Many will be aware we have an exclusive arrangement with Château Coutet in Saint Emilion (not to be confused with the sweet wine from Barsac). Over the years their wines have been both consistently good and excellent value. Xavier and Alain David-Beaulieu, the brothers who run the property, have a huge passion for their estate which has been in the family for over three hundred years.

 

Peter McCalmont and I were there last week to catch up ahead of the 2008 harvest. In 2007 they, like everyone, had a difficult time, but they still managed to make a delicious wine. 2008 will also be difficult for them, but we have great faith in Alain’s wine-making skills, although we must wait. We did get the opportunity to taste the 2006 which they have just bottled. It was delicious. It had a deep richness and structure and the trademark edge of truffles that their terroir gives all their wines. The wine has improved from our initial barrel tastings and will age well.

 

We also tasted their second wine, Ch. Belle-Cimes, from 2003. Something they have had quietly hidden around the back for their barrel cellar. It was superb. It had all the warm rich traits of 2003 (without that burnt edge that some wines are beginning to demonstrate) and had excellent structure and length, but wasn’t too heavy reflecting the young vines from which it is made. Fantastically good value.

 

And then we grubbed around the big bottles. We have a good allocation of the 2005 Magnums (a wonderful vintage and great to have in magnums) and then there are bits and pieces of the other big bottles shown below.

 

In the spirit of the times, we are doing a small offer on the 2005 Magnums and the 2003 second wine. It all helps, we hope.

 

Ch. Belle-Cimes, Saint Emilion 2003                                        £12.50/bottle                    £150.00/case (or £110.25/case In Bond)

 

Ch. Coutet, Grand Cru Saint Emilion 2005 Magnums        £44.00/magnum               £264.00/case (or £207.00/case In Bond)

 

Big Formats - Ch. Coutet, Grand Cru Saint Emilion

 

1979 Magnums                                                                               £85.00/Magnum               £510.00/case (or £415.00/case In Bond

1993 Magnums                                                                               £75.00/Magnum               £450.00/case (or £365.00/case In Bond)

2002 Double Magnum                                                                    £75.00/DM                          £58.00/DM In Bond

2004 Double Magnum                                                                    £80.00/DM                          £62.25/DM In Bond

2005 Double Magnum                                                                    £85.00/DM                          £66.50/DM In Bond

2002 Jeroboam                                                                                 £130.00/Jero                      £101.00/Jero In Bond

2004 Jeroboam                                                                                 £135.00/Jero                      £105.25/Jero In Bond

2005 Jeroboam                                                                                 £140.00/Jero                      £109.50/Jero In Bond

 

All wines currently lying in France. Delivery expected end of October.

 

All the Ch. Coutet wines will be packaged in wooden cases. The big bottles are in limited supply and so will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Price included VAT and duty unless stated. All wines are available In Bond. Our usual delivery terms will apply. E&EO.

 

Yours, Ed