‘Time to wake up to the joys of Pessac-Léognan, because this appellation nailed it in 2015. Forever playing the bridesmaid to Pauillac or Saint Julien, but never the bride, Pessac-Léognan should be one of the first areas of Bordeaux at which you look.’
Neal Martin, www.erobertparker.com
So writes Neal Martin, and without doubt, at the top of the tree here are the wines from the Haut-Brion stable which are released this morning.
Across the board we agreed with the critics on these mighty wines which have been very well received. Of all the 1st Growths Château Haut Brion has been the most steady and consistently excellent performer in the last 20+ years. Neal Martin puts this among the very best saying this ‘it offers a profundity that is unmatched across Bordeaux in this vintage. Having had the pleasure of many great wines from this estate in the past – 1945, 1955, 1959, 1961 and 1989 – the 2015 belongs among that pantheon. Drink 2030-2075′.
Château La Mission Haut Brion (£1595 per six bottles) pips Haut Brion again this year for some critics, receiving a straight 100 points from James Suckling and Neal Martin describes it as ‘Complete and profound, the 2015 will rank as one of the great modern-day classics from this grand estate.’ For us it came closer than ever to matching Haut Brion, but the First Growth was just ahead for us.
Also out are Château Haut Brion Blanc, Château La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, La Chapelle de la Mission & Le Clarence de Haut Brion. Tiny volumes for the whites, act fast if you want them.
All wines from #Bdx15 can be found on our Recent Releases page.
This year Domaines Clarence Dillon are offering all their wines in individual cardboard gift boxes (in cardboard outers) alongside the traditional wood cases. This option is offered free – you just have to say this is what you want when ordering. Seems dotty to us – what is this cardboard going to look like when it has been in a cellar for 20+ years? – but shows the extent to which Bordeaux is still in thrall to the power of the Chinese gift market. Depressing really.
