Château La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan
Regarded by many as a candidate for wine of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. A huge accolade indeed for La Mission Haut-Brion considering the quite phenomenal wines being released. The 2009 can boast a colour that is almost impenetrable and a exciting bouquet of blackberry, truffles and spicy earth. The concentration of the palate is something to behold itself. A vinosity that is hard to find elsewhere, the flavours in the mouth follow on from the nose in nice order, yet the sheer power of the wine quite extraordinary. Layers of flavours continue throughout the palate and continue well into its length. Will no doubt be in short supply as all clamour to get a piece of this Bordeaux masterpiece.
Château Leoville-Las-Cases St-Julien
While Chateau Latour might be proximate to the famed Leoville estate, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases is individually distinguished for its own unique character, and regularly is called the best wine of St-Julien. Classic Las Cases wines show incredible perfume, a result of lower temperature fermentation and an adherence to around three quarters of their barrels being new oak. The 2010 is as always Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, and shows with elegance, finesse and yet a layered complexity that draws the drinker in. Potential for this wine is immense; a life of 30 to 40 years in cellar should be considered.
Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac
Château Mouton Rothschild is the work of one man, the legendary Baron Philippe, who is solely responsible for this giant of Bordeaux. Taking charge in 1923 until his death in 1988, he created something the world will always be in debt for. He also started the tradition of getting an artist to design a label for every vintage, a tradition that continues to this day. In 2009, the wine almost transcends perfection. A quite low alcohol percentage given the ripeness of the fruit, the bouquet is reminiscent of cigar box and graphite with violets and cassis playing a part. The palate is both restrained and concentrated, a impressive result indeed. The structure of the wine is hidden somewhat by the exuberant fruit, yet it is that structure that will see this extraordinary wine cellar for the good part of half a century!
Château Palmer Margaux
Château Palmer is considered one of the worlds first 'Super Seconds' (although actually classified as a third growth), a term relating to the top echelon of producers that fall outside of the ancient 1st Growth classification. Margaux's Château Palmer was named after a British general who fought under Wellington. It has been stated by quite a few wine critics that this could possibly be the finest Château Palmer ever produced. An amazing claim considering how phenomenal the 2005 was and is yet to be. Masses of concentrated aromas and flavours that will keep your senses entertained for hours on end. A truly remarkable achievement that will repay the patient cellarer over the next 30 years.
Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc
Dom Perignon P2
P2, meaning 'second plenitude', is energy at its peak, Dom Perignon in high definition. It is the result of 16 years of elaboration: extra - time of maturation on the lees, constantly monitored and tasted by the Chef de cave to determine the perfect time for disgrorgement. A stunning indulgence. Richard Geoffroy was born in the heart of Champagne country. He has now been Dom Pérignons Chef de Cave for over 25 years, arguably the highest position in Champagne, and he alone is responsible for deciding whether or not to declare a Dom Pérignon vintage. The new 2006 is the fifth straight vintage from Dom Pérignon. His vision is to express the nuances of the vintage while creating a Champagne that is vibrant, intense and complex. Dom still provides one of the greatest Champagne experiences.