A dense, opaque wine with classic Fonseca aromas and flavours, dense blackberry and blackcurrant, spice, coffee, cocoa, and prune. Thick, velvety tannins give the wine a voluptuous density on the palate.

This wine will develop for decades in the bottle. 98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Sappy and sensational in flavour and fruit, moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish.

The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a great Fonseca.

The 2021 Pichon-Longueville Baron is showing very well in bottle, unwinding in the glass with notes of cassis, sweet berries and violets mingled with subtle hints of orange zest and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with good depth at the core, bright acids and sweet tannins that assert themselves on the gently structured finish, its serious, slightly reserved profile reflects the unusually high (89%) percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 concluded its élevage in large wooden vats for a month and a half, saw a touch less racking than normal, and was only fined with a small amount of gelatin, not egg white, as has been the rule at this address for several years now. Drink 2030-2060.

Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2028-2048

96 Points - Vinous
“The 2024 Pichon Baron is a very sexy wine. Deep and layered on the palate, with fine depth, the 2024 exudes balance. Sumptuous black cherry, mocha, new leather, licorice, menthol, lavender and pine are all dialed up. There's gorgeous breadth and overall presence here. The Cabernet Sauvignon is quite high at 87%, but it is really the wine's balance that speaks loudest. Here, too, the reduction of new oak to 70% really helps the wine speak with precision.”

The 2020 Cos d'Estournel is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. The harvest took place September 10– 24, yielding 39 hectoliters per hectare. The alcohol weighs in at 13.46% with a pH of 3.9 and an IPT (total phenolic index) of 80. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 55% new. Deep purple-black in colour, it pops with explosive scents of ripe red and black currants, black cherry preserves and black raspberries, followed by sparks of violets, wild sage, pencil lead and clove oil, with emerging hints of iron ore and damp soil. The medium-bodied palate has amazing elegance and grace contrasted by jaw-dropping energy, featuring a firm frame of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a whole firework display of mineral nuances.

Blend: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2065

99 Points - James Suckling
“Unique structure to this wine and very Cos with all the spices and dark fruits. Tobacco and cedar. It's starts off full-bodied and flavorful, but continues to unfold in an energetic and weightless way. Savory and primary. Al dente grapes here. Exciting and thought-provoking.”

The Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2020 is a powerful, concentrated, and elegant Saint-Julien Bordeaux, praised as a legendary vintage with incredible purity, featuring notes of cassis, violets, graphite, and tobacco, built on a backbone of ultra-fine tannins, requiring significant cellaring (best after 2030-2035) for its full expression, often compared favorably to the iconic 2010

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Brane Cantenac 2016 1.5L offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2065

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
“Based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château Lascombes pulls from 40% of the total production and was aged 18 months mostly in barrels (60% new) with a small portion in foudre. This inky hued beauty boasts a rich, concentrated, full-bodied, well-oaked style as well as pure cassis and darker berry fruits, some graphite, scorched earth, and licorice nuances, terrific overall balance, and a great finish”

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Chateau Durfort Vivens 2016 3L-341 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028-2050

96 Points - James Suckling
“A classic Bordeaux that shows finesse and poise. This is understated, with a medium body, lovely texture and acidity, freshness and brightness. It shows firm tannins that aren't chewy. Very long and honest, with pure fruit. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 6% merlot and 2% cabernet franc.”

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2016 1.5L offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2016 6L offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2020 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2029-2050

98 Points - James Suckling
"Complex, refined and truly mineral, this has natural vibrancy and freshness as well as excellent depth. Light midpalate concentration but also no sweetness at all. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky, stony tannins and a long, very tense finish. A vintage of delicacy and finesse. If you seek less alcohol and less power, this will be a great year to buy."

Blend: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2066

99 Points - The Wine Independent
“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."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (9%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2031-2052

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully refined Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux with exceptional purity and elegance. Fragrant aromas of cassis, blackberries and red cherries are intertwined with violets, graphite, cedar and delicate spices. The palate is silky and impeccably balanced, revealing layers of vibrant dark fruit supported by ultra-fine tannins and lively acidity. Graceful yet concentrated, it combines remarkable precision with a distinctive mineral character that carries through to a long, seamless finish. A sophisticated second wine that captures the finesse and pedigree of this iconic Margaux estate.”

Blend: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Franc (15%)
Drinking Window: 2033-2060

96-98 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A captivating L’IF with remarkable purity, finesse and precision. Aromas of black cherries, ripe plums and wild berries are layered with violets, crushed limestone, graphite and delicate exotic spices. The palate is silky and beautifully sculpted, revealing a concentrated core of dark fruit supported by ultra-fine tannins and vibrant freshness. Elegant yet deeply expressive, it balances richness with a pronounced mineral tension that carries effortlessly through the wine. The finish is exceptionally long, refined and persistent, highlighting the distinctive limestone terroir and the estate’s outstanding aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (34%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Petit Verdot (2%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2048

93-95 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A refined and expressive Pichon Comtesse Réserve that captures the elegance and character of Pauillac. Aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries and violets are complemented by notes of graphite, cedar and sweet spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is polished and vibrant, offering layers of fresh dark fruit framed by silky tannins and lively acidity. Beautifully balanced and approachable, it delivers impressive precision and harmony while maintaining the estate’s signature finesse. The finish is long, fresh and mineral-driven, making this an outstanding second wine with excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Drinking Window: 2028-2048

97-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A breathtaking Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux that exemplifies the purity and sophistication of great Sauvignon Blanc. Intensely aromatic, it reveals layers of grapefruit, lemon zest, white peach and passion fruit intertwined with acacia blossom, fresh herbs and crushed stones. The palate is vibrant yet remarkably textured, delivering exceptional concentration balanced by crystalline acidity and striking mineral tension. Elegant and seamless, it unfolds with notes of citrus, orchard fruit and a delicate saline character that carries effortlessly through the extraordinarily long, refined finish. A world-class Bordeaux Blanc with remarkable precision, complexity and aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (2%)
Drinking Window: 2034 - 2044

97-99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
“A Cabernet-dominant blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 Château Léoville Barton checks in at 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.6. Crème de cassis, smoked tobacco, liquid violets, iron, and an incredible sense of graphite all define the aromatics of this brilliant, deep, pure, and layered beauty. On the palate, it's full-bodied, inward, and powerfully structured, and reminds me slightly of the 2010 with its deep, concentrated style. It has enormous potential.”

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (78%), Sémillon (17%), Muscadelle (5%)
Drinking Window: 2027-2040

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A vibrant and beautifully refined Blanc de Lynch-Bages with exceptional freshness and precision. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, white peach and passion fruit are complemented by notes of acacia blossom, fresh herbs and crushed stones. The palate is crisp yet beautifully textured, revealing layers of citrus and orchard fruit supported by lively acidity and a distinctive mineral backbone. Elegant and harmonious, it combines purity, energy and subtle complexity, leading to a long, saline finish with lingering floral and citrus notes. A sophisticated Bordeaux Blanc that offers immediate appeal and excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Merlot (80%), Cabernet Franc (20%)
Drinking Window: 2034-2062

98-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A magnificent Château La Conseillante that epitomizes the grace and sensuality of great Pomerol. Exquisitely perfumed, it opens with aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, violets and rose petals layered with graphite, truffle and delicate Asian spices. The palate is silky and seamlessly textured, revealing remarkable purity of fruit supported by ultra-fine tannins and vibrant freshness. Elegant yet profoundly concentrated, it unfolds with exceptional precision and a distinctive mineral character that brings energy and lift. The finish is extraordinarily long, refined and floral, affirming its status as one of the most captivating wines of the vintage.”

Blend: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (13%), Cabernet Franc (2%)
Drinking Window: 2034-2062

97-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A spectacular Troplong Mondot with exceptional intensity and elegance. The nose is deeply aromatic, offering layers of blackberries, black cherries, violets and crushed limestone, complemented by notes of graphite, licorice and exotic spices. Full-bodied and beautifully sculpted, the palate combines remarkable concentration with freshness and precision. Silky, fine-grained tannins envelop a core of pure dark fruit, while vibrant acidity and pronounced minerality create energy and lift. The finish is long, seamless and extraordinarily persistent, showcasing the estate’s signature balance of richness, finesse and terroir expression.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), Merlot (17%), Petit Verdot (9%)
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2040

93-95 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
“The 2025 Talbot contains the highest ever Petit Verdot (9%) this year due to more generous yields. Picked from September 5 to 22, a little quicker than expected, as Laporte spotted some botrytis, at 28 hl/ha, this is matured in 60% new oak barrels. It has a generous bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit intermixed with mocha and light undergrowth scents, typical Talbot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity, satisfying weight and density on the mid-palate that had been lacking in vintages past. A little more grip on the grainy-textured finish, lightly spiced with a hint of powdered chocolate, if you seek a classic Saint-Julien and, it must be said, often at a reasonable price, then look no further."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (1%)
Drinking Window: 2033-2060

96-98 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A brilliantly refined Château Brane-Cantenac that showcases the elegance and aromatic complexity of Margaux. Fragrant aromas of cassis, wild berries, violets and crushed stones are intertwined with notes of graphite, cedar and delicate exotic spices. The palate is silky yet remarkably structured, revealing exceptional purity of fruit supported by ultra-fine tannins and vibrant freshness. Beautifully balanced, it combines depth, precision and mineral tension with effortless grace. The finish is exceptionally long, seamless and refined, confirming its place among the finest wines of the vintage with outstanding aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A polished and expressive Cantenac Brown with remarkable freshness and finesse. Aromas of blackcurrants, wild berries, violets and graphite mingle with subtle hints of cedar and baking spices. The palate is vibrant and well-structured, offering layers of ripe dark fruit, fine minerality and refined tannins that provide both depth and precision. Energetic acidity carries the wine through a long, elegant finish marked by purity and balance. A sophisticated Margaux that combines power, charm and excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Sémillon (75%), Sauvignon Blanc (23%), Muscadelle (2%)
Drinking Window: 2029-2060

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully pure Château Coutet with remarkable freshness, precision and aromatic complexity. The nose reveals vibrant aromas of candied citrus, white peach, pineapple and apricot, intertwined with acacia blossom, honey and subtle spice. The palate is rich yet impeccably balanced, combining luscious sweetness with crystalline acidity that brings exceptional energy and lift. Layers of tropical fruit, marmalade and mineral notes unfold seamlessly toward a long, vibrant finish marked by freshness and elegance. A refined Barsac with outstanding aging potential and remarkable harmony.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (84%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (6%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully refined Château Lagrange with exceptional precision and classic Saint-Julien character. Aromas of cassis, blackberries and black cherries are complemented by notes of violets, graphite, cedar and subtle baking spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is vibrant and impeccably balanced, revealing a concentrated core of pure dark fruit framed by polished tannins and fresh acidity. Elegant yet structured, it combines impressive depth with mineral freshness and remarkable harmony. The finish is long, seamless and persistent, highlighting the estate’s finesse and excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc (2%)
Drinking Window: 2033-2060

96-98 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A superb Gruaud-Larose that combines the depth and structure of Saint-Julien with remarkable elegance. The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing layers of cassis, blackberries and dark cherries intertwined with violets, graphite, cedar and subtle notes of cigar box and spice. Full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, the palate delivers concentrated dark fruit framed by silky, fine-grained tannins and vibrant freshness. A pronounced mineral backbone lends precision and energy, carrying the wine effortlessly toward a long, refined and persistent finish. A classic Saint-Julien with outstanding aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2055

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A polished and expressive Branaire-Ducru with excellent purity and finesse. Aromas of blackcurrants, wild berries, violets and graphite are complemented by subtle hints of cedar and spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is vibrant and layered, featuring finely textured tannins and impressive freshness. The wine combines precision and elegance with the depth and structure characteristic of Saint-Julien. Long and harmonious on the finish, this is a refined and age-worthy expression of the estate.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (39%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Drinking Window: 2034 - 2050

98-99 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A density to this, yet it remains balanced and complex, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy finish. It seems to be a wine with lots of fruit, but then it diffuses and shows open-grained, velvety tannins. Intense yet subtle blackberries, lead pencil and hazelnuts. Some flint. Persistent and reserved at the end. Great potential. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot and 1% petit verdot.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (2%)
Drinking Window: 2033-2060

97-98 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A remarkably elegant Haut-Bailly with exceptional refinement and balance. Aromas of blackcurrants, dark cherries, violets and graphite emerge with striking purity, accompanied by subtle hints of cedar, tobacco leaf and spices. The palate is seamless and beautifully textured, combining concentrated dark fruit with fine-grained tannins and vibrant freshness. Sophisticated and precise, it delivers layers of complexity without sacrificing grace or energy. The finish is long, harmonious and mineral-driven, highlighting the estate’s hallmark finesse and outstanding aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Franc (45%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%)
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2050

95 Points - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“High pumice stone grip, certainly very much on the limestone character, attractive and with plenty of lift and grip, and an underlying and highly attractive drama from grilled sandalwood and incense oak notes. A more subdued Canon la Gaffelière at this early stage, will widen and deepen over ageing. Yield 35 hl/ha. 30% new oak for ageing."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (7%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully expressive Malescot St-Exupéry that captures the richness and elegance of Margaux. Aromas of cassis, blackberries, ripe cherries and violets are layered with notes of graphite, cedar, rose petals and delicate spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and concentrated, revealing vibrant dark fruit supported by polished, fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. Seamless and harmonious, it balances power with finesse, while a refined mineral backbone carries through to a long, graceful finish. A sophisticated Margaux with excellent aging potential and remarkable purity.”

Blend: Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (34%), Petit Verdot (6%)
Drinking Window: 2029-2045

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully crafted Alter Ego that showcases the elegance and charm of the vintage. Fragrant aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, violets and sweet spices unfold on the nose. The palate is supple and polished, offering layers of dark berries, cocoa and subtle mineral notes framed by fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity provides lift and precision, leading to a long, refined finish. Harmonious and approachable in its youth, yet with the structure and balance to develop gracefully over the coming decades.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (86%), Cabernet Franc (13%), Cabernet Sauvignon (1%)
Drinking Window: 2032–2045

96-100 Points - Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
“Damson colour, this has a ton of juicy blue and black fruits, well judged density, energy and lift, clear ageing ability, grilled cumin, peony, iris flowers, slate and crushed rocks, 40% new oak, with large oak casks for almost half of the production. Less Cabernet Franc in this blend simply because of the size of the berries. 3.7ph. Blason no longer sold En Primeur, so not tasted here. Juliette Couderc director. Harvest began on August 26 with young Merlot on gravel. 23hl/h overall yield, fascinating to see how they split across different terroirs in the L'Evangile vineyard - on gravel 15hl/ha, on clay 28hl/ha, on sand, 38hl/h all due to size of berries. In practise this meant a lot of intra-plot harvesting, going through four or five times. The result is impressive.”"

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (40%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2050

93-95 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully structured Château La Tour Carnet with generous fruit and classic Médoc character. Aromas of blackcurrants, ripe blackberries and plums are layered with hints of violets, cedar, graphite and sweet baking spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is rich and polished, offering a core of vibrant dark fruit supported by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Well-balanced and expressive, it combines depth with elegance, leading to a long, refined finish marked by subtle mineral notes and lingering spice. A sophisticated Haut-Médoc with excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (70%), Sémillon (30%)
Drinking Window: 2029–2038

98-99 Points - James Suckling
“A tight and powerful wine with a precise and structured texture. Restrained, steely and racy. Goes on for minutes. So much intensity. A bright and shining white. Stunning balance. Alcohol 13.5%. A blend of 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon.”"

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Merlot (9%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2065

98-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A magnificent Calon Ségur that perfectly captures the strength and elegance of Saint-Estèphe. Intensely aromatic, it reveals layers of cassis, blackberries and dark cherries interwoven with violets, graphite, cedar and delicate exotic spices. Full-bodied yet impeccably refined, the palate is structured around a core of pure dark fruit supported by ultra-fine tannins and vibrant freshness. A pronounced mineral backbone lends precision and energy, while exceptional balance carries the wine effortlessly toward a remarkably long, seamless finish. Sophisticated, powerful and graceful, this is a benchmark Calon Ségur with outstanding aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Merlot (29%), Cabernet Franc (7%)
Drinking Window: 2029-2048

93-95 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A polished and expressive Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases that beautifully reflects the pedigree of Saint-Julien. Aromas of blackcurrants, ripe blackberries and dark cherries are complemented by notes of violets, graphite, cedar and sweet spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and energetic, offering a vibrant core of dark fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. Harmonious and refined, it combines freshness, precision and mineral complexity with impressive balance. The finish is long, elegant and persistent, making this an outstanding second wine with excellent aging potential.”