A review of Yesterday's releases. A brace of Pauillac's and a big gun St Julien.
Pontet Canet has just come out….trying to get allocations and I will try and offer it to those who bought last year first.
Gruaud Larose, St Julien 2010 £530 per case. This works as it's a big name and the quality has taken a jump up to warrant the price. Very Limited be quick.
Haut Batailley, Pauillac 2010 £320. This has also moved through the ranks (and so has the price) but the rise in quality has justified the price increase. Best Haut Batailley and Xavier Borie thinks it is the best since the 1961 – It's very good. RECOMMENDED.
Finally we have the Haut Bages Liberal 2010, also at £320 – all Tasting notes are on the website - I have included my tasting notes for these En Primeur 2010 - JG below.
Gruaud Larose, St Julien 2010 Released at £530
Tasted at the UGC Tasting at Branaire Ducru. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. Abundant blackberry and cassis. Sweet, ripe fruit black fruit, Luscious, almost juicy fruit with nice minerality and subtle tannins which mean that it can be drunk early. Drink 2015-2028. (April 2011) JG
Haut Bages Liberal, Pauillac 2010 Released at £320
Tasted at the UGC tasting at Branaire Ducru. Chateau on the up. With neighbours of Latour and Pichon Baron. Black currants and bilberries. Excellent structure on the palate, silky tannins, luscious fruit with minerality and an elegant acidity balance. Excellent Pauillac. Drink 2018-2027. (April 2011) JG
Haut Batailley, Pauillac 2010 £320
Tasted at Grand Puy Lacoste. Blackberry fruit with a touch of summer fruits, graphite. Very precise, like a slightly toned down GPL – similar in style. Xavier Borie thinks it's on par with the 1961. One of the best Haut Batailley that I have tasted. Very good. Drink 2018 to 2028. (April 2011) JG
