A quiet week in Bordeaux before the anticipated release of the top Cru Classe estates in early May has however seen the release of some of our favourite and best value value Cru Bourgeois estates in 2014.
It is easy to forget what amazing value these properties really are, whilst everybody is aware of the extravagant price increases of the top estates, on average Cru Bourgeois Chateaux have only gone up 10% in euro term cost since the 2005 vintage and yet their production costs are not far shorter than some of their more famous neighbours.
The three properties below really sung during our primeur tastings and are quite simply terrific value.
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Ch Lanessan, Haut Medoc at £105 per case
This wonderful property sitting up on the hill over looking St Julien has been in the ownership of the Bouteiller family for eight generations, descendants of Jean Delbou who purchased the property in 1793. One of the most reliable property’s of its type and if history had been kinder could well have been a classified growth due to its superb location in the heart of the medoc and a fine representation of the regional terror with classic vinayerd plantings of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 4% petit verdot.
“A wine with charm and intensity highlighting its excellent position sitting on the borders of St Julien. Plump juicy damson fruits, with hints of freshly cut vanilla pod. This balances a breadth of fruit with a hint of rusticity on the back palate which provides personality and character. Very good depth and length. Drink 2018-2028” David Roberts MW
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Ch du Glana, St Julien at £135 per case
A new wine in our range of en primeur offerings. Whilst tasting at one of our Bordeaux suppliers last week it was the standout St Julien within its price cetegory so we just had to include it. Brilliantly positioned at the back of Ch St Pierre heading to Gruaud Larose in the heart of the St Julien appellation, this is a classic blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot and shows why the great appellation of St Julien always produces the most consistent wines within the left bank. A star buy in our book.
“Deep opaque colour, this has hints of tobacco and strong wild forest fruit aromas. In the mouth it has true density and weight, without being excessive and a touch of finesse on the finish. A very classical style for really good mid term drinking. Drink 2019 – 2028” David Roberts MW
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Ch d’Angludet Margaux at £156 per case
Owned by the Sichel family joint proprietors of Ch Palmer and superbly managed by Ben Sichel this is a stunning terroir driven Margaux showing the outstanding success of the very best wines of Margaux this vintage. The 32 ha of vines within this beautiful 81 ha property are planted proportionately with 55% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 10% petit verdot and Ben has made the most of all three varieties in his very fine 2014 and for us is a “must have” in any cellar of Margaux wines.
“This will be one of the outstanding bargains of the vintage. A huge success for Ben Sichel and his team. A delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and 11% of his father Peter’s favourite variety, Petit Verdot, which provides a density and drive to this lovely wine. Great balance between gracefulness and concentration, a lovely example of Margaux and the pleasures of Claret at affordable prices. Drink: 2022-2031” David Roberts MW