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Over the past couple of days more 2008s have made an appearance further showing the swiftness of this campaign. Talbot, an annual favourite, was one of the first to come out this morning. We have long been followers of this wine which produced a delicious 2008 that is full of fruit and velvety tannins.
Calon Ségur, eclipsed Talbot’s release by a half hour and was the first to come out this morning. Since 2006, they have reworked their domaine by hiring a new winemaker formerly of Ch Margaux, a new vineyard manager (also formerly Ch Margaux) and another right hand man who is formerly of Ch Latour. These experts have enabled Calon Ségur to go from strength-to-strength enabling their wines to be notably consistent across vintages. This quality can easily been seen in their 2008, a wine that Jancis described as “˜A very confident vintage’.
Batailley also surfaced in the last 24 hours. Long time supporters, we have believed in this property for many years as we feel that it delivers very good value. The 2008 vintage follows this same path and at £185 is very appealing.
Other 2008 releases include a noteworthy and powerful Pichon Lalande; a rich, velvety Palmer; and a St Estèphe favourite, Lafon Rochet.
Ch Batailley, Pauillac
£185.00 per 12 IB
2012 – 2025+
A fine, quintessential Pauillac that delivers a full-bodied palate of cassis, red cherry and cedar spice. Round and fleshy, yet focused and fresh, it is a well-balanced wine that will not disappoint Batailley fans. A good value 2008.
JR:17, MJ:17, GD:89-91
Ch Lafon Rochet, St. Estèphe
£220.00 per 12 IB
2012 – 2025+
Primal and fruity with notes of crème de cassis, raspberry and blackcherry. On the palate, its characterful St Estèphe tannins are enveloped in its fresh and opulent fruit. Rich and impressive.
JR:16.5, WS:87-90, MJ:17, GD:88-91
Ch Talbot, St Julien
£245.00
2011 – 2022+
Plump and plush, yet fresh and uplifting, this 2008 offers an appealing palate of red currant, blackberry and black cherry and fine, ripe tannins. It delivers a lot of pleasure right at the get-go and its overall harmony made this one of the most appealing to taste.
JR:16, WS:86-89, MJ:17.5, GD:89-92
Ch Calon Ségur, St. Estèphe
£295.00 per 12 IB
2012 – 2025+
A 2008 that offers a plethora of dark, rich fruit, a tender, sweet core and ripe chewy tannins. The estate described the wine as “˜powerful but with beautiful balance.’ We couldn’t agree more.
JR:17.5+, WS:88-91, MJ:17.5, GD:89-92
Ch Pichon Lalande, Pauillac
£455.00 per 12 IB
2014 – 2028+
An impressive Pichon that is more “˜Pauillac’ than recent vintages due to the strength of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2008. It offers a core of ripe, velvety fruit which is buttressed by lots of structure, precision and power. This is one to watch.
JR:17.5, WS:89-92, MJ:17, GD:90-92
Ch Palmer, Margaux
£999.00 per 12 IB
2012 – 2028+
Super silky and utterly appealing, the 2008 delivers a finely tuned, poised palate that offers loads of sexy curves yet with a mineral core and a fresh finish. Produced with an significant amount of Merlot (51%), it was a favourite of Jancis Robinson, who gave it an impressive 18 points (beating the 17.5+ she gave for Margaux).
JR:18, WS:89-92, MJ:17.5, GD:90-92
For full details of the campaign go to our website.