La Place de Bordeaux, the historic system used to distribute the wines of Bordeaux globally, is no longer associated with the French region only. Every September, La Place releases some of the most sought-after wines from the Rhone, Italy and the Rest of the World. Here are five releases fine wine drinkers and collectors could look forward to next month.
Masseto 2016
The 2016 vintage of the Super Tuscan is “continuing the string of successes that is bringing Italy to the forefront of the wine world”, according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. Boasting a perfect 100-point score from her, a barrel range of 99-100 from James Suckling and 94-97 from Antonio Galloni (Vinous), the wine is set to be released in the first week of September. The 2015 vintage, an “identical twin” for Larner, was very active in the months following its release, with its value rising 9% from its opening price of £5,550 per 12×75.
Solaia 2016
Another upcoming release from the region is Solaia 2016, which received 100 points from James Suckling. In a futures tasting report published back in 2017, Suckling commented on the excellent quality of the vintage across the Super Tuscans. Regarding Solaia, the critic wrote in his tasting note: “Speechless here. I thought the 2015 was already perfect but this is perfect, too. But in a different way.” Production is down 20% on last year’s release which may impact its opening price.
A more detailed view of the market for Super Tuscans is coming up in September. Stay tuned.
Opus One 2016
Opus One – one of the most celebrated Californian wineries that produces one premium Bordeaux blend a year – is also set to release its 2016 vintage this September. The Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW tasted the 2016 last year after its recent bottling and awarded it 97+ points. In her tasting note, she called it “a very decadent expression of Opus One with a provocatively effortless harmoniousness that is truly difficult to resist”. Suckling gave the wine the almost perfect 99 points and also praised its “drive and brightness”.
Over the past five years, the Opus One index has risen 32%, slightly underperforming the broader California 50 index (+50%).
Seña 2017 
Seña 2017 is one of the wines that featured in Suckling’s report Chile’s tale of two cities and ranked among the critic’s favourities (99 points). Despite 2017 being a hot year resulting in an “arid environment”, the wine has retained its freshness and energy, “harmony and balance”, says Suckling.
Seña is often regarded as Chile’s first Icon wine. So far this year, the 2012 and 2013 have proven popular on the market; they are also among the more affordable recent vintages. The success of the new release may therefore partially lie in it commanding the right price.
Beaucastel Hommage J Perrin 2017
Beaucastel Hommage J Perrin is one of the components of our Rhone 100 index, which has made steady gains over the past year. The 2016 vintage was the most active Beaucastel Hommage J Perrin by both value and volume in 2018. It last traded at a small premium of 3% on its release price (£3,500 per 12×75).
In a report released last week, Jeb Dunnuck observed that “2017 has turned out to be a brilliant vintage that while not in the same league as 2010 or 2016, surpasses 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015”. Dunnuck awarded the 2017 Beaucastel Hommage J Perrin a 100 points and said that “with full-bodied richness, a stacked, opulent mid-palate, building tannins, and a sensational finish, it’s another perfect wine from this team and is unquestionably in the same realm as the 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2016”. Read Dunnuck’s latest Rhone report here.
Other wines expected to be released this September include Almaviva, Clos Apalta and Nicolas Catena Zapata. Stay tuned for the latest price analysis from Liv-ex.
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