Each September, La Place de Bordeaux releases a number of wines to the market. Recently, the distribution network has become increasingly popular with wines from outside of Bordeaux. Last month, for example, Francis Ford Coppola’s Napa winery became the latest to announce it would be using La Place.
Ahead of the upcoming September releases, Liv-ex has compiled a list of some non-Bordeaux wines to look out for this year.
1. Opus One 2015
Last year, the 2014 vintage received acclaim from several critics. It was also released at a relatively low price compared to other vintages already available in the market.
This year, James Suckling has already admitted that he likes the 2015 release “slightly better than the excellent 2014”, scoring it 98 points. Antonio Galloni (Vinous) was also full of praise and awarded the wine 96+ points. In his tasting note he described it as a wine that “captures the essence of the vintage while retaining a good bit of aromatic freshness”.
Back in 2016, Liv-ex interviewed David Pearson, CEO of Opus One. We asked him what inspired the decision to distribute via La Place de Bordeaux and what are the advantages of it. To read the interview, click here.
2. Almaviva 2016
Almaviva 2015 grabbed headlines last year when it was announced as James Suckling’s 2017 wine of the year. Although not 100-points, this year’s release is still “a very fine and elegant Almaviva” according to the critic. He awarded the wine 97 points.
Last year, Almaviva was the top Chilean wine in the Liv-ex global classification, where it ranked among the ‘second growths’ of the world. In February, Liv-ex caught up with the estates Commercial Director, Francisco Zilleruelo, to find out a bit more about the estates future plans. To read the interview, click here.
3. Solaia 2015
This year, Solaia 2015 could replace Almaviva 2015 as James Suckling’s wine of the year. The Super Tuscan also received a perfect 100-points from the critic. In his tasting note, he commented that the wine was “truly phenomenal” and added, “is it the greatest Solaia ever?”
4. Masseto 2015
This year’s Masseto release will also be one to watch. In a recent tasting note, Antonio Galloni described the wine as “simply extraordinary” and awarded it 99 points. He went on to say, “I can’t remember ever tasting a young Masseto with this much pure harmony. Other vintages have been super-impressive upon release. The 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2013 all come to mind. But the 2015 has a level of pure sensuality and allure none of those vintages had when young, with the possible exception of the 2004”.
5. Beaucastel, Hommage J Perrin 2016
Richard Hemming MW (JancisRobinson.com) has already commented that the 2016 vintage in the Rhone is “another fantastic year for the region, following on from the excellent 2015s”.
Beaucastel, Hommage J Perrin 2016 has captured the attention of critics. Joe Czerwinski (The Wine Advocate) awarded it a barrel range of 98-100 points. In his tasting note he commented that “expectations were high, and they were fully met by this wine, which packs in incredible intensity, rich tannins and finish that doesn’t quit”. Matt Walls (Decanter) was also impressed, scoring the wine 99 points. He added that it was “potentially worthy of a perfect score”.
As always, Liv-ex will be publishing price analysis of the releases as they happen. To stay informed, sign up to our weekly newsletter below, or follow us on Twitter, here.
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