10 years on: Anson’s Left Bank 2011 rating
St-Estèphe
STANDOUT Château Cos d’Estournel 2CC 95
£83.33 (ib)-£145 Bordeaux Index, Crump Richmond Shaw, De Burgh, Farr Vintners, Millésima, Montrachet, Veblen, Wilkinson Vintners Rich, dark and spicy in its aromatics and fruit. Less evident austerity than the Montrose, though that’s not to say this is a generous vintage – more that it benefits from a sense of powerful exoticism. Hail meant Cos had to pick the Cabernet a little early, but it was handled well, and this still has plenty to give with a little more ageing in bottle. Drink 2021-2040 Alcohol 13%
1 STANDOUT Château Calon Ségur 3CC 94
£62.50 (ib)-£97.75 Berry Bros Exchange, Cellar Select UK, Christopher Keiller, Crump Richmond Shaw, Farr Vintners, Laithwaite’s, Lay & Wheeler, Lea & Sandeman, Montrachet, Wine Republic Starting to open now. It was an early vintage in St-Estèphe – many estates had to pick early to avoid rot. Not trying too hard has clearly worked, though, and this wine is full of interest, sappy fruit and charm, combining the most gorgeous smoky feel with cool blue fruit. Give it time in a decanter if drinking it soon. 100% new oak. Drink 2021-2040 Alc 13%
Château Montrose 2CC 94
£60.42 (ib)-£110 Berry Bros Exchange, Bordeaux Index, Christopher Piper, Corney & Barrow, Crump Richmond Shaw, Cru, Davy’s, Millésima, Montrachet, Richard Kihl, Starling Wines, The Great Wine Co, Veblen Here the tannins are extremely angular and unyielding. A classic Montrose in this vintage, this is a little firm and nanny-ish at this point, although as it opens in the glass, there’s a generosity to the fruit that comes to the fore, with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes. Well handled but lacks 2021-2038 13%
