Community Tasting Note
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BenBlu Likes this wine: 96 points
July 3, 2019 - Berry Brothers 2018 Bordeaux en primeur (plus back vintages) (Lindley Hall, London): I was very curious to taste this given I own a few cases and after the recent jump in score from NM putting it into the top band of the 09s in his 10 year reviews. The wine was noticeably less ripe than other 09 counterparts - which I think is probably a good thing as while initially pleasing the ripe fruit started to bore me / go on my nerves after the tenth sample as it created a too generic experience. Here some more restraint and a classic claret that still boosted great concentration, but with more balance and minerality than others. One to watch and set for long development. To me St Pierre together with Lagrange were the two "value" wines of the 09 vintage - they were one of the most classic wines that also still speak of its origin. Very well done.
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6 Comments
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wineotim commented:
7/4/19, 6:46 AM - This property not on my radar, thanks for posting. Enjoyed reading all of your notes from this tasting.
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BenBlu commented:
7/4/19, 8:31 AM - Thank you wineotim! I definitely recommend checking St Pierre out. I "discovered" it with a terrific bottle of 04 (not the best of vintages). I have never had a bad bottle of St Pierre. I think 05, 09, 10 at current price levels are must buys. Those will be wines that can challenge a lot higher priced and better known Chateaux in blind tastings in my view.
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Purple Tooth commented:
7/4/19, 8:54 AM - Another one...This is slowly becoming my next largest hold.I guess that between Lagrange, Gruaud, Barton, Poyferre, Beychevelle, and Saint Pierre, Im just a Saint Julien whore...
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BenBlu commented:
7/4/19, 8:58 AM - Hey Purple Tooth! I just ran the maths and for my Bordeaux portfolio in terms of bottle count St Julien makes up 29% (followed by Pauillac 22%, Graves 12%, St Emilion 10%, Margaux 8%, St Estephe and Sauternes/Bersac each 7% and Pomerol 5%).
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Purple Tooth commented:
1/6/21, 8:17 AM - BB, I hope the new year has treated you kindly so far mate! I followed your advice and grabbed several bottles of this. Have not tried the wine, but since you like it, it's good enough for me. If your name was James, I would have laughed it off :-) All the very best to you for 21' (what I am officially coining as "the legal drinking year")
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BenBlu commented:
1/6/21, 8:25 AM - Hello buddy, many thanks 2021 has been off to a strong start on the vino front (just like 2020 ended). Legal drinking year is another excuse although coming from Europe 18 and 16 would be even more auspicious for me! Certainly good move to cellar some of these. I have two cases stashed away which I am sure will provide for superb drinking in 10 years hence and then for the next 20-30 years and make great comparison with other (more expensive) high end Bordeaux. Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Happy sipping!