That said, if you are willing to pay $300-$400 in these vintages for a “QPR,” I would nudge you to buy VCC in any of the excellent vintages, like, 2010, as it is pretty much the best Bordeaux outside of First Growths and Petrus/Ausone/Cheval Blanc, IMHO.
In 2014, so many wines slayed it, but I would highly recommend Pichon Lalande, Grand Puy Lacoste, Sociando, and then perhaps Conseillante and Figeac.
Just my opinion, but 2014 VCC is a good wine. However, 2016 VCC is in competition for one of the best wines ever produced at the estate. If you’re willing to spend $200, which is a lot of money, the extra $70 buys you an extrodinary wine.
I haven’t had either, but LMHB and Montrose have such a track record that I had no qualms at all about buying them in 2014. If I were younger, I’d be stocking up on those two for sure.
LMHB has “evolved” quite a lot in style lately. With 14% or more abv being a common occurrence, the profile has shifted. So extrapolating from the evolution of the e.g. 1989 to the projected evolution of the e.g. 2009 may be comparing chalk and cheese. Personally, I am backfilling with off-vintages from the Woltner era (they didn’t make bad wines) which can still be had for less than current releases and which are, if well stored, in no danger of falling of the cliff. Trying to steel myself to buy some 1998 too, which I think the best since 1989, but the opportunity cost is considerable as far as my wine budget is concerned.
This is how I think for my own purchasing as well. There are still a few relatively sleeper vintages of LMHB out there — for me pre 1989– that I’m always on the lookout for.
Any experience anyone here has had ordering from Bordeaux index in the UK? They seem to have most of the stuff that I am looking for and prices work out quite well including shipping.
I am kinda dabbling with the idea of 2008 LMHB, 2014 LMHB & Pichon Lalande, 2016 VCC & PL and go with Hawards’s reco of 96 LLC. Order futures here in the US and import back-vintages.
BI are pretty good, shouldn’t have any issues there.
With respect to the VCC 2016 - I somewhat disagree, depending on your age. The 2014 is a better deal if you intend to drink it in the next 15-30 years. 2016 will inevitably have a window of 25-40 to experience true maturity. I would definitely take the 2014 if you are 35 or over, and spend the extra 70 per bottle on a slightly lesser, more early drinking wine such as off vintage Leoville Barton or maybe a Batailley. If you’re 25 however…go for it!
And don’t forget the cab franc happy 2011 VCC, most excellent! I grabbed some 2010 recently on clearance for $200. And 2012 Trotanoy for $165. I ran out of that store with a dumbass grin on my face, legs moving like I stole it!
I’m not getting 2015 or 2016 given that I am 52, but were I around 45 or younger, without a doubt.
Robert, let’s use your income as a well established national player and small town country lawyer to buy cases of these wines for me, a young pup without those things but who will benefit from the wines at maturity. Sound like a deal?
