Andrew and I have been hard at work over the summer tasting mature, drinking Bordeaux for our new brochure as well as for the festive season, and we've discovered 3 outstanding Clarets that really stood out in terms of drinkability, and value. Be quick, we're sure they won't be around for long...
Tronquoy de Sainte-Anne, St. Estèphe 2012 | £19.99
Situated in the heart of St. Estèphe, Château Tronquoy-Lalande is one of our hidden gems of the appellation boasting a long and rich history. In 2006 it was purchased by the Bouygues brothers, who also own the adjacent and iconic St. Estèphe 2nd Growth; Château Montrose. Tronquoy Sainte-Anne is their second wine, and the 2012 vintage is a blend of 45% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Petit Verdot. Furthermore, this bucks the trend of recent warm vintages and high alcohols with an ABV of just 12.5%!
"Beautiful nose of blackcurrant and cassis fused with cigar box and leather undertones. Medium-bodied on the palate with ripe, fine tannins and a core of bright, bramble and black fruit with a savoury edge to the fine finish. An excellent second wine that punches well above its weight!"
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Château Corbin, St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2014 | £29.99
An excellent property that we have been following for several years under the watchful eye of the fourth female generation with Annabelle Cruse-Bardinet. The estate is situated on the north-west section of the Corbin plateau and the subsoil is predominantly clay-based as opposed to the regular limestone, which crafts richer and more fuller bodied wines that its neighbours. My mini Château Canon! 2014 is a somewhat overlooked vintage, yet I believe will provide lots of pleasure and are just coming into their drinking window now. This a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV.
"This is a gorgeous wine, it has wonderfully flexible tannins that are full of life. It has a lovely gourmet edge, with a touch of dark chocolate and lovely damson fruit, as well as great texture and complexity. A real wine to discover and savour, from a vintage that generally did better on the left bank."
Drink 2022-2026.
92/100 points. Jane Anson
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Château Phélan Ségur, St. Estèphe 2012 | £42.00
Our rising star of St. Estèphe! This 70-hectare property is nestled away between famous neighbours of Châteaux Calon Ségur and Montrose. We believe that under the ownership Philippe Van de Vyere, the future is an exciting one for Phélan Ségur in the more than capable hands of Managing Director; Véronique Dausse. 2012 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot. 13% ABV.
"Unusually in terms of my recent experience, this is tasting far more plump and inviting than the 2011 right now - with well defined and purely-delivered cassis and bilberry flavours, some creamy texture and enjoyably confident tannins. It has a bright, fresh finish with crushed mint notes and plenty of St Estèphe power."
Drink 2020-2036.
92/100 points. Jane Anson
"Lots of violet, sandalwood, currant and tar character. Subtle and pretty. Full body, fine tannins and a balanced and fresh finish. Pretty wine."
91/100 points. James Suckling
"Tasted blind. Lots of glamour and density on the nose with real St-Estèphe integrity too. Round and chock full of St-Estèphe stoniness. Beautiful texture. Should last very well for a 2012..."
Drink 2022-2040.
17.5/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW
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Prices quoted are per bottle, by the case (6x75cl) and include Duty & VAT.
Free delivery to UK mainland for orders over £200 retail. Standard delivery charged at £9.95 if order totals less.
