This week the Futures campaign kicks off with none other than the prestigious First Growth, Château Mouton Rothschild. As William Kelley of Wine Advocate points out, Mouton used "extreme selection" to achieve the level of quality we have all come to expect, with a corresponding drop in the amount of wine made this year. Yet the results of such measures are clear - and they have a super wine, that is both charming and classic. Allocations are always very tight for Mouton and we are expecting the usual high levels of interest, so don't hesitate!

 

Another one of the most anticipated wines of the vintage came out today, the brilliant Super Second Growth, Château Cos d'Estournel. Cos d'Estournel has been on an amazing run of form in recent years and it is without doubt the leading estate in St-Estéphe. It is located in the south of the appellation on the border with Pauillac and its vineyards are superbly situated on a south-facing gravel ridge with a high clay content, just north of Château Lafite Rothschild. The wines have a consistent track record of ageing well, developing a complexity and intensity that can rival and sometimes surpass the First Growths.

 

Also released today is one of our favorite St. Julien estates, Château Gruaud Larose. The esteemed St. Julien 2nd Growth consistently produces one of the best wines in the appellation and occasionally they make a wine that challenges the very best on the Left Bank. Our tasting team were impressed by the dark, brooding and elegantly complex 2021, and William Kelley has suggested it may even surpass recent vintages, including the 2018! Of all the wines of the Left Bank, Gruaud Larose must surely be towards the top of anyone's list - the aging capability of the wine is simply mind boggling. Even in the off vintages, the wine can shine - the 1964 is a great example, while the 1982 is simply one of the best wines we have encountered. The property clearly has some very special terroir. The 2021 is the 2nd vintage to come with special soft wax capsules (designed not to crumble on opening!) which not only add aesthetic appeal, but are also said to preserve the cork better than the traditional foil. This one definitely falls into the "must buy" category.

 

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Leognan have also released their cracking red and white this morning which are sure to be in high demand! Always consistent and going from strength to strength each year. The 14th Century chateau, placed atop a small gravel knoll ('Lafitte') in Pessac-Leognan, was purchased by a Scottish wine merchant named George Smith in the eighteen hundreds to cater to the increasing demand for Bordeaux wines. Both their red and whites are superb quality.

 

Lastly, from St Emilion is consistently over-performing Larcis Ducasse. The estate is located on one of Bordeaux's finest strips of terroir - the Cote Pavie. Here, this 25-acre property abuts the 1er Grand Cru Classé Chateau Pavie estate. The vines are planted on an eclectic range of soils - alluvial sand deposits, clay, chalk and limestone. The vines, as one would expect for that part of the world, are predominately Merlot along with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to secure your stock at the opening prices.

 

We've also updated the 2021 Futures Landing Page with our Wines of the Vintage,  while our Vintage Report is coming soon. The landing page is updated with new wines daily, and we'll continue sending offers on the most compelling wines as they are released...stay tuned!

 

“The top properties turned out gorgeous, classically built wines that will absolutely thrill readers who appreciate freshness and energy…The best wines offer a striking combination of old-school classicism with modern-day precision.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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