Bordeaux 2022

Tasted April 2024. 69% Sémillon, 31% Sauvignon Blanc. White peach on the nose with citrus and acacia flowers. Zesty on the palate with lively acidity and broad texture from the large proportion of Sémillon. Complex and tense finish.

Tasted April 2024. 57% Semillon, 43% Sauvignon Blanc. 13.8% ABV and barrel fermented with 12% new oak. Textural and complex, Somm heaven

Tasted April 2024. 81% Sauvignon Blanc, 11% Semillon, 8% Muscadelle. 13.2% ABV and 50% new barrels. Pithy with lemon, grapefruit and crisp apple.

Tasted April 2024. 56.3% Sauvignon Blanc, 43.7% Semillon.

Tasted April 2024. 65.3% Sauvignon Blanc, 34.7% Semillon. Lemon barley and delicate aromatic peach aromas. Zesty acidity with herbal notes on the finish.

2023 is the second vintage of G de Guiraud with ex-Chateau d'Yquem Sandrine Garbay in charge, and this year's conditions have created an expressive, rounded wine with punchy aromatics. Pink grapefruit, sweet orange and white flowers dominate the nose, and there's a long, mouthwatering finish with a seam of zesty acidity. It's 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, from dedicated plots in the Guiraud estate. Partial malolactic fermentation gives some extra body and texture, as does some careful use of old oak barrels.

Tasted April 2024. Fresh exotic pineapple and ginger on the nose. Energetic on the palate, with lemon barley, dried pineapple and mango. Delicious, mouth-cleansing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. Fresh exotic pineapple and ginger on the nose. Energetic on the palate, with lemon barley, dried pineapple and mango. Delicious, mouth-cleansing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 12.9% ABV. Vibrant fresh lemon, apple and grapefruit on the nose, with lip-smacking, tangy acidity. Pithy and textural on the palate, with surprising weight as it develops, before a long, saline finish.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 12.9% ABV. Vibrant fresh lemon, apple and grapefruit on the nose, with lip-smacking, tangy acidity. Pithy and textural on the palate, with surprising weight as it develops, before a long, saline finish.

Tasted April 2024. 58.2% Sauvignon Blanc, 41.9% Semillon. Pure with steely notes on the nose, along with lemon and fresh apple. Zesty acidity, with some sappy texture on the palate, and some subtle weight from Semillon that will no doubt leave this ageing beautifully for many years to come.

Tasted April 2024. 58.2% Sauvignon Blanc, 41.9% Semillon. Pure with steely notes on the nose, along with lemon and fresh apple. Zesty acidity, with some sappy texture on the palate, and some subtle weight from Semillon that will no doubt leave this ageing beautifully for many years to come.

Tasted April 2024. Sémillon 65%, Sauvignon Blanc 35%. 13.8% ABV and 90% new barrels. Rich with botrytis character, with honey, spice, subtle mushroom, and marmalade. Then cascading freshness and precision on the palate with a bright finish.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Unctuous initially, with cascading refreshing acidity. Fresh orange, lemon, and pear.

Tasted April 2024. Unctuous initially, with cascading refreshing acidity. Fresh orange, lemon, and pear.

Tasted April 2024. 95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon. 13.6% ABV and 70% new barrels. The team at Larrivet Haut Brion are convinced this is the best vintage of white wine they have ever produced. Expressive and full of intense yellow fruit and a hint of cream on the nose. Intense and concentrated on the palate too with zesty citrus, and exotic fruit, with a refreshing mineral finish.

Tasted April 2024. 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon. 14% ABV. An excellent Domaine de Chevalier Blanc with a brilliant interplay of weight on the palate and saline complexity. Textural and zesty initially, it then becomes razor sharp with a steely, salty finish.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Semillon. 14% ABV and 50% new barrels. Lots of depth, marmalade flavours, fresh tangerine, apricot and delicate white flower notes. Seriously impressive and concentrated this vintage.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Semillon. 14% ABV and 50% new barrels. Lots of depth, marmalade flavours, fresh tangerine, apricot and delicate white flower notes. Seriously impressive and concentrated this vintage.

The 2023 Lune d’Argent from the Bernard family of Domaine de Chevalier is an aromatic and full-flavoured reflection of some of Bordeaux’s finest terroirs. Sourced from 35 year old vines that neighbour the vineyards of Châteaux d’Yquem and Guiraud, this is always a lot of wine for your money. Gravel soils in Sauternes and Bommes provide power and freshness, while alluvial soils in Barsac lend the wine a unique minerality. Textured, zingy, and utterly delicious, the 2023 Lune d’Argent is an absolute bargain.

Floral and explosive on the nose, thanks to a hefty dose of Cabernet Franc. Dried rose petals, fresh mint, sage, dried peel and wild strawberry on the nose. Crushed chalk element to the texture on the palate with a long, silky finish.

Tasted April 2024. 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 13.5% ABV. 60% whole bunches, 70% new barrels and 10% amphorae. A beautiful expression of Cabernet Franc on limestone, with a higher than usual proportion of the Cabernet grapes in this vintage. Delicate with finesse and sappy fruit on the nose and palate. Powdery tannins and resinous notes on the palate, with lifted iris, violet and peony throughout. Dark fruit and a hint of dark chocolate, with a finish that is rounded and mineral-driven at the same time.

Tasted April 2024. One of the best Haut Medoc wines we tasted this vintage, with fragrant perfume and tension. There's dark plum, cherry, amaro herbs on the nose and palate, with fine tannins and a dense feel on the palate suggesting it will age well. Fresh with mineral complexity on the finish. Basile Tesseron is taking this humble estate to new heights.

Tasted April 2024. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot. Pure and stony on the nose, with blackberry fruit and some aromatic plum. Grippy on the palate with fine tannin, and more blackberry.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Violets, ripe blackcurrant and blackberry with peppery spice. Silky tannins and elegant structure. The finish is long and spicy.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Violets, ripe blackcurrant and blackberry with peppery spice. Silky tannins and elegant structure. The finish is long and spicy.

Tasted April 2024. 89% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Spicy with black berry fruit and black cherry on the nose and palate. Silky, with savoury notes and medium-bodied.

Tasted April 2024. 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.2% ABV. Floral and fresh on the nose and palate with a mixture of red and black berry fruits. Refreshing style.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 14.1% ABV, 50% in new barrels. The first vintage vinified in the new cellar, with eight hectares now in production. Aromatic and pure on the nose, with some limestone influence. Similarly on the palate there are chalky notes and edges to the ripe tannins. The fruit is restrained and vibrant, with red and black berry fruit. Lots of pomegranate acidity leads to a long, juicy finish with saline mineral notes.

Tasted April 2024. Bright and pretty on the nose, with dark plum, cherry and bramble fruit on the palate. Layers of complexity already with spice, balsamic and subtle truffle. Savoury and appetising on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% ABV and 50% new oak. This vintage includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, including some of the press wine, which speaks to the quality of the fruit this year. Beautiful aromas jump from the glass, and there's density on the palate that belies its humble appellation. Toasty, concentrated, and rich with linear, fine, Cabernet tannins and a chalky bite that combines with the refreshing acidity to create a long, appetising finish.

Tasted April 2024. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Fragrant, with good concentration on the palate of dark berry fruit and some aromatic raspberry. Supple, densely packed tannins and a refreshing finish.

Tasted April 2024. Saint-Pierre is likely the smallest Grand Cru Classé, and has the same owners as Chateau Gloria. This vintage is fresh and precise with black fruit, graphite, gravelly notes and dried herbs. The tannins are fine and delineated, and it finishes with charming blackcurrant flavours and refreshing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. Pure and aromatic bramble fruit, with savoury spice. Appetising mineral notes and refreshing acidity. Medium-weight and gourmand in style.

Pierre Lurton and the team at Château Marjosse place aromatic purity and the expression of fruit at the heart of their winemaking. The team eschews the use of new oak, instead preferring used 400 litre barrels that allow the aromatic, floral, cherry-fruited nature of the wine to take centre stage. In 2023, the quality of the Cabernets was excellent and forms a higher part of the blend (40%) than in previous vintages. This is always friendly, delicious, and one of Bordeaux’s great values.

Tasted April 2024. The 2023 vintage marks a new era at Chateau La Garde, with a significant reduction in production of this, their first wine. It concentrates on Cabernet from the highest terrace, with deep gravel. Concentrated and pure with blackcurrant, plum, and a broad feel to the tannins on the palate that are ripe and grippy. Refreshing and gourmand on the palate with savoury notes towards the finish and subtle herbal notes.

Tasted April 2024. 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere. Dark, ripe fruit and a vertical feel on the palate, due to a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins also have a Cabernet shape, long and mouth-coating, and that structure is balanced by refreshing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Merlot this year, which is unusual but speaks to the quality of the fruit from the Les Cruzelles property, this being effect its second wine. 14.3% ABV and 40% new barrels. Very aromatic on the nose with bramble, violet and hints of truffle developing. Voluptuous, smooth and mouth-coating tannins and texture, with dry, woody, savoury spice on the palate. Generous and open now, with the density to age.

Tasted April 2024. Rich and structured, with incredible complexity. Wild rosemary, sage, truffle, clove and mocha. Dense plum and cherry fruit. Impressive depth on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV and 55% new oak. Noemie Durantou was particularly impressed by the Cabernet Franc this year, putting it down to the gloomy Summer, where maturity could be slowly achieved. The result is a gourmand, savoury style with layers of subtle truffle, crushed rock, woody herbs, and soft, aromatic black fruit. Delicious and generous but with tightly-packed, high quality tannins ready to age beautifully. Another knockout from Les Cruzelles.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Merlot. 14.6% ABV. 30% new barrels. Expressive and refreshing, with blackberry, aromatic plum, violet and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, smooth and generous at this early stage.

Tasted April 2024. The first vintage of new winemaker Axel Heinz, previously of Ornellaia. His arrival has marked a departure in style, with less new oak, less first wine produced, and even a new label. The result is pure and focused, with fresh blackberry, delicate floral aromas, fresh mint, and a silky feel on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 100% Merlot. 14% ABV and 65% new barrels. Rich and rounded, the fruit here is ripe without becoming exotic, and there is lots of depth and a brooding feel to the flavours, with licorice and dark chocolate. Beautiful aromatics and savoury layers on the palate, with lots of smooth tannins. There is brilliant interplay between ripe dark fruit and refreshing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Fresh on the nose with blackcurrant, plum and fresh mint. Similar on the palate with some delicate spice. Well balanced, with a savoury finish and ripe tannins.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Fresh black and red fruit, with appetising mineral notes, graphite, peppermint and refreshing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Fresh black and red fruit, with appetising mineral notes, graphite, peppermint and refreshing acidity.

Tasted April 2024. Classic Margaux with satin-like tannins, delicate spice and medium body. There's some refreshing crunchy red fruit in addition to denser blackberry fruit and mocha richnes, and it has a classy, elegant finish.

Tasted April 2024. Understated and stony on the nose, with black berry fruit, earth and graphite. Fine tannins, with a bright, fresh, red-fruited finish.

Tasted April 2024. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Pure aromatics, with red berry fruit and spicy.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV. Limestone influence is clear in the wine, with silky texture, tension and floral notes on the nose and juicy, aromatic fruit on the palate. Medium-bodied, expressive, fresh and sappy style.

Tasted April 2024. Ripe black and purple fruit on the nose with licorice. Powerful on the palate with velvet tannins and a lot of ripe black fruit. A minty lift at the end of the palate, with mineral notes on the long finish.

Tasted April 2024. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Aromatic on the nose with damson, blackcurrant, licorice root and woody herbs. On the palate there's juicy bramble fruit, crunchy red berries and fresh mint. Pure, with intensity and drive on the palate. It finishes long and savoury.

Tasted April 2024. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot. 13.5% ABV. Classic Pauillac characteristics of savoury cassis and graphite. There's a roundness on the palate, with refreshing acidity, spicy oak flavours and a savoury finish. Lovely balance, purity and breadth on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. 13.8% ABV. Grand Mayne flies under the radar, but has been making consistently impressive wines under third generation owners Jean-Antoine and Damien Nony. Their 2023 has a lovely mix of fresh bramble and Haribo berry gummy sweets on the nose, with licorice and dried rosemary creating savoury complexity. On the palate there's black cherry and raspberry jelly, with a mineral, saline note running through, combining with refreshing acidity on the long appetising finish.

Tasted April 2024. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 14.6% ABV and 60% new barrels. The proportion of Cabernet is significantly higher than in the previous vintage. A brilliant expression of Capbern, showcasing the statuesque structure of Cabernet in St-Estephe, and concentrated, pure cassis. Fresh and appetising.

Tasted April 2024. Ripe black fruit, tobacco and earthy notes. Broad on the palate with savoury notes and ripe tannins.

Tasted April 2024. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV. Fresh and brambly with sappy notes and wild herbs. Tannins are present but ripe and there's plenty of refreshing acidity. Savoury and restrained in style.

Tasted April 2024. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.4% ABV and 82% new barrels. Floral on the nose with violet and blue fruit aromas, with more bramble and spice on the palate. Tightly packed now, with lots of fine tannin and mouth-watering acidity. Refreshing, with an inate density that will unfurl in time.

Tasted April 2024. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.2% ABV and 50% new barrels. Expressive and perfumed on the nose, with fresh mint and hints of graphite. Blackcurrant, plum and cherry fruit with bright acidity and fine, tannins

Tasted April 2024. Made in an impressive and imposing new cellar in the heart of St-Emilion. Polished, elegant and chalky on the palate with medium-bodied dark fruit. Pure and effortless, singing of its limestone origins.

Tasted April 2024. 53% Cabernet 43% Merlot 4% Petit Verdot. 13.9% ABV. Brooding black fruits, licorice root, woody herbs. Linear feel on the palate, with exotic black fruit framed by linear ripe tannins. Fresh acidity and mineral salinity create a refreshing finish.

Tasted April 2024. Refined and elegant in style with lots of floral character and fresh red fruit. Detailed on the palate with herbal complexity, saline notes and a long fine, appetising finish.

Tasted April 2024. 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenere, 1% Petit Verdot. 13.8% ABV. Structured and opulent, impressive for a second wine. Good concentration, with ripe black fruit and licorice.

Tasted April 2024. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV. 50% new barrels. Fresh blackcurrant and blackcurrant pastille on the nose, with juicy, sappy bramble on the palate. Refreshing and lively with bright acidity and generous, ripe fruit. The tannins are smooth even at this early stage.

Dense dark fruit on the nose and palate, with complex mocha, floral and spicy notes. Dried herbs and a chalky note on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. Blackberry and woody herbs on the nose. Juicy on the palate with fresh blackberry and black cherry. Refreshing acidity, mineral and appetising on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. 13.3% ABV and 50% new barrels, with the Merlot matured in terracotta amphorae. Larrivet Haut-Brion remains one of our hot tips in Bordeaux, seriously puching above its weight. Dense, crushed, juicy black fruit, licorice, sweet spice. More raspberry and cranberry on the palate, with floral, aromatic notes balancing the concentation. Refreshing acidity and a long, silky finish with saline notes.

Tasted April 2024. Ripe, soft blackberry fruit, with some floral notes and minerals. Similar on the palate with silky, long, fine tannins and lovely purity of aromatic black fruit. A very impressive effort, and the first made in their state of the art new cellar.

Tasted April 2024. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Aromatic on the nose with bramble, soft black plum and blackcurrant on the palate. Expressive, perfumed and pure, with smooth tannins. Approachable now but has plenty of concentration to age.

Tasted April 2024. 55% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV and 45% new barrels. Powerful and opulent, with lots of sweet spice on the nose and woody herbs on the palate. An especially concentrated iteration of Ormes de Pez that punches above its weight.

Tasted April 2024. Concentrated and rich on the palate with lots of sweet spice and toasty notes. Long and juicy on the finish with a rounded, creamy feel on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV and 70% new barrels. Structured and floral, with a distinct elegance this vintage. The 2023 has a gourmand quality, with appetising mineral notes around pure, ripe black fruit and tons of fine tannin. The finish is long, with mouth-watering acidity and more savoury, mineral notes.

Tasted April 2024. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV and 50% new barrels. Medium-weight, good intensity and ripe tannins that still retain some St-Estèphe character.

Tasted April 2024. Quality at this estate is rising and never more so than in 2023. There's power on the palate with bold tannins, and in equal measure the fruit is restrained and fresh. Tight and very youthful, with lots of concentration and structure for long ageing.

Tasted April 2024. Montaiguillon in 2023 is classic Bordeaux at its best, and remains one of our easiest recommendations. There’s lots of fresh bramble fruit and spiced plum, with graphite and subtle truffle as it opens in the glass. Balanced and proportioned, it has lots of smooth tannin and a refreshing, appetising finish.

Tasted April 2024. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 14.6% ABV and 82% new barrels. Velvet in texture, with crushed soft, dark fruit on the nose, damson, and bright violet. Layered on the palate with similar soft fruit, and brighter berry fruit providing a juicy, bright finish. The tannins are fine, densely packed and savoury in style, providing a frame for the concentrated, bridled flavours.

Tasted April 2024. Generous black fruit on the nose, with subtle dry spice. Linear on the palate with cassis, graphite, licorice, and some minty, herbal notes. Long, Cabernet tannins. It has the structure of a classic left bank wine, with a modern, refreshing feel to the fruit.

Tasted April 2024. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, a higher proportion than in previous vintages, with 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV and 50% new barrels. Lovely depth and concentration on the palate, in a classic style with structure and freshness. There's plenty of dense black berry fruit with bright fresh mint on the nose and creamy, toasty notes from high quality oak. Appetising and saline on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc. 13.4% ABV. 20% new oak. This vintage has majority Cabernet Sauvignon which is happening more and more at Potensac, and cassis aromas dominate the nose and palate, and along with influence of their limestone terroir the Cabernet gives a firm, ageworthy feel to the tannins. Fresh and lively towards the finish with chalky notes and juicy red berry fruit.

Tasted April 2023. Generous yet understated, with a stony feel throughout, and a core of blackberry and soft plum fruit. Approachable with appetising refreshing acidity and soft tannins, an excellent mid-weight Bordeaux for the dinner table.

Tasted April 2024. 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc. 13.6% ABV. Lots of structure and dark, brooding berry fruit. Spicy vanilla and cedar on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot. Tronquoy is nearby to, and owned by, Château Montrose, and offers incredible value for money. It's concentrated and rich, but in 2023 shows delicacy and purity. Blackcurrant and black plum dominate on the palate, with velvet tannins and a mineral finish.

Tasted April 2024. Dark berry fruit on the nose with tobacco, cedar, and cigar box complexity. It's rich and quite opulent on the palate, with a frame of firm, ripe tannins.

Tasted April 2024. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Carmenere, 1% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV and 55% new barrels. A higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage, matched only by 2019 and 1986 in recent decades. Dense and structured, with classical fruit style of ripe aromatic, black fruit with savoury notes and delicate spice from oak maturation. Savoury, gourmand and appetising in style.

Tasted April 2024. 67% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.39% ABV. 40% new oak. This is the first vintage to include Cabernet Sauvignon, with vines planted in the early 2000s. Black and red plum on the palate, with some blue fruit notes and delicate exotic spice. The wine feels balanced and fresh, with only moderate alcohol for Pomerol.

Tasted April 2024. Blend 99% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. ABV 14.2. This mediaeval property has experienced a new lease of life under David Suire's stewardship and is surely one to watch over the coming years. Aromas of ripe red plums, red cherries and black olive tapenade give way to warm, baking spice notes and a pleasant mossy, earthy undergrowth characteristic. The nose is deceptively ripe as the mouth is fresh and crunchy with slick and silky tannins.

Tasted April 2024. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot. Fresh black berry fruit on the nose and palate. Creamy texture and medium-body, with silky tannins and a long fruity finish.

Tasted April 2024. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV and 60% new barrels. Bright floral aromatics, damson, with peony, violet perfume. Juicy fruit on the palate, refreshing acidity, restrained and delineated flavours. Complex spicy notes are restrained too and there's some savoury Cabernet Franc leafiness.

Tasted April 2024. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV and 60% new barrels. Bright floral aromatics, damson, with peony, violet perfume. Juicy fruit on the palate, refreshing acidity, restrained and delineated flavours. Complex spicy notes are restrained too and there's some savoury Cabernet Franc leafiness.

Tasted April 2024. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 12.9% ABV. From vines around 40 years old. Elegant and classical in style, with fresh bramble fruit and a silky texture. Gentle extraction means this wine is restrained with delicate complexity, matched by juicy, perfumed fruit and bright acidity.

Tasted April 2024. Dense black fruit, and deep purple in the glass. Ripe, fine and densely packed tannins, with lots of concentration of smooth dark fruit on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. Dense black fruit, and deep purple in the glass. Ripe, fine and densely packed tannins, with lots of concentration of smooth dark fruit on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. Elegant and structured, with a chalky feel on the palate. Fresh dark berries, plum, balsamic, truffle and licorice. Bright acidity and a long, savoury finish.

Tasted April 2024. 59% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV and 40% new barrels. Ripe dark cherry and bramble on the nose and palate. Mouth-coating tannins and refreshing, sappy acidity cutting through what is quite a powerful wine on the palate. Pure and floral, with wild herbs developing.

Tasted April 2024. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. Rich and structured, with expansive, ripe tannins on the palate and a core of fresh blackcurrants tinged with graphite. Vibrant and fresh on the finish to balance its full-bodied, intense frame.

Tasted April 2024. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV and 30% in new barrels. Situated on the limestone plateau, between Pavie Macquin, Troplong Mondot and Trottevielle, Le Prieure is one to watch. Bright and vibrant plum, cherry and blueberry fruit. It's lively on the palate too with sappy fruit, bright acidity and a juicy, long finish. Delicate spice, with chalky notes and mineral, saline sensations developing on the palate.

The 2023 Château Pavie Macquin is elegant and balanced with a core of dark cherry, cassis and plum, and tons of limestone character, with lifted violet and peony notes, dried mint and brine. It feels medium bodied, but is persistent and shows depth and character on the long complex finish. Tannins are ripe and already integrating.

Tasted April 2024. More Cabernet Sauvignon than ever, and 4% Petit Verdot. Dark berry fruit and blue fruit, with aromatic lavender and rosemary. Fine and with Lafon-Rochet's characteristic bright, saline freshness. Especially dense, rich and compact in this vintage.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 13% ABV. Dense and concentrated with black fruit. Spicy and complex on the nose and palate, with dry spice, cedar, and hints of graphite. Impressive in its subtlety and balance.

Tasted April 2024. 71% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV and 50% new oak. Black berry fruit and sappy raspberry, with fresh mint, fresh white pepper and petals on the nose. Chalky texture, delicate, ripe tannin and fresh acidity.

Tasted April 2024. 77% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, including some more recent plantings of Cabernet Franc that were planted from a massale selection. 14% ABV, 55% new barrels. Aromatic, exotic plum aromas, dark cherry, with some bramble. Ripe style of fruit, balanced beautifully by a strong limestone influence with chalky textures and crunchy, saline sensation on the palate. Spice and cedar on the nose and palate. Silky, pure, very concentrated and appetising. Amazing length and purity on the finish. The most precise and impressive vintage we've tasted at this estate.

Tasted April 2024. 77% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, including some more recent plantings of Cabernet Franc that were planted from a massale selection. 14% ABV, 55% new barrels. Aromatic, exotic plum aromas, dark cherry, with some bramble. Ripe style of fruit, balanced beautifully by a strong limestone influence with chalky textures and crunchy, saline sensation on the palate. Spice and cedar on the nose and palate. Silky, pure, very concentrated and appetising. Amazing length and purity on the finish. The most precise and impressive vintage we've tasted at this estate.

Tasted April 2024. 53% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV. Trotte Vieille seems to be improving with every new vintage, and the 2023 is particularly impressive. Explosive and decadent with ripe dark berries, mint, licorice and violets. Peppery and savoury on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc. 13.6% ABV. Serious second wine with lots of spice and complexity. Juicy initially, with savoury edges as the wine develops. Leafy, herbal notes, around a core of al dente black fruit. Angular and classy.

Tasted April 2024. Restrained red and black berry fruit on the nose and palate. Herbal notes throughout, with an appetising finish.

Tasted April 2024. Powerful and spicy on the nose, with a juicy core and fresh acidity on the palate. Black berry fruit, with dry spice, incense and espresso on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 74% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc. Powerful and spicy, brooding on the nose and structured on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. Pure and detailed on the nose and palate, with savoury fruit, dark plum and blackcurrant. Structured, savoury and appetising on the palate with ripe tannins and plenty of fresh acidity. A classic and delicious iteration of Giscours.

Tasted April 2024. 61% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Pure and vibrant with concentrated cassis and plum, with fresh mint and iodine. Silky on the palate with a little grip on the appetising saline finish.

Tasted April 2024. 58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. Cassis, blackberry and cocoa on the nose, with licorice and graphite developing on the palate. Full bodied and polished on the palate, with very fine tannins. Supple and opulent.

Textural and rich, with powerful, spicy fruit. There's some pomegranate, cranberry crunch to the dense core of fruit, with fresh mint and dried woody herbs adding complexity to the nose. Densely-packed, ripe tannins.

Tasted April 2024. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, 3.5% Petit Verdot. 13.1% ABV. Fragrant and expressive on the nose with petals, red berries and black plum. On the palate it's fresh and appetising with mineral notes, earth, spice and bramble fruit. Effortless, classical in style and beautifully balanced.

Tasted April 2024. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, 3.5% Petit Verdot. 13.1% ABV. Fragrant and expressive on the nose with petals, red berries and black plum. On the palate it's fresh and appetising with mineral notes, earth, spice and bramble fruit. Effortless, classical in style and beautifully balanced.

Tasted April 2024. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. An usually high proportion of Cabernet this year. Classic St-Julien characters of blackcurrant and fresh mint, with silky tannins and refreshing, juicy mid-palate.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. Classic Pauillac characteristics of savoury-tinged cassis, bramble and graphite. The tannins are fine, densely packed and ripe. Fresh black fruit continues on the palate but with plenty of cleansing acidity and mineral notes that create a mouthwatering finish, along with creamy oak influence. Intense and concentrated but pure, vibrant, and with everything in good proportion.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. Classic Pauillac characteristics of savoury-tinged cassis, bramble and graphite. The tannins are fine, densely packed and ripe. Fresh black fruit continues on the palate but with plenty of cleansing acidity and mineral notes that create a mouthwatering finish, along with creamy oak influence. Intense and concentrated but pure, vibrant, and with everything in good proportion.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. Classic Pauillac characteristics of savoury-tinged cassis, bramble and graphite. The tannins are fine, densely packed and ripe. Fresh black fruit continues on the palate but with plenty of cleansing acidity and mineral notes that create a mouthwatering finish, along with creamy oak influence. Intense and concentrated but pure, vibrant, and with everything in good proportion.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. Classic Pauillac characteristics of savoury-tinged cassis, bramble and graphite. The tannins are fine, densely packed and ripe. Fresh black fruit continues on the palate but with plenty of cleansing acidity and mineral notes that create a mouthwatering finish, along with creamy oak influence. Intense and concentrated but pure, vibrant, and with everything in good proportion.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.3% ABV and 50% new barrels. Aromatic blackberry and blueberry fruit with savoury spice, fresh mint, and white pepper on the nose. Fresh on the palate, with silky tannins and creamy vanilla. Elegant and fine on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. 13.7% ABV. 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot. Château Angludet, run by the Sichel family, is farmed biodynamically, and since 2019 they have aged nearly half the wine in amphorae (this year 40%). This lends the barrel sample tasted a distinct aromatic purity, with damson, blackberry and plum complemented by some creamy, toasty notes from 35% new barrels.

Tasted April 2024. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Red and black fruit with subtle vanilla and a creamy texture on the palate. It finishes with more spice and bramble, with silky tannins.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc 5% Petit Verdot. A very impressive, satin-like vintage of Pavillon Rouge. Pure and lively on the nose, plush dark fruit, rose petals and flint. Satin texture on the palate, with fresh red fruit, darker berries and mint. Incredibly long and fine, saline finish.

Tasted April 2024. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc 5% Petit Verdot. A very impressive, satin-like vintage of Pavillon Rouge. Pure and lively on the nose, plush dark fruit, rose petals and flint. Satin texture on the palate, with fresh red fruit, darker berries and mint. Incredibly long and fine, saline finish.

Tasted April 2024. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot. 13.1% ABV. 80% new barrels. This year marks the first year Las Cases is made in the brand new cellar, with an increased number of vats resulting in greater precision. They now only pick into small crates, and infusion techniques replace pumping over for extraction. Brooding blackcurrant and black plum on the nose, with graphite, smoky notes. Impressive density on the palate with more dark berry fruit and fine, delineated tannins. It finishes very long and fresh with juicy acidity. Dark chocolate, exotic spice and delicate vanilla on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. 13.2% ABV and 65% new barrels. Bold and structured with a core of dark cassis. Cedar and creamy vanilla on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. Fresh, elegant red berry fruit and cassis. Silky on the palate with just enough St-Estèphe grip. Medium-weight, refreshing and savoury.

Tasted April 2024. 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. 14.1% ABV. Pure and expressive, with the explosive aromatics of the vintage matched by the natural density of the Troplong Mondot terroir. Rich and spicy on the palate, tempered by mineral tones and grippy but elegant tannins. There's inate power here but reined in effortlessly by the textural complexity the team have created.

Tasted April 2024. 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 14% ABV, with the Merlot in new barrels and the Franc in larger foudres. Pure and floral on the nose, with plush black orchard fruit and bramble. On the palate there are more elegant floral characters, fresh mint and some savoury notes in the background. The style is restrained and refined, with pure fruit character.

Tasted April 2024. 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. 14.3% ABV. Dark berries, and delicate floral aromas. On the palate there is lots of fine tannin, with a dark chocolate, toffee richness from the oak maturation and gentle spice. Refreshing, appetising acidity.

Tasted April 2024. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV. Pure, vibrant style with excellent length, and fine, delineated tannins. Detailed and savoury on the palate.

Tasted April 2024. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.1% ABV. Generous, powerful and full-bodied with ripe blackberry, blackcurrant and black plum. Refreshing mint, cherry, and stony notes on the palate, with lots of velvet tannins and creamy texture.

Tasted April 2024. 78% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV. This vintage the Cabernet Franc is especially singing, and there's savoury depth throughout the wine. Tension on the palate with ripe, linear tannins. Fresh, savoury-tinged dark fruit, bramble and plum, with strong herbal notes.

Tasted April 2024. Silky and pure with ethereal perfume and velvet texture. Spicy and floral as the palate continues with fresh acidity and a long, fine finish.

Tasted April 2024. 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV. Vibrant style, with a lot of bridled power. Black, dense berry fruit within a classical structure, typical of Figeac, with stony textural elements, ripe but firm tannins, and distinct graphite aromas and flavours. Beautiful long, pure finish, with layers of rocky, mineral flavours and fresh bramble.

Tasted April 2024. 52% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.6% ABV. Very floral with violet and aromatic spice like anise and coriander on the nose. Delicate and ethereal on the palate with paper-fine tannins, and a juicy core of soft black fruit. A lot of concentration but in a very elegant frame.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot. Rich and fruity initially with dark cherry and raspberry fruit, as well as violets and savoury spice. Soft, densely-packed tannins and minty, leafy Cabernet Franc freshness. Rich on the mid palate with dark chocolate and espresso.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot. Rich and fruity initially with dark cherry and raspberry fruit, as well as violets and savoury spice. Soft, densely-packed tannins and minty, leafy Cabernet Franc freshness. Rich on the mid palate with dark chocolate and espresso.

Tasted April 2024. 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot. Rich and fruity initially with dark cherry and raspberry fruit, as well as violets and savoury spice. Soft, densely-packed tannins and minty, leafy Cabernet Franc freshness. Rich on the mid palate with dark chocolate and espresso.

Tasted April 2024. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV. Domaine de Chevalier produced a smaller than average crop because of mildew affecting the Merlot, as a result Merlot makes up a smaller than usual proportion of the blend. Aromatic and focused, with restrained black berry fruit and lots of savoury, forest floor complexity. Already some appetising earthy, mineral hints are developing and there's plenty of broad tannin and salinity on the finish.

Tasted April 2024. 82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV with two thirds of the wine matured in new barrels. An elegant iteration of one of our favourite Bordeaux estates, with crushed velvet texture, and layers of mineral and savoury complexity with truffle, graphite and exotic spice on the nose.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 13.2% ABV and 70% new barrels. Bursts from the glass with fresh red fruits and perfume. Ripe black fruit on the palate with cassis and juicy black plum. Waves of refreshing complex floral and herbal flavours, fresh mint, white pepper, and earthy graphite. Complex and rich, but with amazing purity, elegance and freshness. Absolutely quintessential Pauillac.

Tasted April 2024. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 13.2% ABV and 70% new barrels. Bursts from the glass with fresh red fruits and perfume. Ripe black fruit on the palate with cassis and juicy black plum. Waves of refreshing complex floral and herbal flavours, fresh mint, white pepper, and earthy graphite. Complex and rich, but with amazing purity, elegance and freshness. Absolutely quintessential Pauillac.

Tasted April 2024. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 12.91% ABV. Vines here are on average 55 years old. The 2023 expression of Cos still has its inate power, but it's restrained by gentle techniques in the cellar. The result is a fresh, expressive wine with lots of structure and velvet tannins.