Bordeaux 2023 En Primeur Release Diary
Our Bordeaux 2023 Release Diary is where you can read our journey through the campaign and get a real insight into En Primeur. Please check back here regularly, for updates and releases as and when they happen, read our views, and get to grips with market sentiment.
If you would like to discuss the campaign, a particular wine or how this vintage will complement your investment wine portfolio or working cellar, please call our Private Client Team on 01325 776466.
We will be sending out regular En Primeur emails throughout the campaign, should you wish to be included in this distribution, please email wine@bcfw.co.uk and we will add you to our mailing list.
Thursday 13th June
One of the great names in Saint-Émilion, worthy of its recent promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classé A status has been released this morning with Figeac at £1,788 IB per dozen. The Manoncourt family celebrate their 130th vintage with the 2023 offering have made impressive progress with winemaker Frédéric Faye at the helm, producing ripe, modern, and polished wines that really show off the excellent terroir of Figeac. It has been received extremely well by many critics with Neal Martin stating it is "classic Figeac from start to finish... it will be a wonderful Saint-Émilion that ranks amongst the best wines of the vintage. Chapeau!", awarding it 96-98 points.
Across in Pomerol, La Conseillante is also out at £1,788 IB per dozen. It is one of the finest properties in Pomerol with 13-hectares of vines located on the eastern Pomerol plateau surrounded by Châteaux Cheval Blanc, l'Evangile, and Vieux Chateau Certan no less! Owned by the Nicolas family since 1874, there is no denying this is an estate going from strength to strength under the watchful eye of Marielle Cazaux since her arrival in 2015. The Wine Advocate's William Kelley concurs, declaring it "one of the great wines of the vintage" and gave it an almost perfect score of 98-100 points. Bravo, Marielle!
Wednesday 12th June
In St Estèphe, Montrose has been released at £1,428 IB per dozen. This "Super Second" estate continues its meteoric rise and string of superb wines over the last decade or so, as once again has made a contender for wine of the vintage! There was complete agreement within our international brigade of tasters during Primeurs and is, of course, included in our top 10 wines of the vintage (minus First Growths). Many of the critics concur with James Suckling describing it as "the essence of Montrose" awarding it an almost perfect score of 99-100 points, and William Kelley declaring it "another brilliant wine from an estate that's now routinely among Bordeaux's very best, year in, year out... it will be worth a special effort to seek out", giving it 97-100 points.
Following up closely in Saint-Estèphe, Tronquoy is also out at £198 IB per dozen. One of the oldest estates in the appellation boasting a long and rich history. In 2006, it entered its next chapter and has never looked back after being purchased by Olivier and Martin Bouygues, who also own the neighbouring "Super Second" Second Growth: Château Montrose. Backed by Montrose, as well as being under the watchful supervision of Manager, Hervé Berland (ex-Mouton Rothschild), Tronquoy has been going from strength to strength in recent years and is one of the under-the-radar properties of the appellation that is finally stepping out from behind the shadow of it's "big brother".
Blanc de Tronquoy has also been released at £402 IB per dozen. Although it seems expensive, we were also seriously impressed with this Bordeaux Blanc (Semillon/Sauvignon Gris blend), which we believe beats many other Bordeaux Blanc from the big Châteaux priced £50-100 per bottle... well worth discovering!
Tuesday 11th June
This morning in St. Émilion we have the release of Troplong-Mondot at £1,068 IB per dozen. This estate has undergone one of the most radical transformations since 2017, when Aymeric de Gironde (above) arrived, formerly of both Châteaux Pichon Baron and Cos d'Estournel. Gone are the days of Michel Rolland and his concentrated, dense offerings, as we welcome a return to a more classic and pure style of St. Émilion.
We're not the only ones who think so; the Wine Advocate's William Kelley states "it's hard to think of any estate in contemporary Bordeaux that has witnessed a revolution more profound than that effected by Aymeric de Gironde at Troplong Mondot", awarding it 95-97 points. This continues the Château's rich vein of form, which represents a refreshing change from the fruit dominated wines of the past. Bravo, Aymeric!
In neighbouring Pomerol, Vieux Château Certan has been released at £2,200 IB per dozen. It is, without a doubt, one of the powerhouses of Pomerol and this morning sees the release of their excellent 2023 offering... no wonder Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont were all smiles when we visited them in April! At a 33% discount (on the 2022 vintage) this is released at below the current market price of all recent vintages. It has been well received by critics with Lisa Perrotti-Brown declaring "this is pure latent power", awarding it 97-99+ points and Vinous' Antonio Galloni proclaimed it "nothing short of breathtaking" scoring it 96-98 points.
Monday 10th June
Today the Bordeaux 2023 En Primeur campaign continues apace with the release of Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan. The Grand Vin Rouge is probably best described as the "Pichon Lalande of Pessac-Léognan", as it's similar in quality to Haut Brion with it's class, structure and purity... just a touch less muscle, yet with superb sophistication and elegance. Smith Haut Lafitte has been owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard for over three decades, and produces some of the most consistent wines in Bordeaux. A special commemorative label for King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit in September 2023 will be produced for this vintage.
Furthermore, the smart buys for me are their second wines; Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge and Blanc, which are so close in quality to the Grands Vins, yet a quarter of the price!
Friday 7th June
This morning in St. Émilion morning Beau-Séjour Bécot has been released at £516 IB per dozen. Located on the top of the limestone plateau, vines are very well situated nearby to both Châteaux Canon and Bel-Air Monange; this is a bit of a hidden gem estate worth discovering! A move away from the punchy Robert-Parker styled wines of the past under the guidance of third generation, Juliette Bécot, has seen a return to a more elegant, and sophisticated style of St. Émilion. The Wine Advocate's William Kelley confesses "the 2023 Beau-Séjour Bécot has turned out beautifully and looks likely to rival or surpass the brilliant 2022", awarding it 96-98 points, whereas Vinous' Antonio Galloni declares "in a word: magnificent", scoring it 95-98 points.
In Pomerol, Clinet has been released at £690 IB per dozen. Completing the trio of releases from Margaux is Lascombes is also out at £595 IB per dozen. This is the first vintage fully made by Axel Heinz, since moving back to Bordeaux from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia in Tuscany.
Thursday 6th June
Todays proceedings begin in earnest with the release of Margaux at £2,160 IB per 6x75cl. This famous First Growth is on fine form again with James Suckling awarding it an almost perfect 99-100 point score, stating it is "one of the wines of the vintage." It is sold on an allocation basis only.
In St. Julien, Gruaud-Larose has been released at £716 IB per dozen. One of the largest estates in the Médoc with 82-hectares surrounding the Château itself. However, focus, commitment, and dedication to producing the best wine is paramount. It has been well-received by critics and Vinous' Antonio Galloni states "the 2023 Gruaud Larose is a powerhouse... This is a terrific example of the vintage at its finest", awarding it 94-96 points. Jane Anson concurs, declaring it is "old school and delicious", scoring it 95 points.
In Saint-Estèphe, the highly fancied Calon-Ségur has also been released at £468 IB per 6x75cl. If Châteaux Cos d'Estournel and Montrose are the King and Queen of the appellation, then Calon-Ségur is the Prince! The most northerly Grand Cru Classé estate in the Médoc, which has undergone great improvements in both vineyard and cellar in recent years. A Third Growth property that is now pushing the St. Estèphe "Super Second" estates of Montrose and Cos d'Estournel, whilst retaining sensible pricing for the quality it provides. Jane Anson awarded it 97 points and declared it is her "favourite Calon since the 2020 vintage, hands down", whereas the Wine Advocates William Kelley commented "Calon-Ségur is another en primeur success for this resurgent Saint-Estèphe third growth", scoring it 94-96 points.
Don't overlook it's sister estate, Capbern, out at £200 IB per dozen. It's a wine that oozes class and sophistication, yet with an affordable price tag! Formally known as Château Capbern-Gasqueton, the 41-hectare estate was purchased by Calon-Ségur in 2012 and is run by the exact same team under the watchful eye of Vincent Mallet. It is nestled away near both Châteaux Phélan Ségur and Meyney, and is considered by many as one of the wine-trade's insider secrets!
Wednesday 5th June
This morning begins with a bang as Les Carmes Haut-Brion has been released at £456 IB per 6x75cl. Located in the suburbs of Bordeaux (in Pessac-Léognan), and just next door to illustrious neighbours of Haut-Brion, and La Mission Haut-Brion, it was not well known to many consumers. However, everything changed in 2010 when it was bought by property developer, Patrice Pichet, who immediately installed the dynamic Guillaume Pouthier as Winemaker and Director.
Pouthier is a visionary and has overseen dramatic changes at the estate, such as the use of whole bunch fermentation, infusion (rather than pumping over or punching down), as well as maturation in oak barrels, casks, and amphorae... which has resulted in Les Carmes Haut-Brion becoming one of Bordeaux's hottest properties! This is very impressive wine that has an exciting future, guaranteeing a place in our top ten wines of the vintage (minus First Growths).
Over in St. Émilion Canon has been released at £1,074 IB per dozen. This Premier Grand Cru Classé estate has been on a meteoric rise in the last decade or so, following its purchase by Chanel and installing the enigmatic Nicolas Audebert at the helm as Managing Director. Nicolas' first vintage at Canon was 2015, which coincided with a 100-point score. Nicolas and his team have seemingly once again worked their magic in 2023, crafting an immense wine that has received not one, but two almost perfect scores with 99-100 from James Suckling, and 98-100 from Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Unsurprisingly it also comes comfortably in our top ten wines of the vintage (minus First Growths) and is a Canon that fires on all cylinders!
Canon's sister estate Berliquet is also out at £432 IB per dozen. This is without a doubt a property on the up and will come as no surprise as being included in our "Rising Stars" list, having been purchased by Chanel several years ago and bearing the fruit under the guidance of Nicolas Audebert's. Vinous' Neal Martin agrees, declaring that "Berliquet has definitely been in the ascendant in recent vintages, and this is another to add", scoring it 93-95 points. We agree, it's made in the trademark polished, pure style of Canon and is a property to watch closely!
Across in Margaux Chanel's final property, Rauzan-Ségla, has been released at £720 IB per dozen. Along with Châteaux Palmer and Margaux, Rauzan-Ségla is one of the leading estates in the appellation and sets the standard for top quality Margaux. There is no denying this "Super Second" has improved dramatically under Nicolas Audebert, who was on fine form when we visited during UGC Primeurs week. It was a pleasure for Nicolas to lead our tasting of this impressive 2023 Rauzan-Ségla, which has also been included in our top ten wines of the vintage (minus First Growths). Bravo, Nicolas!
Vinous' Antonio Galloni declares "Rauzan-Ségla is one of the most memorable wines of the vintage. It was nothing short of stellar on the four occasions I tasted it", and it's hard to disagree!
Tuesday 4th June
Today we have seen the releases from the Noëmie and Constance Durantou with the following wines (all priced In Bond per dozen):
Saintayme: £121 | Les Cruzelles: £150 | La Chenade: £193 | Montlandrie: £165 | La Petite Église: £408
Denis Durantou was Jamie's winemaking hero who sadly passed away well before his time a few years ago. However, this is now Noëmie's fourth vintage under her belt, and she's more than maintained the highest of winemaking standards that Denis upheld himself; her meticulous attention and focus to detail, is second to none. If passion was the key ingredient of wine, then all her wines would have scored 100 points!
It's hard to find wines from the Right Bank (St. Émilion, Pomerol, Lalande-de-Pomerol and Castillon) with such pedigree and value for money. Nevertheless these wines certainly do, and furthermore Noëmie and Constance clearly have Denis' magical touch and outright dedication to produce the best wines possible was obvious to see at our private tasting back April... Bravo les filles!
These wines come highly recommended; both Jamie and Andrew personally add a few cases to their cellar collection each vintage, and we kindly suggest you ought to do the same... especially with these 2023s!
A busy morning in Bordeaux continues with the release of Pichon Baron at £1,233 IB per dozen. There is no denying the estate is one of the stars of Pauillac, and more than worthy of its "Super Second" status under the watchful eye of the iconic Englishman, Christian Seely. The 2023 has been well-received by critics, most notably Vinous' duo Neal Martin and Antonion Galloni... Martin declared it "a quintessential Pauillac that will age gracefully over the next 30 or 40 years" (94-96 points), and Galloni described it as "stellar... it is another wine in this lineup that impresses with its finesse and nobility" (95-97 points).
Across in Margaux, Giscours has also been released. In 1995 Dutch businessman, Eric Albada Jelgersma, purchased the estate and has steadily invested and renovated both the vineyards and property to a level where it is worthy of its Classified Third Growth status.
However, 2023 certainly takes the estate to new heights! We were simply blown away with Giscours... it certainly took us by surprise, and cements its place in our HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BUYS. It was our stand out wine of the UGC Maragux tasting too. Don't just take our word for it; Vinous' Antonio Galloni proclaims "the 2023 Giscours is the very best wine I have ever tasted here... A towering, majestic Margaux, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. What a wine!", scoring it 96-98 points. Bravo!!!
Monday 3rd June
After a quiet week with everyone pausing for the Vinexpo in Hong Kong, there has been a flurry of releases.
The first out of the blocks was Pichon Lalande released at £660 IB per 6.(36% down on last year). With some very high scores, similar to the previous year this looks like a good buy. It's second wine the Pichon Comtesse Reserve is released at £402 IB Per Dozen which is always popular for customers wanting classy Pauillac.
Next came Branaire Ducru, released at £386 IB per dozen. One of our RISING STARS of St Julien and along side Langoa Barton (£354 per 12) one of the best buy St Juliens.
Our favourite property and RISING STAR of St Estephe Phelan Segur at £371 IB per Dozen. Bit higher in price than what I wanted however the quality is brilliant and it’s Cabernet Sauvignon back on song after being hit by hail in 2022.
Palmer arrived at £1440 IB per 6 just as we were trying to have lunch….. don’t you just love the French ! ('If I could only buy one wine from the 2023 vintage it would probably be Palmer', Antonio Galloni - April 2024), with their second wine the Alter Ego at £354 IB Per 6 bottles. No surcharge here for large formats which is a lovely gesture from the Chateau. Alter Ego is close in quality to the Grand Vin, yet a quarter of the price – RECOMMENDED!
Rouget in Pomerol was the last release of the day at £396 per 12. This really is serious stuff, neighbour to Eglise Clinet and our highlight of the UGC Pomerol tasting beating many more senior Pomerol’s at twice the price. Rouget is our RISING STAR of Pomerol.
Definitely clear skies in Bordeaux with 3 rising stars all arriving on the same day. Possibly a tribute to the amazing Rob Burrows.
Friday 31st May
It has been a quiet week in Bordeaux and 'La Place' with many estates travelling to Hong Kong for the Vinexpo; the leading wine show in Asia. However, word on the grapevine is that next week the campaign will once again pick up pace with some top producers preparing to release!
Thursday 30th May
This morning we have seen the release of de Ferrand at £250 IB per dozen. This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe estate is somewhat of a hidden gem and a wine well worth discovering. There has been impressive investment from Philippe and Pauline in recent years, and it's paying dividends. It is an awesome property with 42-hectares of vines split into 32 parcels, and boasts the the second highest elevation in Saint-Émilion at 102 metres (just behind Château Troplong-Mondot at 110 metres), which gives the wine superb vibrancy and energy. It is, without a doubt, a property on the fast track to Saint-Émilion's Premier League!
Friday 24th May
Today sees a flurry of releases in Saint-Emilion beginning with Laroque at £240 IB per dozen. It is one of the largest Grand Cru Classé estates with 61-hectares under vine, however, there has been intensive investment in both the vineyard and winery in recent years which is now bearing fruit in the 2023 vintage. It's scores are more in line with what you expect from a £50-£100 bottle of St Emilion, not a £20 bottle... and comes (as no surprise) as a must buy recommendation.
Following closely is Tour Saint Christophe at £299 IB, and Bellefont Belcier at £414 IB, both per dozen respectively.
Thursday 23rd May
Lagrange was first out today at £372 IB per dozen, closely followed by one of Saint-Emilion’s super chargers Chateau La Gaffeliere at £540 IB per dozen. La Gaffeliere was disappointed last year not to be upgraded with Figeac to Grand Cru Classe ‘A’, though La Gaffeliere is still on the rise as neighbour to Ausone and received good scores for their 2023 vintage around the 95/100 mark from most critics.
Grand Puy Lacoste was the surprise release with no warning, priced at £546 IB per dozen. It is a firm favourite amongst customers for being ‘classic Pauillac' and scores are good with 93-95 from both Neal Martin (Vinous) and William Kelley (Wine Advocate.)
Wednesday 22nd May
This morning the first release come from Saint-Emlion and Stefan Von Neipperg, with his Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Canon La Gaffelliere at £602 IB per dozen. This represents a 22% reduction down from last year. Closely followed by Clos Fourtet, also in Saint-Emilion, which is down 25% on last year at £840 IB per dozen.
Over in Saint-Julien, Leoville Poyferre was the big release from the Left Bank with pricing down by 33.5% at £674 IB per dozen. It has price parked itself alongside Leoville Barton (£672 IB). Both Chateaux are recommended buys in Saint Julien.
Also released today was firm favourite Corbin at just £252 IB per dozen. This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe is situated right on the border with Pomerol and is one of our rising stars and a smart buy at this price.
Tuesday 21st May
First to set sail today was Beychevelle at £719 IB per dozen. This property always gets their price right and, once again, this ticks the En Primeur box by reaching the consumer at a lower price than any other vintage on the market today. It’s also very popular on the Far East market and generally gives a good return. "Excellent" says Neal Martin, whereas William Kelley declares it "has turned out especially well."
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge was next across the line, also with good ratings from all the critics, with Neal Martin in particular calling it "Superb". Oliver Bertrand has a offered a good release price of £550 IB per dozen, especially for the score / value ratio. We often describe it as a ‘mini Haut-Brion’ at the tasting, and it didn’t disappoint.
Across in Margaux, Durfort Vivens is a property on the rise with William Kelley calling the 2023 a "resounding success" in his 94/95 point review. James struggles a little with Durfont Vivens, however he rates their sister property Haut Bages Liberal released at £306 IB per dozen, and neighbour to Pichon Comtesse Lalande and Latour, comes as a recommended smart buy.
In the Haut-Medoc, Beaumont one of the popular Cru Bourgeois was released at £114 IB per dozen.
Francois Mitjavile was last across the finish line with his trio of properties. These wines are completely different from anything else produced in Bordeaux and, as usual, they transcend the vintage.All prices shown are IB per dozen:
Domaine de Cambes: £370 | Roc de Cambes: £520 | Tertre Rôteboeuf: £1,540
Monday 20th May
It's a Bank Holiday today in France, so a quiet day on the ‘Bordeaux Place’ with just a few releases, namely Cissac £99 IB per dozen. It is one of the few Cru Bourgeois that work En Primeur, as it’s always gives customers a return on their investment with good vintages being worth over £30 a bottle when it’s ready to drink.
The other releases are Edouard Moueix's flagship wines of Hosanna and La Fleur-Petrus from Pomerol as well as Bel-Air Monange in Saint- Emilion. Belair-Monange at £560 per 6 IB is a property to watch with some very impressive ratings/scores from the critics who put it clearly at the same quality level as neighbours Angelus and Pavie. I have heard a few times that they are aiming to be the ‘Le Pin of Saint-Emilion’. La Fleur-Petrus at £750 IB (down 33.5% on 2022) and Hosanna at £560 IB, both per 6, are also good buys. Please note Hosanna is limited.
Friday 17th May
Only a few releases today, beginning with Saint Pierre in Saint-Julien at £389 IB, as well as Siran from Margaux at £252, and Suduiraut from Sauternes at £519 IB, all per dozen respectively. Across on the Right Bank, Gazin from Pomerol is also out at £582 IB per dozen. Admittedly, we thought Rouget was the best of the mid-level Pomerol's so we advise waiting for it’s release…
Thursday 16th May
This morning we saw the release of Bernard Magrez's properties, most notably Pape Clement at £708 IB for the red, and £1,092 IB for the white, both per dozen. In 2022, they didn't put prices up much, and therefore, they have not been reduced much for this campaign.
In Margaux we have D’Issan out at £450 IB, as well as its second label, Blason d’Issan £185 IB, both per dozen. We are a big fan of s’Issan, the quality is getting better and better, and this year price is down by 27% yet retains the same scores from the top two critics (James Suckling and Wine Advocate) as their impressive 2022 vintage. Blason d'Issan is hard to beat if you want good entry level Margaux that punches well above its weight. It's a wine that Andrew buys every year.
To conclude, this afternoon in Saint-Estephe Cos d'Estournel has been released at £1,440 IB per dozen, which is 35% down on last year's price. It’s second wine Pagodes de Cos is also out at £396 IB, as well as Cos d'Estournel Blanc offered at £1,440 IB, both per dozen.
Wednesday 15th May
This morning begins with a flurry of Saint-Emilion wines from the Vauthier family. All prices shown are IB per dozen:
Fonbel: £158 | Moulin Saint Georges: £264 | La Clotte: £732 | Chapelle d'Ausone: £1,452 | Ausone: £5,280
In Saint-Julien, Ducru Beaucaillou was released at £1,488 IB per dozen. This is a 34% price reduction on last year release price. The estates second label, La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou, is offered at £365 IB per dozen.
Across in Margaux, Malescot St Exupery is out at £390 IB per dozen, representing a 28% discount from last year. The Classified Third Growth owns 30-hectares of vines, which are located on the elevated section of the plateau just a stones throw away from those of Châteaux Margaux, Rauzan-Ségla, Palmer, and d'Issan. It's an estate flies under the radar of many merchants and customers alike, and is a reliable source of Margaux... it's a highly recommended buy. The Wine Advocate's William Kelley agress, noting it is "one of the most suave, classy vintages from this estate in some years."
Lastly, customer favourite and sometimes you could say potential late developer, Meyney has been offered at £228 IB per dozen. It's a good wine, however, we preferred both Ormes de Pez (£210), and Tronquoy (yet to be released.)
Tuesday 14th May
Today kicked off nicely with multiple releases from Domaine Clarence Dillon. The Grand Vin, Haut Brion, is offered at £1890 IB, as well as La Misson Haut Brion at £1110 IB, both per 6x75cl respectively. With Haut Brion coming out at almost 40% down on last year, they have clearly listened to the market and have put together a compelling offer.
Next up in Pauillac was Lynch Bages at £840 IB per dozen. This release price is 34% below last year, and is the best value vintage on the market. One of our top recommendations and has received good scores from the critics!
Closely followed in Saint-Estephe by the release of Ormes de Pez at £210 IB per dozen. This is under the ownership of the Cazes family, and sister property to Lynch Bages... it really stood out as a smart buy at the UGC Saint-Estephe tastings.
In nearby St Julien, Gloria has been released at £275 IB per dozen. This estate is always a popular buy with UK consumers and this release prices makes it 10% under market.
Monday 13th May
This morning in Saint-Emilion we have the release of Cheval Blanc at £4,680 IB per dozen. For James and many of our international tasting group, Cheval Blanc is a hot contender for wine of the vintage! Leading critics agree, namely the Wine Advocate's William Kelley, who has given it an almost perfect score of 98-100 points and claims it is "one of the most profound wines of the vintage." It is of course, one of the most famous estates in Saint-Emilion, with a brand new winery to boot! More importantly, it is producing some excellent wines under the watchful guise of dynamic duo: Pierre-Olivier Clouet (Winemaker and Managing Director), and Pierre Lurton (Chairman). Unsurprisingly, it is sold on allocation.
This afternoon we have the release of the Barton family wines with Leoville Barton at £672 IB per dozen, and sister estate; Langoa Barton at £354 IB per dozen (both represent around 13% discount on the 2022 vintage). A unanimous decision between Jamie and Andrew that Léoville Barton is one of their top wines of the campaign, and Langoa Barton and is a recommended buy! Léoville Barton produces some of the most consistent, top quality wines and is one of the most recognisable Second Growths in Bordeaux. The Wine Advocate's Bordeaux Editor, William Kelley, states it is "a lovely classic in the making", awarding it 94-96 points. Langoa Barton has improved dramatically in recent years and even more so with the addition of the new winery. So much so we believe it is now producing wines of a similar quality level, yet a fraction of the price. Kelley agrees, declaring it is "sure to be one of the more intelligent purchases of the en primeur campaign", scoring it 93-95 points. Bravo Lillian!
Tuesday 7th May
This morning begins with a bang in Saint-Emilion with Angelus being released at £3,120 IB per dozen. Albeit a reduction of around 27% on the 2022 vintage, it is still more expensive than back vintages 2020-2018, 2016, and 2015. The second wine, Carillon d'Angelus, is out at £796 IB per dozen.
Across in Saint-Estephe, Lafon-Rochet is out £330 IB per dozen. Known for its vibrant yellow label, it's situated on one of the appellations greatest terroirs next door to Cos d'Estournel. It is without a doubt an estate on the rise, having been bought by Jacky Lorenzetti (of Chateaux Pedesclaux, Lilian Ladouys, as well d'Issan fame) in late 2021, and boasts Christophe Conge (ex-Domaine Baron de Rothschild Lafite) at the helm.
Another of Lorenzetti's estates, Pedesclaux, has been released at £300 IB per dozen. Always a firm favourite with us, as we believe it is one of Pauillac's best buys as there has been serious investment at the estate in recent years, and the rewards are now being reaped! Don't just take our word for it though, James Suckling has awarded it 95-96 points and stated it has "real Pauillac personality." This is a wine that seriously impressed us and is worthy of it's place in our smart buys!
Down in the Haut-Medoc, Cantemerle is out at £240 IB per dozen. Located just to the south of the Margaux appellation, it is one of the most popular classified Médoc estates with UK customers and is reliable a source of good quality, well-priced Claret.
Last but by no means least back in Pauillac, Haut Batailley has been released at £432 IB per dozen.
Monday 6th May
Although a Bank Holiday in the UK, today we have the release of another First Growth with Mouton Rothschild at £4,068 IB per dozen. This comes at a 37% reduction on the 2022 vintage, and is sold on allocation. Jane Anson gave it an almost perfect score of 98-100 points and declared "one of my clear wines of the vintage." James Suckling, Neal Martin, and Antonio Galloni all highly rate Mouton (over Lafite this year).
We also have releases of stable properties Clerc-Milon at £660 IB, and d'Armailhac at £408 IB, both per dozen respectively.
Friday 3rd May
Today we see a surprise release from St. Julien with Talbot. An estate favoured by many UK customers as it is quality St. Julien at a reasonable price; even more so as the 2023 vintage is released at £462 IB per dozen (a 25% reduction from the 2022 vintage).
Owned by the Bignon-Cordier family since 1917, it is one of the largest estates in the in appellation. However, it has come a long way under Oenologist Eric Boissenot, Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt and more recently, Managing Director, Jean-Michel Laporte (ex-La Conseillante). The personnel additions as well as the construction of a new cellar has taken Talbot to new heights where it has produced some fantastic wines in recent years. Jane Anson agrees declaring the 2023 vintage is "more proof Talbot is on a roll" (94 points), and Antonio Galloni states it "a superb showing" (93-95 points).
In the the Haut-Médoc this morning we also have the release of La Lagune at £330 IB per dozen. The estate was purchased by the Frey family (owners of Paul Jaboulet Ainé) in 2000, who have invested a great deal in La Lagune over the last two decades. Caroline Frey, owner and winemaker, leads the charge and has overseen the properties transition to certified organic status in 2016, and is currently working towards biodynamic certification too. James Suckling has awarded it 94-95 points and described it as "a subtle yet plush La Lagune."
Down in Sauternes, Doisy-Vedrines is out at £301 IB per dozen.
Thursday 2nd May
Today sees the opening release from a First growth property with Lafite Rothschild at £4,920 IB per dozen, making it the cheapest vintage on the market by 10% (base line at £5,400), and therefore an attractive proposition. It is sold on allocation.
The 2023 offering simply wowed Jamie and Andrew during Primeurs, showing all its nobility with plenty of power, density, and grace... A STUNNING LAFITE. Jane Anson agrees giving it an almost perfect score of 98-100 points, stating "this hits you right off the first nose... a gorgeous Lafite...", whereas the Wine Advocate's William Kelley declares it "the finest of the first growths this year...", and scored it 97-99 points. Second wine Carruades de Lafite has also been released at £1,860 IB per dozen.
Part of the same stable, L'Evangile in Pomerol is also out at £1,896 IB per dozen (a 30% reduction comapred to the 2022 vintage).
Tuesday 30th April
Today begins with a bang as the first "Super Second" Growth is released with Leoville Las Cases at £1,662 IB per dozen. Owned by Domaine Delon, the 2023 vintage has been released with a 40% discount (compared to the 2022 vintage), and is a positive sign the Chateaux are listening to the market, and is encouraging news. It received an impressive 97-98 points from James Suckling, and 98 points from Jane Anson.
Across in Pauillac, Pontet-Canet has been released at £789 IB per dozen. This represents a 27% discount (compared to the 2022 vintage) for this Fifth Growth estate owned by Alfred Tesseron is located in the heart of the Pauillac to the south of Châteaux Mouton Rothschild and d'Armailhac where the poor, gravelly soil is typical of the greatest vineyards in the appellation. It has received some excellent scores from critics, namely 98-100 points from Jane Anson, and 97-98 points by James Suckling. We were most impressed with Pontet-Canet when we tasted at the Chateau.
Monday 29th April
This morning we see the first major release of the campaign with Batailley at £324 IB per dozen. This famous 5th Growth Pauillac estate prides itself on the prime location of its vineyard to the west of the iconic Mouton Rothschild, where it constantly produces one of the most classic styles of Pauillac. Owned by Borie-Manoux and often described as the "jewel in their crown", it is a firm favourite amongst many UK customers thanks to its reputation for high quality, and realisitc pricing. The 2023 Batailley release price is down by 13% (compared to the 2022 vintage), and although we hoped for more, it's a step in the right direction with pricing.
In Sauternes, there has been a flurry of releases from Doisy-Daene (£372), La Tour Blanche (£448), and Guiraud (£481), all IB per dozen respectively. We feel the 2023 pricing is ambitious, given they are the same, or very similar release prices as the 2022s.
Friday 26th April
Today sees the first release of the Bordeaux 2023 En Primeur campaign with Angludet at £288 IB per dozen.