MedocMad wrote:
Dunc,
Only three entries on CT which aren`t great ??
majestic buy 2 for £9.99 any thoughts ??
Have you seen this link ?
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Ch ... n/X0127402I 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.