We saw the release of perhaps the greatest 'super second', Chateau Leoville Lascases, St Julien.
This is a Chateau that regularly challenges the mighty first growths and in 2005 it is a wine close in quality to the Latour - with '05 Latour set to be ú4500+ a case the Lascases looks a relative bargain at ú1680.00!
BBR score 19/20
If the 1855 classification was rewritten tomorrow there is little doubt that this aristocratic estate would be reclassified as a first growth. Their incredible 2005 simply adds evidence to the cause. Made from an incredibly high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (88% - there was only 57% in 2004), and accounting for only 37% of the estate's total production, this is another epic Las Cases from the Delon family. This has all the power and well-tailored elegance of a classic St Julien but with a sleek, concentrated, amazingly fresh character. Coffee and dark chocolate permeate the dense blackcurrant fruit, and while this is maybe less muscular than we expected, the very firm tannins are merely hiding within the massive, harmonious and elegant structure, simply waiting to reveal themselves in all their glory. Don't be fooled, this will be magnificent. Drink 2020-2050.
Close on the heels of Lascases, we saw Chateau Mouton Rothschild hit the market.
Many consider this to be their best wine since the legendary 1982. It looks to be better than both the 2000 and 2003 and given time may well surpass the phenomenal 1986 and 1982.
The price is ú3750.00 a case (on allocation only).
BBR Score 19/20
In 2005 Mouton has produced a sensational wine that is once again worthy of the chGteau's exulted status. Back up to its more familiar assemblage of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, this has a pure creamy cassis nose, followed by immensely enjoyable black fruit with hints of cream, mint, coconut and dark chocolate. This is still rich, exotic and flamboyant but it has a sense of class and purity that has been missing in recent years, With an incredibly long intense finish this is unquestionably better than their 2000 and is the best Mouton for years. Back on form with a vengeance. Drink 2015-2040.
Over the next few days we expect to see Margaux and Latour release and the likes of Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Lafleur, Petrus and Le Pin will probably release the following week.
If you require further information on any of the wines released so far or would like to receive regular updates on the 2005 En Primeur please contact us on 2907 2112 or email : [email protected]
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