2009 Petit-Village, Lynch Blanc & Echo

10/06/10

Lynch-Bages has been making the news this morning, with the release of their renamed and much improved second wine, Echo de Lynch-Bages, and their white, Blanc de Lynch-Bages, released en primeur for the first time and the best we've tasted. With Lynch seemingly going (some of) the way of Lafite in terms of demand, both wines are selling well in Bordeaux, and we have fairly small quantities available.

Released yesterday, there's just a case or two left of Stephan von Neipperg's excellent Clos de l'Oratoire: 'The 2009 Clos de l'Oratoire, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol, exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet nose of incense, blackberries, blueberries, cedar, and spice box. Rich, opulent, and full-bodied, this offering is a complete turn-on that should provide enormous pleasure over the next 10-15 years. 91-93 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

Yesterday afternoon came a sensibly priced Petit-Village. In the modern world only gynaecologists and Christian Seely can get away with bow ties. Seely is the debonair managing director (he was once rumoured to be the new James Bond, though this was possibly postulated only by Christian himself) of AXA's wine division and nearly lost Petit-Village when - as the Bordeaux rumour mill has it - Gerard Perse tried to buy it. Fortunately the deal fell through and there is still a little outpost of the Medoc in Pomerol. Like the Medoc, Petit-Village's soils are stony and gravel-dominated and the Cabernets together make up 25% of the blend. But then, with neighbours like Cheval Blanc, Figeac and Vieux Chateau Certan, that is not a surprise. So, of all Pomerols, this is one to age. The Cabernet Sauvignon element in particular - at 17% - gives the wine structure and stops it becoming too creamy and lush. It is this structure that often fools the critics, but it is the reason that, like Christian's bow tie, Petit-Village just exudes class.

'This is sexy, with beautiful ripe fruit and spices. Full bodied, with focused fruit and a long finish. Racy. So focused. Class. Best ever? 92-95 points.' - James Suckling, winespectator.com

Finally, La Parde de Haut-Bailly, the second wine of this highly successful and sought-after property. We don't know anyone who's tasted it, but it's well priced and, in our experience, Veronique Sanders never disappoints!

View all 2009 Bordeaux en primeur