WINE MERCHANTS 2016 BORDEAUX EN PRIMEUR A THRILLING VINTAGE OF HARMONY, POWER & FRESHNESS

Transcription

1 WINE MERCHANTS 2016 BORDEAUX EN PRIMEUR A THRILLING VINTAGE OF HARMONY, POWER & FRESHNESS

2 WINE MERCHANTS 2016 BORDEAUX EN PRIMEUR A THRILLING VINTAGE OF HARMONY, POWER & FRESHNESS Contents Page 2016 Bordeaux En Primeur - Introduction Red Bordeaux Sweet White Bordeaux 15 Ways to Order 16 Buying Wine in Bond 16 Special Format Bottlings 16 Transferring Wine Under Bond 16 These wines are offered in bond UK, for delivery during Unless otherwise indicated, prices are per case of 12 x 75cl bottles For further information or to place an order Please contact one of our offices: Gloucestershire stow@hhandc.co.uk London london@hhandc.co.uk Hampshire whitchurch@hhandc.co.uk Or visit our website:

3 Impressions of the 2016 Vintage 2016 is a thrilling vintage for Bordeaux reds, on a par with the great 2005, 2009, 2010 and The best wines are remarkable for their beautiful harmony: rich fruit intensity is off-set by wonderful brightness. These are lively-yet-ripe wines, where alcohol levels are refreshingly lower than we have seen in the region for several years. Great examples can be found across all appellations, and the harvest was a generous one. Sauternes and Barsac are of excellent quality: the best have superb concentration and vivacious acidities. The Story of the Bordeaux 2016 Vintage During the first half of the year, as much rain fell on Bordeaux as is normally seen over 12 months. Fortunately, the weather turned dry and sunny for most of the flowering period in June, which went through speedily. So a plentiful crop was in prospect, and one where grapes and bunches would come to ripeness within a narrow window, to be picked at optimum moments. This is an important quality factor, and the early rainfall proved beneficial, for the summer was to be very dry. The accumulated water reserves were vital to the vintage s success. July had significantly less rain than the 30 year average ( ), with 10% more sunshine. August had only 20% of normal rainfall, with 30% more sunshine. There was a heat-wave in early September, but mercifully, rainfall came in the middle of the month, allowing those vines which were heat-stressed to spring back to life. The grape-ripening process then proceeded smoothly, with warm days and cool nights allowing precious acidity to be conserved. Virtually no rain fell at all during the harvest period, which went through smoothly and calmly, with growers being able to wait for their individual plots to reach full ripeness. The 2016 Wines There are great successes in the northern Médoc, particularly Saint-Estèphe, where the influence of the Atlantic and the wide estuary of the Gironde kept the climate cool during the later stages of the growing season. The great, central Haut-Médoc communes of Pauillac and Saint-Julien saw their plantations of Cabernet Sauvignon being brought to perfect ripeness, thanks to the dry, sunny days of October, just prior to harvest. It is rare to find such classic Cabernets, sumptuously fruity, while freshly ripe. In Margaux, as in 2015, many gorgeous wines have been made, with Merlot often contributing importantly to the successes. Throughout the region, we find lighter alcohol levels than in 2015, with tannins and acidity in perfect balance. Pessac-Léognan historically the birthplace of many of Bordeaux s greatest wines is a superb source of top reds in 2016, with Petit Verdot often now adding its complexity to the more widely-planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. On the Right Bank, 2016 is undoubtedly first-rate in Pomerol. Several Saint-Emilion properties have also pulled off brilliantly the challenge of bringing their grapes to perfect maturity, while avoiding over-ripeness and over-extractions is also an exciting vintage in Sauternes and Barsac, where the noble rot which is essential to produce great quality arrived in mid-october. Harmonious, refreshing wines with superb concentration have been produced. How to Buy Well It is always thrilling to navigate through Bordeaux s intricate system and secure dependable, delicious bottles as economically as possible, by buying early. Our combined experiences of young Bordeaux go back to harvesting the 1964 grapes, to buying En Primeur from the 1969 vintage onwards, and to offering the wines in an increasingly major way since the vintage of our firm s foundation, in Today, the selections are made following multiple tastings in early April by the HH&C buying team. This is always one of the most challenging, exhilarating wine-buying exercises in the world of wine, which we take extremely seriously! We have secured many lovely wines amongst the 2016 Bordeaux, on both Right and Left Banks of the Gironde. These wines show exceptional balance, with great potential to gain complexity with ageing. They have come out at prices which are perfectly reasonable. We believe that they will never be available more economically, and urge you to consider them without delay, whils stocks last. There are many thrilling, beautiful wines, which we warmly recommend. 1

4 2016 Red Bordeaux Château Haura Graves Rouge 2016 This little-known property in the southern Graves has been farmed since 2003 by the brilliant Professor Denis Dubourdieu of Bordeaux University, and his sons. Sadly Denis passed away in 2016, however his family has made a superb success of this vintage. The gravelly hillocks on which the vines grow are underlain by clay, which held moisture well, preventing leaf-loss during the hot, dry summer. The wine is assembled from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 30% Merlot. Colour is impressively deep purple-ruby, with fresh, fully ripened red fruit aromas of great charm. The palate is full-bodied, with dense fruit, admirable freshness and lovely, supple length (totally delicious, for drinking as soon as shipped, ) / case of 12 bottles Château Lanessan Haut-Médoc 2016 There has been great progress here since the arrival of Madame Paz Espejo as technical director in Ploughing of the soils has been extended, wine-making takes place at lower temperature, to maximise freshness, and ancient barrels have been replaced by new French oak, regularly renewed over three years. Vibrating sorting tables were introduced, along with optical sorting, to eliminate any imperfect grapes. The 2016 was assembled from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. For me, 2016 is the greatest vintage in Bordeaux since I first came here in 1994 says Madame Paz. At Lanessan, this is better than our 2010 and our 2015, more elegant and balanced. The grape pips were crunchy and fully mature, smelling of walnuts, the fruit was ripe but not over-ripe, the tannins fleshy and velvety. We love this wine, finding the colour impressive, with bright aromas of fresh blackcurrant. On the palate, this is classically structured, with fruit concentration, acidity and tannins in perfect harmony superb value (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Mauvesin-Barton Moulis-en-Médoc 2016 This is the sixth vintage made by new owners, Lilian and Michel Barton Sartorius, who acquired the property in August They bring the same expertise and experience to bear here as at their Saint-Julien châteaux Langoa- and Léoville-Barton, which have been in the Barton family for eight generations. A variety of soils allow the four great vine varieties to be planted, with, in 2016, Merlot making up 47% of the blend, Cabernet Sauvignon 28%, Cabernet Franc 18% and Petit Verdot 7%. Wine-making has been modernised and the oak barrel cellarage up-graded, with one third of barrels being new, and one third being passed on from Léoville each year. Colour is medium garnet-ruby, the nose being fragrant, open and ripe. Palate is full, with beautiful fruitiness, acidity and tannins in fine balance, and lovely length (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 2

5 Château Puy-Blanquet Grand Cru Saint-Emilon 2016 Puy-Blanquet is one of the most complete, best value Saint-Emilions we know, and is particularly successful in The 2016 wine is assembled from 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, the average age of the vineyard now being 40 years. Colour is medium-deep, rich purple, the nose showing bright, open fruit, recalling red cherries. The various lots of wine are being carefully rotated through barrels of different ages, allowing flavour development, with gentle softening of tannins. The wine has bright fruitiness, rich middle-palate and refreshing, splendidly lively aftertaste (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Picque-Caillou Rouge Pessac-Léognan % of this wine is from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (one of the highest proportions ever seen at this property), the balance being 35% Merlot, with 5% Petit Verdot. Quality was so high that 70% of the estate s production made it into the Grand Vin (against 65% last year). The wine is presently ageing in 40% new barrels, with 30% each in barrels which have held one, or two harvests. Colour is rich and deep, with vibrantly fruity, black cherry aromas, both fresh and open. Palate is richly structured, with beguiling, fresh fruitiness, gentle tannins and immaculate, lovely length. Superb value (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château La Tour de Bessan Margaux 2016 This is one of the unsung beauties of Margaux and one of its greatest values. Its links with England go back to 1433 when the mediaeval castle was given by Henry VI to the Duke of Gloucester. It has been owned and run since 1992 by Marie-Laure Lurton, helped by the Boissenot consultancy, which looks after almost all the top Haut-Médoc properties. The vines are now carefully tended to respect the natural environment (since 2003 being certified Terra Vitis). Merlot makes up 77% of the 2016 blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon 22% and Petit Verdot 1%, with the wine now ageing 30% in new oak, and slightly older barrels. Colour is rich purple of medium depth, the nose being fragrant and open. Superbly ripened Merlot grapes ensure that the palate is suavely textured and magnificently rich in fruitiness. Acidity is in fine balance, as are mouth-coating tannins of great charm (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles ALL PRICES ARE QUOTED IN BOND UK (FOR DELIVERY 2019) 3

6 Château Ségur de Cabanac Saint-Estèphe 2016 This is a small property by Haut-Médoc standards, with just 20 acres under vines, but it is one of our favourite Saint-Estèphe addresses was Guy Delon`s first harvest here, after the family property, Ch Phélan-Ségur, was sold, following his parents` death. As with the greatest classed growths, the vineyards here benefit from the warming influence of the Gironde estuary, which is very close by. The 2016 has a bright purple colour, with enticing, fresh, floral aromas, recalling ripe black berry fruits. Palate is complete and harmonious, with ample flesh and broad, satisfying textures. The tannins are ripe and in perfect balance. There is an energy and brightness in this wine, which will be wonderful to drink from / case of 12 bottles Château de Bel-Air Lalande de Pomerol 2016 The vines here have an average age of 36 years, being situated on gravel hilltops and a gentle slope leading down to the Barbanne stream, with the Pomerol appellation just across the water. This is one of the best terroirs of Lalande de Pomerol, with big-gravel soils making up 70% of the estate, the balance being gravels mixed with clay or sand. We were delighted to welcome this wine back into our selection with the 2015 vintage, after several years absence. New owners Christel and Michel de Laet Derache acquired the château in 2011 and rapidly undertook modernisation of the winery, and barrel-storage area. The investments have born fruit magnificently. The 2016 wine comes from 73% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, now ageing in 40% new barrels. Madame de Laet Derache says of her 2016: Like our 2015, this is very promising but you must let it mature. There s no point sharing a meal with babies, you need adults at table! Colour is purple-ruby of medium depth, the nose being vibrant with fresh red fruits. Palate shows fine balance between fruit density, good structure, refreshing acidity and smooth aftertaste a lovely wine (for drinking 2019 to 2028+) / case of 12 bottles Château La Gurgue Margaux 2016 This is a tiny Margaux property, with just 26 acres in production, producing one of appellation s finest value wines. The average age of the vines is now 32 years, so, as wine-maker Gérard Fenouillet told us: their deep roots were able to withstand stress from the dry weather. We were able to pick grapes which had retained their freshness. This is particularly important for the Merlots, which were crisp and crunchy. The 2016 assemblage is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot with 6% Petit Verdot. This is strikingly deep purple-ruby, with rich, fully ripened, blackberry aromas. Palate shows generous fruit concentration, combining the inimitable finesse of Margaux with vivacious freshness and a gentle, well-rounded finish. This wine has sumptuous texture and lovely length (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 4

7 Château Chantalouette Pomerol 2016 This is the second wine of Ch de Sales, which is one of Pomerol s best loved traditional properties, owned by the de Lambert family for over 5 centuries. Owner Bruno de Lambert told us: This is my 42nd vintage, and certainly one of the three best I ve made during my career. Everything was good this year. The vines grow on fine gravel and sandy, well-draining soils, and in 2016 have produced a wine of beautiful, supple fruitiness. Gentle tannins merge with refreshing acidity to give a harmonious, succulent Pomerol which will be totally delicious (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles CONTAINS SULPHITES C H AT E A U CRU BOURGEOIS PAUILLAC APPELLATION PAUILLAC CONTRÔLÉE MIS EN BOUTEILLE AU CHATEAU PRODUIT DE FRANCE - PRODUCT OF FRANCE Héritiers CASTÉJA-BORIE Propriétaires à PAUILLAC - France DISTRIBUÉ PAR BORIE-MANOUX - BORDEAUX - FRANCE Château Haut-Bages Monpelou Pauillac 2016 This château s vines are superbly situated on the plateau of one of Pauillac s best sectors. It rubs shoulders with vineyards belonging to classed growths Grand-Puy- Ducasse and Lynch-Moussas, and until 1948 formed part of the 4th Growth Ch Duhart-Milon. The 2016 has been assembled from 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and is ageing in 60% new barrels. Colour is mediumdeep, ruby purple, with fine, open aromas which leap from the glass. Palate has imposing, full-bodied structure, with concentrated fruitiness, freshness and length. A superb, great value wine which is ideal for mid-term ageing (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Lacoste-Borie Pauillac 2016 The second wine of the celebrated Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Lacoste-Borie encapsulates all the classic qualities of Pauillac. The vines lie at the heart of the commune, mid-way between the châteaux which border Saint-Estèphe (to the north), and those adjoining Saint-Julien (to the south). The assemblage in 2016 is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 29% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Colour is bright purple, the attractive, floral aromas being both ripe and very fresh. There is intense, vibrant fruit and elegant structure, the tannins being silky. Here is a wine of splendid vitality, that will charm drinkers for years to come (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru Classé Haut-Médoc 2016 This château is said to have taken its name from the singing of the Merle, a massive cannon with which the French bombarded the English, during the Hundred Years War. Quality here has been regularly climbing, as extensive vineyard replantings of the early 1980s have now reached full maturity. Deeply rooted vines ensured regular access to moisture during the parching summer. The 2016 assemblage is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, now ageing in 40% new oak barrels, with 40% in one-year, and the balance in 2-old year barrels. Colour is impressively deep, with lively, blackcurrant aromas. Palate shows dense, penetrating fruitiness, with well-judged balance of refreshing acidity and fine tannins, promising elegant complexity and smoothness after mid-term ageing (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 5

8 Château Saint Georges Côte Pavie Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion 2016 This is a tiny property (just 13.5 acres) which has belonged to the Masson family since 1873, its hillside vineyards being situated on one of Saint-Emilion s classic slopes, between Châteaux Pavie and La Gaffelière. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc make up the assemblage, with the wine now ageing in 60% new oak barrels. Colour is very pretty ruby-purple of medium depth, the nose showing refined, fresh, fragrant aromas, recalling reds cherries and dried rose petals. Palate has richly-built, charming fruitiness, with gently-textured tannins. The finish is harmonious, long and full of finesse. This little-known gem is one of the un-sung delights of Saint-Emilion, at an exceptionally reasonable price (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Carbonnieux Rouge Pessac-Léognan 2016 This family property is one of the most ancient of the Graves district, the cradle of Bordeaux wines, with a reputation dating back nearly 600 years. Previous owners ingeniously evaded the strictures of the Koran by shipping wine to the teetotal Turkish court at Constantinople as eau minérale de Carbonnieux. The Perrins bought the property in 1956 and the 3rd generation brothers Eric and Philibert have been successfully invigorating it, with Marc of the next generation now beside them. The blend in 2016 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 45% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine showing rich, deep purple colour and abundantly fine, ripe fruitiness on the nose. The Merlots bring plush middle-palate succulence, the Cabernets admirable structure and intensity. Fruit is balanced by fine acidity and gentle tannins, with a harmonious, buoyant aftertaste (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Latour-Martillac Rouge Pessac-Léognan 2016 This is one of only six estates in Bordeaux to be a Classed Growth for both white and red productions. Passionately run by the Kressman family for three generations, it has recently seen expansion and investment, with restructuring of the vineyards, to ensure that the Cabernets are on the most appropriate terroirs for them, the Merlots also. Wine making has been modernised, helped by the late, great consultant Prof. Denis Dubourdieu. The 2016 assemblage consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot with 8% Petit Verdot. The latter grape has been contributing significantly more to the blend, in recent years. In a ripe vintage, it brings colour, piercing fruitiness, and a refreshing curl of extra flavour to the finish. The 2016 is very deep, dense purple in colour, with richly aromatic, red and black fruit aromas. Palate starts powerfully structured, with flowing, intense mid-section, showing superb balance of alcohol, freshness and rich tannins. This is a stunning wine, capable of long-term ageing, with admirable length (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 6

9 Château Lafleur-Gazin Pomerol 2016 The balance between structure, fruit and freshness is particularly successful here in 2016, as the summer drought had very little impact on its vineyards. The vines of Lafleur-Gazin lie on the edge of the clay-rich, central plateau of Pomerol, between two famous neighbours: Châteaux Gazin and Lafleur. The vineyards have been managed since 1973 by Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, on behalf of the grand-daughters of owner, Madame Delfour-Borderie. Merlot grapes overwhelmingly make up the heart of this wine, with 6% Cabernet Franc bringing vivacity and complexity to the Merlots velvety, dense fruitiness. Average age of the vines is around 35 years. In the cellar, a fifth to a quarter of the barrels is renewed each year. Like many Pomerol châteaux, this is a small property (with just 21 acres under vines). In colour the 2016 is medium-deep, ruby-purple, with subtly aromatic, refreshing aromas, recalling red and black fruits. The palate starts full-bodied, with fruitiness superbly maintained all the way through to soft tannins, lovely freshness and a mouthembracing, splendidly long finish (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château du Tertre 5ème Cru Classé Margaux 2016 In the past, this estate was planted with roughly one third each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. New owners arrived in 1997 and big changes followed, with the proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot both climbing, and Merlot falling back. The 2016 wine is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 10% each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot, presently ageing in 40% new barrels. Colour is rich, deep purple, the nose showing beautifully perfumed fruitiness. The palate has impressive volume, intense fruitiness, fresh, satin-like texture and exceptional length. Having enjoyed the 2015 so much last year, this 2016 is another great vintage for du Tertre (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Bourgneuf Pomerol 2016 This property has been in the Vayron family since 1840, for eight generations. The vineyards are superbly situated close to some of Pomerol s greatest properties, including Trotanoy and Latour à Pomerol. There are just over 21 acres of vineyard, so this is always a rare wine. We have often fallen in love with it, the first vintage we shipped being the Subtle adjustments in vineyard and winery since 2008, when daughter Frédérique joined her parents on the property, have significantly raised quality. For instance, harvesting is more precise than it used to be, and they may stop the vintage, to allow individual plots to ripen fully. We never used to do this in Pomerol, says Madame Vayron senior. A second wine label was introduced in 2012, for the produce of young vines, and Bourgneuf s fruit intensity has consequently been boosted. The 2016 was assembled from 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc, and, as in past years, the wine is ageing in around 30% new barrels. It shows splendid depth of purple colour, the nose being vibrant with ripe intensity. The palate is full-bodied, with an explosion of elegant fruit, and rich texture. Tannins are gently mouth-coating, with beautiful length. This has great potential for ageing, and is a perfect candidate for bottling into magnums and larger formats (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 7

10 Château d Armailhac 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac 2016 Ownership and wine-making philosophy are the same here as at Ch Mouton- Rothschild, and this property has greatly benefitted from the family links. Since 2006, all grapes have been carefully brought by gravity into the vats which means that the tannin extractions are very gentle, being initiated not by automatic, mechanical means, but solely after tasting and careful assessment. Tasted on four separate occasions in Bordeaux this spring, the 2016 consistently impressed us. The blend comprises 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot: the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon shines beautifully in the aromas here, which recall ripe, concentrated, sweetly spiced blackcurrants. Palate is full and plump, with splendid breadth of fresh, pure cassis fruit. This is a vibrant mouthful with lovely follow-through and an elegant, finely tannic, long-flavoured finish (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Lafon-Rochet 4ème Cru Classé Saint-Estèphe 2016 The Tesseron family has been owner here since 1959, and also at Ch Pontet-Canet in Pauillac since When current Managing Director Basile Tesseron joined his father at Lafon-Rochet in 2006, the estate was still very much in the shadow of Pontet- Canet, despite being barely half a mile from its vines, and sandwiched directly between Cos d Estournel and Ch Lafite. Under Basile s management, Lafon-Rochet has slowly but surely become one of the most exciting estates in the Médoc. It has borrowed some of the artisan philosophy of Ponet-Canet in terms of biodynamic and organic practices (the 2016 is the first Lafon-Rochet that is 100% organic), investment has been made in vineyards and winery, and the great Jean-Claude Berrouet (who was winemaker at Ch Pétrus for 40 years) is now their wine making consultant. The greater quality here is startling: the 2016 is the best Lafon-Rochet that we have ever tasted. In 2016, the wine was made from 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It is deep purple in colour, with expressive, finely perfumed violet and blackcurrant aromas. The palate is richly structured around a tightly-knit, concentrated, pure middle, with a lively, multi-layered, fresh, gently tannic finish. This is a beautiful, elegant wine a great success story (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 8 Château Batailley 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac 2016 The Castéja family has poured huge investment into this château over recent years, and quality has climbed impressively. With guidance, for many years from Professor Denis Dubourdieu of Bordeaux University (consultant here ) a policy of gently simmering the wine beneath its grape-skin cap, after the tumultuous fermentation, was introduced to help build the wine s body. The 2016 has a higher proportion 85% of Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, with 12% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine is ageing in 60% new barrels. The colour shows purple-ruby tints of medium depth, the nose being open, with bright aromas of great distinction. Palate is well-structured, with dense fruitiness and tannins which are fully rounded, without asperity or harshness. This is a classic Pauillac of power and character, with great length, which will age magnificently (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles

11 Château La Serre Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion 2016 Perched on the limestone heights of Saint-Emilion, within 200 metres of the town s ancient walls and moat, this little-known jewel of a property produces a wine which defines Saint-Emilion at its best. There are less than 16 acres in production, the vines averaging 35 years of age. In 2016 the blend reflects how the vineyard is planted: 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Owner Luc d Arfeuille has stuck to his guns, determined to make another classically balanced wine in which he has completely succeeded. I aim to produce wines which will give pleasure, which everyone will enjoy to drink. There is no over-extraction here, no delayed harvesting to achieve over-ripeness, and only a judicious replacement of 40% of the barrels each year La Serre is purple-ruby of medium depth, the nose showing fresh, bright, open aromas. In the mouth, there is immediate, bouncing fruitiness, with mid-palate of classic proportions, creamily-textured tannins and lovely, fresh length. Here is an impeccably-balanced wine, highly recommended for mid-term ageing (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château La Lagune 3ème Cru Classé Haut-Médoc 2016 Ch La Lagune is re-claiming its position as one of the Haut-Médoc s leading Classed Growths. The Frey family has, since 2000, been investing in vineyard re-structuring, winery modernisation and barrel-storage improvements. Ploughing has been reintroduced, and the estate is now 100% organic. Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2016 is presently ageing in 50% new, French oak barrels. This is ruby-purple of impressive depth, with fragrant, fresh, intense dark berry aromas. First impression is of magnificent, full, juicy fruitiness, then middle-palate shows striking, opulently supple texture, gentle tannins and lively, luscious length. This is a great, complete, vivid Haut-Médoc, with exceptional harmony and superb potential (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Langoa-Barton 3ème Cru Classé Saint-Julien 2016 This property was bought by Hugh Barton in It has been in the same family for longer than any other classed growth château in the Haut-Médoc. Current owners are Anthony Barton, his daughter Lilian, her husband Michel and their two children Mélanie and Damien (who represent the 8th generation of Bartons, and have now joined the property). The wine is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, presently ageing in 60% new barrels. There is a higher proportion of Merlot than we used to find in Langoa accounted for, as in 2015, by the lovely quality of longestablished vines, now joined by an extra plot (planted 11 years ago) whose production merits inclusion in the Grand Vin. The wine is limpid garnet-purple of medium depth, the aromas being rich, clean, ripe and fresh. Palate shows profound fruitiness from the very first impression. It has ample structure, without heaviness, and has refreshing acidity, rounded tannins and splendidly elegant length. Langoa in 2016 has produced a flamboyant, beautifullybalanced wine with a great future ahead of it (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 9

12 Château Branaire-Ducru 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien 2016 While many top châteaux in the Haut-Médoc have fallen into the hands of banks or insurance companies, Ch Branaire-Ducru has maintained its independence. The owning Maroteau family lives here, with daily involvement in all aspects. The winery was totally re-built in 1991, pioneering gravity-fed wine-making in the Médoc. The advantage of this is that grapes are not squashed at the de-stemming stage, but gently handled, to retain their integrity. It is not mechanical pumping which starts extractions of colour, aromas and flavours, but the guiding hand of the wine-maker, after careful tasting of skins and juice. In 2016, the blend here is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. 60% of the barrels are new, the balance being one year old. Wine-maker Jean-Dominique Videau (in place since 2002) comments, as we taste: Our harvest lasted from 29th September until 19th October the longest ever here. All the grape varieties were marvellous, and the Petits Verdots very fine, very elegant. Colour of this 2016 is deep purple, all the way to the rim. Aromas are elegant, rich and bright. Palate is full-bodied, with sumptuous, plump fruitiness, well integrated acidity and rich, gentle tannins. Tasted four times, this consistently showed itself to be absolutely magnificent. It is a superbly harmonious, great wine (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château d Issan 3ème Cru Classé Margaux 2016 Along with Ch Latour and Ch Beychevelle, Ch d Issan has one of the oldest histories of any wine property in the Médoc. Legend has it that this wine was served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, ushering in 300 years of English rule featuring the birth of claret, and Bordeaux s most glorious centuries, many believe! The Cruse family recently celebrated their 70th anniversary of owning the property, which was bought by Emmanuel s grand-parents in He has made many investments in quality improvements, and now retains only the greatest vats in 2016, just 45% of the total production for inclusion in the Grand Vin. He takes advice from Eric Boissenot, the Médoc s leading consultant wine-maker, who advises all the First Growths. The 2016 blend contains 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 36% Merlot, and is now ageing in 50% new barrels. In colour, this is medium deep, purple-garnet, the nose showing open, cherry-fresh aromas, both ripe and fragrant. Palate has dense, well-rounded fruit intensity, with luscious, creamy texture. There was regularly a 20 degree difference between dayand night-time temperatures during the summer here, which allowed perfect ripeness to be achieved, while fine acidity was retained. Tannins are gentle, well-rounded. This wine has great energy, power and length, the finish being expansive, harmonious and absolutely thrilling (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles 10

13 Château Brane Cantenac 2ème Cru Classé Margaux 2016 Once again, owner Henri Lurton has fashioned one of the greatest wines of his appellation. The blend consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère, now ageing in 70% new barrels. There are several keys to the great success of the vintage here. During high summer, teams went along the rows to identify and mark vines showing water stress. This was the case with some infill-planting, and also where Cabernet Sauvignons had been grafted onto Merlot rootstocks (to increase the proportion of the former). Grapes from these vines were picked separately, then excluded from the Grand Vin. Another key was the combination of cool nights with warm days, which brought purity and freshness to the wine. Average age of the vines is years, and these are now deep-rooted. This was crucial in high summer, as on many parts of the Brane plateau the water table is 6-10 metres below the surface. Selection of individual vats was very stringent, resulting in only 40% of the production going into the Grand Vin. Colour is mediumdeep, garnet-purple, with richly fragrant, complex aromas. Profoundly structured, with superbly dense fruitiness, this has creamy texture and great vivacity. Tannins and acidity are perfectly harmonised, length and potential are totally outstanding (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Gazin Pomerol 2016 This is the largest of the great growths of Pomerol to be situated on its famous, claygravel central plateau. All the best properties are clustered round Pétrus, and Gazin is no exception. Merlots make up 87% of the 2016 assemblage, with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, and the wine now ageing in 45% new oak. Christophe de Bailliencourt (whose family has owned it since 1917) told us: We were somewhat worried by the drought, up to early September, however rains then revived our vines. We were able to pick, sector by sector, from 22nd September through to 13th October, with no rainfall during the picking. There was no rot, and no danger of over-ripeness. Colour is rich purple of medium depth, the nose being beautifully fresh and fragrant. The palate shows broad structure, with dense, lusciously textured fruitiness, superb harmony and magnificent length. We think this is the greatest Gazin we have ever seen (for drinking ) / case of 6 bottles Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac 2016 The father and daughter team of François-Xavier and Emeline Borie has produced one of the great wines of the 2016 vintage. 79% of the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, with 21% Merlot, the wine currently ageing in 75% new oak barrels. The vines grow in a single block, around the Château, atop an impressive gravel mound, with fine views. APPELLATION PAUILLAC CONTRÔLÉE DOMAINES FRANÇOIS-XAVIER BORIE, PROPRIÉTAIRE À PAUILLAC, (GIRONDE) PRODUCE OF FRANCE - BORDEAUX CONTAINS SULFITES The colour is a bright, deep purple, the aromas being concentrated, combining ripe black fruits and intense stony freshness. This is a magnificent wine of considerable depth, that is vibrant, lively and has tremendous energy. Rich, supple, with a fleshy middle and super texture, the structure is magnificent, the tannins super-fine. Powerful to finish, with outstanding length of flavour, this is a true classic (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles ALL PRICES ARE QUOTED IN BOND UK (FOR DELIVERY 2019) 11

14 Château Léoville-Barton 2ème Cru Classé Saint-Julien 2016 This famous property has been in the same family since 1826, when Hugh Barton purchased a quarter of the big Léoville estate, his part then becoming known as Léoville-Barton. As at Ch Langoa-Barton (see page 9) the current proprietors are Anthony Barton s daughter Lilian Barton-Sartorius and her two children Mélanie, an oenologist, and Damien (representing the 8th Barton generation). The Bartons are one of only two families (the others being the Rothschilds) to have retained ownership of their properties, since the 1855 Classification. In 2016, Cabernet Sauvignons constitute 86% of the blend, with Merlots the balance. Average age of the vines is 38 years, which have given a wine of modest, refreshing alcohol - 13 degrees - now ageing in 60% new barrels. Colour is deep purple, all the way to the rim, with strikingly aromatic, vivacious red and black fruit pungency. The wine is richly structured, with a perfect balance of acidity and tannins, fruit intensity and magnificent length. This wine combines power, fruit concentration, finesse and silky tannins. If you have a child, grand-child or god-child born or conceived in 2016, this could be the perfect gift. The wine will mature gently over two or more decades, gaining length, smoothness, complexity and great beauty through the years however, our allocations are limited (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Canon 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion 2016 This is one of Saint-Emilion s most perfectly positioned properties, with vineyards on the limestone plateau beside the town, facing south and south-west. In 2016, this is one of the greatest wines of the vintage on the Right Bank. The blend consists of 74% Merlot, with a significant proportion, 26%, of Cabernet Franc; 65% of the barrels in which this wine is ageing are new, the balance having held one previous vintage. Colour is gorgeous ruby-purple of medium depth, the nose being floral, open and pure - incredibly alluring and wonderfully perfumed. On the palate, the wine shows classic, glorious balance between vibrant fruit, delicately built structure and longlasting, silkily-textured, vivacious aftertaste. The tannins are mouth-coating. The wine s concentration and intensityare wrapped around with seductive charm, with the most distinguished finish. A magnificent wine with superb potential (for drinking ). * Given very limited availability of this wine, it is sold on an allocation only basis - please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in receiving an allocation.* / case of 12 bottles 12 Château Certan de May Pomerol 2016 This is the third year that legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet (who made more than 40 vintages at Ch Petrus) has been sole consultant here, and Ch Certan de May continues to go from strength to strength. It is a rare property, which lies at the heart of Pomerol s greatest sector, the siliceous-clay, central plateau. In 2016, the Merlots were harvested during four different periods, to ensure that each plot reached perfect ripeness, without over-ripeness. They represent 65% of the blend, with Cabernet Francs contributing 31% and Cabernet Sauvignons the balance. Merlots bring the roundness, says owner Jean-Luc Barreau, and Cabernets the boost. Fine-tuning of the wine-making now sees the gentlest of extractions, to ensure that tannins are round and succulent, marrying perfectly with the wine s rich fruitiness. The proportion of new barrels being used has also been reduced (to about a third, from 50% in previous vintages) which further enriches the exhilarating freshness of this wine. Medium-deep garnet-purple in colour, with opulent aromas, this has spectacular structure, densely concentrated mid-palate and outstandingly harmonious aftertaste. This is compelling, with magnificent potential (for drinking ) / case of 6 bottles

15 Château Bélair-Monange 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion 2016 The vineyards of Ch Bélair-Monange occupy some of the choicest plots of the appellation. One third lie on Saint-Emilion s limestone plateau, near the historic town, one third are on adjoining, south-facing, steep hillsides, with the balance being on the terraces between the two. This property was bought by the Moueix family in 2008, and they have had to make massive investments shoring up the land. Beneath the vines lies a honeycomb of ancient galleries in the limestone, which were excavated to provide stones for building. Above ground, many plots were in need of re-planting, which is slowly taking place. Today, only wine from fully mature plots and the best sites is chosen for the Grand Vin, with the 2016 assemblage being 92% Merlot, with Cabernet Franc. Colour is medium deep, rich purple. Nose is magnificently fresh, open and complex. Palate shows remarkable harmony between rich structure, dense fruitiness, creamy texture and silky, refreshing, gentle length. Tannins are present, yet without asperity. International demand has taken the price of Cheval Blanc and Ausone to levels where regular consumption is beyond the reach of most of us. Luckily, Bélair-Monange coming from totally comparable, great terroirs is now a powerful magnet for those of us who relish the greatest, most classic Saint-Emilions. Stocks are limited, however, so we urge you to let us know your requirements as soon as possible. This is a great and gorgeous wine, with immense potential (for drinking ) / case of 6 bottles Château La Fleur-Pétrus Pomerol 2016 The vineyards which today constitute Ch La Fleur-Pétrus lie in three exceptional sectors on Pomerol s famous plateau. Partly, they are just across a narrow road from ChPétrus itself, where they touch another rare Pomerol, Lafleur. An additional plot of adjoining land, planted with old, mainly Merlot vines, was acquired in the mid-1990s. During the 2000s and in 2011, more superbly-placed vines were bought, lying around Hosanna, and also between Trotanoy and Le Pin. The wine is now made at a state-ofthe-art winery in Pomerol village, and La Fleur-Pétrus has greater structure and more concentration than ever before. With its finesse, potential complexity and sensational texture, it is increasingly recognised as one of Pomerol s quintessential, most thrilling wines. In colour, this 2016 this is solidly rich purple, all the way to the rim. Aromas are powerful, recalling fresh black cherries, with complex, fragrant spiciness. On the palate, this is densely fruity, with impressive structure, and great concentration. Its potential for ageing is clearly apparent from its concentrated, dense core of fruitiness, its freshness of aftertaste, its mouthcoatingly rich tannins, and above all from its exceptional length. It is elegant, luscious, and magnificent undoubtedly one of Bordeaux s greatest bottles this year (for drinking ). As in the past, we will favour passionate Pomerol-lovers when making allocations / case of 6 bottles ALL PRICES ARE QUOTED IN BOND UK (FOR DELIVERY 2019) 13

16 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé Margaux 2016 Palmer has fully embraced bio-dynamic production, 2016 being its third vintage to be certified as such. The upside is enhanced brightness of fruit and purity of acidity, the downside in 2016 being the significant reduction in yield. The style though has stayed true to the Palmer traditions, and faithful to its vision for the Margaux appellation. This means the silkiest of textures, with profound, fine fruit, extraordinary perfume and the greatest finesse. In 2016, Cabernet Sauvignon represents 47% of the blend, Merlot also 47% and Petit Verdot 6%. Colour is deeply purple, the nose being concentrated, very fine and floral. The palate shows outstanding purity and freshness, with rich black fruit character. The texture is astonishingly beautiful, being silky and suave. This is one of the great wines of the vintage, it has tremendous depth, superfine structure and great length (for drinking ) / case of 6 bottles 14

17 2016 Sweet White Bordeaux Château Doisy Daëne 2ème Cru Classé Barsac 2016 Château Doisy Daëne has been owned by the Dubourdieu family since Four generations of Dubourdieus have been at the helm here, with Fabrice and Jean-Jacques continuing to ensure excellence since their father Denis passed away last year. In 2016 this is again one of the vintage s most outstanding wines. Vineyard plantings are 86% Semillon with 14% Sauvignon blanc, with vine age averaging 40 years. Colour is golden-green of medium depth, the nose being aromatic and very elegant recalling honeyed pineapple, sweet lemon peel and spice. The palate is intense, rich and creamy, with vibrancy, fine acidity and beautiful, refreshing length. This is a perfectly balanced, sweet-yet-energetic Barsac, which will gain in complexities (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Sigalas-Rabaud 1er Cru Classé Sauternes 2016 Sigalas-Rabaud is the smallest Sauternes First Growth, with 33 acres of gravelly, south and south-east facing vineyards, lying within eye-shot (500 metres) of the great Ch d Yquem. It was originally part of Château Rabaud until the latter was divided into Sigalas-Rabaud and Rabaud-Promis, in The two properties were reunited in 1929, before being separated again in It is currently owned and managed by the sixth generation of the Sigalas family, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot. In 2016, the blend is 85% Semillon with 15% Sauvignon, ageing in 30% new oak barrels. The colour is pale, green golden, with pungently vibrant, tropical fruit and spicy aromas of great distinction. On the palate, this has spectacular fruitiness and racy intensity, with a lively, balanced, beautiful, long finish (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles Château Suduiraut 1er Cru Classé Sauternes 2016 Under the same ownership as Ch Pichon Longueville Baron, this is now firmly recognised as one of the greatest Sauternes First Growths, and benefits from all the meticulous care needed to produce the finest wines. Picking of grape berries often takes place literally one by one, and there is rigorous elimination of all but the best barrels from the final Grand Vin selection. In colour, green-golden, this wine s aromas are intense and powerful, showing the complex, elegant, multilayered character which only comes in the greatest Sauternes years. Palate is concentrated, with rich, honeyed fruitiness, sumptuous texture, mineral tension and vitalising acidity, which will ensure many decades of growing complexity. Length is spectacular, spicy and refreshing (for drinking ) / case of 12 bottles ALL PRICES ARE QUOTED IN BOND UK (FOR DELIVERY 2019) 15

18 Ways to Order Please contact one of our offices: Gloucestershire London Hampshire Or visit our website: Buying Wine In Bond Prices in this offer are quoted per case of 12 x 75cl bottles in bond UK, unless otherwise stated. Once shipped to the UK (in spring 2019) they will incur duty and VAT (at the prevailing rate) upon release from bonded warehouse. Any wines not delivered by our own delivery vehicles will be subject to a carriage charge. Please be aware that these wines are available in limited quantities. In the event of demand exceeding supply, we will do our best to allocate the wines fairly. Special Format Bottlings Please remember: by deciding now, you can order your wine to be bottled into Magnums, Double-Magnums or Imperials - with future, special celebrations in mind. Supplements for special formats are as follow: BOTTLE SIZES UNITS PER CASE PER CASE Half bottles 24 x 37.5cl Magnums (2 regular bottles) 6 x 1.5L x 1.5L Double Magnums (4 regular bottles) 3 x 3L Imperial (8 regular bottles) 1 x 6L Transferring Wine Under Bond We are able to arrange under bond transfers of all the wines in this offer. For transfers into Octavian accounts there is no charge, however a charge will be incurred for transfers to accounts held at other bonded warehouses. If you would be interested in setting up a storage facility with Nexus Wine Collections at Octavian, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. 16

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