En Primeur prices up!
The annual release of En-Primeur* wines in Bordeaux continues, and it's one direction on price only!
While many winemakers dealt well with unprecedented hot and dry conditions during the growing season, the yields are smaller overall - which probably explains the price increases.
So, the likes of Ch Lagrange 2022, St Julien is quoted at £474 (12 x 75cl, in bond UK) and scores (94-96) on Robert Parker's Wine Advocate but you can still get the 2019 vintage at £380 and it scores 95 points.
Ch Palmer 2022 Margaux - a 3rd Growth but has been fighting above that for years - is quoted in UK at £3600 (12 x 75cl) and has been flagged as the most expensive ever En Primeur price from Palmer. Yet, all vintages since 2015 have scored at least 96+ from Parker. The 2022 scores (95-97) so no change in quality - only a change in price!
Now, if you haven't been affected by the Cost of Living crisis, you might be in interested in Chateau Ausone 2022 St Emilion (En Primeur price £6800) which Parker scores at (94-96)?
Or you might prefer to buy the 2018 vintage which Parker scored at 100 for £6100 ex market.
But then again, if you have the disposable income, you'll probably buy both!!
*En Primeur: a method of purchasing wines early while the wine is still in the barrel.
Payment is made at an early stage, a year or 18 months prior to the official release of a vintage.
While many winemakers dealt well with unprecedented hot and dry conditions during the growing season, the yields are smaller overall - which probably explains the price increases.
So, the likes of Ch Lagrange 2022, St Julien is quoted at £474 (12 x 75cl, in bond UK) and scores (94-96) on Robert Parker's Wine Advocate but you can still get the 2019 vintage at £380 and it scores 95 points.
Ch Palmer 2022 Margaux - a 3rd Growth but has been fighting above that for years - is quoted in UK at £3600 (12 x 75cl) and has been flagged as the most expensive ever En Primeur price from Palmer. Yet, all vintages since 2015 have scored at least 96+ from Parker. The 2022 scores (95-97) so no change in quality - only a change in price!
Now, if you haven't been affected by the Cost of Living crisis, you might be in interested in Chateau Ausone 2022 St Emilion (En Primeur price £6800) which Parker scores at (94-96)?
Or you might prefer to buy the 2018 vintage which Parker scored at 100 for £6100 ex market.
But then again, if you have the disposable income, you'll probably buy both!!
*En Primeur: a method of purchasing wines early while the wine is still in the barrel.
Payment is made at an early stage, a year or 18 months prior to the official release of a vintage.