Following a rapturous reception for Chateau Margaux yesterday (or at least, the closest to rapturous we've had within this campaign), rumours of Lafite's release this afternoon are thus far unsubstantiated [oh, hang on...]. So we turn our attention to a couple of pearls which may otherwise go unnoticed.
Having done so much to raise the quality and profile of Chateau Batailley, for the past 10 or so years, Philippe Casteja has focussed more of his attention on the family's other Pauillac fifth growth. Lynch-Moussas split from its more famous counterpart in 1835 but retained the chateau itself and most of the vineyards. This year, as if to announce its arrival, the Castejas hosted the Union des Grands Crus at Lynch-Moussas giving the wine world the opportunity to view firsthand the huge amount of work that has been undertaken. Through more rigorous work in the vineyard and huge investment in the cellar, the wines look set to regain a quality and status they haven't had for decades. By way of affirmation, Neal Martin concludes that 'this is a top-notch Lynch-Moussas and perhaps the first year where it may surpass the Casteja family's Batailley.'
Carmes Haut-Brion is a tiny jewel of a property in an orderly suburban setting with rows of bungalows separating it from its much bigger and more famous neighbouring namesakes. Somewhat neglected until the late eighties it has seen a renaissance with replanting and new cellars allowing the wine to reach the heights its terroir demands. With its purchase by Bordeaux property magnate Patrice Pichet in 2011 for a record-breaking price, new work was begun in the vineyards and planning for a new Philippe Starck cellar started. Really only a daft decision in 1959 not to be included in the Graves classification holds it back. This chateau is a secret, not deliberately, and the price reflects its obscurity and not its very high quality. It represents quite a bargain, and we're delighted to welcome it back after a five year absence. /AR
Click here to view all 2014 Bordeaux; click on the individual wine name in the table below to see tasting notes
Offered subject to confirmation for shipment spring 2017
