Bordeaux 2011 – The price is right?

After the hype and press surrounding the 2009 and 2010 vintages, perhaps the bordelais can be forgiven for being reticent in making any proclamations about 2011, seen by all as being a far more difficult vintage. However, as first critics and then wine trade have been able to taste, it has been revealed that there are a number of success-stories in what has undoubtedly been a challenging year.

While Lay & Wheeler has successfully offered the fine wines of Bordeaux en primeur for many years, the coming together of Lay & Wheeler and Majestic over the last two years has further strengthened our position in Bordeaux with both Négociants and Châteaux. Majestic brings financial stability and, with a 12% market share (by value) of all Bordeaux sold in the UK off-trade, this will lead to some good allocations, making us a reliable place to buy en primeur.

Our entire sales and buying team travelled to Bordeaux this year to assess the vintage, giving us a broad view of the wines and the various success stories. Our full tasting notes are displayed, as well as the views of Nick Dagley, our buyer. We hope this gives you a clear picture of the vintage as a whole, as well as giving you a taste of our opinions on the individual wines themselves.

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AOC Bordeaux Superieur
White wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
LOW STOCK 2011 G de Guiraud, Bordeaux Blanc Sec		6 Bottles	£37.50
Purchased for the first time in the 2010 vintage, Château Guiraud's dry wine has to be one of the best value whites and is particularly strong in 2011. Ripe, tropical citrus characters are prevalent on the nose and carry through onto a palate that shows a pleasing mineral drive and a touch of grapefruit peel on the finish.  Sauvignon Blanc 80% / Semillon 20% Dry, White, Still France Leave 2012 – 2018
Bourg et Blaye - Côtes de Bourg
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Roc des Cambes, Côtes de Bourg		6 Bottles	£230
"Freshly crushed blackcurrants and plums – explosive fruit – which is why François Mitjavile wanted us to taste the Tertre Roteboeuf before this. Amazing range of aromas – not just the dark fruit but also orange, possibly even mango and lavender and garrigue. 'Spéctaculaire', says Mitjavile, summing it up nicely. Super smooth, rich and explosive. Doesn't have the intelligent elegance of Roteboeuf but it is a terrific full-on tasting experience." 17 points. Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com  Merlot 70% / Cabernet Sauvignon 20% / Malbec/Auxerrois 5% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2026
Graves - Pessac-Léognan
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Haut-Brion, 1er Cru Pessac-Léognan		6 Bottles	£1,899
The nose is reticent at first, but with time and aeration, aromas of pure blackcurrant, violets, cocoa bean and smoke emerge. On the palate this is a wine of grand stature. There is a ripe sweetness and multilayered depth to the fruit which offsets the fine and insistent grip of the tannin. This wine is classically Haut-Brion in its broad and powerful nature, alongside a lightness of touch, elegance and precision. There is a hidden depth to this wine, with just a touch of nuance and detail evident at this young stage. The incredibly long finish is an early testament to the potential that this will evolve into great wine with time. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2040
2011 Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan		6 Bottles	£291
A quarter of the vines at Haut Bailly are a hundred years old, and the estate attributes the consistent elegance of its wines to the unique terroir of the vineyards. The 2011 displays a pleasing perfume of sweet cassis, well-integrated tannins and perfect balance throughout. A truly sophisticated wine indeed. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2031
LOW STOCK 2011 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan		12 Bottles	£324
An immediately inviting blackcurrant nose, with plum undertones that continue onto the palate. Remarkably fine, but powerful tannins provide a firm backbone for this excellent wine whose subtlety belies its muscle. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2029
2011 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan.		6 Bottles	£384
This wine has a lovely, broad and expansive velvet texture. It possesses mid-weight and body with complex, intense and persistent flavours; very fine and precise. There is a fine brush stroke of tannin perfectly in keeping with the weight of fruit. Long, refined and elegant, it shows the perfectionist beauty of its grand vin sibling. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2025
2011 La Chapelle de la Mission, Pessac-Léognan		6 Bottles	£255
The wine has a perfumed nose. The palate is mid-weight with pure and intense black fruits. The very fine polished tannin, fresh acid and fruit intertwine to give a textural, supple, flowing and persistent palate. It has the La Mission class and panache and sits comfortably amongst a peer group of second growth wines. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2025
2011 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan		6 Bottles	£1,148
The nose is backward, with creamy cassis sporadically emerging. The wine’s profile is in the restrained and linear mould, with a palate-staining intensity, ripe textured fruit with an assured fine tannic grip. The palate is polished and refined in style; precise and delineated. Whilst this wine has the reticence and strictness of youth, the structure is all in harmony. This is a wine of immense class. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
White wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
LOW STOCK 2011 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan		6 Bottles	£315
A favourite among the Lay & Wheeler team. A beautiful, fresh apricot nose, with the added complexity of a herbaceous - almost sage - note. High acidity ensures the wine is beautifully refreshing, balancing the satisfying weight. The stone fruit concentration continues on the palate, where it is met by a greater savoury character to the core. An excellent wine. Dry, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
2011 Château Carbonnieux Blanc, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan		12 Bottles	£209
A really quite exotic and beautifully aromatic nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and guava. The palate shows some serious focus, with excellent concentration and spine-tingling acidity providing freshness and structure. Full bodied, very long and utterly gorgeous. Dry, White, Still France Leave 2014 – 2022
Médoc - Cru Bourgeois
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Potensac, Cru Bourgeois Médoc		12 Bottles	£145
Under the stewardship of the Delon family this property has built up an enviable reputation as one of the real values, consistently outperforming its humble cru bourgeois standing. The aromatic nose is attractively open, showing vibrant black plum and berry fruit with a graphite mineral edge and violet floral top notes. The sturdy yet polished tannins frame a mouthwatering mocha and spice infused palate of red plum and cassis. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2027
LOW STOCK 2011 Château La Tour de By, Cru Bourgeois Médoc		12 Bottles	£108
A long term favourite of Lay & Wheeler with very good reason: this is a delicious, well-priced claret at a consistently high standard, and 2011 is no exception. This wine displays the vintage character of freshness and fine tannin (lightly handled), but crucially there is a good concentration of supple, soft textured aromatic fruit. This will make for a fine dinner wine in the years to come. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
Médoc - Haut-Médoc
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Cantemerle, Cru Classé Haut-Médoc		12 Bottles	£210
Gentle woody spice on the nose, carries through to a silky smooth mouthfeel. Soft, but ample, tannins provide a fine frame for this brooding example from the Haut-Médoc. Cantemerle has excelled in 2011 and should be a great value purchase for lovers of a classically proportioned claret.  Cabernet Sauvignon 47% / Merlot 43% / Cabernet Franc 7% / Petit Verdot 3% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2027
2011 Château Charmail, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc		12 Bottles	£120
Darkly fragrant on the nose, with notes of bramble and cassis fruit coming through alongside spice notes. The palate is incredibly well balanced, with fine, structural tannins and a vein of freshness that gives lift and poise to ripe, opulent fruit. Classic claret and fine value. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2021
2011 Château Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Médoc		12 Bottles	£225
At first the nose is a little restrained but it slowly opens to reveal black fruit character. A pleasing length follows a nicely-balanced wine, with good grip from some robust tannins and blackcurrant fruit on the mid-palate. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2036
2011 Château Caronne Ste Gemme, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc		12 Bottles	£84
Low rainfall, free-draining gravel and sandy soils have resulted in reduced yields of smaller berries and a higher skin-to-juice ratio with impressive levels of concentration. Dusky blackberry and hedgerow fruit are in abundance with a subtly medicinal note of cedar and a lick of toasty new oak. Structural tannins and fresh acidity provide a framework for this impressively endowed wine. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2021
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Beaumont, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc		12 Bottles	£84
Notes of pure dark berries on the nose, leading into a palate that shows an attractively layered texture, with blackcurrant, bramble and damson fruit characters. The tannins are silky fine, the core of fruit showing good density and concentration and the whole framed by subtle oak spice. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2022
2011 Château Beaumont, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc		24 Halves	£94.80
Notes of pure dark berries on the nose, leading into a palate that shows an attractively layered texture, with blackcurrant, bramble and damson fruit characters. The tannins are silky fine, the core of fruit showing good density and concentration and the whole framed by subtle oak spice. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2022
Médoc - Margaux
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Margaux, 1er Cru Margaux		6 Bottles	£1,900
When asked whether the Château was having to change anything to compensate for climate change, Marie Descotis, who heads up the Château's research and development department, explained that their terroir is proving to be perfect for the somewhat warmer and drier conditions over the last few years, allowing their Cabernet Sauvignon to flourish. The blend this year is made up of 86% of this Cabernet, 10% Merlot and the rest split between Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The resultant wine is the most concentrated they have ever produced, yet it is also incredibly poised and balanced. Dark berry fruits, notes of woodsmoke and spice come through on the nose. The palate is immediately fresh and pure, with a layered sense of fine tannin, depth and power. There is a graphite-like grip to the structure, a definite minerality and a core of cool-natured, classic fruit. Despite the concentration and density in the wine, the balance is such as to give it an almost approachable sensation. Beautiful rather than pretty, this is an elegant and refined wine that shows what could be achieved in 2011 with great terroir and a deft hand.  Cabernet Sauvignon 86% / Merlot 10% / Petit Verdot 2% / Cabernet Franc 2% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2037
LOW STOCK 2011 Château du Tertre, Cru Classé Margaux		12 Bottles	£228
According to the Château, 2011 marks 'a return to a more classic style of wine', with a 'tannic and fresh profile'. A delightfully fruity nose leads to a more serious and well balanced wine. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2028
2011 Château du Tertre, Cru Classé Margaux		24 Halves	£238.80
According to the Château, 2011 marks 'a return to a more classic style of wine', with a 'tannic and fresh profile'. A delightfully fruity nose leads to a more serious and well balanced wine. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2028
2011 Château Palmer, Cru Classé Margaux		6 Bottles	£875
2011 may not be 1961, however in the case of Château Palmer the two vintages could have in common a Grand Vin that could be considered as one of the wines of the vintage. We left the Château gushing about the spicy, almost animal complexity of the dark fruit nose, the incredibly rich palate, silky texture and flavours of kirsch, blackcurrant leaf, clove and leather, the incredibly fine-grained tannins and indeed the brilliant concentration and impressive length… In five short words, we liked it - a lot!  Merlot 55% / Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2035
2011 Alter Ego de Château Palmer, Margaux		12 Bottles	£430
Alter Ego is fast becoming a serious wine in its own right and is coming out of its Grand Vin’s shadow. With great weight and silky smooth texture, a juicy fruit character with a tight tannic structure, the plummy and spicy fruit is somewhat reminiscent of black forest gâteau. On the finish, spicy and savoury notes come through to bring even more interest to this lovely wine.  Merlot 48% / Petit Verdot 15% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2030
LOW STOCK 2011 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux		6 Bottles	£475
Headily aromatic on the nose, with notes reminiscent of black forest gâteau, a fragrance imparted by a higher proportion of Petit Verdot than usual. On the palate, there is delicious freshness and a lovely sense of purity to the fruit. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, giving structure to cassis and morello cherry fruit. This has a lot of density and power, which Marie Descotis attributes to the drought and the small size of the grapes as a result. She believes that this has never before been as close in style and quality to the grand vin.  Cabernet Sauvignon 65% / Merlot 25% / Petit Verdot 8% / Cabernet Franc 2% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2027
2011 Château Cantenac Brown, Cru Classé Margaux		12 Bottles	£300
Heady on the nose, with aromatic notes of bright hedgerow fruit. The palate shows immediately dense tannins, offsetting layers of subtle oak and dark fruit characters. Compared with some of Cantenac-Brown's recent vintages, this is a more substantial wine, yet freshness on the finish alludes to the potential for greater elegance to come. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2029
2011 Château Rauzan-Ségla, Cru Classé Margaux		6 Bottles	£297
A tremendously beautiful wine; this Margaux property really shines in this vintage. Characteristic fragrant purple fruits and violets are to the fore, enveloped in delicious creamy oak. Expressive, vibrant and wonderfully pure; the sweet berry fruit and floral notes on the palate are balanced by a firm and compact tannic structure that is both pretty and serious. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2033
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Angludet, Cru Bourgeois Margaux		12 Bottles	£198
Bright, dark cherry, plum and bilberries with faint shades of clove and spice provide a vibrant, fresh aroma that is both warm and pleasing. The palate has a crisp, fresh style offset by a firm tannic structure. This is a very enticing wine that effortlessly displays the Margaux grace and elegance, but with a successful modern approach. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2022
2011 Château Malescot St-Exupéry, Cru Classé Margaux		12 Bottles	£369
Behind a somewhat muted nose lies a deliciously spicy and rich palate, with a wonderful texture and a juicy mouthfeel. A big wine with fine supporting tannins. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2032
2011 Château d'Issan, Cru Classé Margaux		12 Bottles	£350
Inviting on the nose, with aromas of blackcurrant leaf. A winning combination of finely-grained tannins and freshening acidity combined with a good intensity of fruit at the core, giving this a layered texture and an attractive finish. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2025
2011 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux		12 Bottles	£321
A perpetual favourite with the Lay & Wheeler team, Giscours showed an elegant, pleasing nose, with some ripeness to the cassis and plum fruit. Fine-textured tannins are well-balanced by high acidity, contributing to the poise and richness of the palate. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2031
White wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
LOW STOCK 2011 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, Margaux		6 Bottles	£517.50
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, this is demonstrative of the fantastic quality to be found in the white wines this vintage. The nose is vibrantly citrus, with subtle notes of cut grass and crushed stones. On the palate, this is fresh and zesty, with a lean minerality giving this a linear, tight and toned structure. Not showy, subtle in its elegance and incredibly pure, with the long finish showing notes of peach kernel and white stone fruits.  Sauvignon Blanc 100% Dry, White, Still France Leave 2014 – 2025
Médoc - Moulis
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Chasse-Spleen, Cru Bourgeois Moulis		12 Bottles	£195
Chasse Spleen is said to reflect the extraordinary diversity of its terroir through the 'fresh mineral qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon and the smoothness of Merlot'. The 2011 displays a beautifully fragrant cherry nose, leading on to ripe juicy fruit on the palate, with spicy undertones backed up by ample tannin and fresh acidity. An elegant wine. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2027
2011 Château Poujeaux, Cru Bourgeois Moulis		12 Bottles	£186
Traditionally one of the longest-lived and most muscular wines from Moulis-en-Médoc, Château Poujeaux does not fail to impress in 2011. Very brooding and dark on the nose, it is unashamedly dense and powerful, with hints of crushed blackcurrants with leather and cigar tobacco notes. The big tannic structure is the perfect introduction for this wine that builds up on the long and ample finish. This is a very masculine and traditional claret. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2027
2011 Château Mauvesin-Barton, Moulis en Médoc		12 Bottles	£108
Made from a blend of 46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this is a classic and well-structured claret, with an enticing core of ripe, plum fruit. The terroir of the site allowed full-maturity of the Cabernet fruit in this vintage and it is this that contributes to the well-judged structure and freshness of this very pleasing wine.  Merlot 46% / Cabernet Sauvignon 36% / Cabernet Franc 16% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2028
Médoc - Pauillac
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Lafite-Rothschild, 1er Cru Pauillac		6 Bottles	£2,799
Christophe Salin, director of Barons de Rothschild has been very forthright about the way in which pricing will work this year, indicating that there should be a substantial cut in price for this wine compared with last year. "With Lafite we have the luxury of being able to sell at a high price, but we want to play by the rules and listen to the market. We don’t want to be individualists – Bordeaux is a collective work; we have power and duties so we need to play as a team." The wine is a very simple blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. 2011 Lafite-Rothschild is a huge, powerful effort that manages levels of concentration rarely equalled in this vintage as well as a velvety, nuanced style and wonderful balance, refined tannins and incredible length. This is a wine that starts big, and grows in stature all the time during the multi-layered finish. It may be hard to dethrone.  Cabernet Sauvignon 80% / Merlot 20% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2040
2011 Carruades de Château Lafite, Pauillac		6 Bottles	£624
The second wine of Château Lafite, Carruades always offers a more approachable expression of the Grand Vin, but in 2011 it has truly excelled. Deep purple hues and notes of pure cassis and fresh, juicy blackberry are followed on the palate by an almost sweet, rounded texture and a firm tannic structure. The whole is expertly balanced and quite delicious. **We have sold out of our initial allocation and are now onto second tranche stock**  Cabernet Sauvignon 55% / Merlot 39% / Cabernet Franc 4% / Petit Verdot 3% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2030
2011 Château Latour, 1er Cru Pauillac		6 Bottles	£2,499
A candidate for wine of the vintage, 2011 Latour is an opaque, dense colour, very full and with glass-staining concentration. It shows beautiful aromatics, with almost exotic raspberry, violet, cassis and floral notes. The texture of the wine is quite extraordinary, totally enveloping the mouth. Satin-like tannins are totally cloaked by the joyously pure fruit, making it surprisingly easy to taste. There is a real freshness and focus to the palate, leading to a precise, detailed and impressively long finish. Simply breathtaking.  Cabernet Sauvignon 85% / Merlot 15% / Petit Verdot 1% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2040
2011 Château Latour, 1er Cru Pauillac		3 Bottles	£1,249.50
A candidate for wine of the vintage, 2011 Latour is an opaque, dense colour, very full and with glass-staining concentration. It shows beautiful aromatics, with almost exotic raspberry, violet, cassis and floral notes. The texture of the wine is quite extraordinary, totally enveloping the mouth. Satin-like tannins are totally cloaked by the joyously pure fruit, making it surprisingly easy to taste. There is a real freshness and focus to the palate, leading to a precise, detailed and impressively long finish. Simply breathtaking.  Cabernet Sauvignon 85% / Merlot 15% / Petit Verdot 1% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2040
2011 Château Mouton-Rothschild, 1er Cru Pauillac		6 Bottles	£1,899
The opaque black, purple core points towards the power that lies beneath, an intensely aromatic nose of ripe cassis with a touch of exotic spice. Despite the explosive concentration and masculinity there is a real sense of purity and focus. Lush ripe black fruit, mocha coffee and notes of cocoa fill all corners of the mouth, wrapped up in a creamy, velvety texture. The finish seems to go on forever, this is classic Mouton. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2021 – 2040
2011 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Cru Classé Pauillac		6 Bottles	£378
This Pauillac aristocrat shows off its breed with a beautifully pure nose of cassis liqueur with hints of tobacco leaf and graphite. The palate is endowed with excellent depth of fruit, plenty of very fine-grained tannins and a long finish of kirsch and freshly crushed berries. The finish is intense and very persistent. This is an excellent effort from the team at Pichon-Lalande.  Cabernet Sauvignon 78% / Cabernet Franc 12% / Petit Verdot 2% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
2011 Réserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac		12 Bottles	£237
The 2011 second wine from Comtesse Lalande exhibits a dark nose of rich fruit, lifted by fresh leafy notes, courtesy of a proportion of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in the blend. This medium-bodied wine strikes a lovely balance on the palate between fresh fruity flavours and a slightly bitter chocolate edge that brings a certain complexity. This should be excellent for medium-term ageing.  Merlot 49% / Petit Verdot 8% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2025
2011 Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac		6 Bottles	£648
A very serious and correct nose, with cassis, cedar and slate notes. Really fine and plush texture with massive tannins and ultra pure blackcurrant fruit. The finish is long and spicy.  Cabernet Sauvignon 62% / Merlot 35% / Petit Verdot 3% / Cabernet Franc 1% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2033
2011 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Cru Classé Pauillac		12 Bottles	£398
Showing a beautiful dark and concentrated colour, this has a rich and brooding nose, with bramble fruit, raspberry and violet notes. The palate is simply awesome. Massive volume, rich texture and incredible concentration of fruit. This is elegant wine-making at its best, effortlessly drawing all the potential from this vintage, with no over-extraction.  Cabernet Sauvignon 78% / Merlot 22% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2028
2011 Château Haut-Batailley, Cru Classé Pauillac		12 Bottles	£240
This is an incredibly elegant and beautiful wine. Very aromatic, with raspberry, black berry and floral notes. The palate shows excellent concentration of juicy fruit, which envelop the fine-grained tannins, all balanced by refreshing acidity. Showing the very best attributes of 2011, this should be an absolute bargain.  Cabernet Sauvignon 72% / Merlot 28% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2026
2011 Château Lynch-Bages, Cru Classé Pauillac		6 Bottles	£375
A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the rest split between Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Opulent on the nose, with notes of dark berries and pure cassis. On the palate, this shows a plush texture, driven by velvety-fine, but quite robust tannins. There is a substantial swathe of ripe fruit and a touch of sweet vanillin from 75% new oak barrels, giving this a rounded and pleasing mouthfeel. Intense and balanced, with good definition and concentration, this is another good effort from the Cazes stable.  Cabernet Sauvignon 72% / Merlot 23% / Petit Verdot 3% / Cabernet Franc 3% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2035
2011 Château Pichon-Longueville (Baron), Cru Classé Pauillac		6 Bottles	£378
The blend for Pichon in this vintage is made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), with the balance being Merlot. Christian Seely describes this vintage as being one in which tannin management was key, "it was necessary to have a light hand on extraction to ensure harmony and balance", something which they appear to have achieved. Immediately closed on the nose, but opening out to show classic Pauillac notes of cassis and graphite. On the palate, there is a sense of mineral freshness leading through into a mouthfilling and fine tannic structure that frames layers of velvety dark berry fruit. Beautifully long and fresh, with spice notes on the finish, this is undoubtedly one of the stars of the vintage.  Cabernet Sauvignon 82% / Merlot 18% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2035
2011 Château Pichon-Longueville (Baron), Cru Classé Pauillac		6 Magnums	£762
The blend for Pichon in this vintage is made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), with the balance being Merlot. Christian Seely describes this vintage as being one in which tannin management was key, "it was necessary to have a light hand on extraction to ensure harmony and balance", something which they appear to have achieved. Immediately closed on the nose, but opening out to show classic Pauillac notes of cassis and graphite. On the palate, there is a sense of mineral freshness leading through into a mouthfilling and fine tannic structure that frames layers of velvety dark berry fruit. Beautifully long and fresh, with spice notes on the finish, this is undoubtedly one of the stars of the vintage.  Cabernet Sauvignon 82% / Merlot 18% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2037
2011 Château Pontet-Canet, Cru Classé Pauillac		6 Bottles	£366
When asked if he was happy with his wine in this vintage, serious winemaker Jean-Michel Comme replied that "when people begin to be happy, it is the beginning of the end" and that he was therefore never entirely content. Nonetheless in light of the challenges faced in this vintage and problems experienced by other Châteaux, he deserves to feel more than a little pleased with himself regarding the quality of the 2011 Pontet Canet. Darkly fragrant on the nose, it is an incredibly concentrated wine, yet one that wears its depth and power very lightly. There is a substantial tannic structure here, yet it is so well balanced by acidity, fruit and a marked minerality, that the lasting impression is of a perfectly poised wine; very much the iron fist in a silk glove. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
2011 Château Pontet-Canet, Cru Classé Pauillac		12 Bottles	£732
When asked if he was happy with his wine in this vintage, serious winemaker Jean-Michel Comme replied that "when people begin to be happy, it is the beginning of the end" and that he was therefore never entirely content. Nonetheless in light of the challenges faced in this vintage and problems experienced by other Châteaux, he deserves to feel more than a little pleased with himself regarding the quality of the 2011 Pontet Canet. Darkly fragrant on the nose, it is an incredibly concentrated wine, yet one that wears its depth and power very lightly. There is a substantial tannic structure here, yet it is so well balanced by acidity, fruit and a marked minerality, that the lasting impression is of a perfectly poised wine; very much the iron fist in a silk glove. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
2011 Château Pontet-Canet, Cru Classé Pauillac		3 Magnums	£372
When asked if he was happy with his wine in this vintage, serious winemaker Jean-Michel Comme replied that "when people begin to be happy, it is the beginning of the end" and that he was therefore never entirely content. Nonetheless in light of the challenges faced in this vintage and problems experienced by other Châteaux, he deserves to feel more than a little pleased with himself regarding the quality of the 2011 Pontet Canet. Darkly fragrant on the nose, it is an incredibly concentrated wine, yet one that wears its depth and power very lightly. There is a substantial tannic structure here, yet it is so well balanced by acidity, fruit and a marked minerality, that the lasting impression is of a perfectly poised wine; very much the iron fist in a silk glove. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
2011 Château Batailley, Cru Classé Pauillac		12 Bottles	£250
One of the oldest estates in the Médoc producing a classic and typical Pauillac. Complex on the nose, with notes of cassis, chocolate and mocha, with a hint of cloves and cinnamon. Blackberries, chocolate notes and cream texture, with nuances of vanilla and nutmeg on the palate, there is a real plush richness to this wine. It is held together beautifully with very well integrated tannins and a soft vein of acidity running through the finish. An excellent wine that should not be missed!  Cabernet Sauvignon 85% / Merlot 11% / Petit Verdot 3% / Cabernet Franc 1% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2028
2011 Le Petit Mouton, Pauillac		6 Bottles	£390
A deep inky core hints at a muscular style, yet in common with its larger sibling the nose and palate balance concentration with elegance. Notes of red fruit on the nose with some violet, floral notes are followed onto the palate with red plum and damson, rounded off by a lick of toasty oak. Richly structured with silky tannins the finish is harmonious and long. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2026
2011 Château Clerc Milon, Cru Classé Pauillac		12 Bottles	£378
With vines bordering the prestigious first growth Mouton-Rothschild and under the same ownership since the 1970s, the wines produced at this estate considerably outshine its humble fifth growth status. A strikingly vibrant purple hue in the glass, the nose displays a pure vein of red plums and damsons with the merest note of tobacco. Initially brooding and densely structured with grippy tannins, the palate opens up to display succulent darks fruits, Christmas cake spice and dark chocolate. These flavours linger on the finish together with an impression of freshness and a suggestion of stony, mineral notes. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2028
2011 Château d'Armailhac, Cru Classé Pauillac		12 Bottles	£330
Another strong showing from the Mouton stable, although initially a little reticent on the nose with a little coaxing it begins to show aromas of cassis with a classic hint of Pauillac pencil shavings. This is a particularly concentrated style for d’Armailhac, plums and blackcurrants show on the palate, with a degree of persistence and muscularity to the tannins. The finish lingers on a toasty creamy note of oak, showing real class and refinement. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2027
2011 Château Pibran, Cru Bourgeois Pauillac		12 Bottles	£198
One of the rather pleasant surprises of this vintage. Tasted at Pichon-Longueville, this showed incredibly well. Made of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is immediately open and fragrant on the nose, with notes of white flowers alongside cassis and plum. On the palate, this seems effortlessly balanced: a core of ripe attractive fruit hemmed in by very fine tannins and a zip of acidity. Incredibly charming, it won us all over.  Merlot 55% / Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2023
2011 Les Tourelles de Longueville, Pauillac		12 Bottles	£240
A blend of 60% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot from the richer soils on the Pichon-Longueville estate. Dark on the nose, with reserved notes of bramble fruit, damson and mocha. The palate shows a lovely purity and depth to the dark berry fruit core, balanced by a dart of acidity and finely-expressed tannins. Attractive and appealing.  Merlot 60% / Cabernet Sauvignon 28% / Cabernet Franc 10% / Petit Verdot 2% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2024
Médoc - Saint-Estèphe
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Ormes de Pez, Cru Bourgeois St-Estèphe		12 Bottles	£210
Quite brooding on the nose, with a hint of florality and a touch of woodsmoke. On the palate, this has quite a linear structure, with finely-realised tannins and a taut minerality. Held within this structure is a core of layered dark fruit and subtle, sweet oak characters. Fresh and pure on the finish, this is a very well-made wine and a great example of modern St-Estèphe.  Cabernet Sauvignon 50% / Merlot 41% / Cabernet Franc 7% / Petit Verdot 2% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2021
2011 Château Cos d'Estournel, Cru Classé St-Estèphe		6 Bottles	£600
Rumours abounded last year that Cos d'Estournel had lost most of its crop due to hail, but it appears this was not the case, with yields actually being marginally higher in 2011 than 2010. Jean-Guillaume Prats has produced a very classical Cos this year from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. In contrast with previous, more lush vintages, it is a somewhat austere and very serious style, dark, tannic and uncompromising. This will need time to unfold and open up but when it does, the result should be very impressive indeed.  Cabernet Sauvignon 65% / Merlot 30% / Cabernet Franc 5% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
2011 Château Cos d'Estournel, Cru Classé St-Estèphe		3 Magnums	£606
Rumours abounded last year that Cos d'Estournel had lost most of its crop due to hail, but it appears this was not the case, with yields actually being marginally higher in 2011 than 2010. Jean-Guillaume Prats has produced a very classical Cos this year from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. In contrast with previous, more lush vintages, it is a somewhat austere and very serious style, dark, tannic and uncompromising. This will need time to unfold and open up but when it does, the result should be very impressive indeed.  Cabernet Sauvignon 65% / Merlot 30% / Cabernet Franc 5% Dry, Red, Still France Leave
2011 Les Pagodes de Cos, St-Estèphe		6 Bottles	£162
The 2011 blend is of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot (the latter variety quite successful in 2011). Pagodes shows a nose that blends savoury, animal characters with dark fruit and notes of blackcurrant leaf and dark cocoa. The palate follows through with impressive extract and full yet leafy flavours. The structure of the wine is provided by firm and grippy tannins and should help it age well.  Cabernet Sauvignon 65% / Merlot 33% / Petit Verdot 2% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2021
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Montrose, Cru Classé St-Estèphe		6 Bottles	£390
Opaque, dark and brooding with potential. The nose is loaded with cassis, Christmas cake spice and a slate-like quality. This is a huge wine, with immense volume and a beautiful texture. On entry you are greeted with tremendously concentrated, sweet fruit and spice, then hit by a wave of fine-grained tannins that totally coat the mouth. Long and very serious.  Cabernet Sauvignon 63% / Merlot 22% / Cabernet Franc 12% / Petit Verdot 3% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2035
2011 La Dame de Montrose, St-Estèphe		12 Bottles	£249
Notes of plum and sweet red fruit are evident on the nose. The palate is rich and plush, with gorgeously seductive Merlot fruit. Though opulent and fruit-driven, there is a fine structure underpinning this delicious St-Estèphe.  Merlot 72% / Cabernet Sauvignon 28% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
2011 Château Le Crock, Cru Bourgeois St-Estèphe (UK Customers Only)		12 Bottles	£140
The majority of the 2011 Le Crock blend is Merlot, which gives a wonderfully plush texture and rich fruit character. There is also an unusually high percentage of Petit Verdot, which was particularly successful in 2011 and gives structure and spice. Deep, dark notes of ripe cassis, Christmas cake and muscovado sugar. Incredibly charming, seductive and stunning value.  Merlot 46% / Petit Verdot 17% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
2011 Château Calon-Ségur, Cru Classé St-Estèphe		6 Bottles	£216
The addition of a small percentage of the late ripening petit-verdot has added a touch of florality to the red berry, cedar wood, and tobacco inflected nose. The vibrant berry fruit laden palate retains a real sense of poise and vigour, with tannins that are neither forced nor over-worked yet powerfully structured. An organoleptic, cerebral delight and a real masterclass in thoughtful and considered winemaking. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2028
2011 Château Capbern-Gasqueton, Cru Bourgeois St-Estèphe		12 Bottles	£129
Under the same ownership and vinified in Calon-Sugur’s brand new cellars, a violet core of moderate intensity leads onto a very pretty violet tinged floral nose. With raspberries and vibrant summer fruit the palate crackles with verve and energy. Classically styled and elegantly structured with a delightfully pure expression of fruit, this is undoubtedly one of the great value buys of Bordeaux. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
2011 Marquis de Calon, Saint-Estèphe		12 Bottles	£156
Representing just 30% of production and with the majority of fruit sourced from low yielding merlot vines planted on drought resistant clay based soils. The ripe damson and fruitcake laden nose has a top note of dark chocolate whilst there is lively acidity and freshness to the front palate which is filled out with plump and fleshy plum fruit and a touch of spice. Tannins are fine grained and velvety in texture, the lasting impression is one of elegance, balance and refinement. Technical director Vincent Millet considers “2011 closer to 2010 than 2008 in terms of quality”.  Merlot 80% / Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
Médoc - Saint-Julien
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Léoville-Barton, Cru Classé St-Julien		12 Bottles	£480
Anthony Barton crafted one of the wines of the vintage this year. Dark and very brooding, with some very pure Cabernet fruit showing through, the nose heralds well the fantastic palate of rich and full-bodied blackberries, graphite and spices. The habitual firm tannic structure is extremely well handled, completing a great effort and creating, once again, an absolutely quintessential claret.  Cabernet Sauvignon 80% / Merlot 15% / Cabernet Franc 5% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2035
2011 Château Léoville-Barton, Cru Classé St-Julien		6 Bottles	£240
Anthony Barton crafted one of the wines of the vintage this year. Dark and very brooding, with some very pure Cabernet fruit showing through, the nose heralds well the fantastic palate of rich and full-bodied blackberries, graphite and spices. The habitual firm tannic structure is extremely well handled, completing a great effort and creating, once again, an absolutely quintessential claret. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2035
2011 Château Langoa-Barton, Cru Classé St-Julien		12 Bottles	£339
It would be very unfair indeed to reduce Langoa-Barton to being a lighter sibling to Léoville, particularly in this vintage. Pretty and opulent on the nose and through to the palate, 2011 Langoa-Barton offers a seductive palate, juicy and softly rounded, with a tight but very well-integrated tannic structure. This should drink very well indeed and provide plenty of pleasure.  Cabernet Sauvignon 63% / Merlot 34% / Cabernet Franc 3% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2030
2011 Château Léoville-Poyferré, Cru Classé St-Julien		6 Bottles	£275
Beautifully aromatic, showing gorgeous ripe cassis, violet and coffee notes. The palate is glossy, supple and expansive. Absolutely loaded with rich sweet cassis, with lovely subtle cedar and coffee nuances. The tannin levels are actually higher than last year, but they are so fine, and the fruit so pure, that they are almost imperceivable. Following on from the 2009's perfect Parker score, the 2011 wine continues to show the great strides in quality that Leoville Poyferré have made. Fresh, harmonious, polished and seductive.  Cabernet Sauvignon 58% / Merlot 30% / Petit Verdot 6% / Cabernet Franc 6% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2035
2011 Château Moulin-Riche, St-Julien (UK Customers Only)		12 Bottles	£155
58% Cabernet, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot make up the 2011 blend. Baptiste Cuvelier rates the 2011 as 2008++ and I agree. It has the same freshness, but with more flesh. Raspberry and violet aromas lead into a concentrated but elegant palate of juicy fruit, fine tannic structure and excellent length. Very fine and excellent value.  Cabernet Sauvignon 58% / Merlot 37% / Petit Verdot 5% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
2011 Château Gruaud-Larose, Cru Classé St-Julien		12 Bottles	£387
A very elegant and refined wine. Vibrant, dark berries with lovely violet and graphite freshness on the nose. This is a particularly mineral wine with notes of pepper, slate and spice in the background. Excellent balance displaying a supple, silky texture and tannins – though not without a degree of firmness. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2031
2011 Château Branaire-Ducru, Cru Classé St-Julien		12 Bottles	£325
The expressive nose of dark cherries, cassis and blackcurrant is exceptionally pretty and yet propped up by a core of attractive toasty oak and shades of fresh eucalyptus leaf, herbs and spices. The palate is full, deep and round where the tannins are strong but not aggressive. This is a very impressive wine, which shows real promise. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2031
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Gloria, St-Julien		12 Bottles	£245
A very impressive and stylish wine from this excellent property. Fresh blackberry, bramble and damson fruit combine to create a lovely, rich, juicy and warming scent with earthy undertones. The tannins are bold, appealing and well-integrated, providing a somewhat suave texture that is balanced by equal amounts of grip and freshness. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2024
2011 Château Gloria, St-Julien		6 Magnums	£251
A very impressive and stylish wine from this excellent property. Fresh blackberry, bramble and damson fruit combine to create a lovely, rich, juicy and warming scent with earthy undertones. The tannins are bold, appealing and well-integrated, providing a somewhat suave texture that is balanced by equal amounts of grip and freshness. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
2011 Château Beychevelle, Cru Classé St-Julien		12 Bottles	£495
Care for the environment is a very major concern to the vineyard management team of Château Beychevelle, where they believe in producing high quality grapes in an environmentally friendly way. This is deep and brooding with dark fruits and a toasty edge. Quite spicy, with good concentration, black fruits are present, mirroring the aromas on the nose. The tannins are tightly wound, but balanced by a refreshing burst of acidity. Given time we expect this wine to unfold and develop into a stunning St-Julien. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2028
2011 Château St-Pierre, Cru Classé St-Julien		12 Bottles	£354
The vines from this château are very old indeed and help to give the wine excellent structure and its deep dark rich colour. With powerful aromas of woodsmoke, chocolate and cherry, this has quite a brooding nose with a truffle note right on the end. Plush and polished, rich dark berries with chocolate cream unfold in layers on the palate, giving the body of the wine a real softness. Nicely rounded and all together very pleasing. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2028
Right Bank - Pomerol
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château L'Eglise-Clinet, Pomerol		6 Bottles	£567
Like its baby brother, L'Eglise-Clinet has an explosive nose, but on a much larger scale. Everything about this wine is massive, but screams class. Incredibly concentrated, stunningly complex and totally harmonious. The texture is almost dreamy and, although the wine shows volume, it's so silky that it becomes almost weightless. This leaves you with all those amazing, gloriously complex flavours dancing across the palate. It will need plenty of time, but what potential!  Merlot 90% / Cabernet Franc 10% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2019 – 2040
2011 Château Hosanna, Pomerol		6 Bottles	£450
Under the stewardship of J.P. Moueix this tiny 4.5 ha property has built a reputation for crafting exciting wines from its typical Pomerol terroir of clay and red gravel. Polished in style, with ripe black fruit underscored by coffee and chocolate notes, framed by intense yet silky tannins and a plush mouthfeel. The finish is long and seamless. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2028
2011 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, Pomerol		6 Bottles	£495
A compact and initially reticent nose showing touches of red plum and exotic spice. Superbly balanced and yet still tightly wound, this will undoubtedly unfold with layers of complexity with time. The deftly handled tannins add to a wonderfully supple and elegant texture. Presence on the palate is persistent yet unforced. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2030
2011 Château Gazin, Pomerol		6 Bottles	£225
Ever the elegant Pomerol, Château Gazin’s leafy, crushed strawberry nose is followed on the palate by a rich, round and generous offering. Notes of mocha, alcohol-soaked morello cherries and violets give a peacock’s tail finish and the promise of a fantastically complex and delicious wine once it reaches maturity. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2030
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Clinet, Pomerol		6 Bottles	£273
Very chocolatey on the nose, Clinet is creamy, velvety and mouth-wateringly delicious. The attack of fresh berry fruit builds up to a massive, concentrated wine that almost surprises by the scale of the tannins and density of fruit. This is a bruiser of a wine that delivers enormous bang for the buck! Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2017 – 2035
2011 La Petite Eglise, Pomerol		12 Bottles	£234
Le Petit Eglise, under the stewardship of the amazingly talented Denis Durantou, is rapidly becoming one of the more serious second wines. An explosive nose of rasperries, plum, herbs and white flowers. Huge body and with the amazing texture that only top Pomerol can deliver. Powerful, spicy and very complex, with a gloriously long finish.  Merlot 100% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2026
2011 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol		6 Bottles	£384
As always, La Conseillante has a simply sensational bouquet. Almost Burgundian in nature, with glorious floral notes, violets and blueberry. Vivid and with such energy, the palate shows excellent concentration, but with no over-extraction. The fruit is very pure and again shows real energy and freshness. This is a seriously refined, ethereal and stunning Pomerol.  Merlot 90% / Cabernet Franc 10% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2030
2011 Château Plince, Pomerol		12 Bottles	£219
A sweet natured and forward nose, attractive black berry fruit and exotic spice with mineral undercurrents of iron oxide. A classically styled Pomerol, the tannins are deftly handled and the wine is fresh and elegant. This shows the vintage and terroir with great transparency. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2021
2011 Château Chantalouette, Pomerol		12 Bottles	£129
Open and expressive on the nose, with a vibrant raspberry fruit nose. The palate opens with a wave of fresh, red summer fruit followed by a little coffee and spice complexity. Fresh acidity with a refined tannic structure will make this an extremely attractive proposition for lovers of a more traditionally styled Pomerol. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2013 – 2020
2011 Château La Pointe, Pomerol		12 Bottles	£209
With 22ha of vines La Pointe is relatively large by Pomerol standards. Since the estate was purchased by insurance providers Generali France in 2007 there has been significant investment and the improvements made can be seen in the significant rise in quality over this period. An opaque core coupled with a dense and compact nose suffused with roasted coffee beans. The plush and juicy palate is laden with black cherries and plums coupled to a weighty mouthfeel with velvet like tannins. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2026
2011 Château Certan de May, Pomerol		12 Bottles	£540
A plush and inviting nose gives some sense of the ripeness and intensity to follow. The perfectly proportioned palate shows generous notes of ripe black cherries, a little mocha lies in the background. Substantial, but fine grained tannins provide structure, whilst elegance is retained by a vein of fresh acidity. Notes of exotic spice and toasty oak round off the sumptuous finish. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2028
Right Bank - Saint-Emilion
Red wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£381
This fabulous wine displays a delightfully perfumed nose of black berry and cherry fruit, rose and violet alongside herbal, menthol nuances. These aromas lead through onto the palate which is thickly set with taught tannins, balanced by excellent concentration and structure. There is a very fine flash of acidity which gives an extremely pleasing freshness and lift to the finish. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2028
2011 Château Troplong-Mondot, Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£312
A powerful wine, this comes across straight away as very perfumed and pretty, with the aromas of blackcurrant leaf, sweet spice and hints of lavendar. Opulent, plush and polished with forest fruits, rich, inviting and deeply concentrated. Velvet tannins, soft, well-integrated and in perfect harmony with the refreshing acidity, which comes through slowly, almost unnoticed at first. An excellent wine. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2033
2011 Château Canon, 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£339
Owned and managed by Chanel, Château Canon has been going from strength over recent vinteages and is one of the success stories of 2011. Expressive and perfumed on the nose, with bramble fruit, lavender and toasty notes of cedar in the background. Deep, rich and opulent, with a mouthfilling soft velvet texture. Blueberries, blackcurrants and a very pure minerality, the minerality coming from the limestone soils which contain fossilized starfish! There are Intense tannins but these are balanced with the purity of the acidity running through. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2030
2011 Château Puy-Blanquet, Grand Cru St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£108
Damson and red plum with delicate violet scented floral aromatics on the nose. The vibrant mid-weight palate shows red cherry fruit offset by notes of spice. Tannins and oak are unobtrusive and the resulting wine is both elegant and compelling. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2023
2011 Château La Serre, Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£312
An open and expressive nose of dark berries and spice lead towards a palate showing intensity and concentration. Modern and fruit forward in style, currants and Christmas cake spice are rounded out with notes of chocolate, all wrapped up in a plush and generous mouthfeel. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
2011 Château Belair-Monange, 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£370
With vines over a hundred years old planted on the famous plateau and the perfectly south-east facing slopes next to Ausone, this property is something of an undiscovered gem. Attractively ripe and juicy berry fruit, counterbalanced by a vein of fresh acidity and perfectly balanced tannins. There is presence and weight to the wine, which is unforced and elegant. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2030
2011 Château Moulin-St-Georges, Grand Cru St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£219
Situated opposite the vineyards of Ausone, Moulin-St-George is very much in the same style as its more illustrious cousin. It displays an incredibly pretty nose, which is rich, exotic and floral, with blueberry, violet and floral aromas. The palate is very dense, rich and showing vivid dark raspberry and blueberry fruit. Silky textured, with a long, detailed finish.  Merlot 80% / Cabernet Franc 20% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2028
2011 Château de Fonbel, Grand Cru St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£129
With 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenère making up the blend, Fonbel is supremely elegant. Very fresh and beautifully aromatic, there is good concentration, but no sign of over-extraction or over-oaking. This a pure, harmonious and elegant style of St-Emilion and represents great value.  Merlot 65% / Cabernet Franc 20% / Petit Verdot 10% / Carmenère 5% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2013 – 2022
2011 Château Amelisse, St.Emilion Grand Cru		12 Bottles	£99
Showing really sweet and concentrated dark fruit on the nose. This follows onto the palate with dark cherry, cassis, spice and coffee. The tannins are fairly assertive but fine grained, giving good structure and texture. Really well made and will provide excellent early drinking pleasure, but will reward mid term cellaring.  Merlot 100% Dry, Red, Still France Improving/Ready 2012 – 2022
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Cheval-Blanc, 1er Grand Cru Classé (A) St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£2,298
This is the first Cheval-Blanc to be produced in their brand new and visually stunning, state-of-the-art chais - enabling the team to pick and vinify each parcel of vines at optimum ripeness. Scented, floral top notes with a hint of lavender are overlaid by vibrant black berry fruit and a note of pure cocoa on the finish. A tour-de-force in winemaking and tannin management, the richness of weight and texture envelopes the mouth, whilst retaining an overall sense of freshness and elegance.  Cabernet Franc 52% / Merlot 48% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2020 – 2040
2011 Château Canon La Gaffelière, Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£216
Reputed just as much for his sartorial genius as for his kind and affable manner, Comte Stephan Von Neipperg is first and foremost a great winemaker, who feels very strongly about choosing the best fruit nature can give and treating it in a way that lets it express its terroir. Some of the best successes in 2011 have come from just such approaches, and this sumptuously luscious wine combines firm and tight tannins with a persistent core of raspberry liqueur and freshly roasted coffee beans. A very elegant St Emilion, and totally delicious. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2016 – 2030
LOW STOCK 2011 Le Petit Cheval, Grand Cru St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£600
Representing just 30% of production, in a particularly strong vintage for both clay based merlot and cabernet franc, this is the first Petit-Cheval to benefit from vinification in a custom built chais. An enticing garnet core of raspberry and blackberry fruit with hints of exotic spice and black pepper, showing wonderful purity and freshness. The palate is refined and well proportioned, with impressive clarity and intensity of flavour. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2022
2011 La Tour-du-Pin, St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£240
Under the same ownership and vinified by the team at neighbouring Château Cheval Blanc, the star of La Tour du Pin is most certainly in the ascendant. An aromatic red floral nose leads on to a red cherry and raspberry fruit dominated palate. Fleshy and full on the mid palate, finishing on a subtle note of dark chocolate and spice, the tannins, fruit and acidity are harmonious.  Merlot 80% / Cabernet Franc 20% Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2022
2011 Château Montaiguillon, Montagne-St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£81
Chantal Amart does an amazing job at this perennial favourite, running Montaiguillon like a cru classe with strict selection, including a second wine, this is one of the finest terroirs in Montagne-St-Emilion, it flies in the face of those who suggest there is no value to be found in Bordeaux. The 2011 is appealing and complex with floral notes and earthy, crushed bramble fruit the tannins are fine, ripe and firm. A (badly stored) magnum of 2001 drank beautifully at a recent lunch! Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2014 – 2018
2011 Clos Fourtet, 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£267
Deep, dark and purple in the glass and this is then mirrored on the nose of dark berries, morello cherry, and victoria plum. Wonderful fruit with a deep and dense concentration, finely knit tannins are present, but the refreshing acidity then arrives quite quickly to provide a counter-balance. A hint of cloves right on the end leaves a last impression. Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2025
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Fonplégade, Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion		12 Bottles	£240
“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!” Robert Parker, 92-94 points Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2028
2011 Château Le Tertre Roteboeuf, Grand Cru St-Emilion		6 Bottles	£645
“We tasted this before Roc de Cambes, which was harvested 10 days later than Tertre Roteboeuf, where the vine maturity was hastened by the August rain. Deep, dark cherry colour (though hard to tell in the cellar). Lovely aroma of red fruits, cherry and a touch of mocha. Smells (as I often find with TR) not a little burgundian. Denser on the palate but the tannins are very fine and although there are some dried fruit notes it is still very fresh. An intelligent tannin structure. “ 17.5 points. Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2018 – 2032
Sauternes - Barsac
White wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Doisy-Daëne, Cru Classé Barsac		12 Halves	£156
A slightly restained style with concentrated tangy fruit and spice. Delicate acidity brightens the fruit. Clean pure and vibrant with persistent length. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2029
2011 Château Doisy-Daëne, Cru Classé Barsac		6 Bottles	£147
A slightly restained style with concentrated tangy fruit and spice. Delicate acidity brightens the fruit. Clean pure and vibrant with persistent length. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2029
2011 Château Climens, Cru Classé Barsac		12 Halves	£384
“As in every other year, Bérénice Lurton offers a tasting of different barrels, representing different lots picked from different parcels on different dates – there were 14 lots in all. They are not ready to make the blend yet but tasting a selection of the possible components can give you some idea of the wine to come…. Lot 6, picked on 15 September had quite a mineral streak with spice and terrific freshness. Lot 9 from 18 September was richer and denser with more barley sugar and orange flavours but still had great acidity. Lot 11, picked 20 September had fine tension and length – real elegance and subtle orange notes. Lot 12, from 21 September was dense and very very long. Lot 13, picked 26-28 September and therefore comprising some of the most concentrated berries but also some 'golden berries', resulting in a rich but very lively elixir. If these examples are anything to go by, this will be a very pure and elegant vintage with excellent freshness. My average score was 18." Julia Harding, Purple Pages. "Fine, complex and elegant. Final blend under the deft guidance of Berenice Lurton will no doubt create another great vintage for Climens." (19 points), Decanter Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2016 – 2030
2011 Château Climens, Cru Classé Barsac		6 Bottles	£375
“As in every other year, Bérénice Lurton offers a tasting of different barrels, representing different lots picked from different parcels on different dates – there were 14 lots in all. They are not ready to make the blend yet but tasting a selection of the possible components can give you some idea of the wine to come…. Lot 6, picked on 15 September had quite a mineral streak with spice and terrific freshness. Lot 9 from 18 September was richer and denser with more barley sugar and orange flavours but still had great acidity. Lot 11, picked 20 September had fine tension and length – real elegance and subtle orange notes. Lot 12, from 21 September was dense and very very long. Lot 13, picked 26-28 September and therefore comprising some of the most concentrated berries but also some 'golden berries', resulting in a rich but very lively elixir. If these examples are anything to go by, this will be a very pure and elegant vintage with excellent freshness. My average score was 18." Julia Harding, Purple Pages. "Fine, complex and elegant. Final blend under the deft guidance of Berenice Lurton will no doubt create another great vintage for Climens." (19 points), Decanter Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2016 – 2030
2011 Château Coutet, Premier Cru Classé Barsac		6 Bottles	£231
Subtle and quite restrained on the nose, with an attractive smokey edge. Not at all cloying, with apricot, orange blossom and pineapple fruit character at the core, whilst being light and fresh on the finish. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
2011 Château Coutet, Premier Cru Classé Barsac		12 Halves	£240
Subtle and quite restrained on the nose, with an attractive smokey edge. Not at all cloying, with apricot, orange blossom and pineapple fruit character at the core, whilst being light and fresh on the finish. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
2011 Château Doisy-Védrines, Cru Classé Barsac		12 Halves	£121.50
Complex on the nose, with notes of peach and acacia honey combined with hints of spice. The palate reveals a more unctuous side with excellent freshening acidity of apricots, caramel apple and barley sugar. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2028
2011 Château Doisy-Védrines, Cru Classé Barsac		6 Bottles	£112.50
Complex on the nose, with notes of peach and acacia honey combined with hints of spice. The palate reveals a more unctuous side with excellent freshening acidity of apricots, caramel apple and barley sugar. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2028
LOW STOCK 2011 L'Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne, Barsac		1 Half	£130
Made in tiny quantities, this super cuvée of Doisy-Daëne is made using a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc from incredibly low-yielding vines. Intense, concentrated and complex, this shows all the characters of Doisy-Daëne, but more so. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2018 – 2035
Sauternes - Sauternes
White wines	Tasting notes: Show all | Hide all
2011 Château Guiraud, Cru Classé Sauternes		6 Bottles	£165
Notes of grapefruit rind, honey and a touch of oak-spice are evident on the nose, mirroring a palate that shows a vibrantly Sauvignon Blanc nature. Mouthwatering citrus characters and acidity balance out rich, botrytis notes of acacia honey and orange peel. Effortlessly beautiful and pleasingly pure on the finish. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
2011 Château Guiraud, Cru Classé Sauternes		12 Halves	£174
Notes of grapefruit rind, honey and a touch of oak-spice are evident on the nose, mirroring a palate that shows a vibrantly Sauvignon Blanc nature. Mouthwatering citrus characters and acidity balance out rich, botrytis notes of acacia honey and orange peel. Effortlessly beautiful and pleasingly pure on the finish. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
2011 Château Suduiraut, Cru Classé Sauternes		12 Halves	£249
The château lies in its own microclimate between the rivers Ciron and Garonne ensuring the ideal conditions of morning mist and afternoon sunshine. The wine has a delicate nose, full of fresh white peach and apricot fruit and blossom honey flavours. There is a great freshness from excellent acidity levels and a beautifully smooth mouthfeel. Christian Seely described this as being the most like the 2001 vintage, with the same richness and wonderful, pure botrytis.  Semillon 93% / Sauvignon Blanc 7% Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
LOW STOCK 2011 Château Suduiraut, Cru Classé Sauternes		6 Bottles	£242
The château lies in its own microclimate between the rivers Ciron and Garonne ensuring the ideal conditions of morning mist and afternoon sunshine. The wine has a delicate nose, full of fresh white peach and apricot fruit and blossom honey flavours. There is a great freshness from excellent acidity levels and a beautifully smooth mouthfeel. Christian Seely described this as being the most like the 2001 vintage, with the same richness and wonderful, pure botrytis. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2015 – 2030
2011 Château de Fargues, Sauternes		12 Halves	£399
The restrained nose gently opens to notes of ripe nectarine and acacia blossom. The palate is ripe and rounded, with notes of toffee, almond and bitter orange peel. This is a serious Sauternes with excellent acidity and fruit balance and a long, mineral finish. A fine example of the vintage. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2016 – 2032
LOW STOCK 2011 Château de Fargues, Sauternes		6 Bottles	£390
The restrained nose gently opens to notes of ripe nectarine and acacia blossom. The palate is ripe and rounded, with notes of toffee, almond and bitter orange peel. This is a serious Sauternes with excellent acidity and fruit balance and a long, mineral finish. A fine example of the vintage. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2016 – 2032
2011 Les Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes		6 Bottles	£0
Second wine of Château Rieussec, Carmes de Rieussec shows much of the Grand Vin’s style, but with greater approachability in youth. Sweet, White, Still France Leave 2014 – 2022