Bordeaux 2006 prices ‘at 04 level’

Bordeaux 2006 is better than 2004 but it should be priced exactly at the level of 2004, chateau owners agree.

This is the view of Decanter’s consultant editor Steven Spurrier, at large in the Medoc.

‘No one has yet disagree with the Spurrier Theory,’ he told decanter.com this morning. ‘The chateaux will come out at the current price of the 04s. That will send the right signal to the market.’

At Prieure-Lichine in Margaux, Spurrier said, there was agreement that such a price level ‘would be perfect for the market.’

Spurrier – whose full verdict on the Medoc will be published on decanter.com next week – said this is a vintage that ‘you can’t buy off the peg.’

‘What is plain is that those with money – like Cos d’Estournel, or Lafite – who were able to track the vintage through the vineyard and into the cellar, have made great wine.

‘Those that crossed their fingers and hoped for the best, have made nothing special. The weather was too tough for most growers – I’ve given out masses of three stars but not many top scores.’

Continuing the tailoring analogy, he said, ‘If you get a suit made in Savile Row it costs you £2000 but it lasts you the rest of your life. It’s the same with 2006 – you can’t buy it off the peg.’

Written by Adam Lechmere