In the meantime, here are a couple of excellent æSuper SecondsÆ, that have emerged over the last 10 days:
The outstanding Chateau Pichon Lalande, whose 2006 is widely considered superior to their 2005.
2006 Ch. Pichon Lalande, Pauillac - ú660 a case
It is great to see Pichon-Lalande back on superb form in 2006 with a wine whose purity and linear cassis fruit is reminiscent of their cracking 1996. General Manager Gildas d'Ollone and his team have produced a cerebral yet beguiling Pichon-Lalande full of sensual, exotic aromatics and pure supple flavours. This is a massive Pichon softened by a silky texture and velvety finish. New owners Louis Roederer must be delighted with their first vintage here, and rightly so. Drink: 2015-2030.
BBR Score: 17/20
Robert Parker 94-96/100
And the wonderful Chateau Cos dÆEstournel..
2006 Ch. Cos dÆEstournel, St Julien - ú720 a case
This is the exception that proves the rule in 2006. St EstFphe had a difficult time in this vintage, but you wouldn't know it tasting this sophisticated, classically structured wine. Just a notch above Montrose in quality, and more masculine in style, this is highly polished with an intense concentrated spicy cassis nose, a lovely purity of rich black fruit with licorice hints and a fine tannic structure. The finish is very long. Drink: 2020-2040.
BBR Score: 17.5/20
Robert Parker: 92-94 /100
Jancis Robinson 18/20
We have also seen two excellent second wines release, the Bahans Haut Brion, a wonderful Pessac-Leognan wine in its own right and the fabulous Carruades de Lafite.
2006 Le Bahans du Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan - ú336 a case
Made from almost equal parts Merlot (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) this rich, stylish Second wine of Haut Brion has considerably more Cabernet than in 2005 and as a result boasts more structure and finesse than usual. It is generous and seductive with sweet, very concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit and earthy minerality, supported by substantial but very well-integrated tannins. This is a lively, masculine wine bursting with energy and a restrained sexiness. Very impressive indeed.
Drink: 2010-2020.
BBR Score: 16.5/20
Jancis Robinson 17/20
2006 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac - ú455 a case
Made from 48% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot this is a solid Carruades with plenty of creamy black fruit, fine tannins, with delightful blackberry and cherries on the finish. Smaller scaled than the 2005, but an ever popular wine.
BBR Score : 16/20
Jancis Robinson : 16.5+/20
We will bring you the 1st Growth and other leading Chateaux prices as and when they release.
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