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)
