidden gem property with 51-hectares of vines spread across 63 plots right next door to Château Montrose, which it is often mistaken for in blind tastings! Despite not being classified it is still a property worth buying as Jane Anson declared it "definitely one to look out for", and William Kelley stated it is "a strong effort". We agree and from our UGC tasting we think it's possibly as good as the excellent 2019. Time will tell...
Over in Margaux, Château Angludet is out at £324 IB. Although a Cru Bourgeois estate, it has quite clearly produced wine of classified growth status quality over the last decade or so, and I believe is a source of great value Margaux. The 2022 really impressed us, and it seems we weren't the only ones as Jane Anson scored it 94 points and stated it is "one to look out for, should be great value."
Thursday 11th May
Today begins with a bang in Bordeaux with the releases of Barton estates; Châteaux Léoville Barton and Langoa Barton (Saint-Julien) as well as Mauvesin Barton (Moiulis-en-Medoc). Château Léoville Barton is out at £780 IB per dozen, and without a doubt produces some of the most consistent, top quality wines and is one of the most recognisable Second Growths in Bordeaux. The Wine Advocate's Bordeaux Editor, William Kelley, stated it is "one of the stars of the Médoc and a wine likely to equal or surpass its 2019 and 2016 counterparts", awarding it 96-97 points.
Château Langoa Barton is also out at £428 IB per 12x75cl, and has improved dramatically in recent years; even more so with the new winery being put to use with the 2022 vintage. So much so we believe it is now producing wines of a similar quality level, yet a fraction of the price. William Kelley agrees, declaring it is "sure to be one of the more intelligent purchases of the en primeur campaign", scoring it 93-95 points. This comes highly recommended indeed! Château Mauvesin Barton has been released at £146 IB per 12x75cl, and shouldn't be overlooked... this is definitely the best wine from this property to date. Bravo!
Wednesday 10th May
In the Médoc, Château Cantemerle has been released at £266 IB per dozen. It is without doubt one of the best Classed Growth Châteaux in Haut-Médoc, and is always a firm favourite with UK customers. It has been well received amongst the critics with the Wine Advocate's William Kelley declaring it "the finest wine this estate has produced in some time", awarding it 92-94 points.
Back in Saint-Émilion we have seem Château Moulin Saint-Georges at £300 IB per dozen. This is small 7-hectare vineyard is often referred to as a "mini Ausone" as it adjoins the iconic estate (nestled in between Ausone and La Gaffelière), is owned by the Vauthier family, and has the same winemaker as Ausone! When compared with Château La Clotte at £750 IB per 12x75cl (also released today by the Vauthier family)... it has better scores and is a fraction of the price! One could say it's is Ausone's baby sister at just £25 per bottle In Bond, which offers good value for money. Their other estate, Château Fonbel, is also at £180 IB per dozen.
Tuesday 9th May
The first horse out of the blocks this morning is Château Cheval Blanc at £5,760 IB per 12x75cl. Without a doubt one of the most famous Châteaux in Saint-Émilion, managed by Pierre Lurton (Yquem), and crafted by the talented head winemaker: Pierre-Olivier Clouet. Despite the earliest harvest ever on record at the estate (80% of the Merlot was picked by the end of August), and low yields of just 27-hectolitres per hectare, they are very happy with final result... so much so that all grapes have gone into the Grand Vin (just like in 2015, no Petit Cheval has been produced). Critics have highly rated the wine too with James Suckling stating it could be "wine of the vintage?" scoring it 99-100 points. The Wine Advocate's William Kelley concurs, declaring it "one of the stars of the vintage" awarding it 97-99+ points. Bravo! This wine has sold out.
Following suite, Château Angélus has also been released at £4,296 In Bond per 12x75cl, and has sold out too.
Staying in Saint-Émilion, this morning we have also seen the release of Château Chateau Croix de Labrie at £510 IB per 6x75cl. This is a small Grand Cru Classé estate with a 5.9-hectare vineyard purchased by couple; Pierre and Axelle Courdurie in 2013. After taking over the property great strides were made in building new, modern cellars as well as in the vineyard by focusing on low yields and organic viticulture; as a result they're now reaping the rewards as it is one of the rising star estates in Bordeaux. James Suckling has long been an admirer of this estate and has given the 2022 offering 97-98/100 points. We've tracked the estate too over the last few years and we think this is First growth quality and definitely in our top 10 wines of the vintage... it's off the charts!
This afternoon the ever popular Château Beaumont has been released at £120 IB per 12x75cl. An estate that has been helped by consultant Eric Boissenot, who has been described as Bordeaux's secret weapon, has helped them go from strength to strength in recent vintages; no wonder it's a firm customer favourite. In vintages such as 2022, we'd advise putting a few cases in the cellar.
The final release of the day came from Barsac with Château Coutet at £348 IB per dozen.
Friday 5th May
Today we have seen the release of Château Tronquoy at £236 IB per 12x75cl. This is the first time the estate has released En Primeur. Situated in the heart of Saint-Estèphe, it is one of the oldest estates in the appellation boasting a long and rich history. In 2006, it entered its next chapter and has never looked back after being purchased by Olivier and Martin Bouygues, who also own the neighbouring Second Growth: Château Montrose. Backed by Montrose, as well as being under the watchful supervision of Manager, Hervé Berland (ex-Mouton Rothschild), Tronquoy has been going from strength to strength in recent years and is one of the under-the-radar properties of the appellation that is finally stepping out from behind the shadow of it's "big brother". James Suckling called it a "fresh and solid Tronquoy", scoring it 92-93 points.
Thursday 4th May
Today we are delighted to offer a wine that falls under many merchant's radar: Clos des Lunes 'Lune d'Argent' at £60 IB per 6x75cl. It is an excellent dry White Bordeaux produced by Olivier Bernard and the winemaking team at Domaine de Chevalier. A blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc from 60-hectares of vineyards split between the sub-zones of Sauternes (adjacent to Yquem), Bommes as well as Barsac, each adding power, freshness and minerality respectively. It is a stunning wine, with great pedigree.
Wednesday 3rd May
Today marks the beginning of the Bordeaux 2022 En Primeur campaign with the release of a firm customer favourite: Château Cissac at £102 IB per 12x75cl. It is a classic Château Cissac and offers one of the best value Cru Bourgeois that money can buy. This is a top notch Cissac and worth putting some away in the cellar for great future drinking.