2010 Bordeaux en primeur: Lacoste Borie, du Tertre

26/05/11

Load up on Pauillac 2010s if the price is right, says Neal Martin. Cabernet excelled in 2010, and Cabernet reaches no greater heights than it does in Pauillac. One of the great success stories of the vintage is Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The genial Xavier Borie's made not just one of the best GPLs ever, but one of the best wines in Pauillac and, therefore, all Bordeaux. And while the grand vin may still offer value relative to the appellation's most fashionable names, it's hardly bargain basement. But this is. In 2010, the second wine is the best we've ever tasted. Lacoste Borie offers a taste of the true Pauillac - at a fraction of the price.

'A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc the Lacoste-Borie displays light briary and blackberry fruit on the nose, just a hint of cold black tea and truffle. Fine definition. The palate is quite supple on the entry, that Merlot adding a pleasant fleshiness to counter the precise Cabernet, a little short on the finish but very fresh and perhaps "clinical". Very lively and "classic". Drink from 2016. 90-92 points.' - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com/winejournal

Also yesterday, du Tertre, sister chateau to Giscours. /AR

Halves & magnums £10 extra per 9 litre case; other formats on request

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