Deal of the week: En primeur picks

The debate over value is at the root of this year’s Bordeaux en primeurs but away from the high-end there are some excellent wines to be had and at a reasonable price, especially if you shop around (merchants listed here are not exhaustive).

Doisy-Védrines – £210-£230 a case in bond

Sauternes has perhaps been the standout appellation of 2011 and keenly priced as well. This Barsac estate is described by Berry Bros as “one of the stars of the sweet wines this year,” and has a 90-92 Parker rating. “Hard to resist” agreed Farr Vintners.

In terms of flavour this outperforms many of its peers and on price too in many cases.

Find at: Berry Bros; Farr Vintners; Bordeaux Wine Investment; Justerini & Brooks; Armit; Slurp.co.uk; Ditton Wine Traders; Nickolls and Perks

Labégorce -£145-£162 a case in bond

The “excellent” Labégorce 2011 is a “sleeper of the vintage” declared Parker as he gave it 88-90 points. Bordeaux Wine Investment’s Sarah Abbott MW described it as a wine with “proper gumption” in a vintage which, at worst, can be a little thin.

The 2011 is a claret drinker’s vintage and for under £200 a case should provide a lot of enjoyment in the years following its release.

Find at: Bordeaux Wine Investment; Ditton Wine Traders; Fine+Rare; Nickolls and Perks