Robert Parker's in-bottle scores for the Bordeaux 2006 vintage were released last night, with a number of wines receiving significant upgrades on their en primeur score ranges.
The big winner was Lafite Rothschild, with its 97-point score significantly better than its original 91-94+ range and a point higher than the 2005 vintage. Other notable upgrades included Haut Brion with 96 points (92-94+ range) and Ausone with 98 points (95-97 range).
In general, wines hit the top end of their original ranges, although none of the potential 100-point wines hit the magic three figures. The score for Mission Haut Brion (95 points, 96-100 range) is particularly disappointing.
Mouton Rothschild's renaissance now seems complete, with Parker naming it the top wine of the vintage (98+): " A sensational effort…utterly profound…clearly the greatest Mouton produced since 1982 and 1986". Although his opinion on the Lucien Freud-designed label was somewhat less complementary: "The label will undoubtedly be controversial as a relative of Sigmund Freud, Lucian Freud, has painted a rather comical Zebra staring aimlessly at what appears to be a palm tree in the middle of a stark courtyard. I suppose a psychiatrist could figure out the relationship between that artwork and wine, but I couldn’t see one."
Below are all the wines that scored 95 point and above, including their original score ranges from April 2007. As well as the relatively high scores for the first growths (aside from Margaux with 93) it is interesting to note the general excellence of the dry white wines and the relatively even split between the Left and Right Bank.
Those looking for a value pick need look no further than the 95-point Haut Bailly (91-94 range), a "superb success" and still available at around £350-375 IB.
A full analysis of these scores will feature in the forthcoming March Liv-ex Market Report.
source: www.erobertparker.com
