Last week we played host (in Bordeaux!) to a group of UK wine writers, for the launch of our 2005 Bordeaux-style blend. In the past this wine has always been named for its constituent grape varieties (cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot). However, from the 2005 vintage onwards, this wine will now be called Lynchpin, in recognition of the critically important role played in the blend by Cabernet Franc.

 We have taken the Bordeaux theme a step further, by offering this wine on an en primeur basis in the UK. This is effectively a pre-release offer, as orders placed by the end of October will be delivered by Christmas 2006. The offer closes on 15 December 2006 (the balance of the orders will be delivered by the end of February 2007). The price is £105 per case in bond UK (12x750ml, excl VAT and excise duty), with the highly regarded London-based merchants, Magnum Fine Wines (contact: 020 7839 5732 or wine@magnum.co.uk), exclusively handling the en primeur offer.

 The wine itself is gorgeous, with all the taut elegance to be expected from Cabernet Franc, the tart richness of Merlot, and the take-no-prisoners power of Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel maturation took place in French Oak, of which about 75% was new, giving the wine a very classic (well-balanced) tannin structure. The aftertaste lingers for a good while, ending in a lip-smacking, appetite-inducing freshness.

 The blend is 71% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.

 The 2003 Cloof Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was a huge hit with the wine writers last week. Based upon our assessment of both vintages at an early stage, we think the 2005 Lynchpin is going to turn out to be a far superior wine.