One and a half days into the primeur tastings and I am enjoying this vintage more and more.
Whilst wanting to avoid the hype I think there are some seriously classy wines. That maybe because we have just left Ch Margaux and I suspect it will be vying for wine of the vintage. It is a truly sensational wine almost in a 1996 mould.
Equal in class but sadly not being offered en primeur is a stunningly big and brooding Ch Latour.
This certainly seems to be a year where the Cabernet has excelled, particularly in the northern Médoc. The Cabernets have benefitted from the later ripening season and they balance drive with a lively freshness.
Ch Pontet Canet has huge poise and potential, again with 1996 characteristics.
A wonderfully contrasting Ducru Beaucaillou, full of sweetness and richness, highlights what a magnificent terroir it is.
Pichon Lalande is everything that we look for in this the most feminine of Pauillacs; it balances power with a silky refinement and is quite simply delicious.
Finally no visit to Pauillac can go by without a mention of Xavier Borie’s wines. I particularly liked the balance and approachability of his Haut Batailley, while the Grand Puy Lacoste has huge potential.
This afternoon we head to the big Union des Grands Crus tastings where we will get a stronger gauge as to the real success of the vintage.