Bordeaux 2014: Keep Carmes and Calon

Calon Ségur and Carmes Haut-Brion each came out today with a 12% rise on their respective 2013 prices but it looks as it may pay off for at least one of them.

Carmes released at €32.4 per bottle ex-négociant, a 12% increase on 2013 (€29.4) and 8% up on the 2012 release price (€30). The Pessac estate’s pricing makes its 2014 £315 a case, slightly higher than the current prices of the 2011, 2007 and 2006.

However, although Liv-ex suggested there was better value to be found in the 2006 the 2014 has a better score from The Wine Advocate  (91 vs 90) and although the argument that new releases must be at a discount to back vintages to succeed en primeur, this campaign it seems some wines have caught buyers’ attention despite potential value elsewhere.

Calon Ségur meanwhile also rose 12% from €37.2 p/b to €42 ex-négociant and again was slightly more expensive than the release price of the 2012 by 9%.

Nonetheless, the Saint Estèphe property is a popular choice for Bordeaux lovers and money has been driven towards improving quality by its new owners French insurance firm Suravenir.

Although Neal Martin suggested taming the oak to allow “the terroir to be expressed” he also gave it 91-93 points.

At £420 a case only the 2013 vintage is cheaper from the 10-year back catalogue (though the 2013 has a better score from TWA) and although it has been described as “fair if not spectacular value” other merchants and traders have tweeted about it with some enthusiasm.

Also out recently were Cantemerle (€17.5 +3.6%), Cantenac Brown (€25.8, +7.5%) and the “other wine” of Léoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis up 9.3% on 2013 to €29.5 p/b.

“Gorgeous”, thought Wine Owners, “but keep your powder dry for Léoville Las Cases.”