2010 Bordeaux en primeur: Rieussec, Labegorce

20/05/11

This morning, the first signs of activity from the Lafite camp. The Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR)'s Rieussec is regarded by many as second only to Yquem in Sauternes. In 2010, we rated it a (very small) notch ahead of Guiraud, but just behind de Fargues - which is likely to be twice the price. The release price in Bordeaux is over 10% down on last year but intense competition for DBR's red wines among UK merchants sees the resale price down by over 20%. A bargain! Well, as close as you'll get from the maker of Lafite. This receives the same score as Yquem from James Molesworth:

'Extremely rich and bright, with lots of green fig, honey and apricot. Very lush and round, with some serious weight and power in reserve. Remarkably fresh now. 93-96 points.' - James Molesworth, winespectator.com

Yesterday afternoon, Labegorce, now much improved and incorporating what was previously Labegorce-Zede. /AR

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

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