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LEFT BANK WINES

ChÂteau ANGLUDET, MARGAUX 2011

A charming, really expressive ‘Margaux’ wine. Rich, well balanced with a good structure. The chemical analysis of the wine is very similar to their 2010 but it is lighter and more forward. At over 20% less than the 2010 and under £200 a case it is a ‘buy’—to drink before the 2010—from 2015 to 2025.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £198.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Beaumont, Haut-MÉdoc 2011

One of our well priced favourites that has produced an excellent 2011. Dark berries on the nose with excellent minerality, blackcurrent & cherry fruit flavours. Fine tannins and structure. A wine that will be drinking well when young with good medium term aging potential. Very sensible pricing at 15%+ less than the 2010—excellent value at £7 a bottle in bond.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £84.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Beychevelle, 4eme Cru ClassÉ St-Julien 2011

Hugely popular in China, where it is known as the 'Dragon Boat Wine' due to the distinctive label, this is a forward style of St-Julien with a fairly high percentage of Merlot in the blend. Lighter than others from the same appellation it will make for elegant and highly rewarding drinking in the medium term.

"Deeply coloured, highly perfumed and sweetly oaked, this is one of the best young Beychevelles I've tasted. It's a gentle, fragrant wine with supple tannins and sweet liquorice and blackcurrant flavours. Crucially, the wine has no hard edges or over-extracted tannins. The Chinese may buy up most of it and who can blame them? 10+ years."—Tim Atkin MW, Score: 94

"Rich, supple, slightly spicy fruit, attractive touch of oak, seductively forward but will age well. Drink 2015-2025."—Steven Spurrier, Score: 17

75cl Bottles, Case of 6: £247.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Cantemerle 5Ème Cru ClassÉ, Haut-MÉdoC 2011

Just to the south of Margaux this 5th growth regularly punches above its weight and is a wine we have always recommended— without hesitation. Cantermerle has excelled in 2011 and if you are after a classic, elegant style of Bordeaux at a great price then this is the wine for you. A charming Claret that will drink beautifully from 2014-2022.

"Attractively aromatic southern Médoc fruit, charm and spice from the Merlot, elegant firmness from the Cabernet and overall finesse and balance." 16 points. —Steven Spurrier

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £218.00 (In Bond)

Château Cantenac-Brown 3eme Cru ClassÉ Margaux 2011

This unusual mock-tudor estate has become a fantastic source of good value, top quality Margaux. A 3rd growth, which used to be part of the AXA wine empire (Suduiraut, Pichon Baron etc), it produces very classic Margaux wines—perfumed, elegant and silky. The 2011 has a firm structure which should soften resulting in excellent drinking for 15 to 20 years! Great value for money.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £298.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Caronne-Ste. Gemme 2011, Haut-MÉdoc

This Cru Bourgeois is great value at £84 a case (25% less than the 2010). A fairly concentrated offering this 2011 has lots of blackcurrant fruit on the palate backed up by classic cedar notes and delicious vanilla flavours courtesy of some new oak. For early drinking over the next 2-7 years.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £84.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis 2011

One of the leading estates in Moulis that regularly outperforms many of the Médoc's more renowned classed growths. It is a classic cool wine with wonderful Cabernet fruit. Very well priced for a most attractive wine.

"Attractive fragrance of summer berries, clarity and vigour plus elegance, balance and potential." Drink 2015-2025. 16.5 points

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £199.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau D’ Issan, Margaux 3eme Cru ClassÉ 2011

ChÂteau D'Issan has an impressive history: its wine was served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it was commended for the cellars of the Prince of Wales in 1723 and it was the favourite at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. It is now consistently one of the best estates in Margaux One of the Stars of the vintage — Robert Parker. and at over 40% less than the 2010. A wine to buy this year.

"Only 57% of the production made it into the 2011 d'Issan, which tips the scales at a lofty 13.2% natural alcohol. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, it possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a classic Margaux perfume of sweet blueberries, black currants, spring flowers and licorice. Ripe and deep with impressive intensity, it is one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. The wine's silky tannins, fresh acids and stunning length suggest it will drink well for 15-20 years. Kudos to proprietor Emmanuel Cruse."—Robert Parker, Score: 91-93

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £348.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Fourcas DuprÉ, Listrac-MÉdoc 2011

Another bargain from this often underrated appellation. Not as big a wine as the 2011 but more elegant and forward showing cherry and cassis fruit alongside tobacco and mint notes. This delightful Cru Bourgeois Supérieur is ideal for drinking over the next 2-7 years.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £96.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Fourcas Hosten, Listrac-MÉdoc 2011

Classified as a Cru Bourgeois in 1932, Fourcas-Hosten is one of the finest producers in Listrac. Excellent value at £98 a case – 25% less than the 2010.

"Very attractive fruit for this appellation with currants, minerals and flowers on the nose and palate. Medium body, silky tannins."—James Suckling

Drink 2016—2025.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £98.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Gloria, St-Julien 2011

Gloria is something of an anomaly. It didn't exist at the time of the 1855 Classification and was in fact created in the first half of the 20th Century by Henri Martin from plots of vineyard bought from the best St Julien Chateaux: Léoville-Poyferré, Gruaud-Larose, Léoville-Barton, Lagrange and Ducru-Beaucaillou. The wine is now considered to be easily of Classed Growth quality and represents great value for money.

"This estate continues to go from strength to strength. Another sleeper of the vintage, the 2011 is excellent, possibly outstanding. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by abundant aromas of cassis, forest floor, tobacco leaf and a vague hint of oak. Ripe for the vintage with excellent texture, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and a delicious, savory, broad appeal, this wine should drink well for at least a decade."—Robert Parker

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £244.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Gruaud-Larose 2eme Cru ClassÉ St-Julien 2011

One of the ‘Super-Seconds’ (the best of the Second Growths). It is always classic in style and has a loyal & passionate following in Britain. Well known for its good value the 2011 does not disappoint—almost £100 cheaper than the 2010, it is a great buy.

"A very harmonious wine for the vintage with currants, spices and stones. Full body, with ultra fine tannins and a pretty finish. Delicate yet structured for the vintage."—James Suckling, Score: 92-93

"Rich, supple, slightly spicy fruit, attractive touch of oak, seductively forward but will age well. Drink 2015-2025."—Steven Spurrier, Score: 17

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £398.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Lanessan, Haut-MÉdoc 2011

Hailing from vineyards close to St-Julien this excellent fruit driven left bank will drink well from 2015—2020. A fine Cru Bourgeois, it shows bags of cherry fruit, has fine tannins and a surprisingly long finish.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £109.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau LÉoville-Barton, St-Julien 2011

We have managed to secure a very small allocation of this legendary 2nd Growth. The estate is renowned for its good value and the 2011 is a classic Claret that will provide superb drinking over the next 5 - 30 years. Stocks are very limited so don't miss out on this chance to pick up one of the finest St-Juliens around at a cracking price.

"Léoville Barton's 2011 is head and shoulders above its sister offering, Langoa Barton. Although not as backward as I expected given the general style that emerges from Anthony Barton-s beloved St.-Julien estate, this wine will need time in the bottle once it is released in several years. An opaque purple color is followed by aromas of damp earth, underbrush, black currants, cedar and hints of vanillin and incense. Medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic with good acidity as well as excellent delineation and purity."—Robert Parker, 90-92+ points

75cl Bottles, Case of 6: £239.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Les Ormes de Pez 2011, St-EstÈphe

Another cracking wine from this excellent & over achieving Château run by the Cazes family of Lynch Bages. It is a rich flamboyant wine with great depth. One of the buys of the vintage. It will be delicious when young.

"Finely expressed cassis fruit, slightly leathery and firm, good ripe middle palate and will show well. Drink 2014-2022." —Decanter

"The wine shows very pretty fruit with spices and milk chocolate. Full body, with velvety tannins and an attractive finish." 90-91/100 —James Suckling

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £210.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Lynch-Bages, 5Ème Cru ClassÉ Pauillac 2011

One of the most sought after Châteaux in Bordeaux and they have produced an excellent 2011. A very serious wine which will reward patience.

"This has nice weight and intensity, with a solid core of plum, blackberry and cassis that's offset by a racy, spicy frame. Very sleek through the finish, with latent depth in reserve."—James Moleswoth, Wine Spectator; 92-95 points

"Another strong effort produced under the administration of Jean-Charles Cazes (the son of Jean-Michel Cazes, who spent decades building Lynch Bages into one of the most popular Bordeaux estates), the 2011 boasts an inky/purple hue in addition to copious aromas of black currants, incense, forest floor and ink. Deep, rich, medium to full-bodied and layered with supple tannins as well as the vintage's freshness and vibrancy, it should age easily for 20 years."—Robert Parker

75cl Bottles, Case of 6: £374.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Mauvesin Barton, Moulis 2011

The Barton family's new Château and home in the heartland of the ever improving Moulis appellation. They have brought their wine making team and equipment (including computer optical sorting tables!) to the Château for this their first vintage. The result is a lovely, ripe, rich & forward Cru Bourgois at a very respectable price - a wine to buy and to follow . Drink 2014-2019.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £108.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Pichon Baron, 2Ème Cru ClassÉ Pauillac 2011

One of the grandest Châteaux in Bordeaux and a star performer since reinvestment in the early 90's. Latour-like in style, Christian Seely's 2011 is a widely thought to be one of the best of the vintage. A great buy at £65 a bottle (IN BOND) which will drink beautifully over the next 15-20 years.

"This splendid Pauillac estate's 2011 exhibits an impressively saturated ruby/purple color as well as notes of spring flowers interwoven with creme de cassis, licorice and background incense and toasty oak. The tannins are firm and the wine is medium-bodied and rich with layers of fruit and extract as well as a long finish. An outstanding example of the vintage, it will need 3-4 years of cellaring."—Robert Parker

75cl Bottles, Case of 6: £390.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Potensac, MÉdoc 2011

A firm favourite of ours and a Château on the up since the Delon family took over in the 70's. This top Cru Bourgeois regularly trumps some of its more renowned neighbours. The 2011 is a lovely wine, more forward in style than the 2010 it will drink wonderfully over the next 3 - 10 years.

"Good cassis fruit, structure and depth, lots of class and good future."—Decanter Magazine, 16.5 points

"A sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 52% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc exhibits outstanding ripeness (13.5% alcohol) as well as a deep ruby/purple color and excellent notes of crushed rocks, red and black currants, licorice and earth. Supple-textured, medium-bodied and nicely concentrated."—Robert Parker

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £149.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Poujeaux, Moulis 2011

Another great success from this top inexpensive Moulis jewel this renowned for its good value. In the late 1970s Baron Rothschild famously mistook the 1953 vintage for his own Lafite. Highly recommended— not only by us:

"Good depth of black fruits, good structure, tannins quite high, but the fruit will dominate to show complexity as well as weight’. Drink 2015-2021." —Steven Spurrier

"A very attractive medium-weight Claret. Plump and polished with no hard edges. Good balance, a touch of spice, smooth, easy and charming." —Farr Vintners, March 2012

"A wine with blueberry and violet character on the nose and palate. Citrus rind too. Intense. Very well done." 90-91 points.—James Suckling, April 2012

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £189.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Tour St Bonnet 2011, Haut-MÉdoc

From the very north of the Médoc, this classic Claret regularly offers cracking value for money—and the 2011 is no exception. At only £6 a bottle (IN BOND), this is a great buy. Laden with black and red fruits, alongside notes of tobacco, it will make for delicious drinking from 2015-2022).

"A well-known, perennial sleeper of the vintage, Tour St.-Bonnet's wines are always well-made, under-valued and taste like a mini-version of the well-known Pauillac, Grand-Puy-Lacoste." —Robert Parker

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £72.00 (In Bond)

Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac 2011

This has to be one of the most exciting estates in Bordeaux at the moment. Consistently good value, it regularly matches the top names in Pauillac for quality but with a much more palatable price tag. Classified as a fifth growth in 1855 it is now deserving of a far higher ranking and is a great option for the astute investor.

"Irrespective of the vintage, François-Xavier Borie makes some of the most under-valued wines in Pauillac. In 2011, this brilliant fifth growth has done it again, making a grand vin with elegance and restraint. A classic, Claret drinker's Pauillac, with notes of incense, cassis, wood smoke and chocolate underpinned by freshness and verve. 10+ years." —Tim Atkin MW, Score: 95

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £395.00 (In Bond)

La Tour de By, MÈdoc 2011

Frederic le Clerc made another exceptional La Tour de By in 2011 from his vineyards on high gravel out-crop just north of St Estèphe, where his Cabernet (70%) dominates. Rich with excellent tannis and structure. A wine to follow—an affordable great value Claret. Drink 2015-2021.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £107.00 (In Bond)

Marquis de Terme 4eme Cru ClassÉ Margaux 2011

A very well made 2011 from this underrated 4th Growth. Medium bodied with a wonderful fragrant character peculiar to this prestigious appellation.

"The Marquis de Terme has a fragrant bouquet with delicate floral aromas and fine precision. The palate is ride and rounded on the entry: Crisp red fruits laced with a citric acidity, a nice build in the mouth and a solid structure matched with good weight of fruit on the Pauillac like finish. This is a very fine Margaux." —Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £268.00 (In Bond)

RIGHT BANK WINES

ChÂteau MÉaume Reserve du ChÂteau, Bordeaux Superieur 2011

Alan Johnson Hill’s 2011 Reserve du Château was one on the highlights of our trip to Bordeaux before Easter—it punched well above its weight and was a far better wine than many 2-3 times the price. The wine is made from the oldest vines at Château Mêaume and is aged in new and 1st year old barrels (from the legendary Le Pin). It has excellent packed Merlot fruit and is fairly forward. It is very well made wine and at £5.00 a bottle it is once again THE BARGAIN of the vintage.

"I am delighted by the very high quality of our Reserve du Château—the wine has delightful concentrated rich fruit from our oldest Merlot vines. It is more forward than the last two vintages and will develop into an expression of what I have always sought to achieve at Château Mêaume…. " —Alan Johnson Hill

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £60.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau LAFORGE SAINT-Émilion GRAND CRU 2011

A top St-Émilion Grand Cru from Jonathan Maltus, who also makes Teyssier and star garage wine Le Dome (£1000+ a case). Made from old Merlot vines and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, Laforge is a blend of the three major terroirs in St-Émilion: gravel, sand and limestone. Consistently punches above its weight and despite rating as highly as the 2010 is 10% cheaper.

"This 2,500-case blend from three separate St-Émilion terroirs is composed of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Copious aromas of graphite, sweet black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of underbrush, forest floor, camphor and Asian spice emerge from this complex, medium to full-bodied 2011. Loaded with color, fruit and surprisingly silky extract, it should drink well for 10+ years."—Robert Parker, 90-93 points

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £210.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Gazin, Pomerol 2011

Gazin lies on the eastern plateau of Pomerol, Bordeaux's smallest and most expensive appellation, where its vineyards adjoin L'Evangile and Petrus. It has a reputation for producing stunning Merlot-based wines but without the astronomical prices that other top wines from this region command. The 2011 is extremely promising but definitely one for laying down. Drink 2016-2028.

"Gazin is normally a big, backstrapping Pomerol as its vineyard sits between Lafleur and Petrus. However, the 2011 is a softer, more gentle effort with a deep plum/purple color and a sweet bouquet of balsam wood, damp earth, black cherry jam, licorice and a hint of tomato skin. Medium to full-bodied and deep."—Robert Parker

75cl Bottles, Case of 6: £225.00 (In Bond)

ChÂteau Teyssier, St-Émilion 2011

Jonathan Maltus’ Château Teyssier 2011 is a much finer wine than we were expecting (and our expectations were high…). It is packed with luscious rich fruit in much the same mould as his 2010. The price is on the button and back down to 2006/2007 levels.

'A powerful, plush Saint-Emilion displaying notes of ink, toasty oak, volcanic earth and hints of chocolate and coffee. Medium-bodied and deep with loads of color as well as fruit.' —89-91 points, Robert Parker. High praise for a wine at £9.50 a bottle (IN BOND)!

‘Good value, amiable, round and classic’...Decanter…much like Jonathan… Drink 2014-2020.

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £114.00 (In Bond)

Sauternes

ChÂteau Rieussec, 1er Cru ClassÉ Sauternes 2011 LIMITED QUANTITIES

Selling for £450 a case at a certain unnamed St James' wine merchant, this is a sensational wine for the price. 2011 was a great year for Sauternes and this offering from one of the top estates is outrageously tasty. Wonderful drinking over the next 5—50 years if you can hold off that long!

"This is a fabulous Sauternes with dried peaches, pineapples and mango. Apricots and hints of spices. Even jam. Full-bodied, medium sweet with intense and powerful palate. This wine has 147 grams of residual sugar. So balanced and long. We will see what is better—Rieussec or Yquem?" Score: 96-97—James Suckling

75cl Bottles, Case of 12: £320.00 (In Bond)