Bordeaux 2010 campaign finally gets underway

More prices have been released from the Medocs and the Sauternes, including Chateau Angludet and Chateau Clauzet

This week has seen the Bordeaux 2010 en primeur campaign creak into action, with a flurry of Sauternes properties and the first of the better known Medocs, include Chateau Angludet and Chateau Clauzet.

Although Robert Parker was positive on the vintage – awarding 10 properties a possible 100 points – he stopped short of his enthusiasm for 2009, when 22 estates received a potential 100 points.

Perhaps bearing this in mind, the majority of properties out this week have been cautious with their pricing. Chateau Sigalas Rabaud has held its 2009 ex-Bordeaux price (recommended resale price from negociants) of €30, while Chateau Broustet (under new ownership) has brought its price down 20% on last year to ex-Bordeaux €12. Other wines that have held their 2009 prices include Chateau d’Agassac (ex-Bordeaux €10.60) and Chateau la Tour Blanche (ex-Bordeaux €38). Price rises include Chateau d’Arche (up 7% to €17.9) and Chateau Clauzet in Saint Estephe (up 4.12% to €10.60) and Chateau Angludet (up 19% to an ex-Bordeaux of approx €17).

Dan Snook, general manager of the United States for Joanne wine merchants in Bordeaux, told decanter.com, ‘Put relatively muted Parker scores against exchange rates, and continuing economic uncertainty, and chateaux will need to be prudent.’

David Carini, director of fine wines for Southern Wine & Spirits in Illinois, was also cautious. ‘The market in the US is recovering, but still price-sensitive. The fact remains that if chateaux want distribution across a wide number of markets, they need to be prudent with pricing.’

Full Bordeaux 2010 ratings and tasting notes:

First Growths

Pauillac

Margaux

Saint-Estèphe

Saint-Julien

Haut-Medoc

Medoc

Listrac-Medoc and Moulis-en-Medoc

Crus Bourgeois

Graves and Pessac-Leognan (reds)

Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés

Saint-Emilion Grands Crus

Pomerol

Lalande-de-Pomerol

Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac

Castillon- and Francs-Cotes de Bordeaux

Graves, Pessac-Leognan and other dry whites

Sauternes and Barsac

Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux