波爾多

{***}
{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} {***}

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}

{***}

{***}
{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 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}

{***}

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

{ratings}{***}

Inky black/purple colour with a concentrated, intense nose of ripe blackcurrant and plum, sweet spice and violets. There is a lifted elegance here which is very appealing. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, but is so fresh and mineral with juicy blackberry and bramble fruit, lots of sweet spice and herb notes. It’s complex and beguiling, with a lovely creamy texture and supple, elegant tannins. The finish is extremely long and fresh showing wonderful poise. The blend is 53 percent Merlot, 41 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 6 percent Petit Verdot. This is a great Palmer.

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 97-98/100 []The Wine Advocate:: 96-98/100

 {ratings} {***}

Bright crimson. Meaty, really savoury nose with great life. Medium weight and beautiful balance. Some light inkiness and a little marked by the oak at present but a really beautiful whole. Fragrant, roses with life and lift again. The wine is relatively high in acidity but, most unusually, surrounded by the ripe fruit. Easy to see a relationship with the beautiful 2006 served after this. Drink 2020 - 2040.

Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (Jul 2016)

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Jancis Robinson:: 18.5/20

[]Wine Advocate:: 96/100

{ratings} {***}

A blend of 62 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 36 percent Merlot and two percent Petit Verdot. Dark crimson in colour, the wine has a deft touch, the hallmark of winemaker Nicholas Audebert, and a finesse and elegance about it this year with a velvety texture. It finishes fresh with a long, persistent length.

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

                                                       {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Wine Advocate:: 94-96/100        

[] James Suckling:: 94-95/100 

         
{ratings}

{***}

Broad and sexy, with supple tannin, the 2001 offers beguiling notes of toast, black currant liqueur, violets, and licorice in a seductive, opulent, medium to full-bodied, accessible style. It may deserve another point or two for pure pleasure. Proprietor Eric Albada Jelgersma is doing a splendid job rebuilding this estate and producing higher and higher quality wines. The finest Du Tertre in many years was the 2000, and the 2001 is close behind it in quality. 
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 30/06/2004

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

{color}Red{color}                                                         

          {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}

{vintage}2001{vintage}

{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 90/100                    
[]Vinous:: 91/100           
[]Jancis Robinson :: 16/20                                                                                                   
{ratings}

{***}

This is the epitome of a classic, good, mature British Claret. Textbook cassis, cigar boxes, toast and minerals are all here. Its tannins are beautifully soft, but it has lost none of its flesh and intensity. It is fantastic right now, but will last for a further 10 to 15 years.

Ch. Giscours is one of the largest Margaux properties and now producing wine worthy of its Troisième Cru Classé status. Giscours was in a dire state when it was acquired by Nicholas Tari in 1952. He invested heavily and the quality of the wine improved beyond recognition. In 1995 he sold the property to Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma. Giscours produces richly aromatic wines that are surprisingly powerful on the palate, displaying ripe, black fruit with hints of cedar and new oak.

Giscours typically produces one of the most masculine wines of the Margaux appellation and one which normally requires a little patience. Defined by its rich, dark fruit, complex structure and wonderful, classic perfume, this elegant 2001 is nonetheless drinking beautifully now, yet will last another five years.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

There is a completeness that is evident in 2005 Clarets, and this is what immediately strikes with 2005 Cantemerle. It has bags of fruit, tannin and acidity, all tied up in an impeccably-balanced, polished package. Sweet cassis fruit is accompanied by a spicy edge and a long, fresh lift. This is very pretty now but ideally wants another five years to really get going, and will easily keep for another five after that.

Tom Cave, Cellar Plan Manager

Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 5%, Cabernet Franc 2%.

Although the overall production at Ch. Margaux is down about a quarter, the proportion of Pavillon Rouge is up slightly (31% of production). Aurélien Valance feels this is indicative of the quality, that even more of the harvest than usual was up to the mark for this cuvée. The bouquet is more accented in crunchy red fruit than the grand vin, and the tannins feel more pronounced. But the ineffable polish and grace of Ch. Margaux remains fundamentally woven into the wine’s persona. This is elegant and perhaps a little more open-textured than the ’19, but there’s still sufficient tension to leave the wine irresistible.

Drink 2028 - 2045

Berry Bros. & Rudd

The pale lemon coloured 2016 Lions de Suduiraut gives up quite earthy scents of fungi, moss and fallen leaves over a core of peach preserves, dried apricots, poached pears and orange marmalade. The palate is beautifully layered with stone fruit and citrus notions, framed with just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy.
Drink 2019 - 2033

 
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (March 2019)

A lovely property in the tiny appellation of the Côtes de Francs, the 2017 Marsau is deep ruby in colour with attractive aromas of bright redcurrants and wild black cherries, courtesy of the juicy Merlot dominance in the blend. Medium bodied on the palate with crunchy red fruit and silky, integrated tannins. A touch of chalkiness to the acidity brings a freshness throughout, and a purity of red cherry and forest fruit sits at the heart of this crowd-pleasing style.

Suave and finely textured, a very decent effort which will drink well from 2020 - 2026+.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

This was an outstanding vintage for white Bordeaux and our “GOW”, skilfully made by Dourthe. The nose is bright and aromatic, with notes of lime, flower, elderflower and green tea leaf. The palate brings exotic fruits, typical of its 100% Sauvignon Blanc makeup. Swathes of citrus and white peach lead to a zesty burst of acidity. No oak is used, allowing the crisp, mineral profile to speak for itself. This is perfect as an apéritif or with lighter fish or chicken dishes.

Georgina Haacke, Fine Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (June 2023)

This is a classic Graves blend of equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. There are aromas of bright white peach and lemon peel on the nose. The palate introduces passion fruit, fresh apricot and quince notes.

Well-judged use of French oak adds depth and creaminess without overpowering the wine. A dash of acidity and a mouth-watering bite of salinity brings balance to the finish. This exemplifies how 2021 was a truly great vintage for Bordeaux whites.

Georgina Haacke, Fine Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

1985 Bordeaux in general and Las Cases in particular is one of lifes great pleasures; a moment of pure hedonism as you catch a great Claret at a time of sheer perfection. The tannins have softened, the primary and secondary fruit characteristics have given way to the classic cigar-box and cedarwood aromas of mature St Julien, and the texture on the palate is rich and satisfying, supported by an impressively long finish. If you want to keep it longer, however, fear not for I believe it will remain on this plateau for several years yet.

The 1995 Château Gruaud Larose has a complex nose with intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite and dark chocolate mixed with leather and smoke. Layers of soft berry fruit and damp grass unfold on the palate, leading into fresh tobacco. The palate is supple, with juicy acidity and elegant, fine tannings playing a supporting role. This would be a perfect match with hard cheeses or game meats. Drink now to 2028.

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1995{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Vinous :: 90+/100

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

The sensuous, generous dollop of 40 % Merlot that went into this I think is what makes this so exquisite and beguiling. Warm, sweet red fruit with a hint of vanilla leading you to a palate which is plump and fleshy but elegant and sophisticated. It really reminds of a top Grand Cru Burgundy from a great year with its purity and grace. Please don't be put off if you read words like "elegant" to mean thin and lacking flavour as it can often mean in wine terms. Quite the contrary here, this is jam packed full of oomph and the finish is 3 to 4 minutes long. If its a small Christmas Day or New Years Eve gathering this year for you ( or you are an incredibly generous host/hostess and having the hordes in!) and you want something that will tick all the boxes ( and some boxes you hadn't even known you had) you wont be disappointed and you will certainly have a very happy Christmas.

Simon Staples, Berrys' Fine Wine Director (November 2009)

Latour is a benchmark for its unwavering consistency and exceptional quality in even the most challenging vintages. The 1996 vintage, in particular, showcases the heavenly results achieved by this renowned winery. This textbook Latour wine is characterised by its immense concentration, richness, polished tannins, and full-bodied yet not overwhelming nature. The wine's phenomenal power and balance make it an extraordinary specimen. We anticipate its continued evolution up to 2030.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

The 2000 Léoville-Barton has a juicy, ripe bouquet of macerated black cherries, incense, potpourri and veins of blue fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, good density, nice structure and a sappy conclusion. This has opened up in recent years and displays a touch of ash toward the finish. Drinking perfectly now, it’s a decent Léoville-Barton that never quite achieves the heights of recent stellar vintages.

Drink 2021 - 2032

Neal Martin, vinous.com (Sep 2021)

Tasted from an ex-château bottle at BI Wine & Spirits Calon-Segur dinner in London. The 2000 Calon Segur is one of those wines that reminds you how great the millennial vintage could be. Now at fifteen years old, it has a brilliant, vivacious red berry nose infused with ash and cigar box aromas. The detail here is a beguiling and it just "sings" Saint Estèphe. The palate is medium-bodied with dense, firm tannin that provide a rigid backbone, but it is swathed in copious tobacco-drenched black fruit and a superb line of acidity. It finishes with a twist of bitter cherry on the finish that completes what is a deeply impressive Calon-Ségur; it might just outclass the 2005. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - 28/10/2016

A baby, still barely evolved at 20 years old, perhaps the slowest out of the block of all Five Firsts at this point in their lives. Savoury black fruits, elegant yet concentrated, extremely Cabernet and extremely Lafite. The power comes slowly, expanding through the palate to show graphite, pencil shavings, and cigar smoke, all with firm acidities and a fantastic grip. 46% of the overall crop went into this wine in the 2000 vintage. A brilliant example of the success at Lafite under the longtime triumvirate of owner Baron Éric de Rothschild, CEO Christophe Salin and estate director Charles Chevallier.

Drink 2022 - 2045

Jane Anson, Decanter.com (July 2020)

Fully mature (yet I'd say in the early stages of its drink window), the 2000 Château Gruaud Larose offers a ripe, powerful, medium to full-bodied style as well as lots of currant and darker fruits followed by cedarwood, tobacco, iron, and assorted meaty, spicy nuances. It's a rich, almost chunky effort with a great mid-palate, still present yet ripe tannins, and an excellent finish. It lacks some of the purity and precision of today's wines yet is a satisfying, rich, impressively textured Saint-Julien to drink over the coming 15-20 years.

Drink 2021 - 2041

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (April 2021)

We are delighted to say that the 2001 has everything that a classic Bordeaux should. With tiny yields of only 28hl/ha and a huge percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) in the blend this is a multi-dimensional marvel. Almost black in colour, it has a rich, sweet nose of pure Cabernet fruit, pencil shavings and subtle new oak. On the palate the oak integrates beautifully with dense black cherries, cream and spices. Ripe yet firm meaty tannins are evident but not obtrusive, while a wonderful minerally quality permeates through to the very long finish. Complex and rewarding, this is more restrained that usual and will need time to reach its best.

The 2001 Lafite-Rothschild has a little more precision on the nose compared to the millennial Lafite. It’s vivid and focused, featuring blackberry, briar, cedar and mint, and a touch of cola in the background. The palate is well balanced and svelte in texture, building beautifully with aeration to a gorgeous, truffle-tinged finish that is a little spicier than three years ago, when I last tasted this vintage. Maybe it just tails off toward the finish when compared to the 2000. Still, this is an elegant, blue-blooded Lafite-Rothschild that exudes class.

Drink 2023 - 2052

Neal Martin, vinous.com (Sep 2021)

I'm not sure you need me to recap the weather conditions in 2005 as it's such a famous, and relatively recent year. Suffice to say, it was pretty close to a perfect year, with spots of heat but generally cool evenings that maintained a sense of freshness and poise. The colour difference is quite remarkable in comparison to the older vintages in the tasting, and even with nearly 15 years of age, we are fully in primary colours with this 2005 - rich, purple-reds, not inky but full of life and intensity right through the body of the wine. 

On the palate, you find touches of caramel and sweet, ripe fruit that's handled expertly. It's more gourmet than any other on display, but still with gorgeous freshness and traces of black pepper spice that give focus to the finish. It has an effortless balance that just makes you so happy to be drinking this wonderful vintage from an estate that's in no hurry to reveal its riches. Outside of the world of Bordeaux wine, Angela Merkel became head of the German government, following on from Gerhard Schroëder.

Drink 2018 - 2045

Jane Anson, Decanter.com (December 2018)

I'm not sure you need me to recap the weather conditions in 2005 as it's such a famous, and relatively recent year. Suffice to say, it was pretty close to a perfect year, with spots of heat but generally cool evenings that maintained a sense of freshness and poise. The colour difference is quite remarkable in comparison to the older vintages in the tasting, and even with nearly 15 years of age, we are fully in primary colours with this 2005 - rich, purple-reds, not inky but full of life and intensity right through the body of the wine. 

On the palate, you find touches of caramel and sweet, ripe fruit that's handled expertly. It's more gourmet than any other on display, but still with gorgeous freshness and traces of black pepper spice that give focus to the finish. It has an effortless balance that just makes you so happy to be drinking this wonderful vintage from an estate that's in no hurry to reveal its riches. Outside of the world of Bordeaux wine, Angela Merkel became head of the German government, following on from Gerhard Schroëder.

Drink 2018 - 2045

Jane Anson, Decanter.com (December 2018)

Cheval Blanc’s second wine, the 2005 Le Petit Cheval, possesses some of the character of its bigger sibling. Revealing a slight green streak among the cranberry and black cherry fruit along with medium body and a soft, plush texture, it is ideal for drinking over the next decade.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - 30-Apr-2008

This great terroir sandwiched between Vieux Chteau Certan, Petrus and La Fleur Petrus, on the high plateau of Pomerol, has been owned for many years by the Barrau-Badar family. Beautiful coffee, cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit jump from the glass of this full-bodied, rich, multi-layered, and very impressive Certan de May. I dont remember it showing this well in barrel and post-bottling, but it is strutting its stuff at age 10, and has a good 20 years of upside left to it. This is a beauty. I especially admire the layered, textural style of the wine. Drink it over the next 20 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 29/06/2015

Tasting at Ch. Léoville Poyferré was one of our ‘wine moments’ of the 2009 en primeur week. It is, quite simply, astonishing. Very perfumed, with a delicious, juicy density on the palate, this has layer upon layer of gorgeous fruit (blackberries freshly picked from the hedge) with a wonderful, gravel minerality and earthy complexity. Supple, ripe tannins melt on the palate and the length is incredible. This is one of the most exciting wines of its level in 2009; an absolute must-buy.

Ch. Angélus’s 2009 is an extremely elegant wine with a lifted, floral hint to the nose and dense, pure, concentrated liquid raspberry fruit on the palate. Very fine, silky tannins add to the smooth, round mouthfeel, all completed by a long, sweet finish.

A pretty nose of raspberry and blackcurrant coulis leads to an elegant palate of fresh bramble fruit and black cherries. Calon-Segur is not a powerful wine in 2009 but it is sophisticated with fine, gentle tannins and a twist of sweet spice on the finish. Usually in the shadow of its sister property, Grand-Puy-Lacoste ( here with the exact samescore ) , this is more expressive than usual . The nose is opulent and inviting , but what follows is a model of elegance , with tannins , acidity and fruit seamlessly interwoven. The finesse of the tannins was noticeable , albeit totally absorbed by the glorious weight of fruit . There are layers of flavour and texture , and a beguiling combination of elegance and power , with an unusually high amount of Cabernet providing fine structure.

We normally find tasting Giscours at this stage a tad underwhelming to be honest, tending to buy large quantities (far more expensively I may add) when it’s singing, four to six years after the vintage. Not this year!!! Really generous without being pushed, intense and concentrated with an amazingly long finish, this could easily be their greatest vintage, and it actually surpasses the brilliant 2005. Fantastic.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

The annual release of 10 year old Château Palmer, and this time it's an often-underrated but delicious vintage that sits in the shadow of the most prestigious years of the last decade. Proof of how slowly this wine ages, it is packed with blueberry and cassis fruits, a shot of mint leaf, mandarin peel, sage and dark chocolate, with shoulders and a serious architecture, bigger than you might expect for a vintage with such an easy-drinking, gourmet reputation.

I last tasted this vintage around eight months ago and it has opened up further since then, often the case as wines shift around the decade mark, and this is an upscore. A moment when Palmer was fully committing to farming biodynamically, doubling its coverage to almost 15 hectares, and had just unveiled a new cellar. Harvest October 1 to 15, Sabrina Pernet technical director, Thomas Duroux director. 68% new oak. No rush to drink, and has many decades ahead, but you can begin thinking about it.

Drink 2023 - 2042

Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com (July 2022)

Ideal with a 2-hour carafe.

Finesse and savoury black fruits and mint leaf with gentle rosemary. It has a quiet concentration, together with layers of graphite, and slate, and a mouthwatering finish. Both quiet and yet powerful, it gives an insight into what makes Lafite so singular, and that is all you can really ask of a 2nd wine. Interesting also how it differs from Petit Mouton, such a brilliant distillation of the difference between the two estates.

Drink 2022 - 2034

Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com (March 2022)

Ch. Lynch-Moussas’s 2016 is super fresh and lively. Dark ruby in colour, it possesses cool fruit on the palate. The wine is balanced with plenty of refreshing, almost minty acidity.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 83%, Merlot 17%

Composed of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Canon la Gaffeliere contains a large part of second-generation fruit because 65% of the crop was affected by frost. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has pronounced crme de cassis, blueberry pie, red currants and red plums notes with touches of Chinese five spice, fragrant earth, tapenade and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with nice firm tannins giving a sturdy frame along with plenty of freshness supporting great mid-palate density, finishing long and earthy.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - 27/04/2018

We always knew there was great potential at this large, but nevertheless high-quality, estate and with 2018 we feel that Château Laroque has pulled out all the stops. ‎The nose is packed full of plum, fruits of the forest and a hint of mocha. On the palate, there’s a tight ball of sweet Merlot fruit – with cassis and bilberry balanced by a hint of espresso bean. Rich tannins give it a lift on the back palate. It has a brightness and precision that belies its hidden depths. A storming success and the château’s best wine to date. Drink 2025-2035.

Blend: 97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

The alcohol this vintage is 14%, while the residual sugar is 129.4 grams per litre, and the total acidity is 4.5 grams per litre of H2SO4.

Pale to medium gold coloured, the 2002 d'Yquem strides confidently out of the glass with forthright notions of spiced pears, baked pineapple, apricot preserves and orange blossoms with touches of graham crackers, praline, ginger nut and lemon curd. The palate lends an understated earthy/savoury character with seamless freshness and a satiny texture paving the long, perfumed finish. 

Open-knit, expressive and yet still packing some primary fruit flavours, this vintage has entered its drinking window for those who love Yquem while it still possesses bags of vivacity. Five to seven more years in bottle should begin to yield more of the toffee, toasted nuts and savoury elements for those who love that more evolved phase.

Drink 2019 - 2040

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (August 2019)

The 1961 Ducru Beaucaillou is a vintage that I have tasted on a dozen occasions over the years and, although nowadays it can vary bottle to bottle, it remains a formidably Saint-Julien. It shows just a thin circle of bricking commensurate with its age, quite deep at its core. The bouquet is vigorous and enticing with black fruit, autumn leaves, black truffle and, evidenced on this particular bottle, a light ferrous/rusty piping scent. The palate is structured and dense. This has always been a swarthy and muscular Ducru-Beaucaillou, extremely focused and, whilst not displaying the finesse of its peers, there is something aristocratic and deeply impressive. It will clearly give another two decades of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at La Trompette.

Drink 2019 - 2045

Neil Martin, vinous.com (Oct 2019)

Our 2018 St Estèphe is dominated by Merlot, though the warm growing season was perfect for the late-ripening Petit Verdot – which makes up an unusually high 41% of the blend. The result is a lush and powerful Claret. Aromas of cassis, plum and cherry adorn the nose. The palate brings grippy but ripe tannins, gentle acidity and a pencil-lead finish. This is balanced and extremely drinkable. Serve it with your favourite steak or a winter stew. 

Drink 2024 - 2025

Georgina Haacke, Bordeaux Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Rieussec is always such a benchmark Sauternes and seems to deliver reliably year in, year out. A rewarding wine, this would be a fine addition to any cellar.

The tannins are still young and present, but aromatically, it is beginning to open, and this is a good time to drink this Les Forts - blueberries abound, with a delicious spicy black pepper and rosemary edge. 0.5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 43% of production in Forts. Harvest September 12 to 26.

Drink 2021 - 2045

Jane Anson, Decanter.com (February 2021)

Pure nectar, this heavenly French dessert wine can be savoured on its own, or paired with fruit tarts such as apricot or duck liver parfait. With luscious flavours of apricots, honey, orange blossom and exotic candied fruits, harmonious citrusy acidity keeps everything in check. Serve chilled in your prettiest crystal, and this golden elixir will bring smiles all round.

Sam Wylie-Harris, IrishNews.com (December 2023)

Our Sauternes has been made by Château Suduiraut. This is an early-drinking style of Sauternes, with bright aromas of orange blossom and candied apricot. The palate is ripe and glossy, with flavours of quince and white peach along with sweet undertones of allspice, stem ginger and honey. The blend is led by Sémillon, bringing a balancing bite of citrus to the finish. You can enjoy it year-round, and it’s delicious with most hard or blue cheeses.

Georgina Haacke, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2007{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

At Ch. Figeac, production is down by almost a half but we still think the quality is high and under the guidance of Frederic Faye it continues its upwards trajectory. A blend of 43 percent Merlot, 47 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 percent Cabernet Franc, it has a
deep purple colour with charming aromatics of small, red berry fruits, violets and liquorice. Once in the mouth there is a silky, mouth filling texture with a graphite and a mineral note finishing with a pleasing graphite grip. It has a long, persistent finish. Less density and opulence than 2015 or 2016 but it is pure in tannin and focus. A truly great Cabernet Sauvignon 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:: 94-96/100 

        
{ratings}    {***}

A second wine that has improved dramatically is the Alter Ego de Palmer. The 2009, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, exhibits aromas of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, roasted espresso and a smoky/foresty note. This hedonistic, juicy, succulent Margaux is meant to be consumed in its first 10-15 years of life.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 23/12/2011

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Robert Parker:: 89-92/100 []The Wine Advocate:: 91/100

 {ratings} {***}

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Mondotte strolls nonchalantly out of the glass with expressive scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by suggestions of candied violets, licorice, hoisin and black truffles with a waft of ground cloves. It's medium to full-bodied with seriously impressive tension and wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins supporting the generous black fruit preserves layers, finishing with amazing length and loads of panache. It will require a good 4-5 years to unlock some of its finer nuances, then drink this powerhouse over the next 25+ years. - Wine Advocate

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color} Red{color}                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Wine Advocate:: 97/100

[] James Suckling:: 98/100

[] Vinous:: 96/100   

{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}

{***}

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 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}{***}

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} {***}

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  Eharmonious 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}

{***}

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}    {***}

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%

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}

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}2020{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}
{***}

We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Château Haut-Bailly for our Pessac-Léognan. This year’s blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Merlot, produced from the estate’s younger vines. There is a warming nose of dark fruits with a beautiful hint of sweet spice. The palate is very well textured, with plush tannins; a few months in oak has given it some extra structure and depth. This is incredibly approachable now, but it will improve with a few years in bottle. 

Georgina Haacke, Bordeaux Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Dense purple, with classic notes of cedar and lead pencil shavings as well as gobs of back currants and licorice, the wine has a full-bodied mouthfeel with fabulous precision and density. It also possesses a long, silky finish with moderately high tannins, but they are ripe and well-integrated. The wood is clearly pushed to the background in this dense, full-bodied Pauillac, which should drink beautifully for 30+ years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 28/02/2013

The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings and incense. This massive, extraordinarily rich, unctuously textured wine may be the most concentrated effort produced to date, although the 2000, 2005 and 2010 are nearly as prodigious. A gorgeous expression of Pessac-Leognan with sweet tannin, emerging charm and delicacy, and considerable power, depth, richness and authority, it should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. Bravo!
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 23/12/2011

It's been a while since we were impressed by Ch. Cantenac Brown. To be honest, I can't remember ever doing back flips over any vintage from this majestic looking château. However we were all stunned into silence when we tasted the 2009. With a 'surprisingly Margaux' perfume and delicious, juicy concentration on the palate, this is a pure and charming wine. Supple tannins melt on the smooth, polished palate which is completed by a lovely, fresh finish. Blind, I would definitely place it firmly in its 3rd Growth status this year. Very impressive indeed.
Simon Staples, Sales & Marketing Director