Today’s releases include Branaire Ducru (285/12IB). This property has been extremely consistent for many years and fans of this lifted elegant style of Saint Julien (among which we count ourselves) will not be disappointed – it is supple, fine and long. But earlier vintages are available for less, and the 2008 is barely more.
Chateau Branaire Ducru
In Pomerol we have Château Clinet (£425/12IB), which has changed hands and is getting lots of investment. It is a fine Pomerol in the making, and is cheaper than almost any other vintage in the market, so worth a look as a primeur buy. In terms of buying a drink, if we were looking for a Pomerol, Beauregard looks attractive at a mere £245, while Léoville Barton on the other side of the river looks a better way of spending £430.
The ever-improving Pessac-Léognan Domaine de Chevalier (Rouge) (£320/12IB) is also out this morning. We loved this wine, and you will not be disappointed, but you can buy the 2008 from us for delivery now at £330/12IB. The prices will eventually catch up with the quality here, so worth a punt on that basis? We can also offer the Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (£575/12IB). This is a great white Bordeaux, a true aristocrat of a wine, and a bit of a rarity, but if you really want it, older vintages are out there at not dissimilar prices.
Also out is Château Beauséjour Bécot (£325/12) which Neal Martin describes as ‘..one of Saint Emilion’s most sensual offerings.’ Yet Jancis Robinson found it ‘..astringent…’ We are not sure there is any great need to jump in on this.
The full list of all releases is here.