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Full Fine Wine List

 

March Fine Wine Market Update

There was a time when a good second growth would be two-thirds the price of a first…well as the gap has widened and the firsts have soared into the distance, those days are long gone. Happily, there are still a clutch of wines capable of offering great value. Here’s a second, third, fourth and two fifths plus a Pomerol for good measure, that shape up tremendously well under £50/bt.

 

Our Highlights

Château Langoa Barton 2001, 3ème Cru Classé

£285 per 12 -

A deep garnet colour. The nose is very expressive, but less opulent that a couple of years ago, with an herbaceous element that is endearing. With time in the glass, aromas of smoke, bacon fat, iodine, a hit of soy lacing introspective dark fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with very good acidity, lovely balance and freshness, silky tannins, very harmonious with a smooth glide of a finish. Black cherries, a touch of plum, just a hint of volatility giving it lift. Lovely if just a little foursquare. Drink 2010-2020. Tasted April 2009. 91 points Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com November 2009

 

Château Haut Batailley 2001, 5ème Cru Classé

£340 per 12 -

A soft, red cherry and mulberry-scented nose that could do with a little more vigour. A touch of lemongrass developing. The palate is full-bodied, chewy tannins, raspberry, cherry and cranberry fruit. Good persistent finish – succulent, vivacious, pretty and simply very pleasant. Tasted October 2007. 89 points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com, May 2008

 

Château Rauzan Ségla 2004, 2ème cru classé

£340 per case 12 -

In my barrel assessment I hinted that this Rauzan-Segla might merit an additional point in bottle and so it came to pass! It has very good intensity on the nose with thick layers of raspberry, wild strawberry and a touch of orange peel and graphite. The palate is full-bodied, adding weight all the time in the glass, quite plump with good solid structure. It is blessed with a lovely cedar-tinged finish with a length that can only leave you smiling. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted November 2008. 91 points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com, November 2008

 

Château Certan de May 2006, Pomerol

£495 per 12 -

This property is finally hitting on full cylinders and has returned to the form it had in the late 1970s and mid-1980s. This is a deep ruby/purple-colored wine with notes of graphite, menthol, licorice, and truffle. The fruit character verges between black cherry and creme de cassis notes. The wine exhibits noble and complex aromatics, moderately high tannins, but a full-bodied, firm, muscular structure that will require some patience. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028. 92 points, Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com February 2009

 

Château Talbot 1996 , 4ème cru classé

£550 per 12 -

The wine is close to being outstanding, exhibiting a saturated dark ruby color, and excellent aromatics, consisting of black fruits intermixed with licorice, dried herbs, and roasted meat smells. It is full, with impressive extract, a fleshy texture, low acidity, excellent purity, and a long, deep, chewy finish. This 1996 will be drinkable at a young age, yet keep for 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2017. 89 points Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com, April 1999

 

Château Grand Puy Lacoste 2005 , 5ème cru classé

£585 per 12 -

The brilliant 2005 Grand-Puy-Lacoste exhibits classic Pauillac aromas and flavors of creme de cassis along with stony/floral notes. Proprietor Xavier Borie has created a wine that should rival the brilliant 1982, 1990, 1996, and 2000. Full-bodied with sweet tannin and superb length (a 40+ second finish), the purity of this beauty’s black currant fruit is something to behold. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030. 95 points, Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com, April 2008