A few interesting things this morning. Mauvesin Barton is the property bought last August by the owners of Leoville-Barton. Already, the Bartons have added new stainless steel tanks, the latest harvesting machines and an optical sorter. The wine receives the same expertise as Leoville and Langoa, courtesy of oenologist Eric Boissenot and winemaking director François Bréhant. We didn't taste the wine but have high hopes that it offers a glimpse of the Barton greatness at a fraction of the price. And, at this price, we're quite prepared to take a punt!
From Fronsac, one of the lesser-known appellations which performed well in 2011, Moulin Haut-Laroque, one of Quarin's Bordeaux "outsiders", and a regular favourite with Parker:
'From one of the top Fronsac producers, there is a strong, mineral-laced underpinning in this medium-bodied, deep ruby/purple-tinged offering. Attractive notes of black cherries, blueberries and raspberries along with excellent texture, purity, medium body, good acidity and ripe tannin suggest this 2011 will drink well for a decade. 87-89 points+.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com
In St-Emilion, we have Grand-Pontet, consistently one of the appellations best values, but I won't waste my breath because Parker says this about Fonplegade:
'Since this estate was acquired by the Adams family of America, who hired consulting oenologist Michel Rolland, the quality has soared. The 2011 Fonplegade is another tour de force. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color in addition to copious notes of charcoal, camphor, blackberries, blueberries and spring flowers. Opulent, fleshy, deep and impressively built, it will be drinkable in 3-4 years or can be cellared for two decades or more. Kudos to Fonplegade! 92-94 points.'
/AR
Halves & magnums £10 extra per 9 litre case; other formats on request
