Three 100 Point 2020 Bordeaux Reds
Antonio Galloni’s newly published report on 2020 Bordeaux in bottle revealed it to be, in his opinion, “an incredibly exciting vintage… brimming with phenomenal wines.” Three of the very best are the 100-point trio of Carmes Haut Brion, Canon and Pavie Macquin. We are thrilled to have cases of each to offer.
Les Carmes Haut Brion is one of the region’s rising stars and is always in incredibly short supply thanks to a near-fanatical following. The 2020 will continue that trend and is, for Galloni, a “masterpiece” that will “take your breath away”. He advises his readers, “Don’t miss it”.
Like Les Carmes, Chateau Canon is another Chateau on a steep upward trajectory. The 2020 caps off a run of incredible wines, and for Galloni is “a wine of mind-blowing purity and nuance” and is “unquestionably a great Canon.”
The third of the trio is St Emilion’s Pavie Macquin. For Galloni, this is “sensational. Rich, dark and explosive” and “a total knock out!” With 100 points from a respected critic like Galloni, the price of just under £500 per 6 is incredible and near unique in our experience.
Three superb wines and equally strong buys. Do take a look, and if you would like any secured please do let us know
2020 Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion
£795 per case (6*75cl OWC) in bond
100 points Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away.
The 2020 is 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot, picked between September 14 to 26, which is early here. Whole cluster was 55%. Vinification took place over five weeks, using very gentle extraction, with no pumpovers or punchdowns. Aging was 80% new oak, 11% 18hL foudres and 9% amphorae. In tasting, the 2020 is simply magnificent. There are no soloists, just the most exceptionally vivid, breathtaking orchestra imaginable. The 2020 is a masterpiece from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier and his team. Don’t miss it! (2022) www.vinous.com Drink 2030-2070
2020 Chateau Canon
£850 per case (6*75cl OWC) in bond – Very Limited
100 points Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Canon is a wine of mind-blowing purity and nuance. It has been nothing less than thrilling on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. Intensely saline and chalky, the 2020 possesses spellbinding finesse and nuance. Red-toned fruit, crushed rocks, white pepper, rose petal and mint all come alive in the glass, buttressed by clean saline notes that extend the mid-palate into the finish. There is simply nothing like great Canon. And the 2020 is unquestionably a great Canon. (2022) www.vinous.com Drink 2030-2070
2020 Chateau Pavie Macquin
£495 per case (6*75cl OWC) in bond
100 points Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Pavie Macquin is sensational. Rich, dark and explosive, the 2020 balances the natural richness that is such a signature of the estate with a level of energy and vibrancy I have not seen here in the recent past. The result is a towering, imposing Pavie Macquin that hugely delivers. In this vintage, regisseur Nicolas Thienpont did not use the Cabernet Sauvignon, so the blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc lending aromatic presence, energy and depth. What a total knock out! (2022) www.vinous.com Drink 2028-2022
