Bordeaux En Primeur: Chateau Cheval Blanc 2012 prices released decreasing 23% on 2011!

Legendary Saint-Emilion estate Chateau Cheval Blanc 2012  prices were released today.  The Chateau decreased the price on its first wine by 23% compared to 2011 while its second wine La Petit Cheval decreased by 6%.

Chateau Cheval Blanc 2012- Saint-Emilion

Chateau Cheval Blanc is located on one of the finest gravel-sand terroirs of the Saint Emilion Grand Cru appellation. Coordinated with passion and discernment, the vineyards are planted with Cabernet Franc and Merlot—a perfect marriage creating incredible smoothness, deep flavours and delicate fragrances. Pierre Lurton, the director general of the Chateau, noted that the wine is ample yet so silky that it feels like “cashmere” in the mouth. A Premier Grand Classé A, Cheval Blanc is fundamentally characterized by an inimitable freshness given by magnificent Cabernet Franc.

Wine Spectator: 94-97

Tightly wound, with a core of red currant, red licorice and bergamot. The long, earth-driven finish shows a tug of clay and warm stone, while a backdrop of bittersweet cocoa and dark tea waits in reserve. Reveals a sinewy side, balanced by muscle and flesh. Impressively rendered for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

Robert Parker 94-96

The final blend for the 2012 Cheval Blanc was 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. Despite the use of 100% new oak, there is not a hint of vanillin, toast or espresso notes in the aromatic bouquet, which is filled with scents of black currants, sweet cherries, lavender, forest floor and a hint of underbrush. Concentrated with a surprisingly lofty alcohol level of 13.9% as well as a tannin level that equals their 2010 (a wine bestowed a three-digit score), this full-bodied, opulent 2012 has a pH of 3.8, which accounts for its suppleness, velvety texture and heady richness. It is a great success in this vintage. It will be approachable early given its silky structural aspects, and should last for two decades.

Bordeaux En Primeur: Chateau Cheval Blanc 2012 prices released! is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Chateau Lagrange, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, Chateau Lalande Borie and Chateau Lascombes

As we return from a long weekend, three chateaux release their Saint Julien 2012 prices as well as one Margaux: Chateau Lagrange, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, Chateau Lalande Borie and Chateau Lascombes.

Saint Julien 2012

Chateau Lagrange  

The history of Chateau Lagrange dates to 1796 when Napoleon’s finance minister to Spain acquired the estate. Classified as a Third Growth in 1855, Chateau Lagrange extends over 117 hectares of gravel rises in the appellation of Saint Julien in the Medoc region.  The estate’s vineyards are managed plot by plot and are planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot.  Chateau Lagrange also practices plot by plot vinification in order to perfectly express the terroir and fine tune the blend.

Wine Spectator: 85-88

Robert Parker: 86-88

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

The impressive Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou sits on the banks of the Gironde Estuary in the appellation of Saint-Julien. The 245 hectare estate, with 100 hectares planted with vines, has been owned and operated by the Borie family, who resides at the estate, for over 60 years. Ducru-Beacaillou’s unique name is derived from the “beau caillou”, French for “beautiful stones” which are abundant in the soils of the estate. The Gironde has moderating effect on the climate of the estate creating milder winters and cooler summers, which allows the grapes to have a more homgeneous growing season that favours the production of a “grand vin”.

Wine Spectator: 93-96

Robert Parker: 90-92

Chateau Lalande-Borie 

Chateau Lalande-Borie was created in the seventies by the Borie family, owners of Ducru-Beaucailllou, who purchased the Lalande terroir in Saint Julien and then added their name to the property. Led by Bruno Borie, the chateau is located in the west of the Saint-Julien appellation and its 25 hectares of vines are planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Lalande-Borie is a Cru Bourgeois that beautifully expresses all of the qualities of its appellation: finesse, power, elegance and aromatic richness.

Wine Spectator: 88-91

Robert Parker: 86-88

Margaux 2012

Chateau Lascombes 

The central figure in the history of Chateau Lascombes is the Knight Antoine de Lascombes, who gave the estate his name and is its earliest known owner.  The vineyards of Chateau Lascombes were planted by Antoine and over the centuries were expanded from an initial 27 hectares to its current size of 118 hectares.  Its vineyards are planted with the classic Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot, which thrive in the poor gravel soil of Margaux.  Chateau Lascombes employs the services of Michel Rolland as a consulting oenologist

Wine Spectator: 87-90

Robert Parker: 90-92

Bordeaux En Primeur: three Saint Julien 2012 release and one Margaux is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Chateau La Conseillante releases its 2012 prices

The 2012 vintage was a stunning one for the small right bank appellation of Pomerol and  Chateau La Conseillante is one of the stars of the vintage.  The Chateau released their 2012 prices today, which show a decrease in price compared to 2011.

Chateau La Conseillante – Pomerol

Chateau La Conseillante owes its name and its origin to Catherine Conseillan, who inherited the property in 1734 and subsequently developed its vineyards.  Exemplifying a respect for tradition and continuity, the size and configuration of the Chateau has not changed since it was purchased by the Nicolas family in 1871. Located in the heart of Pomerol, La Conseillante sits on an outstanding terroir situated on the gravel plateau of Pomerol.  It has earned its worldwide reputation by producing wines with silky tannins, aromatic complexity and remarkable regularity year after year.

Wine Spectator:  92-95

Rounded and juicy, with lovely boysenberry and linzer torte flavors coursing along, inlaid with bergamot and blood orange notes. Delivers a polished finish without exhibiting any of the vintage’s sinewy feel. Rock solid and beautifully rendered. A strong showing. -J.M.

Robert Parker: 92-94

The 2012 La Conseillante exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as a beautiful, up-front, projected fragrance that includes mulberry and raspberry jam, licorice, lavender and underbrush. Rich and medium-bodied, this attractive effort possesses the estate’s hallmark elegance, finesse and sweet, velvety tannins. It should be approachable in its youth and last for 15+ years. – R.P.

Bordeaux En Primeur: Chateau La Conseillante 2012 is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Chateau Rauzan Gassies, Carbonnieux and Clos de Sarpe

The 2012 Bordeaux En Primeur campaign has has an exciting day with releases conituning throughout the day.  Chateau Rauzan Gassies in Margaux, Chateau Carbonnieux Red and White in Pessac-Leogonan and Clos de Sarpe in Saint-Emilion all released their 2012 prices this afternoon.

Chateau Rauzan-Gassies – Margaux

Robert Parker: 88-90

The origins of Chateau Rauzan-Gassies date back to the Middle Ages. Mr de Rauzan acquired the Chateau at the beginning of the reign of Louis XIV and in 30 years established the estate as a leading Margaux estate, earning its classification in 1855 as a Second Growth. Rauzan-Gassies’ 28.5 hectares of vines sit on a beautiful terroir, typical of Margaux. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon is the soul of this great wine, giving it body, while Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot bring fruity character and complex aromas.

Chateau Carbonnieux – Pessac-Leognan

Founded in the 13th century by the Benedictine monks of Sainte-Croix Abbey, Chateau Carbonnieux in the appellation of Pessac-Leognan, is one of the oldest estates in the Bordeaux region.  Chateau Carbonnieux vineyards benefit from an incredibly diverse soil consisting of naturally draining gravel and sand.  Carbonnieux’s early ripening white vineyards are composed of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillion while its reds are composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon,35%  Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

Chateaux Clos de Sarpe – Saint-Emilion

http://www.millesima.co.uk/chateau-clos-de-sarpe-2012.html

Located near the ancient village of Saint-Emilion, Chateau Clos de Sarpe is an independent family owned vineyard that has been owned by the Beyney family for three generations. Jean-Guy Beyney is passionate about Clos de Sarpe and works the vineyards with a respect for the land and a permanent quest for perfection. The estates old vines give very low yields producing fruity wines that are highly concentrated. Vinified with passion and enormous respect for tradition, Clos de Sarpe produces beautiful and complex Merlot dominated wines with incredible longevity.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Chateau Rauzan Gassies, Carbonnieux and Clos de Sarpe is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Pomerol 2012: Chateau Clinet, Chateau Rouget and Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande

The Pomerol 2012 vintage has been hailed by critics as a huge sucess.  Chateau Clinet, Chateau Rouget and Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande released their 2012 offers today.

Chateau Clinet

Robert Parker : 92-94+

Located in the heart of Pomerol, Chateau Clinet and its famous gravel plots are home to one of the greatest terroirs for Merlots, and as such, is greatly praised. This non-typical wine possesses fine and complex aromas of red fruits, blackberries and truffles that are both elegant and intense, combining an elegance and intensity that are recognized today as one of the most prestigious wines in the world.

Chateau Rouget

Robert Parker : 90-93

Chateau Rouget is located in the Right Bank appellation of Pomerol.  The terroir of Chateau Roget is exceptional, and typical of its appellation: clay-gravel dominated.  The estate has undergone significant renovation over the past 20 years and its now planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the two varieties that fit perfectly to the soils of the vineyard.  Chateau Roget harvests their grapes as late as possible, seeking perfect ripeness and expressive fruit.

Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande

Robert Parker : 88-90

Jancis Robinson : 16,5

Situated in the Medoc appellation of Saint-Estpèhe, Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande was classified as a Cru Bourgeois in 2003 and is owned today by the Bouyges brothers.  Encompassing 18 hectares of vines resting on gravel outcrops overlooking the Gironde Estuary, the estate is planted with the traditional varieties of the Medoc: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande produces complex and aromatic wines, with notes of flowers and fruit. This Cru Bourgeois is particularly known for retaining freshness of fruit with age.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Pomerol 2012 is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 new releases at deacreased prices:  Chateau Malescot St Exupery and Chateau Montrose

Today has been a busy day for En Primeur releases with AOP Margaux Chateau Malescot St Exupery and Chateau Montrose  from Saint-Estephe releasing their 2012 offers, deacreasing by 8% and 20% respectively.

Chateau Malescot St Exupery – Margaux 

Chateau Malescot St Exupery

Robert Parker : 89-92
Jancis Robinson : 17,5

Chateau Malescot St Exupery, located in the appellation of Margaux, owes its name to two former owners: Simon Malescot, owner of the estate in the 17th century and Count Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Exupery, owner from 1827 to 1853.  Located on an impressive gravel terroir, the chateau “overlooks the river”—which, according to an old saying, is an indication of appellation’s best terroirs.  Purchased by the Zuger family in 1955, three generations of the family have led Chateau Maelscot St-Exupery, passionately devoting themselves to producing exceptional wines.

Chateau Montrose – Saint-Estèphe

Chateau Montrose 2012 Robert Parker : 92-94

Jancis Robinson : 17.5+

Classified as Second Classified Growth in 1855, Chateau Montrose is located in the prestigious Saint-Estephe appellation. The Chateau takes its name from the rose-pink colour of the heather that covers hill, or ‘mount’, of the chateau. With a soil consisting of deep gravel, the vineyards are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau Montrose perpetuates the tradition of power and density of the “classic” style of the great Saint-Estephe wines. Intense, massive and complex they develop concentrated flavours of ripe fruit, spices and tobacco.

Chateau Malescot St Exupery and Chateau Montrose both offer great value this year due to the decrease in price from their 2011 prices.

En Primeur 2012: Chateau Malescot St Exupery and Chateau Montrose is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

New releases of Bordeaux En Primeur from the appellations of Pessac-Leognan 2012 and Sauternes 2012!

The Bordeaux En Primeur Campaign continues to accellerate with releases from several chateaux this morning.  From the southern Bordeaux appellations of Pessac-Leognan 2012 and Sauternes 2012, Domaine de Chevalier, Chateau Olivier, Chateau Guiraud and Chateau de Myrat.

Domaine de Chevalier

Domaine de Chevalier Red

Robert Parker : 93-95
Jancis Robinson : 17

Robert Parker : 93-95
Jancis Robinson : 17

Domaine de Chevalier belongs to the elite Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux. Acquired in 1983 by Bernard Family, the estate produces delicious red and white wines. Small, fine and round tannins impose a sensuality, with delicacy before power and aromas of licorice, spice, leather and freshness. Recognized as one of the greatest white wines in the world, it is defined as a complex wine with nice freshness with an aromatic persistence, opening like a peacock tail in the finish. “Man only reveals, the terroir dominates everything,” Olivier Bernard likes to say.

Chateau Olivier

Located just outside the city of Bordeaux in the appellation of Pessac-Leogonan, Chateau Oliver is an ancient seigneury whose history dates to the Middle Ages.  Owned by the same family for almost 200 years, they have invested heavily in the modernisation and optimisation of the estates wine making facilities and exceptional terroir.  Six different varieties are grown on the estate’s 58 hectares of vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion and Muscadelle.

Chateau Guiraud

Robert Parker : 90-92

Pessac-leognan 2012 and Sauternes 2012

Chateau Guiraud, extending over 100 hectares, takes its name from the Bordeaux negociant Pierre Guiraud who purchased the estate in 1766. The Chateau has a long reputation for producing outstanding wines, and was included in the Classification of 1855. Chateau Guiraud takes a natural approach to viticulture, nourishing the vineyard to create a healthy eco-system and are currently the only First Growth to be officially certified for organic viticulture. The vineyards are planted with 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon.

Chateau de Myrat

Robert Parker : 89-91

Chateau de Myrat has a rich and historic legacy given through its owners, the Pontac Family, who were the original owners of Chateau Haut Brion and can be attributed to launching the “French Claret” trend in England in the 17^th century.  Located on the limestone plateau of Barsac, Chateau de Myrat’s 22 hectares of vines are planted with 88% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle.  The Chateau is renowned and appreciated for the freshness and minerality of its wine that are fine and rich with notes of pepper and spice.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Pessac-Leognan 2012 and Sauternes 2012 is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 releases: Chateau d’Issan and Chateau Beychevelle

Today, two historic Medoc chateaux, Chateau d’Issan and Chateau Beychevelle released their Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 prices.

Chateau d’Issan – Margaux – price decrease of 13% from 2011

“For the table of Kings and the altar of Gods”, is the motto of the historic Chateau d’Issan.  This wine was served at the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet in 1152 and was also a favourite wine in the court of Emperor Franz Joseph, centuries later. The vineyard is located in the heart of the Margaux appellation with a beautiful gravel terroir rich in pebbles, resulting in a wine replete with finesse and elegance. Expressing the exquisite bouquet characteristic of Margaux, it is distinguished by a flexibility, charm and finesse that are specific to its terroir.

Second Wine: Blason d’Issan

Chateau Beychevelle – Saint Julien – price decrease of 11% from 2011

According to legend, ships sailing by Chateau Beychevelle, known as “the Versailles of the Medoc,” would lower their sails to the level of the Chateau in respect of its owner, the Duke of Epernon, Grand Admiral of France. Thus the chateau was named “Beychevelle”, meaning “Baisse Voile” or “lower the sails.” Extending over 90 hectares, the vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc with small quantities of Petit Verdot. Beychevelle wines are supple and perfectly balanced; expressing with elegance the terroir of Saint-Julien in the purest respect for tradition.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 releases: Chateau d’Issan and Chateau Beychevelle is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeurs 2012: Chateau Gloria, Chateau Branaire-Ducru, Chateau Fieuzal and Chateau Faugères

The Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 campaign accellerates with new releases this week from the appellations of Saint-Julien, Pessac-Leognan and Saint-Emilion.

Chateau Gloria

Chateau Gloria is the creation of one man, Henri Martin, who with passion created a 50 hectare vineyard over the course of several decades through the acquisition of parcels exclusively from Grands Crus classified in 1855. Today, the vineyard is renowned and carries within it the terroir and grape varieties typical of Saint-Julien. Manual harvesting and traditional winemaking wine produce powerful wines that are faithful year after year, expressing a fruit character and silky palate with success.

Robert Parker : 87-89
Decanter : 17/20pts (90/100pts)

Chateau Branaire-Ducru

Enthusiastic and ambitious, Patrick Maroteau has not ceased his efforts to raise the Chateau Branaire-Ducru to perfection with the objective of restoring the wine of this exceptional terroir since he purchased it in 1988. Consisting of 50 hectares in Saint-Julien, the Chateau takes its named from a Mr. Braneyre who owned the estate in 1680. Unique soils give Branaire-Ducru wines their typicity and, with other prestigious neighbours, form an appellation recognized worldwide. Chateau Branaire-Ducru’s reputation has been confirmed since it was ranked as a Fourth Growth in the Classification of 1855.

Robert Parker : 88-90
Decanter : 18.25/20pts (94/100pts)

Chateau de Fieuzal

Located in the heart of the appellation of Pessac-Leognan, Chateau de Fieuzal takes its name from the family it belonged to until the mid-19th century. Today, the property is renown for the elegance of its white wine and the opulence of its reds. De Fieuzal’s 75 hectare of vineyards, resting on beautiful gravel soils, are planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot for its red wine and 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon for its white wine. Chateau de Fiezal takes care that all work in the vineyard and the cellar is done meticulously and traditionally.

Robert Parker : 89-91
Decanter : 16/20pts (86/100pts)

Robert Parker : 92-94
Decanter : 16.5/20pts (88/100pts)

Chateau Faugères

Situated in the appellation of Saint-Emilion, Chateau Faugères extends over 37 hectares of vineyards.  Chateau Faugère vineyards are planted with 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and are cultivated using natural sustainable agriculture techniques.  Owner Silvio Denz recently constructed a new state of the art winery designed by architect Mario Botta who collaborated with Michel Rolland to ensure optimization for winemaking.  Chateau Faugères wines are  aromatic with an expressive fruity character.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Gloria, Branaire-Ducru, Fieuzal and Faugères is a post from: Millesima UK Blog

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 New Releases: Leoville Barton and Pichon-Lalande

Leoville Barton of Saint-Julien and the two Pichon estates from Pauillac have released their Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 prices.

After a slow first week of May due to a few French National Holidays, the Bordeaux En Primeur 2012 campaign is back in full swing, continuing with three historic chateaux releasing their 2012 offers.

Chateau Leoville Barton 2012 – Saint-Julien

Considered one of the best of Saint-Julien, Second Growth Chateau Leoville Barton extends over 50 hectares of exceptional sandy-clay soil vineyards located in the eastern part of the appellation. Leoville Barton has been in the Barton family since 1820’s with Anthony Barton leading the Chateau since the 1980’s, reaffirming its reputation for quality. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, Leoville Barton wines are generous and powerful while possessing an irresistible elegance and expressing an incredible finesse.

Decanter: 17.75/20 pts

Dense black-red, firm, quite spicy Cabernet Sauvignon, both ripeness and firmness is there, elegance over power and a good future.

Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande 2012- Pauillac

The famous Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, “Pichon-Lalande” as it is referred to colloquially, comes from the same domain as “Pichon Baron.” Beyond their geographical proximity, they are distinguished by their strong personality. Pichon-Lalande has a soft, fleshy and tender character that can sometimes make it seem to be a more feminine wine. Straddling the Saint-Julien river, Pichon-Lalande vineyards are planted with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Now owned by Champagne house Louis Roederer, Pichon Comtesse de Lalande remains a noble and prestigious Second Growth.

Decanter: 17.75/20 pts

Slightly meaty and slighty spicy ripe fruit, with Merlot to the fore, good middle sweetness and a succulence that will impress over time.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2012: Leoville Barton and Pichon Comtesse de Lalande is a post from: Millesima UK Blog