2020 Bordeaux: once upon a time in the west (of Bordeaux)

10 Jun 2021

Talbot, Haut-Batailley, Phelan-Segur

Talbot used to be a reliable yet perhaps not very exciting property… but recently, under the guiding hand of Jean-Michel Laporte ex of Chateau Conseillante, it has been singing, proving just how good its terroir actually is. Talbot occupies some of the Medoc's highest ground, in one single, contiguous block of vines. Both Stephane Derenoncourt and Eric Boissenot consult, and the recent roster of experiment and innovation going on here is very impressive.

'Get ready to watch Haut-Batailley take off into the stratosphere over the next few years,' writes Jane Anson. Haut-Batailley has been in the hands of the Cazes family of Lynch-Bages since 2017, and they have big ambitions for this Pauillac property. And from St-Estephe, Phelan-Segur scores impressively and Neal Martin thinks it 'might well represent the appellation's best value for money.'

Today we have also had Gruaud Larose. The last time I tasted this was at the chateau for the very impressive 2018. But over the last two vintages the chateau has refused to send out samples, even to top critics, so it has become harder to assess. (It is also ambitiously priced). Other notable releases have been excellent St-Julien stablemates Gloria and St-Pierre, the classy, gravelly Pessac de Fieuzal, and perennial Haut-Medoc value Senejac. But it hasn't all been on the left bank - from St-Emilion we have Fonroque, and from Pomerol we have the long-lived, serious Nenin. And in a last-minute arrival, we have the second of the trio of Wertheimer family chateaux; we are still finalising allocations of Rauzan-Segla and will be in touch with previous purchasers and wish listers. /NT

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Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Spring 2023

Vintage Description Cs Sz Bt Sz Cs Bts Cs ib Cs inc Bt inc
2020 young La Gaffeliere (St-Emilion)
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6x 75cl 1 0 - - - Buy