CH’NG Poh Tiong
Lovers of Bordeaux are in for a treat.
FairPrice Finest Just Wine Club Private Wine Fair Sale • Saturday 26 March 2022 • Thomson Plaza • is rounding up some reds that are drinking deliciously now.
Foremost is the second wine of Second Growth Chateau Brane Cantenac. Baron de Brane 2014 (normal price S$73; Private Wine Fair Price S$53*) which is showing ripe blue/black fruit, smooth tannins, and a roundness of freshness. Decant 15 to 30 minutes.
Also of the same vintage but considerably richer is Super Second Growth Chateau Cos d’Estournel 2014 (normal price S$343; Private Wine Fair Price S$280*). There is added intensity and persistence of fruit and tannins, and a much longer finish. Decant 30 to 60 minutes.
Created thirty years ago with the 1992 vintage Haut-Médoc Giscours 2016 (normal price S$68; Private Wine Fair Price S$46*) is the third wine of Chateau Giscours. Even though the six-year old is of the sensational 2016 vintage, it is approachable now. Decant 30 minutes for the ripe fruit to blossom in the glass.
Back-to-back great vintages are not uncommon in Bordeaux.
Our next recommendation is evidence of that. While some chateaux are of the opinion they made a better wine in 2016, yet others will insist their 2015 is even better. What is not in doubt is that both are great vintages.
The second wine of Chateau Clerc Milon – whose proprietor is the Rothschild Family, owners also of Chateau Mouton Rothschild – Pastourelle de Clerc Milon 2015 (normal price S$115; Private Wine Fair Price S$89.9*) is packed with blue/black fruit including currants and spice. The composition is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Decant 60 minutes.
Super Second Growth Pichon Lalande
Reserve de la Comtesse 2017 (normal price S$125; Private Wine Fair Price S$95*), the second wine of Super Second Growth Pichon Lalande, charms with red and blue fruit, silky tannins and a textural roundness. It is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Decant 30 minutes.
CH’NG Poh Tiong and Nicolas Glumineau, Pichon Lalande Managing Director and Chief Winemaker
Finally, a Spanish Rioja exclusive to FairPrice Finest. Finca-Montalvillo Rioja Crianza 2018 (normal price S$45; Private Wine Fair Price S$32*) is comprised of three varieties, namely Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Garnacha (aka Grenached in France). The red is brimming with floral, red/blue fruit held by ripe, rich tannins. Decant 15 to minutes.
*Just Wine Club members – you can join online immediately at https:www.fairprice.com.sg/loyalty/programmes/jwc – will enjoy their customary additional 8% discount on the Private Wine Fair Price.
