Bordeaux 2012: Lynch Bages and Chasse-Spleen

After a flurry of activity, Pauillac fifth growth Lynch Bages finished yesterday’s releases with only a slight drop on its 2011 price.

Lynch Bages dropped 13% on its €69 in 2011 to come out at €60 ex-négociant. A bid has been placed on Liv-ex for £500 for a case of 12, though the average price seems to be between £670 and £680.

That price is still 88% up on its 2008 release price but, as with Mouton yesterday (18 April), its current release makes it the cheapest vintage available.

Despite some positive reviews from the en primeur tastings, however, there were some murmurings that perhaps the price was still a little high, with many drinkable vintages such as 2008, 2006 and 2004 being only a little more expensive.

Also out this morning have been some minor names, particularly Chasse-Spleen (€16.80 p/b ex-négociant) and Château Angludet which Berry Bros & Rudd was offering for £180 a case.

Although the campaign has not quite hit its stride yet, many of the initial comments this year seem far more positive than they were for the 2011s.

Despite rumours that Haut-Brion was set to release yesterday that did not happen and it may prove that Lafite’s predicted release is similarly only a rumour.

All releases will be announced and followed by db on both the website and via Twitter.