Bordeaux

This dense wine has layers of tannins on top of the black fruits. It is rich, with a juicy black-currant character and lots of acidity to balance with the structure. Drink from 2020.

89pts Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Lovely, deep ruby red appearance for the Dourthe La Grande Cuvée 2017. Charming on the bouquet, where a hint of toast intermingles with red and black berry fruit aromas. Initially sumptuously smooth on the palate, the wine gains momentum to unleash delicious, fruit-laden texture, oozing freshness and appealing spicy notes. Very well-balanced overall, backed by rounded, silky tannins and culminating in a long, fruity final woven with well-integrated oak. 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

{***}
{region}Bordeaux AOC{region}
{color}Red{color}

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

{vintage}2017{vintage} {ratings} {ratings}{***}

Lovely, deep ruby red appearance for the Dourthe La Grande Cuvée 2017. Charming on the bouquet, where a hint of toast intermingles with red and black berry fruit aromas. Initially sumptuously smooth on the palate, the wine gains momentum to unleash delicious, fruit-laden texture, oozing freshness and appealing spicy notes. Very well-balanced overall, backed by rounded, silky tannins and culminating in a long, fruity final woven with well-integrated oak. 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

{***}
{region}Bordeaux AOC{region}
{color}Red{color}

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

{vintage}2017{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 (to 2021).

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

Coming from plots of younger vines at Château Haut-Bailly, this is a classic Graves blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. From its deep, glossy colour to the bright, vivacious fruit on the nose, this is a beautiful example of the region’s wines. Cassis fruit crackles across the palate, but is coated in silky, elegant tannins. This is a wine in shimmering form, with such an open, charming style that it’s hard to resist now, but will improve for a year or two.

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

{***}

From the stellar 2018 vintage, our own-label Pomerol comes from the young vines and selected parcels of Château Feytit-Clinet. Owner Jérémy Chasseuil has crafted another wonderful wine for us, using predominately rich, ripe Merlot, with a dash of Cabernet Franc to add structure and complexity. Showing a gorgeous nose of morello cherries, kirsch and mocha, the wine expands on the palate with a wealth of opulent forest fruit to the fore. Duck and game are classic matches with Pomerol, but this would be superb with a deeply flavoured mushroom risotto.

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

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}{***}

The 2016 Villa Bel Air Blanc features lime zest, yuzu and lemon curd notes with a waft of orange blossoms. Medium-bodied, crisp and zesty in the mouth, it delivers a lovely savoriness on the finish. Drink 2018 - 2022.

{***}{region}Graves{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Renowned for Semillon cultivated on gravel, aromas of white peach and pear and a hint of smoke define this Rahoul 2016. Cultivated on clay over a limestone subsoil in certain parcels on the estate, appealing Sauvignon blanc lends lingering aromas offering mineral character, freshness and length. This is a successful blend, largely due to rigorously monitored harvesting dates, which lend round, fresh character and length to this superb white wine terroir.

{***}
{region}Graves{region}
{color}White{color}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 92/100
[]Vinous Media:: 89/100 
[]Jancis Robinson:: 16/20
[]Robert Parker:: 89/100
{ratings}
{***}

Deep in colour and tinged with garnet. Fruity aromas, enhanced by smoky nuances typical of these gravel soils, are echoed on the generous palate, with its full tannic structure. Good balance lasts through to the lovely finish.

{***}
{region}Graves{region}
{color}Red{color}
{vintage}2013{vintage}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate::86-88/100                                                                                                                                                            []Tim Atkin::90/100
[]Robert Parker::86-88/100
{ratings}
{***}

Very concentrated, almost black in appearance. The intense bouquet delivers an explosion of black berry aromas, of primarily cherries and blackberries, together with a touch of spice. Full and generous on the palate, structured by delicate, silky tannins, coated in fresh, juicy fruit. The delicately integrated oak accompanies the full-flavoured, lingering finish of this superb, concentrated, fleshy and delicious Pey La Tour Reserve.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux AOC{region}
{color}Red{color}

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

{vintage}2016{vintage} {ratings} []Wine Enthusiast:: 91/100 []James Suckling:: 91/100 {ratings}{***}

Very dark purple and lustrous. Certainly looks very appealing. Succulent fruit with a streak of iodine. Very polished and worked. Fine tannins on the finish. Just goes a little dead on the end. Hint of bitterness.

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 87-90/100                                                                                                                                                []Jancis Robinson:: 16/20 
[]Decanter:: 16.25/20
{ratings}{***}

Attractive, deep garnet in colour. Highly perfumed on the nose offering complex aromas of fresh red fruit notes, spices and precious woods. A fine tannic structure for such a generous, velvety, highly-concentrated palate. This Belgrave 2011 reveals freshness and elegance in true Saint-Julien style – a very attractive wine!

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Enthusiast:: 92-94/100                                                                                                                                                []Jancis Robinson:: 16/20 
[]Tim Atkin:: 90/100
{ratings}{***}

With a sweet, intense, Cabernet nose of spices, a real depth of character and a great true Bordeaux finish, this is a superb little number that will be one of the stand-out value wines of the vintage. Just tucked in behind Ch. Lagrange and Ch. Talbot, this is a generous quaffer.

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100
[] The Wine Advocate:: 89/100{ratings}{***}

Ch. Talbot generally provides benchmark St Julien and has done so again in 2015. Firm in structure, the tannins create a large frame that is filled with rich, dark fruit and hints of cedar from the oak. Really quite opulent, it has a long finish which ends with a savoury hit.

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100        
  [] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20          
 [] Decanter:: 91/100{ratings}    {***}

A blend made from the younger vines at the estate, the aim here is to produce a wine which can be drunk young but which shows the complexity and balance of the grand vin. Ripe red and blackberry fruit mingles on the palate with leather, cedar and delicate mineral notes with a lovely freshness on the finish. One for roast lamb with all the trimmings.

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

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Malartic-Lagravière has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, blueberry and violet scents. I appreciate the control and precision on display here. The palate does not quite match the quality of the nose, although it still offers pleasure: blackberry and subtle spicy notes, quite steely in the mouth with a vivid but linear, black cherry and boysenberry finish. With time, hints of pencil lead evolve in the glass and become more prominent on the finish. Drink now and over the next decade. Drinking window: 2016-2026

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 90/100
{ratings}{***}

This St.-Estèphe wine from the 2011 vintage has some freshly crushed cherry and damson plum notes, along with a lightly chalky frame on the finish, but it's a bit shy on stuffing and length in the end.

{***}{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 85-88/100                                                                                                                                                                                                                           []Decanter:: 16/20
{ratings}{***}

The second wine of Ch. Lynch-Bages, this has an attractive, dark ruby colour. It releases fresh fruit aromas of red berries and what a joy to taste! The palate is marked by spicy and oaky notes while the tannins are soft and round, but there is such energy on the palate. Very well poised, it finishes long.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 16/20                
[]Decanter:: 91/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 90/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}{***}

This is almost as stylish as Coco Chanel herself. The ever frank John Kolasa has really worked wonders this vintage and it pushes Ch. Palmer and Ch. Margaux for top honors. Perfumed red currant fruit jumps straight out of the glass, with a darker earthier forest fruit edge following on. There is a grainy, floral lift that comes through and it really adds to the aromatic pyrotechnics here! Full, fresh and rounded with sweetness of fruit, you really feel the texture and fresh crunch in the mouth. This is considered and focused with great length. It is super impressive this year. 2017-2032.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Wine Advocate:: 93/100        
 [] Wine Spectator:: 89-92/100          
{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                
[]Decanter:: 90/100           
[]Robert Parker:: 97/100                                                                                                   
{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}    {***}