Bordeaux

A classic white Graves blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Sémillon (50%), our 2020 Extra Ordinary White is a testament to the quality and value of this oft-overlooked region. The Sauvignon provides aromatic fireworks and freshness on the palate; the Sémillon adds body and a touch of soft peach fruit. Around 10% is fermented in wood, lending further depth and complexity to the whole. This versatile wine makes an excellent apéritif, but it is best with a seafood platter or a goat’s cheese tartlet.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{***}

Our biggest seller for decades, “GOC” is a carefully assembled blend from some of Bordeaux’s best terroirs. Merlot makes up 67% of the blend, giving the wine its silky richness. The balance is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, adding power and structure. After a year in oak, this shows why Claret is such a perennial favourite: warm, savoury aromas of cedar and woodsmoke, with supple cassis and blackberry on the palate. Designed for early drinking, this is a comfortable partner for most food, and is soft enough to be enjoyed on its own.

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

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}{***}

Our Pessac-Léognan comes from plots of younger vines at Ch. Haut-Bailly, one of Bordeaux’s finest names. A traditional blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, this is possibly its best vintage yet. The nose is glorious, with bright cassis and blackberry. The palate is refined, elegant and deliciously drinkable; there is a seamless quality to the balance of fruit and structure. This is a beautiful expression of the region, and there is no need to wait – it is drinking perfectly now.

{***}
{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{***}

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}{***}

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 

{ratings} {***}

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}{***}

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}
{***}

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

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}{***}

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} {***}

The 2015 Les Forts de Latour is silky, perfumed and wonderfully nuanced from the very first taste. Crushed red berry, cedar, tobacco, mint and blood orange lend striking aromatic nuance. Ample and resonant in feel, yet with mid-weight structure, the 2015 is a total pleasure to taste today. All of the natural radiance of the warm year comes through in the wine's generous, inviting personality. Drink it over the next 15 years or so. Drink 2021-2030.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media (March 2021)

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Vinous, Antonio Galloni:: 94/100 

[]James Suckling:: 95/100 []Vinous, Neal Martin:: 93/100  {ratings}{***}

The 2014 Les Forts de Latour has a smudged, quite opulent bouquet with lavish red fruit, leather and undergrowth scents, more forward than I would expect from a wine this youthful. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin and a little chewy in the mouth. Like the nose, this Les Forts de Latour feels unusually decadent for the vintage with a sweet finish that needs to muster more reserve and breeding. It is not unlikeable, quite the opposite, but it needs to develop more Pauillac characteristics. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 92/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 17/20                
[]Vinous:: 93/100          
[]Wine Advocate:: 93/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}{***}

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 97-99/100          []James Suckling:: 97-98/100   
{ratings}  {***}

Whilst Latour’s decision to move away from the En Primeur system has definite ramifications for Bordeaux’s La Place, it makes tasting their latest releases very pleasurable indeed given they’ve had time to mature in bottle. The 2008 Forts de Latour has a very elegant nose with notes of violets, red berry fruit, freshly turned earth, black pepper and sweet vanilla pod.

The palate is energetic and vivacious with good acidity and weight of fruit – sprightly even. The finish is long and integrated with mouth-coating tannins and a savoury meatiness which denotes its class. This is drinking nicely now, however another few years of bottle-age will see the fruit move further to the fore, the tannins soften even more and the overall elegance enhance.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text} Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 91/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 17/20                
          
[]Robert Parker:: 91/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}{***}

With its ripe, intense blackcurrant nose and succulent palate, Le Petit Mouton is a great example of the exceptional quality of the second wines of the grands châteaux in 2009. This is rich and delicious with very juicy fruit and ripe tannins leading to a complex, savoury finish. This will be wonderful to drink in a few year’s time whilst waiting for the Grand Vin to mature.

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

 [] Robert Parker:: 90-92/100  

[] Jancis Robinson:: 16/20  

[] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100{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}{***}

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} {***}

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100

[]Robert Parker:: 92-94/100 

[]Jancin Robinson:: 17.5+/20    

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}

[]Wine Advocate:: 96-98/100

{ratings} {***}

Deeply coloured, the nose offers great aromatic purity, with blackberries, cassis and dark cherries joined by a hint of smoke and coffee bean. It is beautifully complex. On the palate, the wine opens up with a rich and opulent structure. Velvety tannins combine with dark fruit, plum, spicy pepper notes and a touch of dark chocolate. The 2018 is a wine of power – harmonious and concentrated with a lingering mouth-feel. Drink 2024-2035.

Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 93-96/100

[] Wine Advocate:: 94-96+/100

{ratings}

{***}

Henri Lurton’s preference is for a more considered and restrained style of Margaux and, while the roundness of the vintage is apparent, this is very stylish, with a lovely lift of fruit and bounce of freshness. The tannins plot a commendably firm line through the palate. Unsurprisingly, this has one of the more modest alcohols at 13.4%. Drink 2025-2040.

Blend: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

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

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

{vintage}2018{vintage}

{ratings}

[]James Suckling:: 95/100        
[]Jancis Robinson:: 17+/20                
[]Decanter :: 95/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 93/100 

{ratings}

{***}

Henri Lurton describes this as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Brane and it is hard not to disagree. Aromas of violets and blackcurrant give way to a concentrated, succulent wine with a long, pure, persistent, finish.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Merlot 27%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Carménère 1%

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

{color}Red{color}            

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

{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}   
[]The Wine Advocate:: 96-98/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

{ratings}

{***}

An estate that has eyes on it right now as it changes hands from the Albada to the Helfrich family. At this point winemaker Frederic Ardouin had been there for three years, and has made a wine with a supple quality to the tannins, and plenty of juice running through it. Very much ready to enjoy and will give a ton of pleasure. Easy to recommend. 10% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 30% new oak. Drink 2021 - 2036. Jane Anson, Decanter.com

{***}
{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                    
[]James Suckling:: 91/100           
[]Decanter:: 92/100                                                                                                   
{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}    {***}

At Ch. Troplong Mondot new chief executive Aymeric de Gironde talks about a return to a pre-1998 style. The 2017 is certainly a step in that direction. A blend of 85 percent Merlot, 13 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and two percent Cabernet Franc, it has wonderful, unctuous pleasing fruit notes of dark and blue fruit, mulberry, damson, blueberry and blackcurrant. This is a wine which is full of immediate appeal and sweet fruit. But there is an elegance to the mid palate and it finishes with a dry, creamy texture. A really excellent wine.

{***}{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 2017 Bellevue Mondotte is just as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Powerful and structured, with tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions, the 2017 is all class. Inky dark fruit, graphite, menthol and licorice all come together with time in the glass. This tiny vineyard on very poor limestone subsoil gives wines of real power and structure. The 2017 is a gorgeous Saint-Émilion endowed with tons of energy and tension. Drink 2027-2042
Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2020)

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 96-98/100

[] Antonia Galloni, Vinous:: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

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

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

{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 94-96+/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}    {***}

This estate is one of the most exciting and progressive estates in Bordeaux. At the helm is the indefatigable Guillaume Pouthier and his passion once again is reflected in the beautifully crafted 2017. The lovely, deep Cabernet nose has a mineral note of wet stone and dark plum. There is very good dense fruit on mid-palate with a lovely saline background. A great snap of acidity gives it a lovely freshness, and the fruit core carries on through the length, boding for a few decades in bottle. A svelte and yet tightly wound Carmes. Beautifully crafted – a Graves on another level.

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}            {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 94-95/100                 
           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 91-93+/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

Veronique Saunders says that in 2017 the estate lost 30 percent of fruit due to frost. Dark ruby, the nose has notes of spices, cedar, dark fruit and cassis. On the palate it is medium bodied and extremely silky with high quality tannins. A blend of 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 percent Merlot, four percent Cabernet Franc and four percent Petit Verdot, it has a gentle, delicate feel in 2017 with cool fruit and a long persistent finish. 

{***}{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:: 94-96/100

[]James Suckling:: 94-95/100

{ratings} {***}

The 2016 Batailley has an attractive, meaty bouquet with more red fruit than black, unlike many of its peers. With aeration it appears to gain more floral notes and lift. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, linear and focused, offering pencil lead, cedar and light spicy notes toward the conservative, controlled finish. A mocha-tinged aftertaste emanates from the oak. Good potential, but it needs time. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink 2022 - 2050

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 93-95/100

[]James Suckling:: 96/100 

[]Vinous:: 93+/100 

[]Jancis Robinson MW:: 17+/20 

{ratings} {***}

The medium to deep garnet colored 2008 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Pow! The nose explodes with notes of baked cherries, preserved plums, fried herbs, beef drippings and warm cassis with wafts of wood smoke, salami and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and earthy/savory in character, sporting beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Drink 2018-2035.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 95/100

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 94/100          []Jancis Robinson MW:: 17+/20   
{ratings}  {***}

The vineyards of Ch. Grand-Puy-Lacoste were unaffected by the late frosts in April. The 2017 is a blend of 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Merlot. Medium crimson in colour with an attractive, yet delicate perfume of blackcurrant, cassis, raspberry and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a good, thrilling acidity and a juicy finish. Owing to the weather during the growing season, the grapes don’t have as much sugar as previous vintages which is here shown off to us in a lighter style. Attractive fine tannins.

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

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

{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}   
[]Vinous:: 93/100

[]Wine Advocate:: 90/100

[]James Suckling:: 92-93/100 

{ratings}

{***}

Ch. Latour has now released the final stock of its excellent second wine, Les Forts de Latour from the legendary 2005 vintage. This is the last opportunity to purchase this wine on release from the château.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Robert Parker:: 93/100 

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

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 97+/100

[]Vinous:: 98/100

[]James Suckling:: 95-96/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 18/20    

{ratings} {***}

Of all the St Julien properties, Saint-Pierre is the smallest, but in 2018 it has made a wine full of concentration and intensity. The palate is dominated by flavours of liquorice, blueberries and blackcurrant, with a hint of cigar smoke. The tannins are well balanced, making it an attractive option for earlier drinking. It’s moreish with a long finish. Drink 2021-2032.

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 94-96/100

{ratings}{***}

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Gazin features a beautifully perfumed nose of violets, Ceylon tea, cigar box, sandalwood and fallen leaves over a core of plum preserves, kirsch and blackberry preserves plus a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied and elegant, with compelling restraint, it has a seductively plush texture, finishing with bags of poise, perfume and persistence. Drink 2022 - 2045

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Nov 2018)

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 95/100

[] Jancis Robinson MW:: 16.5/20

[] Wine Spectator:: 91-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

As for the 2005 Lynch-Bages, it is a sexy, surprisingly soft and accessible style of wine, with a deep ruby/purple color, loads of crme de cassis, cedar wood and forest floor notes, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a long, fleshy finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 29/06/2015

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}       {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
          
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100

[]Vinous:: 95/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

[]James Suckling:: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 95-97/100          
{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}

{***}

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings} {***}

Balance, purity and finesse are the hallmarks of this approachable, intense wine – another fine example from the 2015 vintage. Very pure, fresh and clean, it also has a super attractive palate of blackberry and raspberry.

The finish is peppery and full of spice, with some hints of cedar too. I really like this wine. It's a top-class Pauillac, brilliant Claret and so precise. The velvety palate is polished and direct, but there is lots of interest dancing around the mouth. Another fantastic wine from François-Xavier Borie.

Blend: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

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

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

{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}   
[]Vinous:: 92+/100

[]Wine Advocate:: 91+/100

[]James Suckling:: 96/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 92/100

[]Jancis Robsinson MW:: 17.5/20 

{ratings}

{***}

The wine is only just coming out of its shell. The nose is subdued but fresh and incisive, the palate firm verging on austere with grippy tannins present. There's length and freshness, the Cabernet providing a linear edge, the fruit adequately juicy. If you can, wait another couple of years.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100        
 [] Wine Spectator:: 90/100          
 [] James Suckling:: 92/100{ratings}    {***}

Ch. Giscours has been making consistent, hugely enjoyable and affordable top quality Margaux since 2000, and 2012 is certainly no exception. Sometimes criticised for producing a more ‘masculine’ style of Margaux (that I thoroughly enjoy), this is not the case this year. Multi-layered, refined with a beautiful freshness and elegance that is the personification of its commune, this will be a reasonably early drinker that will deliver great satisfaction in a few years.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20        
 [] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100          
 [] Robert Parker:: 88-90/100{ratings}    {***}

Perhaps one of the best value “Second” wines on the market, Ségla does not disappoint in the great 2016 vintage. The nose is quintessential Margaux with lashings of Blackcurrant, Blueberry and Cassis notes interwoven with rose petals, violets and cedarwood. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and open with a pleasant mouth-feel which does not lack in concentration. The fruit is succulent and blends perfectly with the silky tannins. A super drinkable Ségla but allow a few years in bottle for it to really sing.

Drink 2022 – 2028+

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}         {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Antonio Galloni, Vinous :: 92/100

[] Neal Martin, Vinous:: 90/100

 [] Jancis Robinson :: 18/20  

[] James Suckling:: 93/100

{ratings}

{***}

The 2001 Calon-Ségur has a delightful bouquet, very pure and a little more vivacious than the preceding vintage, featuring lovely brambly red fruit, rose petals, autumn leaves and a touch of cigar box, all well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a little more cohesive than the 2000, and slightly granular in texture, with a graceful, elegant and quite persistent finish. This is one of the few châteaux where it's difficult to choose between the 2001 and 2000. Drinking perfectly now. Drink 2021 - 2045

Neal Martin, vinous.com (Sep 2021)

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2001{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Vinous:: 94/100

{ratings} {***}

The 2000 d’Armailhac offers brambly red berry fruit mixed with cedar and mint on a nose that is gentle but persuasive, nicely defined and open. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that frame the iron-tinged red fruit. This is not amazingly complex compared to recent vintages, but it is harmonious and displays the DNA of a Pauillac. It just fades a little toward the finish, and there is perhaps a touch of brettanomyces. Bottles are drinking perfectly now. Charming and ready to go.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}       {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2000{vintage}
{ratings} [] Vinous:: 88/100
          
                                                                                                 
{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} {***}

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 89/100        
       
 [] Robert Parker:: 90/100

{ratings}    {***}

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 87/100

[]Robert Parker:: 94+/100    

{ratings} {***}

Ch Pontet-Canet is still finding its way along the thorny path of biodynamic viticulture but in 2008 owner Alfred Tesseron was able to make a 100% biodynamic wine. Very attractive, this is full of creamy, blackcurrant fruit with grainy, ripe tannins and generous weight. Layers of fruit swell across the palate whilst the finish is refreshing and full of concentrated fruit with a touch of spice. If not quite as incredible as the 2007, this would nonetheless be a worthy addition to any cellar Expressive dark fruit and sweet citrus freshness. Deep and mouthfilling, deep pile tannins, finishing fresh and satisfying. Plenty of freshness on the finish.
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 09

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

[]Robert Parker:: 96/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100

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

The enigmatic Philippe Blanc, director of Ch. Beychevelle, was in fine humour when we visited him to taste his 2008 Grand Vin. This estate just gets better and better and Philippe’s sunny disposition was a reflection of the bright fruit shining out of his wine. The round, plump, fleshy feel of 47% Merlot certainly comes across with opulent notes of ripe morello cherries but 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc add to its darker side and provide an elegant backbone. This is well balanced and rewarding: a fine achievement.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Robert Parker :: 89+/100
[] The Wine Advocate:: 89+/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

{ratings}{***}

Bright and ripe dark fruit on the nose, nice depth there. Better still on the palate, ripe fruit, notes of graphite and spice, pleasing and giving, surprisingly crisp acidity, given the ripeness, keeps this in balance, along with ripe, melting tannins. Showing very well now, this will continue to give pleasure for many years to come. A real pleaser of a Ch. Batailley. Drink now to 2030+.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Robert Parker:: 94/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 92-95/100 

[]James Suckling:: 93/100 

[]Vinous:: 91/100 

[]Jancis Robinson MW:: 17.5/20 

{ratings} {***}

Ripe and succulent with the lovely perfume of great Margaux, this is concentrated but fresh, supple but structured, and very, very harmonious. Beautifully balanced and with great poise, this wears its 60% new oak like a glove. Henri Lurton mentioned that in 2009 the grape juice before fermentation was so fragrant that the vat room was already then full of the smell of blackberries and raspberries. This certainly translates in the wine; it is a very fine achievement.

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

{color}Red{color}                                            

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

{vintage}2009{vintage}

{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 89-92/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 16/20                
[]Robert Parker:: 95/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 91/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

{***}

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 97+/100

[]James Suckling:: 98-99/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 95/100   

[]Vinous:: 97/100 {ratings} {***}

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

[] Jancis Robinson :: 16.5+/20 

{ratings} {***}

The first vintage for a dry white at Brane-Cantenac, from 3.2ha of clay-sand soils in the middle of AOC Margaux but designated Haut-Médoc. They planted the Loire clones of Sauvignon Blanc in 2017, and this has clear and well-defined Sauvignon aromatics; a little on the wild side but sappy and enticing. Integral vinification in barrel for 25%, the rest in vats with some lees stirring. It is walking the line between richness and freshness. A yield of 14hl/ha, which is low, but this feels important in these young vines to ensure quality and concentration. Diam closure. Eric Boissenot is the consultant for this, as for the red. Harvest from August 29 to September 5.

Drink 2021 - 2026

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

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

{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings}

[]Jane Anson:: 91/100        
[]Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20                

{ratings}

{***}

Château Meyney occupies a prime position in St Estèphe, with a single 51-hectare parcel of vines on a sloping rise next to Ch. Montrose and overlooking the Gironde estuary.

Ch. Meyney also benefits from a distinctive array of soil types which together provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (30%) and a generous share of Petit Verdot (15%) – this latter giving the wines their attractive, spicy signature.

In her book Inside Bordeaux, Jane Anson writes that she considers Ch. Meyney to be worthy of fifth growth classification by today’s standards.

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

{ratings}
{***}

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

  {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}

{ratings}
        
{ratings}

{***}

Guiraud is synonymous with Sauternes, but this dry white shows the same class and complexity as you find in its famous sweet wines. It's an equal blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, packed with spiky gooseberries and nettles, rich tropical tones and creamy herbal and hay notes. Long and textural with lifted grapefruit acidity.

{***}
{region}Sauterne{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}

{ratings} [] Decanter:: 92/100

{ratings}

{***}

Ch. Grand-Puy-Lacoste has been in excellent form over the last few years and the 2008 continues in this impressive vein. This boasts the generous fruit of the vintage but with a classic, Pauillac seam running right through the core. Once again feminine in style, this is stylish and elegant with crisp acidity and fine-grained but structured tannins; this represents excellent value in 2008.

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

{color}Red{color}                  

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

{vintage}2012{vintage}

{ratings}   
[]Robert Parker:: 89/100

[]Wine Advocate:: 89/100  

{ratings}

{***}

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 96/100

[]Robert Parker:: 98/100    

[]Jancis Robinson:: 18/20

[]Wine Spectator:: 92-95/100    

{ratings} {***}

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 97/100

[]Robert Parker:: 100+/100 {ratings} {***}

This is the second wine of Domaine de Chevalier, one of the few crus classés of Graves classified for both its red and white wines. The domaine is a single 51-hectare block in the far south of the appellation. L’Esprit comes from young vines; the 2016 is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with 10% Petit Verdot. The nose entices with blackberry, cherry, leather and tobacco. The palate is medium bodied with fine, silky tannins. Enjoy it with steak frites or a venison burger. Drink now to 2028.

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings} [] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100

[] Neal Martin, Vinous:: 90/100

[] James Suckling:: 93-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

Often confused as the second wine of Ch. Léoville-Las Cases, St Julien, Clos du Marquis is in fact a separate entity and a fine terroir in its own right, benefitting from the winemaking skill of the team at Las Cases. Showing an inky purple, with classic St Julien casssis and cedar on the nose alongside a touch of sweet vanillin spice, it is beautifully balanced on the palate, with fine tannins framing the tasty spiced fruit. This is another very good Clos du Marquis and one that will be best enjoyed between 5 and 15 years after the vintage.

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color}Red{color}            {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
              
[]Robert Parker:: 91-93/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

A fabulously intense, fruit driven nose, with wave after wave of all the typical Pauillac nuances, leads to notes of pencil and tobacco. It is powerful and rich on the palate with a cool, sensual core of precise blackberry fruit. Xavier Borie’s 2009 was one of the wines of the vintage for us and he’s given us a double whammy here, with possibly an even finer example with his incredible 2010.

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

{color}Red{color}                  

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

{vintage}2012{vintage}

{ratings}   
[]Robert Parker:: 95/100

[]Jancis Robinson :: 17/20

[]Wine Spectator :: 92-95/100

[]Wine Advocate:: 95/100

{ratings}

{***}

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

[]Robert Parker:: 93/100  

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100   

[]Robert Parker:: 92/100   

{ratings} {***}

The second wine of Brane-Cantenac, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet tobacco, succulent blackberry notes on the palate and powerful structure. A strong effort.

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}{***}

Following on from successes in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Ch. Lynch Bages has yet again proved itself to be equivalent to Second Growth quality in 2008. Aromas of lovely, warm red and black bramble fruits immediately greet the nose and are followed by a creamy textured, rich yet beautifully balanced palate. This is a serious wine but the tannins are incredibly elegant and the gorgeous, crunchy fruit finish goes on and on. Certainly the addition work in the vineyard and low yields have paid off for Jean-Charles Cazes in 2008. This is a stunner.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}       {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{ratings}
          
[]The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 88-92/100

{ratings}{***}

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

[]Robert Parker:: 99/100  

[]Wine Spectator :: 97-100/100  

[]The Wine Advocate:: 99/100  

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17.5/20

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 94/100

[]Jancis Robinson :: 17+/20   

[]Robert Parker:: 93-95+/100  

[]Wine Spectator:: 92-95/100

{ratings} {***}

Cos Estournel 2009 is truly remarkable. The USS Enterprise-like, state-of-the-art winery Jean-Guillaume Prats has installed over the last few years, combined with the incredible, meticulous sorting he has done in the vineyard and the astounding 2009 vintage itself, has culminated in this astonishing wine.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 100/100

[]Robert Parker:: 100/100

[]Wine Spectator:: 97-100/100

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 100/100

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 99/100

[]Jancis Robinson :: 18/20   

[]Robert Parker:: 98+/100  

[]Wine Spectator:: 97-100/100

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}St Julien {region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 100/100

[]Jancis Robinson :: 16.5/20   

[]Robert Parker:: 100/100  

[]Wine Spectator:: 94-97/100

{ratings} {***}

Rémi Edange was keen to point to the health of the vineyard soil and the domaine’s protected position, which helped to manage the maturation of the white grapes. This is a full-bodied Chevalier Blanc but still an admirably aromatic one, albeit more focused on warm scents like coriander and mace. A very complex wine. Drink 2023-2035.

Blend: 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillon

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} White {color}                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 93-95/100
{ratings}{***}

Using a more traditional blend, C des Carmes Haut-Brion focuses on Merlot subtly complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit is in the spotlight here, offering an elegant range of aromas. Drunk young, the wine develops a crisp intensity which will gain the patina of beautiful complexity as the years pass.

{***}{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:: 94-95/100

                                                                                                 
{ratings}

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 93-95+/100

[] James Suckling:: 93-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

None of the Cazes properties were affected by frost this year. The 2017 has a deep garnet red with a slight purple hue. There are notes of dark fruit, blackcurrants and a little spice on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with a suave, polished texture, grippy tannins and nice length. It’s a blend of 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 percent Merlot, four percent Cabernet Franc and two percent Petit Verdot.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}       {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
          
[]James Suckling:: 95-96/100

{ratings}{***}

Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Pale rim. Some light cassis aroma. A bit scrawny. This is on the cusp of refreshing and austere. Lots of restraint! Very backward and not emphatic.

Drink 2020-2045

Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (Feb 2017)

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{ratings} [] Jancis Robinson:: 17++/20

[] Wine Spectator:: 90/100

{ratings}

{***}

Mid crimson. Sweet and simple and easy without great density of fruit but quite a bit of tannin underneath. For the moment the frame dominates the flesh.
Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 2015

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

{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 91-93/100

[] Jancis Robinson MW:: 16/20

{ratings}

{***}

Dark fruit with cedar and herbal notes on the nose. Some meat, too. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Juicy and savory character on the palate with a balanced structure. Flavorful finish. Second wine. Try after 2023 when it will be more together.

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (Mar 2021)

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
[] James Suckling:: 92/100

[] Jane Anson :: 89/100

{ratings}{***}

Deep red-black right to the rim, with savoury marmite aromas complemented by a lovely nose of violet-infused fruit, rich and intense. It also displays fresh, toasty and really interesting notes that lead to a palate of ripe, spiced, black fruits, making it supple and medium-bodied. It is an elegant wine that also shows lovely cinnamon notes and is fresh and leafy too with a refreshing bitter cranberry twist and bite, but all nicely done, with a long, rich sweet finish.

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings} 

{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}    {***}

The 1989 Château Larmande is a red wine made by Château Larmande from Saint-Emilion with a blend based on merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc of 1989 and shows an alcoholic strength of 13.50%. The 1989 Château Larmande is the ideal red to combine with red meat and mushrooms. 

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}1989{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Spectator:: 93/100

[] Robert Parker:: 88/100

{ratings}{***}

The prices of Bordeaux’s elite have spiralled beyond the reach of most mere mortals over the past two decades....The closest most ordinary wine lovers come to the Bordeaux top table these days is by sampling their diffusion lines, with Ronan from the team that makes Château Clinet, one of the leading estates in Pomerol in Bordeaux’s Right Bank area, a satisfying 100% merlot snapshot of that estate’s sumptuous house style.
David Williams, Best bargain wines from Bordeaux, The Guardian (May 2021)

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}

{ratings} 

[] Jancis Robinson MW:: 16/20

{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}    {***}

Château Poujeaux is a fruity wine, with ripe grape and black berry (blackcurrant) aromas. A certain power in the mouth, with density and tight tannins. A wine for elegant meals, which goes particularly well with game birds.

{***}
{region}Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1989{vintage}

{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

{***}