Parker proclaims 2007 Bordeaux overpriced

Bordeaux’s 2007 vintage has had its final review from Robert Parker and he has, for the most part, confirmed his initial low scores.

Considering cost, he pointed out that the Bordelais priced the vintage too high, and the better-performing 2008s too low.
 
Parker’s 2007 results were released at the same time as the initial 2009 reviews, but due to the low regard in which the vintage is held and general excitement over 2009, they were more or less ignored.
 
The highest scores in the latest round went to Lafite, Pavie, L’Eglise Clinet, Bellevue Mondotte and Ausone with 94 points. Overall, the points changed little with few wines going up but few falling either.
 
In his latest review, Parker said that at best the wines were “medium-bodied with silky tannins, low acidity, and round, charming personalities. While they are not dense, powerful, or concentrated, the finest are elegant, flattering, seductive wines that can be drunk immediately.”
 
However, on the whole they have seen little to no price appreciation over the years. In euros, many have actually declined in price.
 
Liv-ex found in March of this year that, on average, prices for the 2007 vintage have fallen by 2% in pound (£) terms. The only wines to show any significant increase were Duhart-Milon up 40%, Lafite up 48% and Carrudes de Lafite, described by Parker as “the sleeper of the vintage” up an impressive 180%.
 
The popularity of Lafite in Asia was held up as the most likely reason for the château’s success.
 
In general, 2007 was hampered by bad weather throughout the year and only a good autumn leading up to the harvest salvaged any hope of a good en primeur campaign.
 
Problems were compounded when the wines were given very high prices despite middling reviews and the onset of recession.
 
Parker remarked: “The Bordelais have suffered the consequences of their decision over the last few years. The irony is that they priced the 2007s too high, and the far superior 2008s too low. However, that’s life in the Bordeaux wine market.”
 
As previously reported, 2008 with its low prices has turned into a good investment as Parker’s latest scores and good quality wines means prices have risen considerably in recent months. Could low prices and positive buzz surrounding Bordeaux at the moment encourage people to reappraise 2007?
 
Despite the general quality being uninspiring, Parker insists there are several wines that are worthy of another inspection for those looking for pleasant, ready to drink wines. There are certainly enough producers and retailers with stock still in their cellars.
 
Rupert Millar, 13.05.2010