Bordeaux

The 2019 vintage was excellent for our best-selling white, “GOW”. The same team behind our Good Ordinary Claret sources top-quality Sauvignon Blanc from some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. The fruit is fermented cool to preserve the grape’s fabulous aromatics, and no oak, allowing intense white currant and lemon zest aromas to shine. Racy and refreshing, it’s an elegant, bone-dry wine, which makes a perfect apéritif, but is particularly good with lighter fish or chicken dishes, as well as most soft cheese.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{***}

Our Sauternes is a classic blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, made especially for us by the team at Ch. Climens. This delicate and refined wine shows notes of orange blossom, toast and honey on the nose, balanced by a tingling acidity and a beautifully complex, refreshing finish. It’s the perfect partner to tarte tatin or a piece of salty Roquefort.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

Our best-selling wine for many years, “GOC” continues to set the benchmark for dependably delicious Claret. The 2018 vintage produced glorious wines of real depth and body, as shown by this classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is rich with pure cassis and bramble fruit, mingled with warm, smoky oak aromas from barrel ageing. On the palate, the succulent blackcurrant fruit is framed by a fine, complex structure, while the finish is rounded, juicy and very moreish. Made for early drinking, it’s suitable for almost any occasion.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}
{***}

For almost 20 years, “EOC” (as it is known) has come from the same single estate in the Graves, distributed by the Cazes family, one of the great names of Bordeaux. The 2018 vintage is a great one, and the wine perfectly captures the warmth of that summer. A 50-50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet, finished with careful oak maturation, this is full of ripe blackberry and cassis flavours. The result is a typically plump, rounded Claret, suitable for all occasions. A classic pairing would be roast lamb or pan-fried duck breast, but this delicious wine is versatile enough to match most savoury food.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

Our Own Selection St Julien comes from the younger vines of Ch. Léoville Las Cases. You’ll find notes of cassis and menthol on the nose, with just a touch of oak and a deep and powerful palate that brings classic Cabernet and Merlot fruit flavours to the fore. This is a balanced wine, with a long, savoury finish – perfect with a prime rib of beef or a leg of British lamb.

{***}
{region}St Julien{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{***}

Once again, the fruit for our own-label 2017 Margaux comes from plots of younger vines at Château du Tertre. From the perfumed, elegant bouquet, to its charming, silky palate, this is quintessential Claret, made in an attractive, rounded style. Redcurrant and violets fill the nose, while darker, bramble fruit, cedar and spice follow on the palate. A touch of smoky oak frames the whole, and the finish is long, subtle and warming. Already drinking well now, this will cellar comfortably for a year or two.

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

Once again, we are proud that our Own Selection Pomerol comes from selected parcels of vines at Ch. Feytit-Clinet. The estate is just seven hectares of glorious vineyards planted mostly to Merlot; a dash (10%) of Cabernet Franc adds structure in warmer vintages. The 2019 is an elegant, charming wine. Laden with silky, blackberry and kirsch flavours, the fruit feels decadent but never heavy, and is impossibly moreish. Hard to resist now, it will drink best with game and poultry, but it is a versatile all-rounder.

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{***}

Pauillac is perhaps the finest of Bordeaux’s great communes. With this 2018 vintage, we continue our long relationship with the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages. The wine displays all the hallmarks of these great Cabernet vineyards; the nose is dominated by dense cassis and bramble fruit, with a hint of warm cedar and spice from 10 months in barrel. The palate is broad and ripe but has the classic structure typical of good Claret. Layered and complex, this is wonderful with a Sunday leg of lamb or a midweek casserole.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

For several years now, our own-label St Emilion has come from a small Grand Cru owned by the Vauthier family, one of the best names on the Right Bank. The 2018 is deeply coloured, with a decadent nose of dark bramble fruit and inviting notes of mocha, spice and toasty oak. The palate is densely concentrated, with substantial, plummy fruit, and a long, warming finish. It’s a serious wine this – and one which gets even better in the glass. Superb with roast rib of beef, or an expansive cheese board.

{***}
{region}St Emilion{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Somewhat one-dimensional and simple, as are many 2000s, but with loads of fruit and moderate sweetness, this offering should be drunk over the next decade.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 23/04/2003

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2000{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 87/100
{ratings}{***}

This full-bodied blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon hit 14.5% natural alcohol. It is deep and rich, with loads of caramelized grapefruit, tropical fruit, subtle oak, wet stones and plenty of melons. Drink now-2035. - Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100
[]  Wine Spectator:: 93/100
[] Jancis Robinson:: 16/20{ratings}{***}

Ch. Potensac lies in the Northern Medoc, an area renowned for structured wines that reward time in the cellar, and this is an extremely reliable and popular claret from the Leoville-Lascases team that won't break the bank. In years like 2009 it has an extra punch, and the ripeness of the year shines through. This has typical blackberry fruit balanced by a fresh minerality and a well-defined structure around the sweet core. Ten years on this is now showing at its best.

{***}
{region}Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}

{ratings}
[]Vinous, Neal Martin :: 92/100

[]Jancis Robinson :: 17/20

[]The Wine Advocate :: 89/100

{ratings}{***}

{***}

Cantemerle tends to produce somewhat understated and restrained, but finesse-filled wines. The medium-bodied 2008 offers elegant notes of raspberries, red currants, crushed rocks and oak backed up by good concentration, sweet tannin and no hard edges. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. - May 2011, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 89-91/100{ratings} {***}

This leaps from the glass with expressive notes of blackcurrant, cherry, a little incense and pepper, violets and mint. The body is precise and concentrated, with a pleasing vitality giving way to a taut finesse. The overall sensation is one of sensual pleasure, finishing with a deft touch which is fast becoming the hallmark of winemaker Nicholas Audebert.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 68%, Merlot 30%, Petit Verdot 2%

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}                                         

                                                       {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Wine Advocate:: 97+/100        
 [] Jancis Robinson :: 17/20 

[] James Suckling:: 96-97/100 

         
{ratings}

{***}

This estate is always one of my favourite red Bordeaux and it is beautifully harmonious and quintessentially Margaux in 2015. A Second Growth of real complexity, its attractive nose has a wonderfully floral perfume. The well-integrated tannins and nicely judged acidity combine to produce a benchmark palate. There is real potential here. The racy freshness of the vintage is present and the coolness on the finish is rewarding. Ever so generous, delicious, fresh and juicy.

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carménère

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}

{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}

{vintage}2015{vintage}

{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 93-94/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 17.5/20                
[]Decanter :: 93/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

{***}

I think this kind of vintage really suits Henri Lurton's style of winemaking more than the super-ripe years of the past decade. His gift is to craft wines of great finesse, and a careful touch was essential in 2011 to avoid extracting too much tannin from what were essentially quite fragile grapes. Ch. Brane-Cantenac is very classically Margaux, with a delicate floral perfume; on the palate there is a silky texture, great elegance, no sharp edges and a sense of considerable intensity without a feeling of power, not the easiest trick to pull off!

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}

{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}

{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 88-91/100                    
[]Robert Parker:: 90-93/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 91/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

{***}

Blackberry and currant aromas, with minerals and flowers. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and very fresh and fine tannins. Lasts a long time on the palate. Coming around now. This has always been excellent. One of the best values of the vintage. - Wine Spectator

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}

{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}

{vintage}1998{vintage}

{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 91/100        
           
[]Robert Parker:: 88/100           
                                                                                                 
{ratings}

{***}

Although the new owners were responsible for finishing this wine, serious Bordeaux lovers will have to wait for the 2006 to fully experience their uncompromising efforts. The dark, ruggedly built, rustic, angular 2005 exhibits an impressively saturated color along with aromas of charcoal smoke and black fruits. Aggressive, astringent tannins and noticeable acidity are found in this charmless, full-throttle, monolithic Margaux. It will require serious cellaring, but I do not believe the tannins and high acids will ever be fully resolved. Time will tell.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate #176 Apr 2008

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Robert Parker:: 87+/100 []The Wine Advocate:: 87+/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 89-91/100

 {ratings} {***}

Although I have always rated the 1990 higher than the 1989, I was stunned by just how fabulous the wine was showing in my tasting in late 1996. It possesses an opaque ruby/purple color, as well as a stunning nose of jammy blackcurrants, cedar, spice, and smoke. Full-bodied, with magnificent extract, excellent delineation, outstanding purity, and layers of intensity, this massive, dense, well-balanced Pauillac is the finest Grand-Puy-Lacoste since the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 1998-2015. (Wine Advocate - February 1997)

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}

{color}Red{color}                                                           

                                     {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}

{vintage}1990{vintage}

{ratings}   

{ratings}

{***}

Dark red with a purple hue, the nose is redolent of black fruit with some mocha and coffee notes. Fresh and full-bodied, there are crisp tannins with a finely tuned layer of spice giving way to a well-balanced, long finish.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Merlot 35%, Cabernet Franc 3%

{***}{region}Pauillac{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                         

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

 [] Vinous:: 94/100  

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20  

[] James Suckling:: 95-96/100{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Robert Parker:: 89-91/100

{ratings} {***}

A fresh and vibrant style, with streaks of pastis-soaked plum and boysenberry fruit coursing through, carried by graphite and licorice snap notes and ending with a vigorous, juicy finish. Approachable a bit earlier than the main pack, but there is no rush either. Best from 2019 through 2038. - Wine Spectator

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color} Red{color}        {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Robert Parker:: 91/100        
  [] Vinous:: 93/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 93/100    

[] James Suckling:: 94/100    

[] Decanter:: 92/100{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100   

[]Robert Parker:: 91/100   

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1990{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 93+/100   

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}1998{vintage}
{ratings}   

 [] Neal Martin :: 89/100

 [] Robert Parker :: 88/100

{ratings} {***}

Wonderfully expressive and almost hedonistic in style, with its beautifully integrated eucalyptus flavours and seductive vanilla scented black fruits. Very good indeed.

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1996{vintage}
{ratings}

 [] Neal Martin :: 90/100

 [] Robert Parker :: 89/100

{ratings}    {***}

Simply irresistible. This is really sumptuous and pure. Hedonistic is not an adjective I have used often this year. Words like “firm”  “grip” “structure” “tannic pile-up” are more scattered over the 350 or so wines we tried. 

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color} Red{color}                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100        
{ratings}    {***}

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 93/100{ratings}

{***}

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 93/100{ratings}

{***}

The new cellar, winery and tasting room is now open at Les Carmes and it really is quite an astounding building. The 2015 is a pretty powerful wine, serious, complex and very interesting indeed. The floral bouquet is very pretty, layered with really ripe raspberries which are ever so attractive. My favourite aspect of the wine has to be the earthy, mineral character though, as well as the brilliant tannic structure.

The gravelly soils offer a lovely character and the wine has a sense of place, of terroir. Light in the mouth, the tobacco, sweet black fruits and creamy texture create a wonderful palate, but the savoury characteristics are what I enjoy most about this wine. It is another really promising wine for this up and coming estate.

Blend: 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}            {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 96-97/100                 
[]Decanter:: 95/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 94+/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

This tiny jewel of a property, situated close to La Mission-Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion, has turned out one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. A deep dark ruby/purple color is followed by hints of graphite, charcoal, creme de cassis and Christmas fruitcake. This medium-bodied Pessac-Leognan is gorgeously concentrated with impeccably well-integrated acidity, tannin, alcohol and oak. An authoritatively long finish adds to the class and nobility of this wine. Drink it over the next 15 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 30/04/2014

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}            {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100                 
[]Robert Parker:: 87-89/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

 The 2017 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion was picked from 20 September to 3 October, with 13° alcohol. It is matured in 30% new oak, 60% one-year and 10% amphora. It has a very perfumed, quite generous bouquet with wild strawberry, vanilla pod, blueberry and subtle damp clay aromas. The palate conveys a fine sense of energy on the entry. Then it delivers very edgy, almost chalky tannin that frame the dark berry fruit, hints of brown spice and a typically reduced finish that indicates this will require four or five years in bottle. - Vinous

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}            {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] James Suckling:: 90-91/100

[] Vinous: 89-91/100                                                                                                 
{ratings}

Good depth of colour and a seductive old viney nose of black fruits, confit of blackcurrant jam,with hints of burnt caramel. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with firm but supple taninns and excellent depth of fruit. The finish is long and harmonious. A winner!

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1996{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100

{ratings} {***}

Eight years on, the 2011 Ormes de Pez is starting to really open up. The nose is intensely spicy, with savoury cedar notes and brooding dark fruit. There’s an almost floral edge to its aromatic profile, with something that hints at eucalyptus (perhaps a nod to the coolness of the vintage). The palate is smooth and lush, its age – and time in oak (15 months) – tells, with layers of leather and spice joining the core of black fruit. The chalky tannins and mouth-watering acidity call for hard cheeses or roast lamb. Drink now to 2021.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 89-92/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 16.5/20
{ratings}    {***}

Whilst the 2011 might not show the ripeness of 2009 or the concentration of 2010, it shows the exquisite precision and purity that is the hallmark of this property.
Cassis and a hint of spice on the nose is followed by an intense, cool and lifted mouth that for me is pure St Estèphe. Stylistically this is the opposite of Cos, though equally impressive in its own, more elegantly classic style.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 90/100

[]Robert Parker:: 92-94/100 

{ratings} {***}

A late harvest at Calon Segur has resulted in extremely ripe, powerful fruit with a dense, backward structure. Chocolate and cassis flavours continue to evolve in this slow developing classic.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1995{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}
{***}

A full powerful richness to the nose with notes of forest fruit and cassis; whilst still keeping that classic Margaux fragrance. Huge concentration of black fruit on the palate with juicy tannins that fill the mouth whilst the crisp acid cuts straight through the fruit and retains it's remarkable freshness. More full-bodied than many wines from the commune but still, however, unmistakably Margaux.  

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100        
          
 [] Robert Parker:: 88/100{ratings}    {***}

Following on from last year’s marvel, Figeac has done it again. A huge, brooding beast below the surface, it is almost impenetrable with a dark red/black colour and a viscosity to match. Having said that, this does not take anything away from the wine, it is incredible! Super-fine tannins, a sweet, silky, velvet-like mouthfeel, this has amazing complexity and a vibrancy that takes your breath away. It might even be better than 2009, if that’s possible. This should be a Right Bank First Growth. Brilliant.

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color} Red{color}                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Tim Atkin MW :: 97/100

 [] Wine Spectator:: 93-96/100 

 [] Wine Advocate:: 95/100 

        
{ratings}    {***}

This is a wonderfully constructed wine, with very fine, silky tannins and an intense core of classic brambly St Estèphe fruit with a whiff of mulberries. It is pure and fresh with the 60% Cabernet Sauvignon - brooding, as if waiting to leap out - very much to the fore. This is completely different to their famous 2003, and although Madame will not be drawn on the matter, we certainly think it is considerably superior.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 94/100

[]Robert Parker:: 93/100 

{ratings} {***}

Imperious. Flawless. Delectable. It is almost an insult to call this a ‘Second Wine’. So much care, love and attention has gone into this that it is as magnificent as many of the Super Second growths, better in a few cases.

A reflection of the Grand Vin, not a copy or an impression, the 2010 Les Forts de Latour is truly a brilliant wine and something you might be able to stretch to if you want to spoil yourself. It is going to need a bit of time but the wait will be worth it as it rivals the 2009 and 2005. Seamless.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 93-96/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 18/20                
[]Neal Martin:: 95/100          
[]Robert Parker:: 97/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}{***}

Round and seductive, Ch. Giscours is brimming with dark fruit this year, showing an inky colour. It is neatly packed with dense fruit, with good concentration and luscious tannins. Black fruit dominates the nose and palate. There is an elegance here, alongside a structure which demonstrates the super terroir of this property and indeed the appellation. Cool, refreshing acidity appears on the finish and textured tannins complete a really attractive mouth-feel. A broad, fleshy fruit profile really appeals.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Jancis Robinson:: 16/20        
 [] Wine Advocate :: 92/100          
 {ratings}    {***}

The 2014 Baron de Brane displays scents of brambly red berry fruit, mocha and hints of espresso on the well-defined nose. The medium-bodied palate offers fine tannin and a straightforward, tobacco-tinged and lightly spiced finish. The most elegant Baron de Brane in recent years. Fine. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château.ed wine.

{***}
{region} Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Vinous:: 87/100                
 [] Decanter:: 89/100{ratings}

{***}

The 2016 Pauillac de Château Latour is a compelling, sumptuous wine that shows just how magnificent the year is. How can this be a third wine? Dark and ample in the glass, Latour's Pauillac possesses tremendous breed right out of the gate. Black cherry, graphite, licorice, spice and leather all meld together in the glass. Floral overtones develop nicely with time. Only the (relatively) lighter structure suggests the Pauillac's place in the château's hierarchy. Everything else is first class all the way. The Pauillac is a blend taken from parcels outside the core holdings in the famed enclos, plus younger vines in the enclos. Drink 2022-2036
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (March 2021)

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Antonia Galloni, Vinous:: 92/100

[]James Suckling:: 94/100 

[]Jancis Robinson MW:: 16.5/20 

{ratings} {***}

The 2014 Malartic-Lagravière is a gorgeous wine, but it is also flamboyant and exotic, especially in its flavor profile. Super-ripe red cherry and plum make a strong first impression. Sweet floral and spice notes, along with ripe, silky tannins, add to the wine's sensuality. A rich, powerful wine with soft contours and striking depth, the 2014 is a real beauty. It will be even more compelling once the new oak tannins soften a bit further. The blend is 52 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 % Merlot, 5 % Cabernet Franc and 3 % Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.
Antonio Galloni,Vinous (February 2017)

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}

[]Antonia Galloni, Vinous:: 94/100

[]Wine Advocate:: 92+/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

 {ratings}{***}

Somewhat of a beast, this monolithic, oaky wine is full-bodied, highly extracted and difficult to evaluate. Some hints of roasted herbs, chocolate, black currant and coffee are present, but the oak dominates, as do the tannins. This wine seems much woodier, and more closed and foreboding than any other St. Julien I tasted. Forget it for 7-8 years and hope for the best.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 28/02/2013

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 89+/100        
  [] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5+/20          
 [] Robert Parker:: 89+/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100

{ratings}    {***}

One of my favourite Echo de Lynch Bages for many years, this wine is now very much the baby brother of the Grand Vin itself. Twenty-seven percent of the harvest was used to create the wine this year. Well proportioned, fresh, energetic and cooling, it is ripe and opulent in 2014. Soft, succulent, moreish and brimming with dark damson fruit, this is wonderfully quaffable. It is a fine introduction to the wines of the great Ch. Lynch Bages estate and really well proportioned.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
                                                                                                
{ratings}{***}

The first vintage without the watchful eye of Madam Gasqueton looks to be a fitting example from this historic château. Leafy hedgerow notes abound, with blackcurrant and Christmas cake aromas. There is an energy and freshness here that is reflected in the more floral red fruits coming through and the palate is a little more complex and firmer than most – you can tell you are in St Estèphe. Blackcurrant fruit with a menthol edge, rounded tannins and fine acidity that cuts through on the lengthy finish complete the picture. This is very serious wine.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 91/100

[]Robert Parker:: 90-92/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17+/20 

{ratings} {***}

Lovely fragrant nose of sweet red fruits on the nose, generous, sweet and crunchy red cherries on the palate, some very ripe tannins, and lovely balance. Long and fresh finish. Calon Segur was recently acquired by a French Insurance company and investments are starting to poor in to awake the sleeping beauty. The very experience Laurent Dufau and his team have produced a remarkably good wine in this difficult vintage which is a great 1st step for what will be one of the raising starts of Bordeaux. One to buy this year and one to watch.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 91/100

{ratings} {***}

The lovely Véronque Sanders is as elegant as her wines. Like all her successful counterparts in 2008, Véronique was completely focused on tending the vineyard during the wet summer and long dry autumn, and this hard work has really paid off. The 2008 is a beautiful, floral powerhouse displaying the gorgeous, ripe, silky cassis fruit of the vintage but with a chocolaty complexity that makes it a delight to taste even en primeur. Multiple layers of fruit and savoury notes add complexity whilst the minerally, graphite finish is that of a benchmark Péssac-Léognan. Harmonious, with lovely balance and an awesome length, this is one of the stars of the vintage.

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 96/100

[]Robert Parker:: 96/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20 {ratings} {***}

The 2010 Haut-Bages Libéral wine has a beautiful, perfumed nose of ripe red fruits with a stunning texture of ultra fine tannins. It is a totally harmonious balance of highly polished, but not pushed, summer berries, with a real feel of Pauillac sophistication and a soaring finish. Although its direct neighbours are the fabled Ch. Pichon-Lalande and Ch Latour, the delightful Claire Villars will keep her feet on the terroir and price this so we can all afford it. A terrific wine.

{***}{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}         

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Wine Advocate:: 92/100

[] Robert Parker:: 92/100

 [] Wine Spectator:: 91-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

The 2017 Ch. Pape Clément falls into the glass with a deep maroon colour. It has a delicate, expressive nose of red fruit, cassis, iron and wet stone. The blend is 49 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 48 percent Merlot, two percent Petit Verdot and one percent Cabernet Franc planted on clay gravels. The palate is medium-bodied with a lively, tannic grip. It finishes with a long, peppery, saline minerality. A complex wine which will reveal itself over many years.

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 92-94/100{ratings}    {***}

The 2014 Canon has a very well-defined, precise bouquet with ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry scents infused with minerals. The aromatics here are utterly captivating. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and very well-judged acidity. There is tension and poise to this Saint Emilion, gently fanning out with a delicate spicy finish that lingers long in the mouth. Though surely destined to be over-shadowed by the extraordinary 2015, this Canon deserves a berth in your cellar.

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color} Red{color}                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 94/100        
{ratings}    {***}

Horizontal Tasting of 2005s on 12/11/09.  Because of its high proportion of Cabernets, Figeac is always the most restrained (and sometimes misunderstood) of the best St. Emilions, with a lacy quality in lighter years, but with a beguiling presentation in the best.  In 2005 the wine has majestic harmony for, although the tannins are exceptional, they are also perfectly ripened.  The finish is lifted by a creamy, fresh acidity whilst the multitude of scents and flavours of black fruit, leather, dried spice and liquorice swirl and ascend on the palate.  This is an impeccable Figeac, almost accessible now, but glorious in 10 years (and for many more after that).

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color} Red{color}                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} 

{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Jancis Robinson :: 17/20

 [] Stephen Tanzer :: 92/100

 [] Neal Martin :: 90/100 

        
{ratings}    {***}

Wonderfully youthful on the nose, the wine seems innocent, but attractive and compelling. Aromas of bright fruit leap from the glass, red berries in abundance. There is a lovely richness here, great structure and depth. Acidity is incredibly well interwoven with tannins to create a concentrated mouth-feel. It's a really generous, yet fresh and juicy wine. It's actually rather delicious, even at this young age and a wine which really ought to be considered strongly this year.

56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
      
 [] Wine Advocate :: 86/100          
 {ratings}    {***}

What a lovely, rich and fresh wine. Ch. Angludet is always one of the most reliable châteaux. The rich concentration is so generous and rewarding. I love the sweetness at the front of the palate. Good depth, a bit of intensity and lovely tannins that harmoniously combine with an appealing acidity on the finish. Often described as a traditionalist's wine, this is actually rather delicious. Cabernet provides the power here, but it is so restrained, floral, perfumed and flavoursome. Margaux performed very well in 2015 and this wine is reflective of the quality of the vintage. Given that the price is always appropriate to the quality of the wine here, we have no hesitation in recommending it.

Blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}      
 [] Tim Atkin MW :: 91/100     

 [] Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast :: 93/100    

 {ratings} {***}

Sumptuous, sophisticated and sexy! This wine has a glorious, flamboyant nose of deep cassis and creamy oak and it is plump and juicy on the palate with a huge, long finish. We cannot remember ever tasting a more impressive and seductive wine from Ch. Sociando-Mallet. 

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Robert Parker :: 91+/100
[] Wine Advocate:: 91+/100{ratings}{***}

The 2010 comes somewhere in between - with a gorgeous scented nose and volumes of fresh fruit and very amenable with a nicely assured tannic finish. Proprietor Didier Cuvelier stays at this handsome château, just behind Cos, while overseeing the harvest here and at Ch. Léoville Poyferré. Jolly good!

{***}{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Robert Parker :: 87/100
[] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100{ratings}{***}

Part of Alain Vauthier’s stable of wines we taste at his most well-known château, Ausone, and Moulin-St Georges has been a favourite of the Berrys’ team for some time. The 2010 is certainly more structured than the 2009 and it shows a firm backbone of ripe tannins. The fruit is excellent and the length shows the overall quality, proving that this is the most serious Moulin-St Georges that we have seen since the 2005, yet in a more classical mould.

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Neal Martin :: 94/100

[] Robert Parker :: 87/100 [] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

{ratings}{***}

There will be many ‘yin and yang’ statements made this year, with commentators and châteaux owners alike comparing last year with this, and nowhere is this more present and true than at Ch. Beychevelle. 2009 is soft, warm and seductive and 2010 is firm, serious, yet totally beguiling. The 2009 will drink a lot younger than the 2010 but I have a serious hunch that the 2010 will ultimately give you more. Bravo Philippe, an awe-inspiring brace from Beychevelle.
(54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. 14.3%abv)

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Robert Parker :: 94/100
[] Wine Spectator:: 91-94/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

{ratings}{***}

A blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 45 percent Merlot, four percent Petit Verdot and one percent Cabernet Franc, this wine sits in the glass with a dark violet colour showing impressive red berry fruit, a nice hint of damson and a leafy quality. Medium-bodied, the wine has a silky mouth-feel and gentle acidity. The finish is long and persistent, with just a touch of mocha and spice.

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 90-92/100
[] Antonio Galloni, Vinous:: 92-95/100

{ratings}{***}

The 2017 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple in color and opens with flamboyant notes of warm black and red plums, black cherries and tilled soil with delicate touches of cloves, star anise, red roses and forest floor. Medium-bodied with a firm backbone of very finely grained, very ripe tannins and tons of freshness, it has wonderfully elegant yet intense fruit layers and a long, minerally finish. Just beautiful.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - 27/04/2018

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 95-97/100

{ratings}{***}

The 2003 Rieussec is a blend of 91% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle picked between 17 September and 1 October. Much deeper in color than other vintages, it has a mature, almost tropical mango and passion fruit nose that feels a little one-dimensional. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth on the entry, a little waxy in texture with nutmeg and dried honey notes on the mature, Tokaji-like finish. - Neil Martin

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2003{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Robert Parker:: 96/100
{ratings}{***}