Bordeaux 2013: Kirwan and Climens

After a busy day yesterday, Margaux third growth Château Kirwan and Sauternes first growth Château Climens were this morning’s key releases.

Kirwan dropped 4% to €21.50 per bottle ex-négociant, exactly the same as its 2008 price. Climens meanwhile dropped 5% to €38.60 p/b, 34% beneath its 2008 price of €58.50 p/b.

Kirwan’s 2012 now priced at £258 per case on Liv-ex which is roughly what the 2013 will be available for. The 2011 is £282 p/cs and the 2008 £295 on Liv-ex, the 2007 and 2004 are both £260 p/cs.

The Climens release will be more expensive than its 2012 which has declined in price.

However, 2013 is arguably a much better vintage for Bordeaux’s whites, with several notable Sauternes estates deciding not to make any sweet wines last year.

So the 2013 pricing compares favourably to better Sauternes vintages such as 2011, 2008 and 2007.

Furthermore, as mentioned yesterday when Doisy-Daëne was released at he same price as the 2012: “Unlike châteaux in other appellations however, merchants are less likely to begrudge a lack of price cuts in Sauternes due to: the strength of the white wines this year and the fact that over the years pricing has remained rather more consistent than elsewhere in Bordeaux and the appellation is seen as still offering good value for money.”