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Fine Wine

More Information >>En Primeur

En Primeur is a French wine trade term for wine which is sold prior to being bottled, for delivery at a future date.

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As one of the largest managers of private customer reserves in the UK, we are ideally placed to operate a flourishing trading service for fine wines.

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Wine Shop and Fine Wine Merchant > Fine Wine Shop > Fine Wine Offers

Sorry

This offer expired on 31 December 2012

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.

Display prices:

Tasting notes:

40 items total : 1 - 20 | 21 - 40

EOI - Released & Available To Buy On-Line

BOTTLES IN STOCK 72

2011 Château Roc des Cambes, Côtes de Bourg

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

"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, Jancis Robinson.com

Buy 1 Case for:	£289.68 each (Duty Paid) £230.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£230.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2015 – 2026

BOTTLES IN STOCK 60

2011 Château Cantemerle, Cru Classé Haut-Médoc

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£279.37 each (Duty Paid) £210.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£210.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2015 – 2027

BOTTLES IN STOCK 72

2011 Château Charmail, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£175.00 each (Duty Paid) £120.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£120.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2014 – 2021

BOTTLES IN STOCK 5

2011 Château Caronne Ste Gemme, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£130.00 each (Duty Paid) £84.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£84.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2014 – 2021

BOTTLES IN STOCK 150

2011 Château Margaux, 1er Cru Margaux

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£2,293.68 each (Duty Paid) £1,900.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£1,900.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2021 – 2037

BOTTLES IN STOCK 162

2011 Château Palmer, Cru Classé Margaux

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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!

Buy 1 Case for:	£1,063.68 each (Duty Paid) £875.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£875.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2021 – 2035

BOTTLES IN STOCK 192

2011 Alter Ego de Château Palmer, Margaux

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£543.37 each (Duty Paid) £430.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£430.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2018 – 2030

BOTTLES IN STOCK 6

2011 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£583.68 each (Duty Paid) £475.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£475.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2018 – 2027

BOTTLES IN STOCK 8

2011 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£412.57 each (Duty Paid) £321.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£321.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2017 – 2031

BOTTLES IN STOCK 228

2011 Château Mauvesin-Barton, Moulis en Médoc

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£156.97 each (Duty Paid) £108.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£108.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2016 – 2028

BOTTLES IN STOCK 240

2011 Château Lafite-Rothschild, 1er Cru Pauillac

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£3,400.00 each (Duty Paid) £2,799.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£2,799.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2021 – 2040

BOTTLES IN STOCK 12

2011 Château Mouton-Rothschild, 1er Cru Pauillac

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£2,292.48 each (Duty Paid) £1,899.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£1,899.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2021 – 2040

BOTTLES IN STOCK 456

2011 Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£791.28 each (Duty Paid) £648.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£648.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2018 – 2033

BOTTLES IN STOCK 912

2011 Château Lynch-Bages, Cru Classé Pauillac

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£463.68 each (Duty Paid) £375.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£375.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2019 – 2035

BOTTLES IN STOCK 11

2011 Château Pichon-Longueville (Baron), Cru Classé Pauillac

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£467.28 each (Duty Paid) £378.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£378.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2019 – 2035

BOTTLES IN STOCK 12

2011 Château Batailley, Cru Classé Pauillac

Size: Case (12 Bottles -75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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!

Buy 1 Case for:	£327.37 each (Duty Paid) £250.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£250.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2018 – 2028

BOTTLES IN STOCK 24

2011 Château Haut-Brion, 1er Cru Pessac-Léognan

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£2,292.48 each (Duty Paid) £1,899.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£1,899.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2021 – 2040

BOTTLES IN STOCK 42

2011 Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£362.88 each (Duty Paid) £291.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£291.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2021 – 2031

BOTTLES IN STOCK 54

2011 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, Pomerol

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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.

Buy 1 Case for:	£607.68 each (Duty Paid) £495.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£495.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2016 – 2030

BOTTLES IN STOCK 6

2011 Château Clinet, Pomerol

Size: Case (6 Bottles - 75cl)

Wine currently held in transit or abroad, estimated arrival in the UK April 2014 (Find out more about En Primeur)

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!

Buy 1 Case for:	£341.28 each (Duty Paid) £273.00 each (Under Bond)

Buy 1 Case for:

£273.00 each (Under Bond)

Dry, Red, Still
France
Leave 2017 – 2035

40 items total : 1 - 20 | 21 - 40

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Tasting notes:

Registered company 5730318 (England) | VAT Registration No: GB 637 0806 39 | Data Protection Register: Z7042967

Contact Address: Lay & Wheeler Limited, Holton Park, Holton St Mary, Suffolk CO7 6NN

Registered Address: Lay & Wheeler Limited, Majestic House, Otterspool Way, Watford, WD25 8WW, England

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Bordeaux 2011 – The price is right?

EOI - Released & Available To Buy On-Line

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