2015 Lynch, Baron, Pavie Macquin

The campaign nearly stalled yesterday with the release of Pichon-Baron at a lofty 96 euros a bottle. Rumour has it that Nicolas Glumineau was all set to release Pichon Lalande until this bit of news reached him and (more importantly) his boss, Frederic Rouzaud. Not a good day for Pichon fans.

Perhaps their loss is the Cazes family's gain. This morning the campaign has been reignited by the launch of Lynch-Bages which is proving as popular as ever. Having produced a top quality Pauillac year in, year out for so many years, this property has many devoted followers and always sells itself. But if the price tag is unpalatable, there is still Batailley which, says Neal Martin, 'bears semblances to Lynch Bages', has the same points, and is well under half the price.

Other notable new releases are the Nicolas Thienpont-managed Pavie Macquin and the Cuvelier family's Clos Fourtet, the latter already allocated to previous purchasers and wish-listers. /AR

Offered subject to remaining unsold; available 2018