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Posts with the label "gruaud larose"


UGC Week: Bordeaux 2015 - Day four, the long and winding road to Moulis…

UGC Week: Bordeaux 2015 - Day four, the long and winding road to Moulis…

Monday 11th April 2016
by Tom Jenkins

Our team was still in good spirits on day four - a good barometer of the vintage. There was no palate fatigue and we were eager to discover more about the 2015s. 

We left what has become our home from home in the Medoc, Chateau Pomys and headed to Mauvisan Barton. Langoa Barton didn’t set out hearts alight. We understand that some less successful Merlots from Leoville Barton were put into the blend and it just appeared a bit lacklustre. The same can’t be said for Leoville. This is one serious Cabernet dominated wine. It is initially quite introverted, however, its presence grows into a magnificent finale. It is a serious, tightly wound wine, full of power and poise.

Bordeaux 2011 in bottle

Bordeaux 2011 in bottle

Friday 25th October 2013
by Tom Jenkins

Following 2010 was never going to be an easy act. Following 2009 and 2010 was going to be an impossible act. Arguably, no-one really wanted a vintage that could live up to these immense years. Could anyone handle another ‘vintage of a lifetime’? I for one had already encountered four, which was making me feel quite old; our poor Chairman must be feeling positively ancient!

It was immediately obvious to all that 2011 was not a rival to 2009 and 2010, but this should not in itself be a reason to condemn it. Aside from the small wines, 2009s really aren’t ready for drinking. 2010s will take longer still, so either we rely on our vast reserves of ‘61s and ‘82s until our 2009s and 2010s hit their straps, or we’re going to need a few vintages to fill in. I for one have been thoroughly enjoying some 2007s recently, so much so, that I feel inspired to write a blog on them. ‘Less-good vintages’ definitely have a place. But before anyone starts reading too much between the lines, 2011 and 2007 don’t have that much in common.
UGC Week: Bordeaux 2011 - Day three

UGC Week: Bordeaux 2011 - Day three

Friday 6th April 2012
by Tom Jenkins

Day three and our focus turns to the Medoc. Pauillac cuts rather a drab presence next to a brown Gironde and under threatening skies - not ideal tasting conditions, but we have a job to do, so we head to Montrose for our first appointment. 

2011 was something of a challenge for Chateaux in St Estephe; aside from summer and spring swapping seasons, Montrose had to contend with snow, drought, heat waves and hail. On the evidence of the Grand Vin, they have coped manfully. This has wonderful extract and lots of substance - if it fleshes out it will be a great Montrose.

Next the Justerini cavalcade headed to neighbour and second growth rival, Cos d'Estournel. In truth, this wine proved controversial, splitting the group in two. Some felt that during vinification, Cos had pushed too hard, creating a monster lacking freshness and boasting OTT tannins, whilst others thought there was sufficient sweet cabernet fruit for this to work - time will tell.
Bordeaux 2009: Everybody's Talkin'

Bordeaux 2009: Everybody's Talkin'

Thursday 24th September 2009
by Tom Jenkins

That there is a great deal of excitement about the potential quality of the 2009 harvest in Bordeaux is in no doubt. Such is the fervour that even the Weekend FT felt it necessary to carry the story on their front page.

We have been speaking to certain prominent winemakers in Bordeaux and the view is unified. Barring any major weather fronts in the coming two weeks 2009 has great potential.

Ben Kennedy, who now works for Luc Thienpoint at Clos des Quatre Vents in Margaux, told us that "quality is excellent. Ripening is even and there is no kind of advance or delay in one grape or another so the harvesting can be done in a nice neat order". He also noted that their 2008's are looking "excellent" in barrel with "stylish, moreish fruit that is even more pronounced than five months ago"