Puneet’s En Primeur Bordeaux Tour - Day 3

Every year, thousands from around the world descend upon Bordeaux for what the locals call “Crazy Week” where the wine industry’s finest come to visit the famous Chateaus of the region and sample hundreds of the latest vintages. In this third part of a series, Puneet recounts his experience visiting the region and just what to look out for from 2022.

Henri Lurton runs a tight ship here, but he sets his own mark and understands the individuality of people and the senses. In such a way he achieves uniqueness from his wines that sets him as a class above. The Estate is 75 Ha. In 2022 the small berries, particularly from The Merlot gave a denseness, suppleness and aromatic quality to thew wine. Henri fermented at cooler temperatures from a 100+ lots. At first the Grand vin had no poress additions, but he found the Cabernet sauvignon skin so amazing that he added some of this press to the Grand vin.

This Chateau’s architecture look and feel linger back to 1300 to 1600 AD. Its large stonework, its clos and moat with actual water. There is a mediaeval quality to the place – you expect trumpets to blare with coats of arms unfurling from the brass. The owners are very keen to work with New Zealand and open up Pacific markets.

We are told at Palmer that the Merlot really adapted to conditions and although June through to harvest was record breaking heat, the Merlot developed ripe, complex and aromatic characters. The Chateau was relieved and confident for the future and really believe that the future is in Clay. Vine maintenance is also key with cover crops and biodynamic principles. Vineyard age also plays a key part in adaptation. Also as the intense heat started early, in May the vines again had some time to adapt to the heat before veraison and harvest.

A very cool visit – we were shown various samples from the barrel room – always a great help to understand more about why the final blend is as it is. The Chateau GM is very keen for her technical team to learn more English and is considering sending some of the team to New Zealand – I have promised them and many others fly fishing excursions around Taupo – and even with a helicopter thrown in to get to the higher streams!

Managing director Philippe Bascaules conducted our tasting. And what a tasting. With the large Chateau we are escorted through several levels of security through a square gravel courtyard into a simple white conservatory lining the courtyard. Phillipe talks in depth about his work and the vines. He believes that removing leaves in extreme heat and therefore limiting the plants ability to photosynthesise is now a key philosophy for Margaux and a key reason to their success this year. He grants me permission after the tasting to take a photo down the path in front of the legendary Chateau. I do so with a copy of Ponsonby News.

Another incredibly picturesque Chateau and wow what a lunch – the best of the tour and more fit for a wedding. The string duo playing as we arrive, the bright lit room with exceptional china and tableware and the biggest cheese table ever with every great cheese from France represented – various vintages of aged Margaux on the table C’est magnifique, lunch was so good I take some extra time and skip the UGC margaux tasting – life’s pleasure must take precedent.

There is always an excitement when you visit one of the elite Chateau and for many Latour feels like the top one, although through these tasting I can see how each first growth is unique to its terroir and appellation. We have a tasting with an English gent which is different and of course all get quite excited as we leave to get pictures near the famous Tower – Latour!

The company has a nice collection of Pauillac Chateau, and the wines are very well made, perhaps it was late in the day, or a crowded tasting room, these wines were shining but not shining brightly to me to knock my socks off, this is unusual given the level of greatness I am seeing elsewhere, I would love to revisit the Mouton again and reassess

I love this Chateau. The back of the Chateau opens up onto a deck which looks out over the most beautiful lake – true Monet style. My negociant tells me they had the Chateau to themselves for the evening a year ago, and 5 of them dined on the terrace overlooking the lake – I my gosh I hope that opportunity comes to me one day – its a bucket list thing!

After last night’s party a return to the scene! We have a strong intelligent young guy present – Arnaud – he spent some time at Waiheke with Steve at Stonyridge, so we get on famously. Its the last tasting of the day and no engagements this evening. I down the Montrose!