Bordeaux 2013: Pichon out of the traps

Pichon Baron, Smith Haut Lafitte, Gloria and Suduiraut released this morning as the 2013 en primeurs get off to a flying start.

Super second: Château Pichon Baron

Pauillac estate, Pichon Baron, dropped 17% on its 2012 price of €65 and released at €54 a bottle ex-négociant – still 26% up on 2008’s €43 p/b.

Smith Haut-Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan went down 6% to €38.40 p/b for its red and just 4% for its white to €55 – however, initial reports do point to this year’s whites both sweet and dry being truly exceptional.

Sauternes property Suduiraut was out at €42 p/b ex-négociant, a 7% drop on ts 2011 price, a 2012 having not been made by the estate.

Château Gloria meanwhile dropped just 6% on 2012 to €19.8 p/b, so it is still 25% above its €15.9 p/b price in 2008.

The early release of Ponet-Canet at the end of March and then Gazin’s appearance before the en primeur tastings were even finished last week, showed that the Bordelais seemed ready for a quick campaign.

Indeed, these release have come before most merchants (who have only just returned from Bordeaux) have got their scores and tasting notes published.

The release of big names this morning will only add to the feeling that this campaign may build up some momentum fairly quickly – though that momentum can only be maintained if the price appeals to buyers.