February Wine Vaults – Private Cellar

We’re planning to go seriously upmarket with our briefer offers this year, with each merchant tasked to rootle out exceptional wines that you cannot find elsewhere. This first offer is a cracker. The 2005 Bordeaux vintage was a remarkable one — so sought-after that much has vanished from the market. But Private Cellar has kept two special parcels for our readers. These wines aren’t available anywhere else, even on Private Cellar’s list. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

The first is (1) 2005 Ch. Tour Baladoz, a St Emilion Grand Cru and neighbour to the fabled châteaux of Troplong-Mondot and Le Tertre Roteboeuf. It’s disarmingly approachable and utterly sublime with masses of soft Merlot fruit, a sturdy backbone and hints of classic cigar box. A steal at £26.60 a bottle (down from £29).

The 2005 Ch. Capbern Gasqueton (2) is equally stylish, albeit more deep-down-and-dirty and robust as befits St Estèphe. The viticultural and winemaking teams of sister property Ch.