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en primeur

BORDEAUX 2018pre-Order The TOp wines

This is an exceptionally good vintage for Bordeaux, with the best wines probably eclipsing those of any vintage in recent memory.

The wines are intense, powerful and have tremendous ageing potential. Colours are deep, alcohol levels are between half a degree and a full degree higher than recent averages, and tannins are ripe. Yet the best wines have maintained freshness, energy and most importantly balance.

In our visits to Bordeaux in early April this year we tasted some of the finest clarets we have ever tasted en primeur.

Whilst all the top communes and appellations made a number of truly memorable wines, 2018 is not a universally fabulous vintage. It is much less consistent than 2016, 2010 and 2009, and particular care has been necessary in selecting the final line-up for this and our main en primeur offer.

The keys to making excellent wines in 2018 were firstly choosing the right time to harvest, and secondly ensuring gentle handling of the grapes during the winemaking process. Picking too early meant good acidity in the wines but a lack of phenolic ripeness, whereas harvesting too late led to over-alcoholic wines lacking freshness. The grapes at harvest were tiny in 2018, and the skins were packed with tannin. Only the gentlest of extractions was necessary in the winery.

“ 2018 is the best vintage of any of the 49 I have been involved with.”

Christian Moueix, April 2019

Château Grand-puy-lacoste

sOMe OF The FinesT ClAreTs we hAve ever

TAsTed en priMeur

pre-orders by telephone and website only will be accepted. To pre-order wines, please telephone Member Services on 01438 741177, or visit thewinesociety.com/bordeauxtopwines

The weATher2018 was another vintage of extremes. One of the wettest early seasons on record was followed by one of the driest and sunniest summers. The mild, damp spring encouraged a widespread and aggressive mildew attack. This had a devastating effect on some châteaux’s yields, with organic and biodynamic producers such as Palmer particularly badly affected. Hail also struck in parts of the southern Médoc, Sauternes and the Côtes de Bourg.

But then the clouds parted and the sun shone… and shone. Between the beginning of July and the harvest there was 25% more sun than the 30-year average, and rainfall was tiny – just 46mm fell throughout the entire summer at Château Margaux. The harvest was very long and unhurried, with growers able to decide exactly when each plot of vines was picked.

In conclusion, it was possible in 2018 to make superlative wines, as long as you were vigilant in the vineyards during the growing season, when choosing the optimum harvest date, and then in managing the vinifications in the cellar. Not everyone got these three vital elements right, and so careful selection has been vital.

I spent two full weeks in Bordeaux in April tasting and re-tasting hundreds of wines to pick out the cream of the crop for our 2018 offers. I would be very happy to have any of these wines in my cellar!

Tim sykes Your Buyer for Bordeaux

hOw This pre-Order OFFer wOrKsThis selection of the most sought-after wines of the vintage requires members to pre-order*l At this stage, members wanting to buy the wines

indicated below need to place a pre-order. The pre-order will be based on the guide price range that we have specified. Predicting what individual château owners will decide when setting their prices is notoriously difficult. The price bands that we have indicated for the wines in this offer are rather wide, but represent our best ’guess-timates’ at the time of going to press. Members may, however, indicate a maximum price which they would be willing to pay within this price range.

l when the wine prices are released by the châteaux (The Society has no control over when this will be) members will be notified whether they have been successful in their pre-orders for these particular wines. please note: If the release price exceeds your maximum stated price, we will assume the wine is not required at the higher price. Should the release price exceed our guide price, we will contact you to ask whether you would still like to order the wine.

l if your pre-order is successful, we will debit your card for the wine once the offer has closed. This will be once all the prices have been released and we anticipate this to be mid-June at the latest.

*Pre-ordering allows us the best chance of securing the right stock of these highly sought-after wines.

We anticipate our main offer of 2018s, which will include a broader range of reds, Sauternes and a small number of dry whites, to be mailed and available online sometime in June. The mailing date depends entirely upon how quickly the châteaux release their prices.

You will notice that we include a figure for the predicted alcohol level for the wines. Please note that these are based on information provided by the châteaux, but may vary slightly once the wine is in bottle.

Grape sorters awaiting the next trailer at Grand-puy-lacoste

The wines

Cs11091 Château Ausone, Saint-Emilion £1,500 to £2,000 per three Polish and power in equal measure from Alain Vauthier’s flagship estate, perched on the

limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion. This is a seductive blend of 60% cabernet franc and 40% merlot which has maintained freshness and lift despite the ripeness of the vintage. Drink from 2033 to 2065. 14.5%

CM22351 Château Brane Cantenac, Margaux £325 to £450 per six Another showstopper from Henri Lurton, and one of the few top 2018s with alcohol levels coming

in below 14%. As one has come to expect, the wine displays benchmark perfume, with nuances of cassis and cloves. Generous and full of Margaux charm. Drink from 2025 to 2050. 13.5%

Cs11221 Château Bélair Monange, Saint-Emilion £600 to £750 per six The best Bélair-Monange we have tasted, and one of the stars in a hugely impressive line-up

from the JP Moueix stable this year. A perfumed, classy yet unshowy blend of 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc from this perfectly situated property neighbouring Ausone. Drink from 2026 to 2045. 14.5%

CM22591 Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien £325 to £450 per six We tasted the wine three times during our first week of en primeur tastings and on each

occasion it showed exceptionally well, with real energy and purity of fruit. An impressive, polished Beychevelle that will start drinking relatively soon. Drink from 2026 to 2045. 14.5%

CM22361 Château Calon-Ségur, Saint-Estèphe £400 to £550 per six Once again a very fine effort from Laurent Dufau, this is a bold, powerful and dense Calon-Ségur

with layers of ripe, chocolatey fruit. It wears its alcohol well. Drink from 2026 to 2050. 14.9%

Cs11101 Château Canon, Saint-Emilion £425 to £600 per six A splendidly refined Canon this year, with deep colour and intense notes of damsons and coffee.

This is a château that is continuing its upward trajectory, cementing its reputation as one of Saint-Emilion’s finest. Drink from 2026 to 2060. 14%

Cs11211 Château Certan de May, Pomerol £500 to £650 per six Dark chocolate and bilberry notes, and seductive texture are the hallmarks of the 2018 Certan

de May. A lovely wine with layers of fleshy, ripe fruit. Drink from 2025 to 2045. 14%

CM22371 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan £375 to £550 per six Les Carmes is deservedly becoming one of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux, largely

thanks to the dynamic Guillaume Pouthier, who has raised the quality bar several notches in recent vintages. The 2018 is elegant and restrained with silky tannins and a high proportion of cabernet franc this year (37%) lending a sense of individuality and freshness. Unshowy, but very classy. Drink from 2026 to 2050. 13.8%

Cs11111 Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion £2,750 to £3,500 per six A sumptuously rich and concentrated wine, with rich, chocolatey merlot fruit complemented by

supremely refined cabernet franc and a splash of cabernet sauvignon for structure and perfume. A thoroughbred. Drink from 2026 to 2065. 14.5%

CM22381 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan £350 to £525 per six Owner Prince Robert of Luxembourg believes this to be the best ‘Chapelle’ ever made, and it’s

hard to argue with that. With just over 50% cabernet sauvignon, the 2018 has structure and freshness, which complement the opulence of the merlot. Drink from 2020 to 2040. 14.5%

CM22391 Château Clerc Milon, Pauillac £350 to £525 per six Rothschild MD Philippe Dhalluin is thrilled by the 2018 Clerc Milon, which he believes is now

reflecting recent (substantial) investment in the vineyards. We agree! This is a Pauillac of power and focus, displaying notes of violets and slate. Silky ripe tannins round off this excellent wine. Drink from 2026 to 2035. 14%

Cs11131 Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion £500 to £650 per six Yet another in a long line of splendid wines from Mathieu Cuvelier and his team. The 2018 is

generous and plump, with a bouquet of wild cherries and chocolate, underpinned by an abundance of svelte tannins. Drink from 2028 to 2045. 14%

CM22401 Château Cos d’Estournel, Saint-Estèphe £700 to £1,000 per six A very polished and classy ‘Cos’ this year, with bags of plush, dark fruit character. Despite the dry

warm summer, the 2018 has maintained excellent balance and freshness. A château very much on form. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14.5%

Grape sorters awaiting the next trailer at Grand-puy-lacoste

The wines

Cs11201 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol £850 to £1,050 per six Probably the best young Conseillante we have tasted. A blend of 83% merlot and 17% cabernet

franc, the wine is exquisitely refined, with marvellous freshness and energy. Grand vin indeed! Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14%

CM22411 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien £750 to £1,000 per six ‘The most massive wine we’ve ever made,’ was owner Bruno Borie’s pithy comment when we

visited him to taste the 2018. Powerful and concentrated the wine certainly is, yet it has splendid balance and refinement as well. Very long and very classy. Drink from 2033 to 2060. 14.5%

Cs11141 Château Figeac, Saint-Emilion £750 to £1,000 per six In warm, dry vintages, Figeac really comes into its own, as the high cabernet content (30%

cabernet franc and 33% cabernet sauvignon this year) achieves full ripeness and expression. This is supremely elegant and poised, with racy freshness and a lingering finish. Unquestionably one of the top wines of 2018. Drink from 2030 to 2065. 14%

Cs11151 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, Pomerol £850 to £1,050 per six Supremely refined, yet with intense, focused fruit this is a standout wine in 2018. Christian and

Edouard Moueix have overseen a classic La Fleur-Pétrus which will provide years of drinking pleasure. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14%

CM22421 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac £350 to £550 per six The 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a fitting compliment to mark the 40th Bordeaux vintage of

owner Xavier Borie. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot with deep colour, classic Pauillac notes of blackcurrant and graphite, and fine, grainy tannins on the finish. A benchmark. Drink from 2028 to 2050. 14%

CM22431 Château Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan £450 to £600 per six Véronique Sanders describes 2018 as ‘an American vintage on French terroir.’ Her Haut-Bailly has

the concentration and ripeness of a fine Napa wine, yet the complexity and restraint of a top claret. Patience will be richly rewarded. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14.4%

CM22441 Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan £2,250 to £3,000 per six Supple, restrained and super-silky, this is a harmonious, beautifully balanced Haut-Brion.

Seamless tannin structure will ensure a long and venerable future. A classic. Drink from 2033 to 2065. 14.5%

Cs11161 Château Hosanna, Pomerol £500 to £650 per six A top-drawer Hosanna which displays vibrant, plush fruit texture and notes of dark chocolate

and damsons. The blend is 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc with an appealing lick of vanilla-infused oak to round out the finish. Drink from 2026 to 2050. 14.5%

CM22451 Château Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac £2,500 to £3,500 per six Lafite rarely shines when tasted very young, but recent recruit Eric Kohler’s latest vintage is an

exception. With its typical high proportion of cabernet sauvignon (91%), which ripened perfectly, the 2018 displays enormous potential. Very fine indeed. Drink from 2033 to 2065. 13.3%

CM22461 Château Léoville Las Cases, Saint-Julien £950 to £1,150 per six A structured and intense Las Cases with vibrant cabernet (80% sauvignon and 11% franc) fruit

and considerable depth of flavour. Creamy oak notes round out this highly impressive wine from the Delon stable. Drink from 2032 to 2060. 14.5%

CM22471 Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien £350 to £550 per six The usual, high percentage of cabernet sauvignon (82%) ripened perfectly over the long dry

summer of 2018, and the resulting wine has concentrated dark fruit notes balanced by layered, velvety tannins. A touch of ‘grip’ on the finish reminds you that this is, after all, a Léoville Barton! Drink from 2032 to 2060. 14%

CM22481 Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien £350 to £500 per six A pure, vibrant cabernet-dominant Poyferré from one of the most consistently high-achieving

châteaux in Saint-Julien. The wine is deeply coloured with intense, ripe fruit and a very long finish. Judging by the 2018, the passing of the baton to the next generation of Cuveliers (Sara Lecomte) has been seamless. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14.4%

CM22491 Château Lynch Bages, Pauillac £475 to £650 per six A dark, brooding wine this year, with structured, peppery cabernet character to the fore. This is a

Lynch Bages in the classic Pauillac mould, but with added ripeness and power thanks to the sunny, dry summer weather in 2018. Drink from 2026 to 2050. 14%

The wines

CM22501 Château Margaux, Margaux £2,250 to £3,000 per six Thanks to the very dry summer the grapes in 2018 were tiny, and packed with tannin; this

meant that gentle handling in the winery was crucial. The resulting wine is pure, velvety and impressively perfumed, but with considerable underlying power. Drink from 2033 to 2065. 14%

CM22511 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan £1,500 to £2,000 per six Dense, creamy and with dark chocolate notes, this is a brooding and powerful La Mission that

will develop handsomely in years to come. It displays the refinement one has come to expect of a wine from the Haut-Brion stable. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14.5%

CM22521 Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe £750 to £1,250 per six With almost opaque colour and a bouquet of cassis, dark chocolate and toasty oak, this is an

epic Montrose. Layers of concentrated fruit are overlaid with svelte tannins. A structured Montrose that will repay long cellaring. Drink from 2033 to 2060. 14.5%

CM22531 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac £2,250 to £3,000 per six Dense, tightly packed cassis and mocha-coffee fruit are the hallmarks of this year’s grand vin.

This is as classic a Mouton as you could hope to find, with considerable depth of flavour and fine, gravelly tannins on the finish. Delicious. Drink from 2033 to 2065. 13.5%

CM22541 Château Palmer, Margaux £1,250 to £1,750 per six Despite making half the normal volume, Thomas Duroux and his team have fashioned an

outstanding 2018. ‘The most concentrated Palmer ever,’ is how he describes this perfumed, silky wine with dense, pure, dark-fruit nuances. Drink from 2030 to 2065. 14.3%

CM22551 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux, Margaux £700 to £1,000 per six A pure, mineral and gravelly Pavillon made predominantly from cabernet sauvignon, but with

slightly more petit verdot this year, which adds backbone and depth to the wine. Very good indeed. Drink from 2033 to 2045. 14.5%

CM22561 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, Pauillac £650 to £900 per six Perfectly ripe cabernet and intense cassis perfume are the foundations of this powerful wine.

A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon with the balance merlot, this is a classic, structured ‘Baron’ from Chistian Seely with a long life ahead of it. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14%

CM22571 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac £650 to £900 per six A supremely elegant and sophisticated wine with mouthwatering, silky and perfumed fruit.

Very much in the mould that has contributed to Pichon Comtesse’s worldwide reputation for refinement and class. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14%

CM22581 Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux £350 to £550 per six Once again Nicolas Audebert’s Rauzan-Ségla is very near the top of the Margaux pile. With deep

colour, appealing perfume and full multi-faceted dark-fruit flavours, this is a serious wine with ample capacity to age. Drink from 2033 to 2060. 14%

Cs11171 Tertre Roteboeuf, Saint-Emilion £750 to £950 per six A super-ripe, opulent wine this year which is packed with voluptuous, dense fruit and layers of

refined, fine-grained tannins. The Mitjavile family consistently comes up with a wine of singular character, and 2018 is no exception. Drink from 2023 to 2045. 15%

Cs11181 Château Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion £475 to £600 per six Picked early to ensure optimum freshness, the wine is refined and appetising, with lovely fruit

purity and mouthwatering tannins. Ayméric de Gironde’s second vintage at the château is every bit as promising as his first. Classy Saint-Emilion. Drink from 2030 to 2045. 14.5%

Cs11191 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol £1,050 to £1,250 per six An astounding Pomerol, with lovely plummy perfume and gorgeous, silky texture. Alexandre

Thienpont’s wine is once again a front runner in the ‘wine of the vintage’ stakes. Drink from 2030 to 2060. 14.4%

thewinesociety.com/bordeauxtopwines01438 741177The Wine Society, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2BT

Our buyers only source the wines they truly believe in, so you can explore with 100% confidence. And if you don’t like a wine for any reason, we’ll give you a refund. Find out more at thewinesociety.com/passionbeforeprofit

For information regarding this offer please contact The Society on 01438 741177 or email memberservices@thewinesociety.com

we encourage you to place an order as soon as possible as, once a particular wine’s price has been established, no more pre-orders will be taken for that wine.

iF deMAnd exCeeds supplyAlthough pre-ordering reduces the likelihood, there is still a chance that some wines may be oversubscribed. In the event of this occurring, we will share out (as far as is practical) the available stock equally amongst ordering members. If this still does not allow every member to have some wine, then as a final resort we divide members into groups depending on their level of support for The Society (quantity of wine bought, spend, orders placed etc). Members who have given greater support to The Society will have a better chance (but no certainty) of being allocated wine, and those who have given less support will have a lesser chance (but still a chance).

MeMbers’ reservesThe Society’s Members’ Reserves is a purpose-built, temperature-controlled facility offering members access to optimum storage conditions. The annual rental charge is £8.64 per case per year, inclusive of VAT and insurance at replacement value. Members can also remove a few bottles of a full case stored in Reserves. Please visit thewinesociety.com/reserves for more detail.

in-bOnd reservesYou also have the opportunity to store your en primeur wines with The Society ‘in bond’, which means that the duty and VAT are payable when the wine is delivered to you. For more details, please visit thewinesociety.com/reserves

notes l Wines are offered in cases of six or three bottles as

indicated.

Château ducru-beaucaillou; one of the best vineyard exposures in saint-Julien