A slew of new releases this week has set a tone of value for this year’s En Primeur campaign, with many major chateaux releasing at prices below last year’s offerings.
Batailley 2017, scored 90-92 by Neal Martin who described it as a “fine follow-up to the 2015 and 2016”, has been released at €30.25 per bottle ex-negociant, 11% lower than the release price of the 2016 vintage (€34). It’s not yet clear how much the estate has made available.
Pape Clement 2017 has been released at €61.20 per bottle ex-negociant, down 7% on the 2016 release price of €66. Described as “classic in style” by Neal Martin, who awarded it 92-94 points, the wine comes in short supply, with stock volumes reduced by more than 50% on last year, due to frost.
Langoa Barton 2017 has been released at €31.00 per bottle ex-negociant, down 15% on the 2016’s opening price of €36.60. Critics have been impressed with this one, with James Suckling calling it “serious for the vintage” and scoring it 93-94 points.
Other major releases this week include: La Lagune at €30.60 per bottle ex-negociant, down 13.6% on the 2016’s opening price; Chateau Branaire Ducru at €33.6 per bottle ex-negociant, down 15.2% on the 2016 release price; Sociando Mallet at €21.60 per bottle ex-negociant, down 18.2% on 2016; and Ormes de Pez, which has been released at €19.20 per bottle ex-negociant, down 11.1%.
