This morning has seen the release of another of the two big names, one from each side of the river. Stephan von Neipperg’s super-cuvée Saint Emilion La Mondotte, which I was unsure about, while recognising its impressiveness. As predicted this was much loved by the American critics but also by Brits Neal Martin (‘Mellifluous on the finish. Very fine’ and James Lawther (tasting for Decanter) ‘a touch of the ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’, 18.5′.
Château Palmer united the critics all over. I called it ‘dancingly elegant, with lovely tension and balance’, while Robert Parker says ‘this wine is going to be one of the great classics ever to emerge from this iconic chateau’. Add in ‘a magnificent Palmer, 19.5’ from Steven Spurrier, and an 18 from Jancis Robinson – and you get the picture.