2012 Bordeaux – Denis Durantou’s ‘Haiku of the vintage’ & Las Cases, Saint Pierre, Vieux Chateau Certan, and yes… ÉGLISE CLINET
A big day today, and maybe the last one for releases in this 2012 campaign. At least a couple of wines released for which it is worth fighting to get an allocation.
Saint Julien led the charge, with Saint Pierre, a small property which has been performing out of its socks in recent vintages. Because it is relatively small and therefore less-well known than the likes of Talbot, it is a less obvious primeur buy, but if you just want to stash away a treat in the cellar it’s a good bet.
The second Saint Julien is the absolutely magnificent Léoville las Cases. This was amongst the top wines in the Médoc this year, let alone Saint Julien.
Of course much has been written about how Pomerol has over-delivered in 2012, and this morning has seen the release of Le Gay and it’s micro-vinified super-cuvee ‘La Violette’ as well as the hotly anticipated release of Vieux Chateau Certan. We can offer very limited volumes of the latter at £1050 per dozen (or £525 per six).
Even this has been overshadowed by the release of Denis Durantou’s l’Église Clinet – for now we are allocating to last year’s customers but if you want some it is time to let us know. Denis was very upbeat about his wine, emphasising the importance of waiting in September for the cabernet Franc to ripen properly, and above all really stressing that his wine is the usual blend, not just a Merlot cuvée. Superb stuff. Watch Denis’ ‘Haiku of the vintage’ here.