2014 Mouton, Beychevelle, Lagune, Angelus, value buys

After a sticky start in Sauternes and Barsac, the campaign has adopted a - what's the right word? - faltering tempo. One or two significant releases have been greeted with such little enthusiasm that Bordeaux proprietors are beginning to think the UK trade isn't scaremongering after all.

There was next-to-no interest in the three releases last Friday from Domaines Barons de Rothschild, despite a sizeable drop in the price of Duhart which almost made it attractive. So the Rothschilds at Mouton upped the ante and bravely released the first of the firsts yesterday. Although the price ex-negociant is up - from 215€ for the 2013 to 240 - the UK selling price is down, and Liv-ex this morning reported "solid" demand. We can only hope that this limited success prompts Bordeaux's other big decision-makers to make a decision.

Other notable releases since our last round-up on the 15th April are Beychevelle, La Lagune and, this morning, Angelus. If you're looking for value, we highly recommend Moulin Haut-Laroque (£110 for 12 bottles), Clos Manou (£150/12) and Meyney (£160/12) as well as Angludet, still available at £156 a dozen. Some of the classed growths may have manoeuvred themselves into a position where they don't sell but these wines do. And don't tell anyone, but there's not all that much difference in quality. /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