2006-bordeaux-update

2006 Bordeaux update

Last week the 2006 En Primeur releases were interrupted by the Vinexpo wine trade fair in Bordeaux.
Over the next week or two, we envisage the 1st Growths and other leading properties releasing their long awaited wines.

In the meantime, here are a couple of excellent æSuper SecondsÆ, that have emerged over the last 10 days:

The outstanding Chateau Pichon Lalande, whose 2006 is widely considered superior to their 2005.

2006 Ch. Pichon Lalande, Pauillac - ú660 a case

It is great to see Pichon-Lalande back on superb form in 2006 with a wine whose purity and linear cassis fruit is reminiscent of their cracking 1996. General Manager Gildas d'Ollone and his team have produced a cerebral yet beguiling Pichon-Lalande full of sensual, exotic aromatics and pure supple flavours. This is a massive Pichon softened by a silky texture and velvety finish. New owners Louis Roederer must be delighted with their first vintage here, and rightly so. Drink: 2015-2030.
BBR Score: 17/20
Robert Parker 94-96/100

And the wonderful Chateau Cos dÆEstournel..

2006 Ch. Cos dÆEstournel, St Julien - ú720 a case

This is the exception that proves the rule in 2006. St EstFphe had a difficult time in this vintage, but you wouldn't know it tasting this sophisticated, classically structured wine. Just a notch above Montrose in quality, and more masculine in style, this is highly polished with an intense concentrated spicy cassis nose, a lovely purity of rich black fruit with licorice hints and a fine tannic structure. The finish is very long. Drink: 2020-2040.
BBR Score: 17.5/20
Robert Parker: 92-94 /100
Jancis Robinson 18/20

We have also seen two excellent second wines release, the Bahans Haut Brion, a wonderful Pessac-Leognan wine in its own right and the fabulous Carruades de Lafite.

2006 Le Bahans du Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan - ú336 a case

Made from almost equal parts Merlot (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) this rich, stylish Second wine of Haut Brion has considerably more Cabernet than in 2005 and as a result boasts more structure and finesse than usual. It is generous and seductive with sweet, very concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit and earthy minerality, supported by substantial but very well-integrated tannins. This is a lively, masculine wine bursting with energy and a restrained sexiness. Very impressive indeed.
Drink: 2010-2020.
BBR Score: 16.5/20
Jancis Robinson 17/20

2006 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac - ú455 a case

Made from 48% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot this is a solid Carruades with plenty of creamy black fruit, fine tannins, with delightful blackberry and cherries on the finish. Smaller scaled than the 2005, but an ever popular wine.
BBR Score : 16/20
Jancis Robinson : 16.5+/20

We will bring you the 1st Growth and other leading Chateaux prices as and when they release.
¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.
Share our publication on social media
Share our publication on social media