Bordeaux 2023

A truly great Yquem – stunning definition, concentration and vibrancy here. Attention grabbing. Layers of honey-soaked apricot, saffron, mango and ginger shimmer in the glass. There is a constant movement to this wine, rich and unctuous yet somehow ethereal. Notes of honeydew melon, spiced pear, confit orange skin and sea salt coat the palate. A wine of perfect balance with the characteristic fine, delicate bitterness that accents the endless length.

A truly great Yquem – stunning definition, concentration and vibrancy here. Attention grabbing. Layers of honey-soaked apricot, saffron, mango and ginger shimmer in the glass. There is a constant movement to this wine, rich and unctuous yet somehow ethereal. Notes of honeydew melon, spiced pear, confit orange skin and sea salt coat the palate. A wine of perfect balance with the characteristic fine, delicate bitterness that accents the endless length.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 13.7% ABV and 75% new barrels. Spicy and structured, with savoury dark fruit and delicate dried herbs. Fresh acidity and tons of densely packed tannins. Built to age, with power and intensity.

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. 52.7% Merlot, 29.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.7% Cabernet Franc. Restrained and savoury dark bramble fruit on the nose with tobacco and graphite complexity. Grippy, broad tannins further contribute to this savoury style. Elegant and long on the palate.

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.