2010 Bordeaux en primeur: Ormes de Pez, Cantemerle

19/05/11

The sentiment at the London International Wine Fair yesterday was that the market for 2010s is less heated than it was for the 09s this time last year - good news for us all. Ian D'Agata's newly published (and somewhat discordant) report on the vintage for Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar will do nothing to reverse that. Chateau owners will be watching with interest. And although price rises are inevitable where secondary market trading suggests (to a proprietor!) that they were too low last time, we think we can expect many prices to remain stable. Thus it is with Les Ormes de Pez which, despite glowing reports and many commentators declaring it the best ever, emerged on Tuesday at exactly the same price as last year. But don't expect the same of this stable's Lynch-Bages!

'Tasted at Lynch-Bages and the UGC, the vineyard suffered some hail damage and some parcels lost as much as 30-40% of the crop and the yield which is 44hl/ha. The Les Ormes de Pez is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot raised in 45% new oak. It has a very sensual, very pure bouquet with dark cherries, boysenberry, wild hedgerow, mint and a touch of vanilla, much more feminine than the wines of the past. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins on the entry, very good ripeness here and the Cabernet Sauvignon is really in harmony with the ripe Merlot. Voluminous and silky smooth towards the finish, this is an outstanding Les Ormes de Pez. Drink from 2015. 92-94 points.' - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

This morning, Cantemerle, which has quietly been making very good wines these last few vintages, and the 2010 - another delicious effort - is an undeniable bargain among the exalted ranks of the 1855 classed growths.

'A quintessentially elegant style of Bordeaux, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Cantemerle possesses elegant floral notes intermixed with hints of blueberries, raspberries, sweet red cherries and currants. Medium-bodied with impressive purity, concentration and texture, it is not a heavyweight, but rather a well-proportioned, stylish red that should drink nicely for 15-20 years. 91-93 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

Please note that, by popular demand, we are now accepting AMEX payments for en primeur orders, subject to a surcharge of 2%. /AR

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

View all 2010 Bordeaux en primeur