MALARTIC LAGRAVIÈRE 
is out at £246 per 6 bottles IB. We were really impressed by this fine, high-toned and very classy Pessac. Neal Martin gave it 94-96/100 and described it as a ‘pixelated Pessac-Léognan that exudes style and panache…you cannot wait to take another sip.’ Galloni was equally convinced. He gave it 92-95/100 and called it a ‘stunningly beautiful wine‘ which ‘captures all the intensity of the vintage while retaining considerable brightness, energy and lift.’ At this price it’s well within our estimate so comes very highly recommended.
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER is also out at £324 per 6 bottles IB. We found it ripe, juicy and luscious. There’s really very little not to like about this wine and that’s reflected in the critics’ glowing reviews. Neal Martin gave it 94-96/100 and called it ‘an outstanding Domaine de Chevalier‘. Jane Anson rated it 96/100 and thought it ‘stunning. Galloni scored it 93-96/100 and described it as a ‘brilliant wine in the making.’ The only problem is, this high praise has been met with a high price. £324 per 6 IB is a sizable hike from the 2015 release and it now sits quite a bit above our estimate. The Malartic Lagravière has the same score from Neal Martin (94-96/100), so may offer better value?
CHÂTEAU GISCOURS is out at £270 per 6 bottles IB. As Jane Anson says, this estate has been ‘hitting it out of the park for a number of years now.’ The 2016 is another home-run. We found it really well crafted with lovely glossy ripe fruit, good density and notable length. Neal Martin scored it 93-95/100. Galloni called it ‘fabulous‘ (91-94/100). Jancis referred to it as ‘a real crowd pleaser‘ (17/20). It’s worth noting that the release price is above our estimate. Nevertheless, this is a highly-rated Margaux with great potential.
PAVIE MACQUIN has been released at £360 per 6 bottles IB. Neal Martin rated this an outstanding 94-96/100. He thought it was ‘the pick of Nicolas Thienpont’s 2016s‘ and ‘one of the best Pavie-Macquins that I have tasted at this stage.’ Galloni was even more in awe. He scored this 96-99/100(!) and called it ‘one of the most riveting wines of the vintage‘ and ‘stunningly beautiful‘. We were really impressed by the freshness and cool weight of fruit when we tasted at the Château. It is a touch above our price estimate but it’s an exceptionally well made wine that has outstanding potential.
CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL has been released at £384 per 12 bottles IB. This is a wine full of promise but it doesn’t quite have the juicy appeal of the Domaine de Chevalier or the sheer class of the Malartic-Lagraviere. It’s also released a bit above our estimate.
In case you missed it in the melee yesterday, HAUT BAGES LIBÉRAL is out at £204 per 6 bottles IB. This is a very dependable Pauillac and, though it showed a little restrained en primeur, we have every confidence this will provide enormous pleasure in bottle. Galloni scored it 89-92/100 and described it as ‘gorgeous‘.
Also out is LACOSTE BORIE , second wine of CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE, at £228 per 12 bottles IB. This was a deuxième vin that really shone when we tasted it at the Château. It’s supple, fine-boned and very elegant. It punches far above its weight and will be great value Pauillac.
Finally, CHEVAL BLANC has been released at £3,200 per 6 bottles IB. Availability is very limited but let us know if this piques your interest and we will try and source some for you.
As ever, you can keep up to date with everything from #Bdx16 on our Recent Releases page.