I did not attend the primeurs in Bordeaux this spring, as I typically avoid them due to the significant time investment and the challenge in evaluating wines still in the barrel. Instead, I prefer to wait until the wines have been bottled for approximately a year before tasting them at events like the Union des Grands Crus tasting in London.
This year, however, a mini EP tasting was organized in London by Wine Lister. A selection of properties presented their 2025 wines, allowing me to sample and assess the vintage briefly. My notes come from tasting these very young barrel samples.
In the context of cellar space and carrying costs, I would consider purchasing a few six-packs from this Bordeaux vintage due to its promising character.
Here are notes on some notable wines:
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Château Pichon Baron Pauillac 2025: Composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, this wine exhibits a floral and aromatic profile, showcasing sweet blackcurrant fruit balanced with good structure. Score: 96/100.
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Château Phélan Ségur Saint-Estéphe 2025: This blend consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. It’s intense and vibrant, marked by freshness and precision with an abundance of tannin. Score: 95/100.
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Château Duhart-Milon Pauillac 2025: Made of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, it shows sophisticated spicy oak with energy and tannic crunch, displaying stylish freshness and sweet black fruits. Score: 95/100.
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Château Grand-Puy Ducasse Pauillac 2025: With 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, it presents a dense, concentrated character with notable spiciness and lovely blackcurrant fruit. Score: 95/100.
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Château Meyney Saint-Estéphe 2024: Featuring 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has bright blackcurrant fruit and a vibrant character. Score: 95/100.
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Château Lascombes Margaux 2025: A notable blend containing 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is structured, with grippy tannins and lovely flesh. Score: 95/100.
These selections represent just a few highlights from my tasting of the 2025 vintage in Bordeaux, showcasing a range of profiles and promising qualities.
I look forward to seeing how these wines develop in the bottle over time.