Berrys in Bordeaux

A week on from tasting almost 400 wines and having many heated discussions with négociants and châteaux owners I feel fairly upbeat about Bordeaux 2008 as the prices start to come out.

From a qualitative level 2008 is a mixed bag. It’s not a Right Bank or a Left Bank year, nor a Cabernet or Merlot vintage. It all has come down to which châteaux had the nerve and skill to let their grapes sit on the vine longer and absorb all that wonderful Indian summer sun. This, combined with huge attention to detail and their rigorous selection at all stages.

Some of the wines I tasted have the cool precision of 2002 but with the puppy fat of 2004 and mineral excitement of 2006. At the cheaper end of the market, where the money wasn't spent in the vineyard, or there was reluctance to make that selection, the wines are really mean and will make selection of Petits Châteaux even harder than usual in a few years’ time. However, for certain Grand Châteaux there are some beauties and I shall definitely be adding a few to my
cellar this year.

Out of the 385 wines tasted, we have narrowed the shopping list down to 42 wines, which will be offered subject to prices. The shortlist fall into three categories – Top 10 BB&R Favourites (which should offer good value); Top 10 Buys ISF (If Sanity Prevails) and The Best (but unlikely to be a bargain).

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