Search results for: 'paraje de cotes'

97–98 Points – James Suckling
“Lots of great energy, with a precision and focus that sends you down the road to gorgeous dark fruits and mineral nuances. A cool, minty note. Medium- to full-bodied. Racy and intense, with a lightness at the end.”

96–98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Currants, smoky oak, chocolate, and hints of violets all define the 2025 Château Lynch-Bages, a remarkably balanced, elegant Pauillac from this estate that has more than a passing resemblance to the 2019.”

96–98 Points – Neal Martin, Vinous
“This has a stunning bouquet with exceptionally pure blackberry, cassis and subtle violet scents, the oak seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with finely embroidered tannins, perfect acidity, and a peacock’s tail finish that clings to the mouth.”

96–98 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“The perfume kicks off with creme de cassis, blackberries, flowers, peppery herbs, cigar wrappers, tobacco, and mint leaves. The palate delivers creamy textures and racy tannins with an ocean of chewy currants, sweetness, lift, length, and complexity.”

96 Points – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
“Clean and crystalline, with lovely purity and soft chalky tannins that fill the mouth but don’t overwhelm. Quite a restrained style for Lynch, delicate almost, with blackcurrant fruit, liquorice, slate and wet stone.”

96 Points – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“Damson, cassis, bilberry, with clear expansion in the mid palate and an uncompromising architecture supported by supple tannins, pomegranate, incense, blackberry, cedar, slate and crushed rocks.”

95–97 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Dark and explosive, with incisive tannins, the 2025 is quite the powerhouse. Huge beams of tannin lend serious intensity and power while retaining classic proportions.”

94–97 Points – Wine Advocate (Yohan Castaing)
“Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s deep and muscular, yet more velvety and precise than usual, showing freshness through the mid-palate and a long cassis-inflected finish.”

94–96 Points – The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
“The 2025 Lynch-Bages reveals energetic notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries and cassis, with savory berry layers, firm grainy tannins and bags of freshness.”

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

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

95 Points! Wow. This is really fantastic. It’s full-bodied with blackberry and blackcurrant aromas and flavors. Such intensity with superfocus and balance. Great center palate. The real deal. Best ever. - JamesSuckling.com

95+ Points! Beautiful Cabernet notes of currants, leafy tobacco, menthol, and lovely floral notes all define the 2022 Château Marquis D'Alesme, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, seamless, elegant Margaux. It has a rich, upfront style, yet it nevertheless brings solid tannic grip. I love it today, yet it's going to take a decade to hit prime time. The blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, hitting 14.5% alcohol. It will see its 30th birthday in fine form. - Jeb Dunnuck

97–99 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with spring flowers, graphite, tobacco leaf, and spicy wood all emerge from the 2025 Château Gruaud Larose. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, graceful mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish, all grounded by a remarkable sense of balance and elegance. This is a heavenly Saint-Julien.”

97–99 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2025 Gruaud Larose is a towering Saint-Julien. Deep, layered and explosive, the wine possesses exceptional depth and textural richness while maintaining striking freshness and precision.”

96 Points – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
“Such scented notes on the nose with jasmine, lavender, violets, peonies and deep blackcurrants alongside tobacco and clove. Supple and wonderfully textured with precision, concentration and intensity.”

95–97 Points – The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
“Warm cassis, black cherries and red currant jelly are layered with sandalwood, rose oil, pencil shavings and forest floor. Elegant yet intense with super fine-grained tannins and a lively line.”

95–97 Points – Neal Martin, Vinous
“Tightly wound black fruit, sous-bois and tobacco with fine delineation and firmly classical in style. A more tertiary Gruaud Larose that lingers beautifully in the mouth.”

95 Points – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“You get the tannic grip of the vintage in spades, but as you sit with the wine, a creaminess appears through the mid palate that is highly appealing. A ton of potential here, great quality.”

96–98 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“Flowers, black currants, cedar, cigar wrapper, spice, smoke, and black cherries fill the perfume. The palate is deep, concentrated, vibrant, and layered with ripe tannins, freshness, and a long finish loaded with sweet cassis and graphite. This is one of the top vintages of Gruaud Larose in recent memory.”

94–96 Points – Wine Advocate (William Kelley)
“Unwinding in the glass with notes of dark berries, cassis, plums mingled with hints of violet and pencil shavings, the 2025 Gruaud Larose is medium- to full-bodied, supple and suave, with a deep core of fruit, lovely energy and ripe, powdery tannins.”

98 Points! The Grand Vin 2018 Château Haut-Bailly checks in as 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It spent 18 months in 60% new French oak. This is a beautiful, classic expression of this terroir, and its dense purple hue is followed by gorgeous black cherry and cassis fruits interwoven with ample tobacco leaf, cedary herbs, earth, truffle, and floral nuances. While 2018 was a hot, dry year (at the end of the season anyway), this shows a mix of cooler-climate, vibrant aromatics paired with a rich, concentrated, fresh style on the palate. It has plenty of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. A beautiful, elegant 2018, it's going to need 5-7 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

99 Points!  Complex and expressive nose, offering red and dark fruit, spices and pepper with wood and mushroom undertones. Fresh mussel shell and a hint of ink, too. Full-bodied with a fine texture and great balance between the acidity and the controlled, tannic structure. Very long finish. Goes on and on. Tiny production, 21 hectoliters per hectare. Try after 2025. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com Learn More

95 Points! The 2022 Coutet delivers nuances of pineapple, tangerine oil, orange confit and spice. Exotic and unctuous, it's also light on its feet for such an obviously rich wine. There's great balance here. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

94+ Points! One of the wines of the vintage, the 2022 Coutet opens with notes of apricots, spices and exotic fruits, setting the stage for a medium to full-bodied, round and supple palate enhanced by brightness and tension that culminates in a spicy, minty finish. Its balanced structure and lively acidity contribute to an ethereal ending, making it a very elegant yet chiseled Barsac. This blend of 94% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle is matured for 18 months in barrels. - Yohan Castaing, robertparker.com

94 Points! Lots of dried-apricot and peach aromas with hints of dried white mushrooms and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, this has lots of sweetness but a spicy flint and citrus character with dried pineapple and white peaches. Extremely long and flavorful. Such a balance and classiness to this. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Bight and fun, a lovely easy, clean and sleek texture, quite straight with focus and a sense of cool freshness on the palate with some soft bitter edges that are so appealing. Has a great frame, slowly expands, not so overtly sweet or zingy, but this is refined and well delivered, still with concentration in the depth and overall long length. 158g/l residual sugar. 3.88pH. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

98 Points! The Grand Vin from this terrific Pomerol estate, the 2022 Château Clinet checks in as 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 19 months in 80% new barrels. It's a beautiful Pomerol that clearly ranks with the greats from this address, offering a vivid purple hue, classic notes of cassis, leather, graphite, and black cherries, full-bodied richness, and a layered, seamless mouthfeel. It's another remarkable 2022 that brings the richness and depth of the vintage while staying light on its feel and flawlessly balanced. It has plenty of upfront appeal even today, yet there's ample structure here as well, and it's going to evolve beautifully over the coming 30 years or more. - Jeb Dunnuck

96 Points! Streamlined and sleek, silky smooth but also gorgeously textured, clean and clear with grip and interest. Less fleshy and chewy than some, more charming and elegant with tannins that have a weight in the mouth. There is clear power and concentration underneath the juicy acidity with a straight backbone and direct energy from start to finish. Appealing layers of salinity, blackcurrant fruit, creamy vanilla, cool cola touches and crushed stones on the finish. Feels well made and sophisticated. 3.74pH. A yield of 34hl/ha. Earliest harvest ever starting on 6 September for Merlot and 20 and 21 September for Cabernet Sauvignon. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com

96 Points! The 2022 Clinet is terrific. Vibrant, aromatic and beautifully sculpted, Clinet is also a terrific example of the energy quality-minded winemakers were able to achieve in 2022. Crushed rose petals, spice, blood orange, mint and white pepper give Clinet a compelling upper register of presence in the bouquet. Wonderfully delineated, Clinet builds effortlessly into the mid-palate and finish, where a closing burst of red/purplish fruit framed by clean mineral notes leaves a lasting impression. This is stellar. Tasted two times. Drinking window : 2030-2052 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

97 Points! Intense aromas of dark violets and blueberries as well as terra-cotta follow through to a full body, yet it’s tight and focused with beautifully framed fruit from polished tannins and a long and rather endless finish. A complete and fresh Pomerol in 2022. - JamesSuckling.com

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

96 Points! Structured and so appealing on the palate, this has a rich texture but doesn't come across as too much. Filling but lifted giving freshness and ripe fruit. I love the delicacy of the tannins, this is finessed with so much detail on show. Feels cool and calm, not shouting, everything in harmony and delivering a really classically styled wine. Power is there for sure but this has poise too. A lovely Lagrange. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter Magazine

95 Points! The 2022 Lagrange was picked between 8 and 30 September, it ages in 60% new oak for a planned 21 months. It has an almost clinical bouquet, with very well defined blackberry and blueberry fruit, graphite and crushed stone. Quite a gap in quality between this and the Fiefs de Lagrange this year. The palate is extremely pure with cashmere tannins, black cherry fruit infused by blood orange, lightly spiced, hints of white pepper toward a very concentrated, fine-boned finish. This will require several years in bottle, but it will be worth waiting for. A serious and very able Lagrange that should not be under-estimated. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

95+ Points! Cassis, ripe black cherries, freshly sharpened pencils, leather, and violet notes all shine in the 2022 Château Lagrange, a remarkably pure, concentrated, powerful Saint-Julien with fine tannins and a seamless, balanced mouthfeel. It has the fruit to shine even today. As with many of these top Médocs, I wouldn't be surprised to see this close down with 2-3 years of bottle age. It's going to be long-lived. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in 60% new French oak. - Jeb Dunnuck

95 Points! A polished and expressive St.-Julien that shows spot-on balance. Fresh blueberries, wet stones, currants and a touch of red berries. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, chalky tannins that are firm but dissolved. Quite precise, juicy and focused. Beautiful balance and length. - JamesSuckling.com

94 Points! The 2022 Lagrange is a bold, racy wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, cedar, mint and incense give the 2022 striking aromatic nuance and vibrancy to match its mid-weight personality. The Cabernet is especially evident in this savory and punchy Saint-Julien that is showing very well today. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

97-98 Points! Really impressive depth, concentration and perfume this year, with fine tannins. Lots of violets, red flowers, black cherries and currants. Full-bodied and seriously structured, with impeccable freshness and a very long finish. Dense and powerful for the vintage, with tension, vibrations, good concentration and a tannin framework. 93% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. - Zekun Shuai, James Suckling

94-96 Points! Representing 46% of the total crop (a little higher than recent yearsdue to higher yields in the best Cabernet blocks), the 2024 Château Margaux contains slightly less Merlot (5%). It has a sophisticated bouquet in the context of the growing season, with black fruit, pressed violet and hints of pencil box that almost lend a Pauillac-like allure. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth. This is clearly a leaner Château Margaux compared to, say, the 2020 or 2022, but it is razor-sharp with superb tension and mineralite. Unapologetically classic in style with modest length, this noble First Growth will benefit from four to five years in bottle. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

94-96 Points! Based on 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Château Margaux is similarly deep purple-hued, with a more inward, closed, yet impressive style. Crème de cassis, graphite, spring flowers, and subtle spicy nuances all define the aromatics. It's medium-bodied with a concentrated, ripe, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and nicely integrated background oak. It's going to need time, but this is unquestionably a beautiful, elegant Margaux. The 2024 is 12.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.62. - Jeb Dunnuck

93-95 Points! The 2024 Château Margaux has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, violets, cigar box and iris. Medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with excellent density and concentration for the vintage, it's lively and layered, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. This is a serious, youthfully tightly wound blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.8% alcohol. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

95 Points! Such an elegant wine for this Grand Cru that tends towards aromatic richness, the pineapple and basil notes very delicate on the nose. On the medium-to full-bodied palate there’s more succulence, but even there the crushed-stone minerality keeps everything very cool and straight. Very long, focused finish with so great vitality and very fine tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

100 Points! Although it emerges from a similar terroir and the same winemaking team, the 2018 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a dramatically different wine than the Haut-Brion and has a more concentrated, dense, powerful style that is all potential at this point. Dense purple-hued, with lots of crème de cassis, black cherries, smoked meats, lead pencil, graphite, and crushed stone aromatics, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a concentrated mid-palate, masses of ripe tannins, integrated acidity, and one hell of a finish. This blockbuster, backward, monster of a La Mission Haut-Brion needs to be forgotten for a good decade (or more) but is going to be just about immortal. - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

99 Points! The 2018 La Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 53.5% Merlot, 42.9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.6% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it emerges from the glass with a first wave of stewed black and red plums, mulberries and black raspberries scents, followed by pronounced notions of warm cassis, clove oil, violets and chocolate box, with hints of cast-iron pan, pencil lead and forest floor coming through after a few minutes. The medium to full-bodied palate shimmers with energy, delivering layers of red and black fruits with earthy and mineral sparks and a texture so satiny you need to remember to look for it, finishing with amazing vibrancy. This is so wonderfully evocative and singular, and yet it feels like its holding something back. It makes for an impressive glass right now, but give it a good 5 years in bottle to allow further nuances to emerge and expect it to seriously reward those who can wait a good 12-15 years, when it should really hit its stride. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

100 Points! The 2020 Château Beauséjour (Duffau-Lagarrosse), made mostly by the team of Nicolas Thienpont (the final blend was put together by Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse), is another tour de force from this incredible terroir, and undeniably one of the wines of the vintage. Based on 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc brought up in 70% new French oak, it offers a sensationally pure bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, scorched earth, graphite, and a dense, smoky, floral character that emerges with time in the glass. With a voluptuous, layered mouthfeel, gorgeous mid-palate depth, building tannins, and a liqueur of mineral-like character on the finish, it shows the density, purity, precision, and vibrancy of this vintage perfectly and displays that rare mix of richness, intensity, elegance, and length that are the hallmarks of a truly great wine. This is unquestionably in the ranks of the 2009, 2010, and 2016 and will evolve for 40 years or more. - Jeb Dunnuck

98 Points! Intense but delicate, really an exciting wine to taste where you feel the energy build through the palate. Unmistakable limestone influence with the floral aromatics, a jumble of peony, roses and violets, opening up to brambled raspberry and loganberry fruits, with fennel, oyster shell and slate. Huge ageing potential. Cabernet Sauvignon rather than Cabernet Franc in this blend, just one of the many ways in which it stands out from its peers even on the limestone plateau of St Emilion, its delicacy suggesting it is one of the most Burgundian of Bordeaux wines. This vintage was overseen during the growing season and vinification by the team under Nicolas Thienpont, but given its final blend and ageing by new co-owner Josephine Duffau-Lagarosse, along with Prisca Courtin-Clarins. - Jane Anson

99-100 Points – James Suckling

"The precision is so seductive and intellectual, with aromas of fresh flowers, iron, graphite, cedar, blood oranges and black fruit. It's medium-bodied with a compact palate of intense tannins that melt into the wine. Rather weightless in nature. It kicks in at the end with incredible intensity and focus. 13% alcohol. 65% whole cluster."

98-100 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

"Almost opaque in color, it takes no effort to dig into the floral display. From there you encounter black cherries, licorice, spice box, menthol, cigar wrappers, blackberries and crushed rocks in the aromas. The palate is what steals the show with its vivid display of black and red fruits, elegant, silky textures, and most importantly, purity of fruit. The velvety finish spreads all over your palate with touches of sea salt, cocoa, Indian spices and lingering dark fruits. Clearly, this is in competition with the best vintages the estate has ever produced."

96-98 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous

"The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a huge, powerful wine that is going to need many years to come into its own. Dark red and purplish fruit, lavender, incense, melted road tar and licorice make a bold entrance. Readers will find an especially deep, potent Carmes. Today the 2025 is a mere infant. It's another exceptional wine from Guillaume Pouthier and his team."

96-98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

"Deeper-hued than the C des Carmes cuvée, with a gorgeous perfume of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with graphite, leafy herbs, iris, and subtle floral, minty, and almost peppery nuances. Wonderfully textured and medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered, expansive mouthfeel and ultra-fine tannins."

95-98 Points – Wine Advocate

"The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion reveals a complex, harmonious bouquet of pomegranate, iris and peony, intertwined with cassis, mulberries and dark berries. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and structured, with a long mineral-inflected finish. Combining tension with an ethereal profile, it delivers remarkable clarity, freshness and elegance."

95-97 Points – Neal Martin, Vinous

"The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion takes time to open, revealing black plum and iris flower aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, Earl Grey tea and subtle ash-like notes. Linear toward the finish but very sustained in the mouth. There is plenty of energy here and it should age with style and grace.”

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

99 Points, James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of the Year! A beautifully layered red with blackcurrant, hazelnut and lead-pencil character and fine, velvety tannins. Full-bodied and reserved. It’s like a tightly knit ball of polished tannins that are cashmere in texture. So very long and impressive. Give this time. A terrific Lynch. Better after 2027. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

96 Points, Wine Spectator's #3 Wine of the Year 2023! Gorgeous from the start, with cassis and violet notes leading off, followed by additional waves of black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as sweet tobacco and iron. Shows subtle savory and cedar hints that stay in the background, as the iron note pierces through the fruit on the finish. Almost approachable for the fruit, but wait if you can. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2040. - Wine Spectator

98–99 Points – James Suckling
“A density to this, yet it remains balanced and complex, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Intense yet subtle blackberries, lead pencil and hazelnuts. Persistent and reserved at the end. Great potential.”

98–99 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2025 Cos d'Estournel is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Grand, dramatic and sweeping, with notable textural intensity, the 2025 hits all the right notes. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, tobacco, lavender and mocha build effortlessly in the glass. A masterpiece.”

98 Points – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
“Plush, plump and chewy yet serious in a tight, cool blue fruit and graphite way. Lots of gravelly minerality keeps this focused and straight with lovely fine layers of flavour and fruitiness. Refined but well built and definitely not overripe.”

97–99 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Cassis, currants, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and graphite all define the 2025 Château Cos D'Estournel, a powerful, ripe, concentrated beauty. Full-bodied, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, integrated oak, and a great finish. I'd happily put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.”

97–99 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“Dark in hue, without fanfare, the aromatics showcase black cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, raspberry, and spice-filled nuances. The palate is even better, with a vivid display of sweet, energetic, lingering fruits, licorice, oceanic influences, dark chocolate, and Indian spices. There is richness, density, lift, and length. Balanced and harmonious, this wine will offer an extraordinary tasting experience.” 

97 Points – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“Incense and sandalwood aromatics combine the density and concentration of a hot vintage with the freshness and balanced alcohols of a cooler vintage. A real breadth and wide spectrum of possibilities are contained here.”

96–98 Points – Wine Advocate (William Kelley)
“The 2025 Cos d'Estournel appears to be one of the finest wines this property has produced in the last decade. Full-bodied, ample and velvety, with beautifully fresh, concentrated flavors contained within very classical proportions.”

95–97 Points – Neal Martin, Vinous
“Gorgeous black plum and damson aromas, pencil lead and iodine scents delivered with impressive delineation. There is a real crescendo of flavours in this Cos d'Estournel, fanning out gloriously towards the sustained finish.”

96–98 Points – The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
“The medium-bodied palate has fantastic energy with vivacious black fruit flavors and a lively line, framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and minerally.”

96–98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“A brilliant, deeply hued wine, the 2025 Château Beychevelle is based on 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, and is still resting in 70% new oak. One of the earliest harvests ever recorded at this château, with very tiny yields, it has a ripe, sexy, gorgeously textured style with ripe black cherries, graphite, spicy wood, and dried flowers on the nose. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a blockbuster finish. Hitting 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.6, this is a ripe, expressive Beychevelle that will evolve gracefully for 30 years or more.”

96–98 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“The floral bouquet is what you initially notice; from there, your attention quickly turns to its array of red and black fruits, licorice, tobacco, mint leaves, and cedar. The palate is elegant, silky, creamy, fresh, and concentrated. It takes just a second to sense the wealth of fruit on the palate, with vibrancy, refinement, and purity. The finish continues along the same path, with layers of perfectly ripe fruit, a touch of salinity, and hints of licorice, espresso, and cocoa. Clearly, this is among the best wines in the estate's history.”

95–97 Points – Neal Martin, Vinous
“The 2025 Beychevelle was picked from September 5 to 21 at 31 hl/ha. Matured in 70% new oak, this has a concentrated nose with blackcurrants, blueberry, inkwell and light violet scents. Very fine definition, a Beychevelle that leans on the more opulent side aromatically, though always controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety smooth entry that lends it sensuality. Extremely precise, exquisite pure fruit, quite mineral-driven with a very long, sensual finish. I don't think Philippe Blanc has overseen a Beychevelle as good as this.”

95–97 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2025 Beychevelle is a very sexy wine. Plush and exuberant, the 2025 is seriously impressive right out of the gate. Blackberry, lavender, mocha, crème de cassis and a kick of French oak are all beautifully amplified in the glass. More than anything else, the 2025 is a wine of extreme pleasure. It is an exceptional Beychevelle, one of the finest in recent memory.”

94 Points – Decanter
“Such a gorgeous fragrance on the nose, so alive, so floral and expressive with milk chocolate, cherries and violets. Grippy and alive in the mouth, fun, bright, certainly full of tannins and grip with a lovely core of black bramble fruit with straight acidity. It's a big, powerful, muscular wine but so poised, mouthwatering and charming.”

100 Points! Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was raised in 60% new French oak. Reminding me of a more elegant version of the 2010, it has a dense purple hue to go with a rich, powerful, full-bodied, sensationally complex nose of cassis and darker berries interwoven with woodsmoke, scorched earth, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Concentrated, deep, and layered on the palate with ripe, velvety tannins, it's a sensational, absolutely heavenly effort that will keep for 40-50 years. Along with the 2009, 2010, and 2020, this is one of the greatest wines to ever come from this address. Don't miss it. - Jeb Dunnuck

100 Points! Deep and evocative, this bursts with blackcurrants, milk chocolate and floral perfume. Instantly captivating, the palate is silky yet structured, with tannins seamlessly supporting vibrant red and black berries. Broad and powerful, yet it glides, showcasing Cabernet’s structure, Merlot’s generosity and cool spiced fruit. A mineral core adds complexity, with flint-like nuances. A masterclass in power and balance – and unmistakably Smith. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Organic. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com

98 Points! The vivid fruit character here is so impressive for this hot and dry vintage. It's medium- to full-bodied, showing gorgeous crushed grapes and dark berries. With density, clarity and beauty, it really speaks of great cabernet sauvignon. The tannins are integrated and go long, taking you deep and complete on the palate. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Seems almost drinkable now but needs at least five years of bottle age. - JamesSuckling.com

97+ Points! The 2022 Smith Haut Latte is silky, elegant and nuanced. It's all there. A wine of precision and class, the 2022 is so impressive. Rened, supple tannins wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, espresso and mocha. I nd the 2022 a bit buttoned up today, but that is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. I look forward to seeing it age. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

95-97 Points! Based on 33% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Château Figeac reveals a classic Figeac nose of ripe blue fruits, sappy tobacco, flowers, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fabulous, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. To have this level of quality in a vintage like 2024 is mind-blowing, and this is one of the top handful of wines in the vintage. - Jeb Dunnuck

94-95 Points!This is very refined with lovely tannins and freshness. Medium-bodied, it has a savory, juicy undertone and a satisfying finish. Some chocolate. A blend of 39% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot and 28% cabernet franc. - James Suckling

93-96 Points! Silky and aromatic, with velvety tannins, the 2024 Figeac is sublime. Floral and savory aromatics meld into a core of blue/purplish fruit, spice, licorice, lavender and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. The blend is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Franc, with 8% press wines. Not suprisingly, the 2024 is a very Cabernet-driven Figeac. Production is 60,000 bottles, or 50% of normal, because of low yields and further selection in the cellar. Tasted two times. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

93-95 Points! The 2024 Figeac was picked September 20 to October 5 at 31hl/ha after sorting, as the natural yield was 36 hl/ha. The chateau sacrificed 21% of the crop (which I witnessed first-hand when I called in during harvest and toured the reception) and it matured entirely in new oak with 8% vin de presse. That wood is neatly assimilated on the nose with blackberry, raspberry and light pine resin scents, all fashioned with wonderful delineation. Later, a hint of wilted rose petal emerges from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a keen line of acidity. This is very elegant and classical Figeac in style. There is a little more linearity, but this feels quite effortless overall. Its buvabilite is perhaps higher than other vintages, even if the likes of the 2020 or 2022 might have longer legs. This becomes spicier with aeration, which seems to prolong the finish, especially on my second visit toward the end of my tastings. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

97 Points! Looking at the Grand Vin 2022 Château Laroque, it checks in as 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc raised in 60% new oak with a mix in larger formats, as well as a portion in foudre. Gorgeous black raspberries, spring flowers, graphite, and truffly mineral and crushed stone-like nuances all shine in this stunningly complex, medium to full-bodied effort. With ripe, polished tannins, perfectly integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins, it's going to drink well for at least 30 years. The alcohol here is a healthy 14.7 with a pH of 3.4. This is an absolutely gorgeous wine! Buy a case for your cellar. You can thank me later. - Jeb Dunnuck

97 Points! Superb quality delivering grip and lift, with the fleshy black fruits underpinned by steel, crushed slate and softer crayon. Well defined black fruits, mouthwatering, vivid, energetic, one to look out for. 3.55ph reductive ageing on fine lees, 1st racking after 6 months, harvest September 14 to 30, Vineyard located on the limestone plateau and slopes at one of highest points of St Emilion in St Christophe des Bardes, owned by the Beaumartin family, David Suire director. - Jane Anson

97 Points! A pure and focussed nose full of ripe but cool black fruit with soft hints of violets and vanilla. This delighted during Primeurs and it's turned out excellently in bottle. Juicy, clean and crystalline with a perfect balance of fruit, tannins and acidity with plenty of underling power but delivered so elegantly. Great harmony and drinkability on offer. Ends salty with graphite and slate really putting the limestone terroir into the glass. Delicious. Another excellent bottle from this rising start estate under the helm of David Suire. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter Magazine

95 Points! The 2022 Laroque has turned out very well indeed in bottle, offering up aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, suave and vibrant palate that's pure, concentrated and penetrating. Harmonious and integrated, this limestone terroir's identity really shines through. - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

95 Points! The 2022 Laroque is even better from bottle than it was en primeur. Dark, rich and enveloping, the 2022 is seriously impressive. Black cherry, leather, licorice, dried herbs and mocha race across the palate. The possesses superb depth and nuance while capturing all of the richness of the year. Laroque is very clearly one of the sleepers of the year. Superb. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

99 Points! This is made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little shaking to wake up notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and licorice, leading to nuances of dark chocolate, lilacs, camphor, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with rich black and blue fruits with wonderful tension and velvety tannins, finishing very long and opulent. Atomic. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW

98+ Points! The Grand Vin 2022 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou checks in as 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot that was raised all in new barrels. Its deep ruby/purple/plum hue is followed by an utterly heavenly Saint-Julien that has pure cassis and darker berry fruits, a core of violets, spring flowers, graphite, and spicy oak, full-bodied richness, and ultra-fine, polished tannins. It's as seamless, pure, and elegant as they come, while at the same time being intense, powerful, and concentrated. It reminds me of the 2010 and is going to warrant a decade of cellaring, and have a solid half-century of prime drinking. For the tech geeks out there, the 2022 hit 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.8 and an IPT of 95. It’s an absolute sensational Saint-Julien from this talented team. - Jeb Dunnuck

98 Points! A great, powerful and proportional Ducru with everything in the right place. The aromas and flavors are very precise and beautiful with blackberry, raspberry and citrus undertones. Full-bodied and structured, it has polished electric tannins that are finely layered, well formed and very long. Remains cool on the palate. 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot. - JamesSuckling.com

97 Points! Beautiful and beguiling nose, perfumed blackcurrants and dark fruits; damsons, plums, raspberries and rose petals. Lovely crunchy fruit, real bite and presence in the mouth. Excellent precision, tannins are succulent and ripe they fill the mouth with a juicy, intense granular texture. There is such depth to this - perfume, tobacco, earth, violets and concentrated fruits that have a verticality to them with an unprecedented 98% of Cabernet Sauvignon providing the support and the backbone. There is a crystalline purity to the fruit giving tension to the overall frame, it’s focused and driven all with excellent definition. This is not a wallflower of a wine - it’s charming and confident, strutting its stuff right now and giving you absolut St-Julien terroir and vintage markers in the glass with slate, graphite and liquorice salinity on show. Skilled winemaking on show. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com

97 Points! The 2022 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a wine of total sensual allure. All the elements are wonderfully woven together. Black cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, spice and lavender infuse the palate with striking depth. The sustained, persistent finish is a thing of real beauty. Lifted floral accents extend the finish nicely. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media