Bordeaux Primeurs 2006: the Beginnings of the campaign

From 1st to 6th April, a hundred journalists and more than 5000 importers from all over the world were busy as bees among the different Bordeaux names in order to taste the 2006 vintage. The Margaux and Mouton Rothschild châteaux were the stars, as they welcomed more than 1000 tasters per day! Bordeaux is now awaiting the verdict of Robert Parker, whose judgement has kept gaining in importance over the last 20 years, to the point that it can “make or break” the reputation of a domain for years, so they say. Most Asian and American importers base their purchases on his marks and comments… Bordeaux thus awaits its marks for the session, much like a student… The 2006 vintage, which arrives after a “magnificent 2005”, already seems to be in a bad way, like 2001 was, undeservedly so, after 2000… We also expect a decrease of a minimum of 10%, but the mood is good, as export sales of Bordeaux are still increasing. Furthermore, “2006 is an interesting vintage because we will be able to see the wine makers’ style”, announces Olivier Decelle, who, after Mas Amiel in Languedoc, acquired Château Jean Faure, which produces Saint-Emilion. We call this a “winemaker’s vintage”, unlike 2005, which was called, if you can remember, the “Deckchair Vintage”! Graves producers did good work on their white wines “with extraordinary peach aromas”, according to tasters, for which Pomerol and Pessac-Léognan wines are the most successful this year. The Primeurs campaign is an opportunity to make good investments. The objective is to buy bottles today while wagering that the price of a bottle will have significantly increased at the time of delivery (in exactly two years). This is the case for great vintages, such as 2000 and 2005, as well as for vintages that were snubbed when they came out and recognised later on, like 2004. You no longer need to wait for the Bordeaux wholesalers’ catalogue and can reserve your bottles today. You can also visit on-line wine sites.

2007, April 16 - © Le Figaro

Other information :
• Pomerol
• Pessac-Léognan
• Graves
• Saint-Émilion
• Bordeaux
• Château Mouton Rothschild
• Château Margaux