The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, which counts most of the major names (excluding the First Growths) from both sides of the Gironde as its members, was in London last week to show the 2006 vintage. Visiting much of Europe as well Asia and the USA, the tasting roadshow represents the first chance many in the trade have had to taste the vintage.
With the 2007 vintage generally disappointing and early reports on 2008 suggesting an average year at best, could it be time for 2006 to finally blossom?
It seems the general consensus at the tasting was "not quite yet". Although a lot of the wines are clearly classy and well-made, it is not a particularly flamboyant vintage and the current economic outlook has meant demand is yet to heat up.
That does mean, however, that there are some good deals to be had, with the majority of wines available at close to their release price.
Particular favourites at the tasting (by general consensus) included: Conseillante, Leoville Poyferre, Leoville Barton, Pichon Baron, Pontet Canet and Lafon Rochet.
Log in to Liv-ex to check the current prices for all of these wines.
