Search results for: 'pre arrival'
- Trottevieille Saint Emilion 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC98JD95-97JS98-99WA94-96VM94-96TWI96-98$84.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
98-99 Points! The most structured and impressive Trottevieille I have ever tasted. It is full-bodied yet compacted with a fine velvet texture. Intense finish with super tension and focus. Could move up a notch. - James Suckling
98 Points! A striking and seriously impressive Trotte Vieille in 2022. Serious and strong aromatically, fully expressive with dark ripe bramble fruits, softly fragrant with gentle perfumed nuances. Bright and alive in the glass, has some tension, a sense of linearity and focus, with not much expansiveness at this point but the tannin detail and definition is exceptional with a soft creamy, chalky, powdery and firm texture. So refined, feels almost light in the mouth but there’s concentration and power underneath with mouthwatering acidity keeping the sense of life. Extremely well constructed with poise and a sense of definition to the overall frame. Very precise and totally moreish in a brooding way. A very complete wine with so much to like. 100% new oak. 60% grand vin. 30hl/ha. 3.70pH. First vintage fully operating in the new gravity fed cellar. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
96-98 Points! The 2022 Trotte Vieille is composed of 50% CS, 45% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc - less Cabernet Franc this year because the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with evocative notes of redcurrant jelly, warm cassis, baked plums, and candied violets, giving way to suggestions of licorice, tar, and black truffles. The full-bodied palate explodes with vibrant, expressive black berry and earthy flavors, framed by beautifully ripe, plush tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and fragrant. This is stunning. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
95-97 Points! My rough note on the 2022 Château Trotte Vieille included more than one expletive, and this beauty is straight-up gorgeous. Vivid blue fruits, violets, flowers, and chocolate all make an appearance on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered texture, perfect tannins, and nicely integrated oak. Based on 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it remains to be seen if this will ultimately match the magical 2020, but we're not far off. This is a château readers need to have on their radar. - Jeb Dunnuck
94-96 Points! The 2022 Trotte Vieille represents the first year when all the Cabernet Sauvignon entered the Grand Vin (5%). Picked from 2 to 27 September, it is aged entirely in new oak. It has an intense bouquet that is well-defined albeit coated with the oak at the moment - this will be subsumed with time. There is an underlying orange pith/tangerine element lending nuance. The palate is very harmonious on the entry with pliant tannins. Very precise, silky smooth in texture thanks to the use of their new cuveries equipped with smaller vats. The acidity is nicely judged, opulent yet controlled with a touch of white pepper right on the finish. Very stylish. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
96-98 Points! Almost opaque in color, the wine pops with black cherries, tobacco leaf, flowers, plums, smoke, and chocolate in the aromatics. The palate is silky, vibrant, and plush. The fruits are deep, intense, long, vibrant, and most importantly, pure. There is length, complexity, opulence, balance and a strong sensation of crushed stones, blackberries, chocolate, and plums in the finish you can taste and feel. TrotteVieille has been on an incredible roll lately. Perhaps, with the aid of their new cellars, this is the best vintage in the history of the estate! The wine blends 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.14.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 8 - September 27. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2055. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
94-96 Points! The 2022 Trotte Vieille is a hugely intriguing wine. The aromatics alone are wonderfully alluring. Sweet red-toned fruit, mint, blood orange, spice, licorice and rose petal infuse the 2022 with compelling inner perfume. Layered and complex, with tons of character, Trotte Vieille is shaping up to be terrific. In 2022, Trotte Vieille is not as bombastic as it has been in some recent years, and that is a positive. Drinking window : 2028-2052 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
94-96 Points! The quality of the 2022 Trotte Vieille took me by surprise, but clearly more diligent viticulture, combined with a new winery equipped with fully 26 vats for the estate's 11 hectares of vineyards, is beginning to pay off, as this is the most complete, integrated young wine I have ever tasted at this address. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, rose petals, violets and incense, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a deep core of vibrant fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a long, saline finish. A blend of fully 50% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, it derives exclusively from Trotte Vieille's historic clay-limestone walled vineyard. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- Rauzan Segla Margaux 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC97JD97-99JS97-98WA96-97VM95-97TWI97-99$114.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
97-99 Points! Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Rauzan-Segla is made from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, aging for 18 months in French oak, 50% of it new. A little swirling unleashes an explosion of black and red currant jelly, wild blueberries, and chocolate-covered cherries, giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of violets, underbrush, and crushed rocks with a touch of star anise. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house and crafted like a Chanel suit, with a firm backbone of super-ripe, grainy tannins and impressive tension supporting a gorgeous array of floral, spice, and black fruit layers, finishing very long and with impeccable grace. pH 3.7. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
97-99 Points! This château has been firing on all cylinders of late, no doubt due to the talents of technical director Nicolas Audebert, and a wine that's going to flirt with perfection is their 2022 Château Rauzan-Ségla. Powerful notes of black cherries, currants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and leafy herbs all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated texture, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. This is a legit great wine that's going to rival the 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020. - Jeb Dunnuck
97-98 Points! The freshness and clarity of the fruit is really something with black currants and cherries. Brilliant. Full-bodied, layered and round with polished tannins. I like the intensity and focus with such precision and gorgeousness. Is this the 2016 plus more? - James Suckling
96-98 Points! Dark in color, the array of floral notes shoot out with violets, lilacs, and roses. From there you find truffle, red and black fruits, cigar box and cedar also come through in the nose. While the perfume is catchy, it is on the palate where the wine takes off. Texturally, the wine is drenched in velvet. There is intensity, richness, and concentration, as well as weightlessness on the palate. With this wine, the seamless finish must be felt, as well as tasted. The wine is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot. This marks the highest percentage of Cabernet in the blend and with 17% press wine in the blend, it is the highest portion of press wine as well. 14.5% ABV, 3.7 pH. The harvest took place September 2 - September 28. This is the earliest start to a harvest for Rauzan Segla. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from 50% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2065. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
96-97 Points! The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is a beautifully sensual, charming wine, bursting with aromas of cherries, dark berries and plums mingled with hints of violets, sweet loamy soil and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of vibrant fruit, supple tannins and a long, succulent finish. The 2022 is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot; and in 2022, the east-facing sides of the vines, which see the afternoon sun, were picked separately, along with anything that showed signs of stress. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
95-97 Points! The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla was picked 2 to 28 September at 30hL/ha and matured for 18 months in 50% new oak. Nicolas Audebert told me that it contains 17% vin de presse which is slightly higher than normal, a combination of 150 separate vinifications. This has a very opulent bouquet with layers of black cherries, créme de cassis and violets. Perhaps just a little too decadent? The palate is medium-bodied with fine balance, grainy tannins, very pure and focused with quite a minerally finish. Long in the mouth. It's just missing that knockout blow at the moment, yet it's still a supremely well-crafted Margaux. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
95-97 Points! The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is a rich, opulent wine that very much reflects the nature of this radiant, dry year. Super-ripe dark plum, cassis, chocolate, gravel, cloves and new leather build as the 2022 shows off its unabashedly opulent personality. Even with all of its intensity, the 2022 retains tons of persistence and energy. It's a fabulous wine in this tricky vintage. Tasted three times. Drinking window : 2032-2062 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
97 Points! Gorgeously fragranced on the nose with perfumed black fruits and pink flowers - smells very Margaux. Clean and crisp, a beautiful precision from the start with ripe and rich fruit but cool fresh acidity and sleek, fine tannins. A little shy, still compact and tightly knitted, but lovely detail, so well worked, almost delicate but there's still quite fleshy, plush fruit. Excellent concentration but delivered with an easy sleight of hand, expanding with time in the glass. Glamorous, scented, inviting, deep and seductive. A brilliant and totally moreish wine. Yield of 30hl/ha. 3.7pH. 17% press wine. Harvest 2-28 September. Ageing in French oak for 14-16 months, 15% new. In organic conversion. Tasted twice. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
Learn More - Giscours Margaux 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC96JD94-96JS97-98WA94-96+TWI94-96$70.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
97-98 Points! This is a big move forward for Giscours. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with tannins that are precise and integrated, with great beauty and length. Well-structured and vivid. Extremely fine yet defined tannins, and then it opens like a butterfly. - James Suckling
96 Points! A seriously impressive and beguiling Giscous in 2022 and one of the most elegant. A remarkable wine with gorgeous clarity and purity and just the most gentle seduction, even more so because it really doesn't feel as if it's trying too hard yet still delivering depth and complexity. Fresh and lifted, fragrant and so juicy but with textured tannins that give both the weight, structure and density to the quite bright, tangy, vibrant fruit. Nicely composed, feels quite powerful yet restrained and finessed offering lots of immediate drinking appeal but with a serious backbone that suggests long ageing too. Elegant, fineseed, subtle confidence with such cool minerality that gives freshness all the way through. It's not the most dense, or fleshy, but so refined. A compelling wine. Possible upscore in bottle. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 3.70pH. A yield of 27hl/ha, the lowest ever. No Sirene de Giscours this year. 100% grand vin. Ageing 17 months, 50% new oak. 10-15% press wine. Tasted twice. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
95-97 Points! The 2022 Giscours was picked between 1 and 29 September, one of the earliest ever, with no SO2 added until blending and using bio-protection (yeasts) to protect the must. It has a delightful and sensual bouquet with lifted, violet and peony-scented blueberry and black cherry fruit. This is very well-defined and perhaps the purest I have encountered from barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with a disarming silky texture, harmonious and focused. It's mineral-driven with a poised and pixelated finish. Certainly, this represents one of the best wines from this Margaux estate in recent years, echoing their golden period of the 60s and early 70s. Tasted twice with consistent notes. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
95-97 Points! The 2022 Giscours is a regal, sophisticated wine. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, spice, menthol and rose petal lend notable vibrancy and freshness throughout. Most surprisingly, the 2022 remains light on its feet, especially for a wine made from such low yields in a warm, dry year. Over the last few years Giscours has been one of the most improved properties in the Médoc. The 2022 is another step in that direction. Sublime. Drinking window : 2030-2052 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
95-97 Points! Violets, roses and lilies merge with its array of spices, black cherries, black plums and black raspberries on the nose. Silky, fresh, and focused on its tannins. The wine focuses on its structure, balance, and refinement. Supple, and creamy, the finish displays its richness, ripe, deep fruits and energy in every lingering sip. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, 13.6% ABV, pH 3.75. Harvesting took place September 1 to September 29. Yields were 27 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2055. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
94-96 Points! A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Giscours has a pH of 3.7 and 13.6% alcohol. It has a deep garnet-purple color and bursts with notes of baked black plums, warm cassis, and blackberry preserves, giving way to subtle suggestions of sassafras, roses, and Sichuan pepper. The delicately played medium-bodied palate is soft-spoken and refreshing, featured very fine, silt-like tannins and seamless freshness to frame the subtle red and black berry layers, finishing on a mineral note. If you love blockbusters, look elsewhere, this is all about grace. Note that no second wine (La Sirène de Giscours) was made in 2022 and the yield for Giscours was just 27 hl/ha. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
94-96 Points! Clearly one of the finest vintages from this château, the 2022 Château Giscours reveals a dense purple hue to go with beautiful Cabernet-driven aromatics of smoky blue fruits, iron, lead pencil, and spring flowers, as well as an almost marine-like character developing with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has silky, perfectly integrated tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's a serious, age-worthy, incredibly impressive wine in the making. - Jeb Dunnuck
94-96+ Points! With the 2022 Giscours, this estate takes another step up, delivering a deep and characterful wine redolent of cherries, dark berries, violets, peony and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, broad shouldered and layered, it's deep and elegantly muscular, with impressive concentration, abundant but refined tannins and a structural authority reminiscent of the great Giscours vintages of the 1970s. Why is it so good? There are many reasons, but one is the high proportion of old vines—almost 60% of the blend deriving from vines that are over 50 years old—in a vintage that favored vines with deep, well-established root systems. Another is the increasing precision of harvesting at this address: Giscours's old vines are frequently co-planted with younger replacements that have filled any gaps in the ranks over the years; so, blocks are now picked in two or three passages instead of all at once, with the younger vines picked first. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- Pédesclaux Pauillac 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS94-95VM92-94, 91-93$48.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
94-95 Points! The pure cabernet character comes through clearly here with blackcurrants and blueberries, and flowers such as lavender and sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied. Racy and polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. - James Suckling
93-95 Points! On the floral edge, with black currants, black cherries, licorice, cigar box and forest floor in the nose, the palate is round in texture. The fruits are fresh, creamy, sweet, ripe and lively, with a finish that is long, and layered with red, black and blue fruits. Give it a few years in the cellar, and enjoy over the following 2 or more decades. The wine is blended using 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. 14.44 % ABV, 3.86 pH. Harvesting took place September 12 - September 22. Yields were 37 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2025-2050. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
92-94 Points! The Pédesclaux is terrific. It shows a level of finesse that has not always been present here. There's plenty of richness and power, but also better balance than in some years. Spice, leather, menthol, rose petal, licorice and a discreet touch of oak are beautifully woven together. This is a fine vintage for Pédesclaux. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
91-93 Points! The Pédesclaux was picked 12 to 27 September and ages in 65% new oak. This has far more fruité than the Deuxieme Vin, plush black cherries and boysenberry fruit, more floral in style with neatly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins, good tension, gentle grip with a graphite infused, powdery-textrued finish. A hint of brine on the aftertaste. Very fine, though I would like to see it develop a little more sustain. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
HURRY, ONLY 3 LEFT! - Marquis de Terme Margaux 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS93-94$48.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
93-94 Points! Blackcurrant, black olive and black berry aromas and flavors. Full and chewy with very polished tannins. It’s all integrated and focused. Solid young wine here. - James Suckling
93-95 Points! Lusciously-textured, supple, creamy, full-bodied, and deep, the fruits and long, silky and vibrant, leaving you with layers of ripe, black, and deep red, sweet, fresh, elegant berries. Drink from 2026-2050. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
HURRY, ONLY 5 LEFT! - La Lagune Haut Medoc 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC94JD92-94JS95-96WA93-95VM92-94TWI92-94$48.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
95-96 Points! This is long and fresh with a linear feeling to the rich fruit, showing plums, redcurrants and spices, with chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. This is the first year being certified biodynamic from Demeter and furthermore, La Lagune is always excellent in hot years. - James Suckling
94 Points! Fragrant and floral on the nose. Juicy and vibrant, this has a lovely weight and depth on the palate while remaining cool and fresh. Generous mineral hints add to black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit while liquorice, graphite and wet stone give crisp edges with bite. Feels well constructed, not pushed too hard at all, but still offering a generous and appealing wine with mouthwatering acidity and fruit purity. Compact, but beautifully textured. Really just so appealing and inviting. Impressive and good potential. Tasted twice. Harvest 9-26 September. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
93-95 Points! Reminding me, like the 2019, of a modern-day version of the lovely 1990, the 2022 La Lagune bursts with aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, it's a broad, sensual wine with velvety tannins and a suave, charming profile. With 13.8% alcohol, it remains classically proportioned, with a rather high pH of over 3.8 likely contributing to its open, giving style this year. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92-94 Points! The 2022 La Lagune really takes a while to settle in the glass. It eventually sheds its veneer of oak to reveal attractive blackberry, sous-bois and pencil box aromas, and an exotic element loitering just off-stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins that lacquer the mouth. Quite dense and muscular, yet it retains definition and plenty of freshness on the finish. It will require bottle age, but it should evolve into a fine La Lagune. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
92-94 Points! Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 La Lagune is a little shy to start off, needing some coaxing to bring out evocative scents of creme de cassis, redcurrant jelly, and kirsch, followed by touches of tar and smoked meats. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with rich, ripe, black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and well-judged freshness, finishing long and earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
92-94 Points! One of the best Haut-Médoc out there, the 2022 Château La Lagune reveals a dense purple hue as well as a classic Médoc bouquet of blackcurrants, leafy herbs, fresh earth, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. A stunning wine, it will have 30 years of longevity if properly stored. - Jeb Dunnuck
Learn MoreHURRY, ONLY 5 LEFT! - Ausone Saint Emilion 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS97-98WA94-96+VM95-97, 95-97+$739.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
97-99 Points! Mint, licorice, spice, incense, blackberries, black cherries, espresso, flowers, crushed stones, spice and cocoa create the attention seeking nose. There is intensity, richness, depth, and energy on the palate. The influence of crushed rocks, stones, and chalk is strong on the palate. The peppery edge to the powerful layers of fruit provide additional complexity, and lift to the dark fruits. The resilient finish coats your palate with layers of salty, dark, sweet, black, red and blue fruits that linger. The wine blends 50% Cabernet Franc with 50% Merlot.15% ABV, 3.57 pH. Harvesting took place September 5-9 for the Merlot and September 21-27 for the Cabernet Franc. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare. 1,600 cases were produced. Drink from 2030-2065. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
97-98 Points! This is really open with bright and flamboyant aromas of cassis and cherries. Blueberries. Some peaches as well. I don't remember a young Ausone like that. Full-bodied with flamboyant fruit and energy. Very fine tannins. They are there but you don't feel them. Supple but very fruity. And intensely fruity at the end. - James Suckling
95-97.5 Points! The 2022 Ausone was picked from 5 to 30 September and matured for 20 months in French oak. These aromatics take a little time to open in the glass. Once they do, they are precise with wilted iris flowers infusing the black fruit and background pencil box and incense hints. The palalte is medium-bodied with silver bead acidity threaded through the blackberry and bilberry fruit. Fresh and focused, this Ausone possesses a structured finish with a pinch of black pepper on the finish. Elegant in style, this Ausone almost creeps up in you and seduces, intellectual and persistent in the mouth. Upon departing, I couldn't help wondering if I had witnessed this Saint-Emilion demonstrates its full potential, hence the plus sign against my score. 14.4% alcohol. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
95-97 Points! The 2022 Ausone is dense, powerful and quite brooding in demeanor. Dark-toned fruit, spice, leather, licorice and dried herbs add to an impression of somber intensity. In so many vintages Ausone is immediately alluring, but the 2022 is a potent, backward wine that is going to require many years to be at its finest. The blend is equal parts Carbenet Franc and Merlot. Harvest took place between September 5 and 9 for the Merlot and September 21 and 27 for the Cabernet Franc. The 2022 is decidedly hedonistic Ausone. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
94-96 Points! A blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Ausone unwinds in the glass with aromas of plums, raspberries and cherries complemented by hints of crushed mint and spices, framed by a lavish patina of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, layered and rather muscular, it's deep and concentrated, its vibrant core of fruit framed by a serious chassis of rich, powdery tannins, concluding with a long, saline finish. Given its imposing levels of structuring extract, it will require patience. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
HURRY, ONLY 9 LEFT! - Palmer Margaux 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC97JD97-99JS98-99WA95-97VM96-98TWI96-98$379.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
97-99 Points! The 2022 Château Palmer is utterly brilliant, so much so that I questioned in my notes if this would challenge the 2018. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, its mammoth-sized personality offers layers of blue and black fruits, notes of melted chocolate, crushed stone, and spring flowers, building, velvety tannins, and a great, great finish. While many estates commented that they extracted less in the vintage, Palmer went in a different direction and extracted more during the vinifications to provide a solid backbone to match the concentration and power of the vintage. It appears to have worked brilliantly, and hats off to Thomas Duroux for having the confidence to go his own path. He has produced a truly Grand Vin in 2022. The alcohol here is a normal 14.4%, and the pH is a healthy 3.79. - Jeb Dunnuck
97-99 Points! With a dark, radiating purple, black hue, the wine explodes from the glass with its bouquet of lilacs, violets, roses, white flowers, cinnamon, and clove perfume. The wine is pure silk in texture, blending its salty, minerality with sweetness in the black and red fruits. But here, it its the texture, length, and purity in the fruits that stand out. The elegant, sensuous finish moves from red to black to red, with a refreshing mint note that holds your focus for over 50 seconds. The wine blends 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. 14.4% ABV, 3.79 Ph. The harvest took place September 7 - October 5, making this one of the longer harvests at Palmer. Yields are a scant 22 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2065. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
98-99 Points! So much class in the nose with a sophisticated kaleidoscope of dark fruit such as blackcurrants, and spices such as salt and pepper, as well as cloves and nutmeg. Full-bodied. Compacted and dense yet weightless. It opens beautifully. The tannins go on and on with wonderful presence. Salty undertones. - James Suckling
96-98 Points! The 2022 Palmer was cropped at just 22hL/ha due to the berries being 25-30% smaller than usual. It bursts forth on the nose with precocious black cherries, blueberry, violet and touches of marmalade and tobacco in the background. Complex and expressive. The palate is structured, with the tannic backbone, that winemaker Thomas Duroux talked about, lending this Palmer a sense of verticality. Hints of black pepper emerge with time, multi-layered, a powerful Margaux and yet the IPT is actually lower than elsewhere (76). Quite linear on the tobacco-infused finish, which is just quintessential Palmer. Do reserve a bin in your cellar for this and let it gather dust for at least a decade. 14.4% alcohol. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
96-98 Points! The 2022 Palmer is a wine of sublime beauty and refinement. Silky, caressing and super-expressive, the 2022 is also one of the most surprising wines of the year in that it does not show the drought or heat of the growing season at all either in its flavor profile or feel. Succulent black cherry, plum, leather, licorice, spice and dried herbs lend notable complexity throughout. The 2022 starts off rather slow, and then really explodes on the back end. It is a magnificent wine in every way. Drinking window : 2030-2052 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
97 Points! Sharp, energetic, racy and electric. The power and concentration is evident in the dark, rich, concentrated fruit with tannins that grip and take hold with a crushed stone texture, liquorice, graphite, tobacco and cool mint spice. The expression is exceptionally delineated with focus and push from start to finish. Quite bold and charged, but I love the succulence, the perfumed fruit, chalky sensation and overall sense of confidence. In high definition in terms of sharpness and tang to the fruit. A big wine but delivered with poise. 3.79pH. 13% press wine. Harvest took one month from 7 September to 5 October. 70% grand vin, 30% Alter Ego. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
96-98 Points! Composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Palmer is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of shaking and swirling to lure out a soft-spoken perfume of roses, lavender, star anise, and cloves, leading to a profound core of Morello cherries, fresh, juicy blackberries, and blackcurrant cordial. The full-bodied palate is stacked with layer upon layer of black, blue, and red fruits, supported by a skyscraper structure of very firm, very ripe, grainy tannins and superb tension, finishing with epic length and depth. This is a monumental achievement. pH 3.79. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
- Clos de l'Oratoire Saint Emilion 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC93JD93-95JS95-96WA92-94VM92-94TWI93-95$41.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
95-96 Points! A gorgeous vivid red with lead pencil and black berry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with plenty of fine tannins. Black olives and dark fruit. Tight and structured. Muscular and formed, but not overbearing. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes. - James Suckling
93-95 Points! The 2022 Clos de l'Oratoire is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and is aging in 30% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it prances out of the glass with gregarious notes of juicy plums and blueberry preserves with underlying hints of kirsch, red roses, and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is vivacious and fragrant with lovely plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
93-95 Points! Licorice, violets, black plums, incense, black raspberries, smoke, and leafy herbs open the nose. On the palate, the wine is creamy, fresh, rich, and loaded with black fruits, crushed stone, and spice. The oak is already close to fully integrated. The wine blends 80% Merlot, with 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2045. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
93-95 Points! Black raspberries, cassis, leafy herbs, leather, and even some blue fruits emerge from the 2022 Clos De L'Oratoire, an elegant medium to full-bodied, silky Saint-Emilion. It has solid tannic grip, but the balance is there, the fruit is clean and pure, and it's a gem of a wine in the making. - Jeb Dunnuck
92-94 Points! The 2022 Clos de l'Oratoire includes fully 20% Cabernet Franc this year, which has brought more depth and structure to the blend. Offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with vine smoke, petals and sweet soil tones, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vibrant, with a sweet core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92-94 Points! The 2022 Clos de L’Oratoire is rich, sensual and super-expressive. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc adding dynamic energy, aromatic presence and structure. Complex and beautifully layered, Clos de L’Oratoire is showing beautifully today. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, spice, tobacco, cedar and dried herbs build, with clean, saline notes that extend the finish. Drinking window : 2032-2047 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
93 Points! Smells bright and concentrated, rich and intense, lovely aromatics, perfumed and darkly fruited on the nose. Nice depth and generosity on the palate, round and juicy, supple and mouthwatering. Gorgeous intensity - sharp and lean, but chalky and creamy too, a lovely spiced vein of liquorice, tobacco and clove with some salty elements too. Juicy and fun, a friendliness and complexity to this makes it really quite charming. Bright and vibrant, balanced and easy to drink. Great structure and composure, finessed but still with strength. Yield: 47hl/ha. 30% new oak barrels. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
Learn MoreHURRY, ONLY 6 LEFT! - Canon La Gaffelière Saint Emilion 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC95JD95-97JS97-98WA94-96VM94-96, 93-95TWI95-97$91.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
97-98 Points! Redcurrants with dark chocolate and hints of fresh herbs like basil and thyme on the nose. Full-bodied with a beautiful center palate and a lovely fine tannin texture. Extremely long. Classy. 35% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 50% merlot, From organically grown grapes. - James Suckling
96-98 Points! Deep, and dark in color, the wine opens with flowers, oceanic influences, plums, smoke, licorice, and black cherries. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, opulent, polished, vibrant, silky and fresh, finishing with multiple layers of chocolate-covered, plums, black cherries, espresso, crushed stones and spices. What makes everything work here is the balance, freshness, and purity in the fruits. The wine blends 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.2% ABV. Drink from 2027-2055. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
95-97 Points! The 2022 Canon la Gaffeliere is blended of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 47 hl/ha and it is aging in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with a fantastically flamboyant nose of kirsch, wild blueberries, and red currant preserves, followed by hints of lavender oil, fallen leaves, and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is coated with taut, muscular black fruits with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a spicy lift. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
95-97 Points! The 2022 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is brilliant stuff and should be snatched up by readers. Black cherries, iron, tapenade, and exotic floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, opulent mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and no shortage of mid-palate depth or length on the finish. A blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that will see 40% new oak, it's a flawlessly balanced, incredibly impressive Saint-Emilion that will have no problems competing with the 2019 and 2020. - Jeb Dunnuck
94-96 Points! A blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Canon la Gaffelière exhibits aromas of raspberries and plums, complemented by notions of iris, rose petals, incense and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's supple, suave and sophisticated, with a lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
94-96 Points! The 2022 Canon La Gaffelière is bright, punchy and full of character. Blood orange, rose petal and spice overtones brighten a core of red/purplish fruit in Saint-Émilion that impresses with its saline intensity, energy and focus. If tasting this blind, I would never say it is a wine from a warm, drought year. It will be interesting to see if the 2022 retains its youthful vibrancy through élevage. This is super promising. Drinking window : 2032-2052 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
93-95 Points! The 2022 Canon La Gaffelière was picked from 6 to 22 September at 47hL/ha, with more Merlot this year and matured in 40% new oak. This lovely bouquet shows red cherry, wild strawberry, blood orange and light cedary scents. Utterly charming, as this Saint-Émilion so often is. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, slightly chalky in texture, and fresh with a vibrant limestone-driven finish. Excellence from a Saint-Émilion that just never lets you down. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
95 Points! Ripe perfumed, floral and black fruits on the nose. Intense and concentrated, with tobacco, cherries, violets and crushed stones. Full, chewy and round, plushly textured but keeping a cool and savoury touch to the palate with balancing acidity that keeps the interest and movement. Dynamic and structured, lovely detail and density to this, you have richness but there’s also a vein of sweetness and tension that focuses the wine and gives the definition. Smooth and elegant, not the most vibrant, but the composure and overall character is lovely. Higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than usual in the grand vin. A yield of 47hl/ha. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. A yield of 29hl/ha. A yield of 47hl/ha. 40% new oak barrels. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
HURRY, ONLY 3 LEFT! - d'Aiguilhe Cotes de Castillon 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC94JD92-94JS93-94TWI91-93$22.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
94 Points! Rich and intense nose, concentrated with dark bramble fruits. A shot of sharp intense strawberry and raspberry fruit hits the palate, super succulent and instantly mouthwatering, quite lean and linear though there is a nice expansion of fruit flavours while the tannins stay quite firm and straight. Touching on austere and severe but the softly plump juiciness keeps this enjoyable and there is layering of elements. Acidity is on the prominent side but this is quite captivating with crunchy, bright, just-ripe red fruits and chalky texture on the finish. Yield: 35 hl/ha. 30% new oak barrels. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
93-94 Points! Lots of fruit and structure to this d'Aiguilhe with plenty of fine tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Some chalkiness. Salty. - James Suckling
93-95 Points! Dark pit fruits, blackberries, flowers, and cocoa create the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, sweet, polished and fresh. On the medium-bodied palate, the fruits are ripe, sweet and long, leaving you with a touch of salty chalk on the back end of the creamy finish. The wine is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.3% ABV. Drink from 2025-2038. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
92-94 Points! Another killer Castillon in the vintage, the 2022 Château D'Aiguilhe is loaded with notions of black raspberries, ripe cherries, spicy oak, and chalky minerality. It tastes like a great Saint-Emilion and is medium to full-bodied, has fine tannins, and terrific overall balance. - Jeb Dunnuck
91-93 Points! The 2022 d'Aiguilhe is composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 30% new oak. It has a pH of 3.4 and yields were 35 hl/ha. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with eager to please scents of black cherries, warm blackberries, and raspberry coulis, followed by hints of licorice, crushed rocks and iron ore. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers amazing tension with nice ripe rounded tannins to support the generous fruit, finishing long and chalky. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
Learn MoreHURRY, ONLY 9 LEFT! - Clerc Milon Pauillac 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS95-96WA93-95VM91-93$89.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
95-96 Points! Focused and bright with plenty of fruit but oranges and minerals in the mid-palate. Really fresh with a fresh bitterness. - James Suckling
94-96 Points! Spicy red fruits, flowers, cedar, tobacco leaf, and currants make an appearance in the nose. On the palate, the wine is silky, fresh and elegant. The profile here is elegance, refinement, lift, and purity, along with a note of sweet chocolate on the very backend of the finish. This is going to be quite easy to enjoy in its youth. But, patience is a virtue. So give it some time in the bottle. as it will improve with age. The wine blends 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenere. 14.5% ABV, 3.83 pH. Drink from 2026-2050. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
93-95 Points! The 2022 Clerc Milon is beautiful, offering up aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's taut and lively, with a vibrant core of fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Its clay-limestone terroir lends it a distinctive signature that sets it apart from the rest of the portfolio. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
91-93 Points! The 2022 Clerc Milon is plump, juicy and vibrant, with terrific energy and tons of class. Sumptuous black cherry, gravel, licorice, menthol and spice are beautifully dialed up in this decidedly flamboyant edition of Clerc Milon. A sample tasted in a group setting outside the chateau was far fresher than the wine I tasted at the estate, evidence that much of en primeur tasting is ridiculous. A sample presented at Mouton-Rothschild was five days old and oxidized. I rated it (86-88). - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
91-93 Points! The 2022 Clerc Milon, matured in 55% new oak with 14.6% alcohol, has a very tightly-wound nose at the moment. There's good fruit concentraion, but it is missing a bit of personality, unlike its stablemate d'Armailhac. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and good grip. It's pretty dense and grainy in texture. With graphite on the aftertaste, this Pauillac conveys fine tension but will require several years of aging in a bottle. I feel this is hiding its virtues at the moment. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
- Cap de Faugères Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS92-93VM90-92$17.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
92-93 Points! Very crunchy and salty with almost a hint of white pepper. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Bright. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. - James Suckling
91-93 Points! Rich, deep, dark and fruity, from start to finish you find layers of chocolate-coated, black fruits, licorice, black cherries, and espresso. The wine is plush, round, polished and forward, with a touch of salt and more dark, plummy fruits on the backend. The wine was blended with 85% Merlot, and15% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025-2034. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
90-92 Points! The 2022 Cap de Faugères has a sweet, quite candied bouquet with dark cherries and violet scents, perhaps just missing a degree of delineation. It does improve in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly coarse tannins. Tea leaves infuse the black fruit with an off-dry, more classically-styled finish. Appreciating the freshness here. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
90-92 Points! A consistently outstanding wine, as well as a wine that usually represents a great value, the 2022 Château Cap De Faugères reveals a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a great nose of red and blue fruits, smoked tobacco, graphite, and some underbrush/leafy herb nuances. It's medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, and balanced, with a good sense of elegance. - Jeb Dunnuck
HURRY, ONLY 3 LEFT! - Grand Mayne Saint Emilion 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC93JD92-94JS94-95WA91-93VM94-96, 93-95TWI92-94$47.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
94-96 Points! The 2022 Grand Mayne is a fabulous example of the year. Rich and radiant, it offers up sweet red cherry/plum fruit, spice, graphite, mocha, dried flowers and a kiss of sweet French oak. This generous, plush Saint-Émilion deftly marries textural richness with energy as it shows off the unique balance that makes the best wines of this vintage so alluring. There is a bit of new oak that needs to integrate, but there is more than enough depth for that to happen. The 2022 is beautifully put together and poised in the early going. It’s a superb Grand Mayne in the making. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
93-95 Points! The 2022 Grand Mayne was picked from 8 to 20 September and needed time to settle in the glass. Black cherries, crushed strawberry, graphite and licorice aromas appear with time. This needs its barrel maturation to cohere the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet, slightly vanilla entry. The new oak is prominent at the moment, although there is sufficient fruit to soak that up. Indeed, a second sample demonstrates much more precision and sophistication on the finish. Bon vin. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
94-95 Points! Full-bodied yet fresh and linear with bright fruit and firm, fine tannins. Crunchy and minerally. Fresh. - James Suckling
93-95 Points! Elegant, floral, fresh, and loaded with sweet, ripe, plums, cherries, licorice, and cocoa, the wine is medium-boded, refined, vibrant and silky and while it can be enjoyed in its youth, it is only going to get better with age. Drink from 2025-2045. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
92-94 Points! The 2022 Grand Mayne is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of black cherries, blueberry pie, and sassafras slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to touches of garrigue, Sichuan pepper, and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate delivers firm, rounded tannins and a lively backbone, jam packed with black fruit preserves flavors, finishing long and peppery. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
93 Points! Plump and nicely weighted on the palate. Lovely fragrance and black fruit characters which are clean and pure and inviting. The tannins are almost chewy, powdery and gently fleshy, well integrated, coating the mouth with a crushed stone, liquorice freshness that is really appealing. You can feel the power underneath, clearly concentrated but delivered with precision and detail. A touch 'hot' and spiced on the finish, but there's lots to like here. Still a little compact and reserved but excellent ageing potential. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
HURRY, ONLY 3 LEFT! - Montlandrie Cotes de Castillon 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC93JD91-93JS93-94VM92-94TWI92-94$28.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
93-94 Points! Sea salt and grilled sea weed. Dark fruit, but so umami. Medium to full body with fine and chewy tannins. Crunchy. - James Suckling
93 Points! Focussed and so fine, the tannins are beautifully detailed and so well integrated giving this bite and cool freshness straight away with a crushed stone flavour and texture on the palate. Feels crisp and fresh, blue fruits, mint and slate. Delicate and very fine, almost weightless with such a silky overall texture. Maybe missing a tad more density and plushness but there’s no faulting the cool aspects and well worked tannins. A nice easy juicy expression, really very approachable still with terroir markers and a sense of charm now. I love this, smooth, easy, refined. Classy and elegant. Ageing in 50% new oak. Harvest 8 September - 23 September. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
92-94 Points! A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Montlandrie has a deep garnet-purple color. It comes bounding out with eager-to-please notes of wild blueberries, kirsch, and violets, leading to hints of wet slate, tilled soil, and mossy tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is generous and juicy with ripe, rounded tannins and bags of freshness, finishing with a spicy kick. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
92-94 Points! The 2022 Montlandrie is a powerful, driving wine. Beams of tannin and acid run through a core of bright red-toned fruit, lending notable energy and tension throughout. A wine of size and volume, Montlandrie offers tremendous intensity as well as vibrancy. Gorgeous. Drinking window : 2025-2037 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
92-94 Points! Flowers, truffles, black and blue fruit, cocoa and licorice open the nose. The medium-bodied palate is round, creamy and fresh, with supple, sweet, ripe fruits and a drizzle of chocolate in the mid-palate and finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% ABV, 3.85 pH. Harvesting took place September 8 - September 23. Drink from 2025-2038. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
91-93 Points! Based on 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Château Montlandrie has lots of ripe red and black fruits supported by notions of loamy soil, savory spices, and leafy herbs. It's concentrated, medium to full-bodied, has building yet beautiful tannins, and a great finish. 91-93+ - Jeb Dunnuck
- Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS95-96WA95-97VM96-98TWI93-95$83.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
96-98 Points! The 2022 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from 7 to 23 September and contains more Merlot due to the high quality of the fruit, matured in 75% new oak. There is 14.2% alcohol. Therefore, this lends this GPL a little more precocity and sensuality compared to other vintages, not cut from the same "classical" cloth as, say , the 2019 or 2020. Underlying this velvety veneer are enticing traits of freshly-rolled tobacco and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodiedf with finely-sculpted tannins. Silky smooth in texture, so much so that it belies that backbone underneath. There is a peacock's tail of mineral-rich, quite peppery black fruit on the finish, completing a Pauillac endowed with huge potential. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media
95-97 Points! A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a brilliant classic in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that exhibits beautiful structural refinement and purity of fruit. Classy and integrated, it is somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate's brilliant 1982. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
95-97 Points! Flowers, blackberries, spice, cigar box, black currants, cherries, and cedar open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is sweet, fresh, spicy, chewy, and almost creamy in the dark, red, pit fruit finish. The wine is long, with intensity, complexity, and aging ability. The wine is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, 14.2% ABV, 3.57 pH. Picking took place September 7 - September 23. This is the earliest harvest in the history of the estate. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare. Only 60% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. This wine has the potential to score even higher when it is in bottle. Drink from 2027 - 2060. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
95-96 Points!A very structured and rich red with black berry and chocolate. Full-bodied with a solid core of fine tannins and a fresh and muscular finish. Dusty texture. Yet it remains bright and vivid. 3.55 pH. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot. - James Suckling
96 Points! Gorgeous vibrant purple colour in the glass, deep and darkly scented, black bramble fruits, flowers, cinnamon, dark chocolate and liquorice. Firm and forward, this is generous but sleek, so you get power and concentration but also juicy liveliness, great tension and energy. I really do like the ease of this, it's not trying too hard but delivered with poise, punch and purity. An excellent wine that really over delivers - so well presented, detailed, finessed and refined but still with the strength coming at the end in the wave of liquorice, dark chocolate and wet stone terroir markers. A brilliant wine with potential to deliver such excellent drinking pleasure. I love it. 3.57pH. A yield of 38hl/ha. 60% grand vin, 40% second wine. Eric Boissenot consultant. Harvest 7-23 September. Yield of 38hl/ha. Ageing in French oak, 75% new. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
93-95 Points! The 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. Warm cassis, black cherry preserves, and kirsch aromas leap from the glass, followed by touches of chocolate mint, cedar, and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate features fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the tight-knit red and black berry layers, finishing long and lifted. This is wonderfully energetic! pH 3.57. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
Learn More - Marquis d'Alesme Margaux 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC95JD92-94TWI94-96$53.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
94-96+ Points! The 2022 Marquis d'Alesme is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aging in 50% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, requiring some coaxing to bring out fragrant scents of warm cassis, kirsch, and violets, leading to an undercurrent of fertile loam and cinnamon stick. The fruit on the medium-bodied palate is very bright and shiny, delivering compelling freshness along with fine-grained tannins, leading to a long and perfumed finish on this beautiful wine. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
94-96 Points! Deep in color, with just a bit of swirling you find flowers, mint-leaves, black currants, plums, and cherry aromatics. On the palate, the wine is silky, creamy, and fresh. The fruits are sweet, energetic, and long. There is purity in the berries, length and elegance. The fruit produces an impact on the palate that lingers, building in intensity in the finish. The end notes get even better as you find a touch of peppery spice, mint, and chocolate-covered plums. The wine blends 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV. 3.65 pH. The harvest took place September 15 - October 4. Yields were only 22 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2026-2055. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
95 Points! Really quite expressive on the nose, rich blackcurrants, bramble fruits, perfumed violets and irises. Lovely supple texture, smooth and grippy, holds interest from the first sip, concentrated and intense, this has a great fully fruit forward aspect with ripe tannins that fill the mouth, chewy, lively, bright and fun. So fresh and friendly, I love this expression, more structured and serious - you can feel the depth and weight and sophistication, the Cabernet shines and I love the soft, salty dark chocolate and flint touches too. Sweet, sharp, great acidity, layered and forward. Long and still a bit lean which gives focus on the finish. Will be delicious and great to enjoy when ready. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 3.83pH. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
92-94 Points! Another concentrated Margaux, the 2022 Château Marquis D'Alesme boasts a deep purple hue as well as brilliant aromatics of red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and wood smoke. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced, with plenty of mid-palate depth, it shows the ripe, sexy, opulent style of the vintage and will offer ample pleasure in its youth yet still age gracefully. - Jeb Dunnuck
HURRY, ONLY 2 LEFT! - Marsau Cotes de Francs 2022 Pre-ArrivalDEC94JS95-96WA92-94VM90-92$29.98 As low as $24.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
95-96 Points! A juicy and flavorful red with blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium to full body. Structured yet juicy. Plenty of grip and structure. Savory. Salty. Most impressive wine I have had from here. Pure merlot. 80% aged in cask. - James Suckling
92-94 Points! This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo! - Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
94 Points! Lovely dark fruity fragrance with perfumed floral aromas on the nose, smells expressive and open. Smooth and supple, a lovely combination of tension, mouthwatering acidity and fruitiness here, such sleek texture with definition and soft juiciness. The tannins have grip and purpose with a softly fleshy and mineral sensation - liquorice, wet stone and graphite - giving a wide and interesting expansion on the palate. Feels cool and controlled, serious and focussed, with balance, still with concentration and power and grip. Feels very classy on the palate. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com
90-92 Points! The 2022 Marsau is powerful, rich Cotes de Bordeaux. It emerges from a 12-acre, biodynamically farmed parcel of Merlot on clay 20 kilometers east of Saint-Émilion. Dense and vibrant, the 2022 possesses notable density in its fruit and also plenty of structure. Marsau is unique in that it is aged 80% in foudre, the rest in used oak, tank and amphora. Larger format oak naturally yields a wine that is quite reticent within the context of Bordeaux, especially en primeur. Drinking window : 2025-2034 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Learn More - La Dominique Saint Emilion 2022 Pre-ArrivalJS95-96WA90-92VM93-95TWI91-93$52.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
95-96 Points! Lovely fruit here with black berry, redcurrants and tile aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, very well integrated tannins and a lightly chewy finish, showing the potential of the vintage. - James Suckling
94-96 Points! Flowers, black cherries, black raspberries, wet earth, forest herbs, and a touch of crushed stone opens the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, silky, fresh, and more importantly, the fruits express purity. The wine has lift, vivacity, spices and dark chocolate that accents the fruits. Not the most concentrated wine of the vintage, instead you find elegance, length and precision. The wine blends 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 15% ABV, 3.7 pH. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak, and 10% amphora. Drink from 2026-2045. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
93-95 Points! The 2022 La Dominique is stellar. Rich, deep and beautifully layered, the 2022 impresses with its fine balance. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, rose petal and mocha all take shape in the glass. All the elements come together beautifully in a polished, notable La Dominique. Tasted two times. Drinking window : 2028-2047 - Antonio Galloni
91-93 Points! Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 La Dominique needs a swirl or two to unlock notes of juicy blueberries, blackberry pie, and kirsch, giving way to underlying wafts of pencil shavings and tar. The full-bodied palate is plush and juicy, with bags of expressive black and blue fruits, finishing with a red berry lift. The blend this year is 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
90-92 Points! A rich, heady wine, the 2022 La Dominique offers up aromas of sweet cherries, baked berries and plum liqueur mingled with notions of licorice and melted asphalt. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a rich core of sweet, somewhat jammy fruit but reasonably lively underlying acids, it's framed by plenty of powdery tannin. I had entertained higher hopes for La Dominique this year, but perhaps the pace of ripening was just too rapid for the estate's technical team. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Learn MoreHURRY, ONLY 6 LEFT! - Duhart-Milon Pauillac 2022 Pre-ArrivalJD94-96+JS95-96WA91-93VM92-94$82.98Availability:In Stock
PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE
95-96 Points! Very Pauillac in its blackcurrant, dark chocolate and walnut husk character. Full-bodied yet compacted. Wet earth, mushroom, earth, black tobacco. Fine and intense tannins. Fresh and complex. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot. - James Suckling
94-96 Points! Lead pencil, spice, red currants, flowers, and dark cherries crowd into the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, refined, soft, and pure. There is density along with vibrance, spice, lift, and width. The finish, with its blend of red fruits, cocoa, orange rind, spice, espresso, and plums lingers, which is a good things as you as much of this on your palate as possible. The wine is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. 13.5% ABV, 3.9 pH. Drink from 2026-2050. - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
94-96+ Points! The Grand Vin 2022 Château Duhart-Milon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It brings more richness as well as classic Pauillac character in its lead pencil, graphite, tobacco, and red and black fruit-driven aromatics. With gorgeous richness, a medium to full bodied mouthfeel, and a great finish, this utterly classic, seamless, balanced Pauillac should be snatched up by readers. It's going to give the 2009 a run for its money. - Jeb Dunnuck
92-94 Points! The 2022 Duhart-Milon is racy and explosiveright out of the gate. Ripe dark cherry, plum, cloves, licorice, menthol and mocha fill out the layers in a deep, wonderfully expressive Duhart. Firm tannins extend the finish nicely. I imagine the 2022 will require at least a few years in bottle to be at its best, but it is pretty showy today. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
91-93 Points! The 2022 Duhart-Milon unwinds in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cedar box, loamy soil, herbs and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety palate with a broad attack that segues into a lively, nicely concentrated core of fruit, concluding with a youthfully firm finish. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Learn More