Three new releases have fully kickstarted this year’s En Primeur campaign, which has so far seen activity from just a couple of chateaux: Guiraud and Palmer.
After releasing its Grand Vin yesterday, Chateau Palmer’s Alter Ego Palmer 2017 is now on the market, released at €48 per bottle ex-negociant, down 2% on the 2016 release (€49). James Suckling called it a “serious second wine”, awarding it 92-93 points. As Liv-ex notes, prices for Alter Ego Palmer are not closely correlated to critic scores. Instead they follow the traditional pricing pattern for fine wine where vintages appreciate in price with the passing of time. “As a result, buyers might have hoped for the new vintage to enter the market priced below others.”
Coutet 2017 has been released at €27.60 per bottle ex-negociant, representing a modest increase of 4.5% on 2016 (€26.40). Early reviews of the vintage have been positive, with Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss awarding it 95-97 points. However, Liv-ex says that Coutet fans may also be interested in the 2015 (awarded 94-95 points by Neal Martin), which is available at 19% below today’s release and 8% below its own release price two years ago.
Finally, Valandraud 2017 has been released at €100 per bottle ex-negociant, down a fairly significant 22% on the 2016’s opening price of €129. Despite the price drop, critics have been impressed with the vintage. James Suckling awarded it 94-95 points, while James Molesworth called it a “terrific effort” and gave it 93-96 points.
