Dunc,

Only three entries on CT which aren`t great ??
majestic buy 2 for £9.99 any thoughts ??

Château Simard 1996 St-Emilion

Grape
Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Origin
Although a small and relatively little known estate, Simard enjoys a sought-after position in amongst some of the premier estates of St-Emilion, including the mighty Ausone. This wine is a fine example from one of Bordeaux's recent classic vintages.

Taste
Now fully mature, the wine displays a brick-like hue and mellow aromas of leather, pudding spice and leaf tea aromas. The palate offers rich, raisined fruit and fine-grained tannins.

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

Have you seen this link ? http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Ch ... n/X0127402

I remembered Laithwaite's offering this collection of six vintage Simards from the personal cellar of the proprietor, the late Coco Mazier about 2 to 3 years ago. You will see two reviews for the '96

I was tempted, and clearly it may appear that Laithwaite's have been unable to sell all of this acquisition. At £10 per bottle from Majestic, it is a much better proposition than the original offer.

I have never been that impressed with PC vintage '96 right bank Merlot, but it was a lot tastier than petite chateau merlot dominated Medocs. It was said that Coco Mazier kept larger stocks of vintages that he rated. Guessing - If there is sufficient Cabernet Franc in that wine, and it has been cellared properly, it could be much better than predicted. Not a keeper of course, but definitely worth a punt at a tenner.

I think I have drunk Simard when in France, yonks ago, I recognise the typical design of the St Em. label, the sort of wine you'd find in a small village deli. I don't remember it, since everything that wasn't top grand cru or cru classe' was very affordable way back then, so one didn't take mental notes and then get very wound-up if the wine didn't drink well. All before the Euro.

I can't reference the wine in my very old David Peppercorn bordeaux guide, but then, the proprietor was said to be a bit of a recluse, only selling wine about the region.

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Duncan

I see what you mean Rich, CT reviews are not great.

On wine searcher the retail price before tax is also very odd. American CT reviews for 1998 were much stronger, and many said that they had bought for only $12 dollars a bottle, quoting very good QPR. It must have been some sort of creditors clearance by the executors at that price ? Laithwaites were asking about £18 - £20 a bottle at one time or another. The '03 & '05 were more.

30% Cab Franc, so needs to be tasted to be sure. I wonder if Maj have a bottle open on the tasting table. I will enquire.

Cheers

PS, there is also some inconsistent reports about a lack of oak in this cuvee'. Whilst Haut Simard made for BBR was an 8 hectare split of the property and bought be Ausone after 2008 is 30% oaked, I've not been able to bottom this evidence for the 1996. Apparently Coco Mazier was offered grand cru status after 1998 (I think), so he would have had to oak the wine to achieve that status from the union of St Emilion producers. Apparently he turned down the status due to compliance issues. Something of a mystery this lot.

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Duncan

Dunc,

Thanks for such a detailed reply.
I am miles away from Chesterfield being my nearest store so might just pass on this one.

Not in short supply yet lol

Regards
Richard

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.