MMD Bordeaux Chateaux en primeur ratings

Despite potentially trying conditions, the MMD interests in Bordeaux have received strong ratings from critics, with Petrus obtaining 18.5/20 from Steven Spurrier and Ch de Pez featuring in his top St-Estephes choices.

Harvest report: Spring was uneven with some warm days and rain. In the Medoc a hot period in June led to good weather for flowering but then July and early August were dull and below average temperatures. Finally in mid-August the weather improved, the sun came out and a remarkably long spell of hot dry weather set in throughout September and until the end of October.

The Indian Summer saved the vintage, allowing the grapes to ripen completely. This was this specially beneficial in the Médoc for the Cabernets. Chateaux were able to spread out their programme of picking to harvest each parcel at its optimal ripeness.

At Pichon Lalande the harvest ran for an unprecedented five weeks from 16^th September to 20^th October as they waited for each plot to ripen perfectly.

While we wait for prices and allocations, please see the attached PDF for more information on the harvest and ratings from Steven Spurrier and Jancis Robinson OBE MW.

Pio Cesare Barolos are a hit with James Suckling

In his April report, James Suckling has awarded the Pio Cesare 2011 vintage Barolo 95 points and an exceptional 97 points for the Barolo Ornato.

Click the link below for his tasting notes.

2011 Vintage in Barolo

Following a tasting of 80 Barolo at Fine and Rare in March, Jancis has published her reviews which include pleasing point scores and comments for the Pio Cesare Barolo ‘Ornato’ and Barolo 2011.

92 Points for Domaine Faiveley

Both Beaune Clos de l’Écu 2012 and Chambolle-Musigny La Combe d’Orveau 2012 scored 92 points in April’s Wine Spectator Insider.

See the link below for full reviews

Louis Roederer International Wine Writers launches new website

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new-look website for the 11^th annual Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards.

The website was redesigned not only to reflect the new packaging launched in 2014, but also to facilitate the entry process for candidates.

As the LRIWWA enter their second decade, we are proud to announce the addition of a new category – the Pio Cesare Food & Wine Writers Award. The objective of the Award is to celebrate all those who write about the natural and harmonious marriage of good food with great wine.

Judges

One of the key features of the LRIWWAs is the quality of the judges it secures, and this year is no different, bringing together five key figures in the industry with a wealth of experience and expertise behind each of them.

– Charles Metcalfe (chair)

– Nina Caplan

– Dr Neil Beckett

– Jancis Robinson OBE MW

– Gabriel Stone

The ceremony will take place once again in The prestigious Royal Academy of Art, in 6 Burglington Gardens. The event will also mark the closure of 6 Burlington Gardens before its renovation process due for completion in time for the Academy’s 250^th Anniversary in 2018.

Sponsors

As ever, we are extremely grateful to our generous sponsors without whom these Awards would not be possible. This year we are delighted to welcome back Domaines Ott, Domaine Faiveley and Ramos Pinto as well as welcoming Pio Cesare as the sponsor for the new Food & Wine Writer Award.

To enter The LRIWWAs, please click here: http://www.theroedererawards.com

Domaine Faiveley Vintage 2013

“a difficult vintage that contrary to what one might have easily expected produced some really lovely and classic wines..”

For Burghound.com’s full report on the 2013 vintage range from Domaine Faiveley click the link below.

La Comtesse de Pazo Barrantes in Decanter’s top 6

La Comtesse de Pazo Barrantes 2011 has found it’s way into John Stimpfig’s top six wines from this year’s Wines of Spain tasting.

Awarding the wine an impressive 91 points, John describes it as:

“Oak aged Albarinho might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this was right on message for my palate. Murrieta are best known in Rioja, but this comes from its 12 hectare estate in Rias Baixas’ Salnes Valley. I picked out pear, citrus and orchard fruits together with cream and honeysuckle. Also lovely richness, vibrancy and density.”

Full article below:

http://www.decanter.com/news/blogs/team/588107/first-taste-six-top-spanish-wines-to-try?utm_source=Eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news+alert+link+24032015&utm_campaign=Newsletter-24032015

Best Entrepreneur of the Year for Murrieta

Vicente Dalmau Cebrian-Sagarriga has been awarded Best Entrepreneur of the Year for his work as president of Spanish Winery Marques de Murrieta.

Click below to read the full press release.

91 Points for Duas Quintas Reserva

In a recent tasting Robert Parker has awarded Duas Quintas Reserva 2013 a very respectable 91 points:

” With a hint of herbs early on, it has a lively feel. The oak is there, but it is handled exceptionally well. With a mid-palate that projects a feeling of concentration and solidity.”

The 25th Anniversary of Duas Quintas

2015 celebrates 25 years of Ramos Pinto’s superb table wine ‘Duas Quintas’.

Click the below link to see the full story of how this wine came to be.

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