May 2019 investment update

Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés tasting in London

Our team had the opportunity to participate in the recent 2015-2018 Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés tasting held in London. The tasting featured the Grands Crus of the left bank and also some of the finest right bank producers from Pomerol and St. Emilion. It was fascinating to compare the different vintages of these wines and to pick out the characteristics from each estate.

Overall 2018 remains a classic Bordeaux vintage with slightly lower alcohol, bright fruit, great acidity, and with firm grippy tannins suitable for long ageing. Due to heavy rain, mildew was a problem for some estates and this was a vintage where the skill of the winemaker came into play. For the vast majority of the wines, 2018 is excellent and will certainly be a great vintage for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

2018 Bordeaux En Primeur Begins

The 2018 Bordeaux en primeur campaign is now under way, with the Châteaux releasing their wines from this excellent vintage. With our close relationships with the Châteaux and négociants, wines from Bordeaux are one of our strengths and we are seeing huge demand for the best wines of the vintage. Contact your Account Manager to ensure that you do not miss out adding your favourite wines to your collection. Please find below a summary of the releases to date and our prices:

Robert Parker Formally Retires

Robert M. Parker Jr has officially retired from The Wine Advocate, the journal he founded 41 years ago. Robert Parker became perhaps the most famous wine critic of them all, with his reviews influencing prices and even winemaking styles. He has been gradually stepping back from his duties at The Wine Advocate for several years, but now has decided to officially retire from wine journalism.

Announcing the news in the latest issue of the journal, editor Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW wrote: “It is with mixed feelings that I announce that Robert M. Parker Jr. will, as of today, be formally hanging up his wine criticism boots and retiring from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

“I say ‘mixed’, because if anyone deserves a rest from our frenetic world of wine reviews, it is Bob. And yet, his contribution to significantly raising the bar of critical, unbiased wine writing and wine quality cannot be overestimated. “His unrivalled tasting experience and expert, straight-talking opinions will be sorely missed by consumers and trade alike.”

Parker himself added: “As I retire from The Wine Advocate, I have the honour of passing the baton to our wonderful team. The time has come for myself to relinquish all editorial and board responsibilities with immediate effect.

“I raise my glass to all of you for being part of this journey and hope all will continue to share the enthusiasm for discovering wines with our dedicated reviewers.”

Mouton Rothschild ‘Versailles’ cases sold $2.7m at auction

Fine wine lovers from more than 15 countries have collectively paid $2.7m across three auctions in Hong Kong, London, and New York for limited edition cases of Château Mouton Rothschild wines and a chance to taste the Château’s fabled 1945 vintage at a gala dinner. Moreover, all proceeds from the auctions were due to go to restoration work at Versailles Palace, but those from the London sales will now be diverted to help to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral following the tragic events in Paris last month.

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