Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I recently took over buying of Spec’s Bordeaux wines. I spent the last two weeks in Bordeaux tasting through the 2023 vintage. I must say that these wines are SPEC-tacular and at a very reasonable price! You should jump on this vintage as it is a ‘Classic’ vintage without the crazy prices! Here are the latest Futures offerings. If you’d like to receive up to date emails to purchase these wines, please email me at jamesbarlow@specsonline.com and I’ll add you to the Spec’s Bordeaux Special Email List!
BORDEAUX 2023 FUTURES OFFERS OF THE DAY
CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
CLASSIFIED 1ST GROWTH IN PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE:$424.97
JAMES SUCKLING 98/99 –– “This is the most structured Mouton since the great 2016, with tannins that start slowly and then take off. It’s muscular and toned. It’s full-bodied but doesn’t come across too heavy. It builds up in intensity and goes on and on and on. It just keeps expanding. I took a double take here. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot.”
NEAL MARTIN 96/98 –– “The 2023 Mouton Rothschild was picked from September 7 to 30 and contains 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, the second highest ever (after the 2010). Matured entirely in new oak as usual, this has an intense, floral bouquet with violet petals infusing the black fruit and touches of licorice loitering just off stage—very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with extremely refined tannins. Focused and harmonious, it’s velvety smooth with a long and tender finish that has more crispness than the 2022. In fact, I might ultimately end up preferring this over the 2022…it will be interesting finding out in the future!”
ANTONIO GALLONI 96/99 –– “The 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pencil shavings and dried herbs gain intensity in the glass. I especially admire its vertical build and overall energy. This is an exciting young Mouton endowed with palpable dynamic energy. It’s a superb effort from the team led by Technical Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy.”
BARLOW SCORE 96/97 — Dark ruby core with rich, ripe red and black fruit. Intensely situated notes of black cherry and currant are sinewed together with fine, brawny tannins. The mid palate pops with violets, framboise, and whiffs of exotic spice. The finish is long and beautifully balanced with hints of vanilla bean, cedar, and crushed rocks.
CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD ‘LE PETIT MOUTON’
2ND WINE OF MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
PAUILLAC, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $172.97
| 95-96/100 | Jamessuckling.com This is a tighter and more compact Petit Mouton with a full-bodied, compact palate that is framed nicely by the tannins. Savory and juicy. Structured. Contained. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Better than 2022? – James Suckling | |
| 93-95/100 | Vinous The 2023 Le Petit-Mouton is fabulous. It could easy be a Grand Vin at another address. Rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass, the 2023 impresses with its notable palate presence. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, cinnamon, rose petal and new leather are some of the many notes that build. The 2023 is seriously impressive. Wow! – Antonio Galloni |
BARLOW SCORE 94/95 – Dark ruby core with ripe, crunchy fruit and florals on the nose. Palate offers raspberry cream on a rich, silky palate. Notes of violets, crème fraiche play on the outer mid mouthfeel. The finish is enveloping with hints of exotic spice and dark mocha. Long, pure, and beautifully balanced. Well Done!
CHATEAU CLERC MILON
CLASSIFIED 5TH GROWTH IN PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANC
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $71.97
JAMES SUCKLING 95/96 –– “This has a great finish, with blackcurrant, chocolate, hazelnut and salt undertones that run the length of the wine. Full-bodied and dense, and then it lifts off at the end. Chalky undertone, coming from the limestone terroir here. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 6.5% cabernet franc, 1.5% carmenere and 1% petit verdot.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92/94 –– “Revealing aromas of red berries, cherries and blackcurrants mingled with hints of pencil shavings and new oak, the 2023 Clerc Milon is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, sweet velvety tannins and a seamless, succulent profile. It’s a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc and the balance Carmenère and Petit Verdot.”
BARLOW SCORE 93-94 — Dark ruby core with an abundance of red florals on the nose. The palate shows red and black fruit composing of dark cherry and black currant with fine, precise tannins. The finish is long and balanced with notes of vanilla, exotic spice and dark chocolate.
CHATEAU D’ARMAILHAC
CLASSIFIED 5TH GROWTH OF PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $44.97
JAMES SUCKLING 93/94 –– “There’s a powdery and open texture to this red. Full-bodied and layered with a pretty and weightless texture. Blackcurrants and blueberries and an orange-peel undertone. Velvety texture at the end. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92/93 –– “The 2023 d’Armailhac is an attractive effort, bursting with aromas of cherries, raspberries, licorice and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with a pretty core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and lively acids, it’s a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot—which is a rather high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon for this address.”
BARLOW SCORE 92/93 – Dark ruby core of blackberry and currant with hints of mushroom earth, pencil shavings, and graphite. The wine is dark & brooding with plenty of red florals on the finish.
CH TALBOT
CLASSIFIED 4TH GROWTH IN SAINT JULIEN
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $48.97
JAMES SUCKLING 94/95 –– “A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.”
ANTONIO GALLONI 93/95 –– “The 2023 Talbot is another strong wine for this re-emerging estate. Powerful, deep and impressively resonant, the 2023 is striking. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, lavender and dried herbs build over time. There’s terrific depth and intensity here, with fine balance to match. This is a superb showing from Talbot and the team led by Estate Director Jean-Michel Laporte.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92/94 –– “Offering up aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, plums, espresso roast and crushed mint, the 2023 Talbot is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich but lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Harvested over the course of fully four weeks, it’s a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot that attained 13% alcohol.”
BARLOW SCORE 92-93 – A medium ruby core with fine, dry tannins. Ripe plum and red currant notes in a firm and structured core. Tinges of cranberry, red florals, and herbs show on a long finish.
CH SENEJAC
HAUT MEDOC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $15.97
NEAL MARTIN 90/92 –– “[…] This may end up at the top of my banded score.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 89/91 –– “A blend based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Sénéjac exhibits notes of dark berries, red cherries and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and fleshy palate that’s bright, supple and charming. It’s a strong effort.”
BARLOW SCORE 89-90 – Medium ruby core with medium intensity. Red currant with a touch of smokey salinity on the palate. Zesty black pepper, tobacco, and tea leaves show on the finish.
CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD
CLASSIFIED 1ST GROWTH IN PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE: $512.97
JANE ANSON INSIDE BORDEAUX: 98-100
This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined with around 15% press wine. Not the concentration of 2022, but in many ways showcasing the essence of Lafite more squarely, and this will delight anyone lucky enough to own it in future years. 45hl/h yield, highest since 2015, harvest September 7 to 29. 100% new oak. New cellar underway, due for completion in 2027. I am giving it 10 years to begin entering its opening window, a little less than usual but it will make no difference to how long you can cellar it.
WILLIAM KELLEY WINE ADVOCATE: 97-99
The finest of the first growths this year appears to be the 2023 Lafite Rothschild, a terrific effort that unwinds in the glass with deep and incipiently complex aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, lilac and violets mingled with hints of cigar wrapper and mint. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s vibrant and refined, with a deep core of fruit, plenty of sweet structuring tannin and a compelling marriage between energy and plenitude. It’s a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot that reminds me of 2019’s tannins combined with 2016’s unimpeachable classicism.
JAMES SUCKLING: 97-98
15 Apr, 2024 – The purity of cabernet sauvignon is so evident here. It mesmerizes you with aromas of black and red currants, cedar, tobacco and bark. It’s full-bodied yet there’s very impressive weightlessness and agility, as well as subtlety and focus. Some iron and terra-cotta. Cedar and sandalwood undertones. Juicy and plummy at the end.
BARLOW SCORE: 97-99
Medium ruby core with lavendar and violets on the nose. Wild flowers galore on the palate with crunchy dark fruit and a creamy core of crème de cassis. Notes of black tea, leather, and cedar show on a long, seamless finish. The wine is stunningly accessible now with a weightless energy, but will age well for many years.
CARRUADES DE LAFITE
SECOND WINE OF CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD
PAUILLIAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE: $189.97
JAMES SUCKLING: 95-96
15 Apr, 2024 – A savory and juicy Carruades with softness and notes of ripe berry, cedar and dried tobacco. Like Lafite from the 1980s but more precise. Round and pretty. It really grows on the finish with such sweetness of fruit and length. Pointed, fine tannins at the end. Very long.
JANE ANSON INSIDE BORDEAUX: 94
Medium intensity ruby, fairly austere right now, structured, with the same mint leaf and ink quality as Lafite. The sweet brambled black fruits only come in through the mid palate, this is well paced, unrolls slowly, a serious and concentrated Carruades that has its eye on the future. 12% pres wine, harvest September 7 to 29, unusually only using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.
BARLOW SCORE: 95-97
Silky Smooth palate. Rich and velvety flavors of dark currant, violets, with smidgeons of red crunchy fruit. Plush and elegant throughout showing tobacco, graham cracker, cedar, and lavendar on a long, pure finish.
CHATEAU DUHART-MILON
CLASSIFIED 4TH GROWTH IN MARGAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE: $72.97
JAMES SUCKLING: 94-95
22 Apr, 2024 – So much pure graphite and lead pencil here, together with blackcurrant and iodine aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with creamy and velvety tannins that are very polished. Cedar and some tobacco box. Deep and layered. Al-dente tannins. Precise.
NEAL MARTIN: 93-95
The 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yet tightly coiled graphite-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins that belie the backbone of this Pauillac. That graphite element is accentuated in the mouth and controls the classic finish that could only come from this appellation. This is excellent, but patience is required.
BARLOW SCORE: 95-96
Quite possibly the best Duhart I’ve ever tasted. Dark ruby core of creamy bright red and black fruit. Fine, elegant tannins with good balance showing violets and red florals. Neon pure fruit. Long, finessed finish!
CHATEAU L’EVANGILE 2023
POMEROL
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES PRICE:
BOTTLES: $195.97
JAMES SUCKLING 96/97
We personally found the wine gorgeous this year, probably the best they have produced so far. It also shows the commitment and dedication they put to that property, with a strong dedicated team. Intense and explosive in term of taste, the wine is balanced with pristine seamless tannins and length. A great great Pomerol that has the elegance, refinement and sexiness of what you can expect from grand Pomerols !
BARLOW SCORE 95-96: A spectacular L’Evangile! Ripe blackberry and cherry sits on a melodic palate. A big wine with notes of tea leaf, tobacco, and fleshy dark fruit with fine, pure tannins and tinges of dusted oak on the long finish. This wine will age exceedingly well, but is ready to drink upon release!
CHATEAU PONTET CANET
PAULLIAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
Bottle: $87.97
JANE ANSON 98/100 ––
THE WINE ADVOCATE 96/98 –– “With the 2023 vintage, this estate has crafted a wine of unprecedented aromatic intensity and precision that marks a significant evolution. Revealing an elegant, fresh bouquet of mulberries and cassis mingled with notions of violets, gentian and menthol, the 2023 Pontet-Canet is medium to full-bodied, seamless and multidimensional, with a pure and precise core of fruit that’s framed by ultra-refined tannins and a powerful but controlled profile, concluding with long, mineral, licorice-inflected finish. It’s the result of more daring harvest decisions than in previous years: By picking the Merlot earlier to highlight fresh, fruity notes rather than baked, sun-kissed flavors and simultaneously delaying the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest until after September 28 to refine tannins, the 2023 Pontet-Canet marks a significant evolution at this renowned estate. At this early stage, its élevage appears to be more discreet, too. This wine, which I’d be delighted to own, is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, matured in 50% new oak barrels, 35% amphorae and 15% once-used barrels.”
JAMES SUCKLING 97/98 –– “A very structured Pontet-Canet that expands in the mouth with a gorgeous combination of beautifully ripe fruit and intense tannins. Very structured for the vintage. Full-bodied with excellent presence and length. So much raw pencil shavings to the blackcurrants. Graphite and tar. Fresh and vivid. They picked cabernet at the right time at the end of September. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.”
WINE INDEPENDANT 97/99
BARLOW SCORE 96-97 – Rich, ripe and dense palate. Crunchy neon dark fruit of blackberry and currant with loads of violets, leather, and crushed rocks. Plush core with fine, balanced tannins. Drinking well now!
CHATEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES 2023
ST. JULIEN
BORDEAUX, France
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE :
Bottle : $176.97
JAMES SUCKLING 97/98 –– “Exceptional quality of cabernet comes through here, with a lot of graphite, lead pencil, crushed stone, walnut and currant fruit. It grows and expands on the palate, remaining in focus at the same time. Refined and seamless with beautiful tannins that show power and intensity. It rolls across the palate with verve. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 4% merlot.”
JANE ANSON 98 ––
NEAL MARTIN 95/97 –– “The 2023 Léoville Las-Cases was picked from September 9 to October 2 at 43hL/ha and matured in 80% new oak barrels. This has a very precise bouquet, and, like the Clos du Marquis, it is imbued with an attractive estuarine element—aromatics that transport the imbiber to the banks of the Gironde. The oak is neatly integrated; 80% is much more optimal than 100% would have been. The palate is lightly spiced on the entry, moderately deep and quite lively on the mid-palate. This is a more linear Las-Cases than recent vintages, conveying a sense of “seriousness” toward the almost saturnine finish. Impressive in terms of persistence, this is a worthy follow-up to the magnificent 2022, but it will demand patience.”
BARLOW SCORE 95/96 – Opaque color with plenty of extraction. Dark fruits on the palate of blackberry and black raspberry with hints of pencil shavings and dark chocolate. Polished, plush fine tannins with a long finish.
CLOS DU MARQUIS
SAINT JULIEN
BORDEAUX, France
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE: $51.97
JAMES SUCKLING 95/96 –– “This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023?”
JANE ANSON 94 ––
BARLOW SCORE 94/95 – Dark ruby core with dark fruit on the nose. Well structured fine tannins show with black cherry and blackberry. Rich and lively with plenty of freshness. The finish is long and offers hints of truffles, graphite, and red florals.
*Pricing listed reflects a 5% discount for payment with cash, debit card or check. Spec’s does not guarantee final case sizes or delivery times. Orders not finalized with payment within 30 days of invoicing date will be subject to voiding*
*All prices indicated in this offer include a 5% discount for “cash”. All orders accepted are subject to availability and confirmation. Prices are subject to change prior to payment and may subsequently be subject to an additional surcharge if state or federal tax rates are changed. All wines are offered on a first-come, first-served basis but some wines are available only in extremely limited quantities and Spec’s reserves the right to limit quantities. If for any reason, a wine does not come in from our suppliers or is shipped short, Spec’s may refund the original purchase price of the wine only with no further obligation. Any orders that have not been picked up after 90 days of notification and remain on site will be considered forfeit and resold without reimbursement.*
Thank you!
James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS
Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer
The Wine Epicure by James Barlow 