"The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. (AG) " --- Vinous (1/2019) 96 points - James Suckling

The 2019 Alter Ego de Palmer is a vibrant, complex Margaux Bordeaux, known for its intense dark fruit (black cherry, cassis, plum), floral notes (violets), and hints of spice, tobacco, and chocolate, offering a rich, velvety texture with silky tannins, great freshness, and a balanced, energetic profile that delivers depth often associated with a Grand Vin, showcasing a forward, fruit-driven style that's enjoyable young but capable of aging. 

94 points- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate" Blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Clos du Marquis has a very deep garnet-purple color and is a little broody to begin, giving way to notes of crushed blackcurrants and black cherries with touches of warm plums, pencil shavings, earth and new leather with a waft of yeast extract. Medium-bodied with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins, it has bold fruit matched by freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. (LPB)" (11/2018) 95 points - Jeb Dunnuck

The Chateau Malescot St. Exupery is a 3rd growth of Margaux that sits right next to Chateau Margaux- one of the 5-first growths of Bordeaux. This exceptional terroir goes all the way back to 1697 when it was owned by the Escousses family. In the 1800's the property was handed to Jean-Baptiste Saint-Exupery enriching the name of the Chateau with HIS name. By June, 1955 the estate had only 7 ha of vines and the Zuger family began to restore the grounds and the castle. 30ha of the property are dedicated to the vines where the varieties of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot are grown. This is one of the most well-priced wines of Bordeaux and always well regarded, garnering high scores from critics. The 2016 vintage is comprised of 55% cabernet, 37% merlot and the 8% balance is cabernet franc and petit verdot. The wine scored high with typical notes of black currant, cedar, earth, tobacco and mocha around a backbone of fine tannins, and fresh acidity with a lengthy finish and great depth of character. Drink now to 2036

Chateau Haut-Bailly (Pessac-Leognan)- Chateau Haut-Bailly always delivers amazing wine, and this vintage is no exception. With aromatic and dense black fruits of cherry and cassis the 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot is savory and delightful with earthy minerality and tobacco nuances. Be patient and you will be rewarded with a supremely delicious wine. You won't have to wait too long though as 2024 will mark 10 years in the bottle and the wine will start to show well. Drink 2024-2035.

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.”

Chateau Leoville-Barton (Saint Julien)- this wine is massive and powerful with the bulk of this coming from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc providing the lift. It has a solid core of cassis, blueberry compote, sweet oak and plum flavours wrapped with licorice and pencil lead. Muscular, yet lean, drink from 2025-2035. 

Chateau Leoville Poyferre from Saint Julien was created in 1840 and is one of the Second Growths in the 1855 Classification. The 2014 vintage was marked by an Indian summer making this vintage successful.  This is a red blend of 60% Caberent Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc with a tiny bit of Petit Verdot to round it out. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, integrated oak and a hint of licorice. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine grained tannins and a persistent finish. drink from 2024-2030

The 2016 Château Talbot is a highly-rated (93-96 points), medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien Fourth Growth, offering a rich, polished profile. It features intense aromas of black fruit, cassis, and tobacco, with refined, silky tannins and high acidity. This 2016 vintage is praised for its power and aging potential. 

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.”

Crafted with elegance and power, Domaine De Chevalier Rouge 2020 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: Merlot (90%), Cabernet Franc (10%) Drinking Window: 2035 - 2065 95-97 Points - Peter Moser, Falstaff “Dark ruby-garnet, opaque core, violet highlights, delicate lightening at the rim. Somewhat reserved, dark wild berries, a floral touch, a hint of cranberries, delicate herbal spice. Juicy, a hint of caramel, elegant and balanced, ripe, integrated tannins, delicate extract sweetness on the finish, mineral aftertaste, salty finish.”

"Medium-bodied, forward, soft, classic and floral, the red fruit is sweet, fresh and juicy, with a good sense of purity and refinement." - 92/100, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

The history of Chateau Duhart-Milon is not as well known as it should be. In the 18th century the wines of Milon became the "second" wine for Chateau Lafite. The 1855 classification awarded Duhart-Milon the only 4th growth in Pauillac, recognizing it for the quality of its soil. Sometime between 1830-1840 35 acres was left to the Casteja family who subsequently possessed a 99acre vinyard name Duhart-Milon. Over the years the property changed hands many times and suffered a decline in the quality of the wines. The property was acquired in 1962 by the Rothschild family who totally overhauled the vineyards and brought back the quality of the wine as a 4th growth. The 2019 Duhart-Milon is a red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with an up front fruity nose of black currant and blackberry, along with typical Pauillac nuances of pencil shavings, forest floor and cedar. Round, layered and creamy through the palate this wine has excellent potential for great ageing Drink from 2025-2045.

Chocolate shavings and smoked coffee bean on the nose, it's a vintage where you can't get away from the tannins, but here they have sinew and juice, like the best translation of the tannins in the year. This has a real purity of fruit (very low SO2 addition at Palmer) and the gourmet touch you want in Alter Ego. 45% of overall production. 3.73pH. Survived mildew better than in 2018 because of my experience in dealing with the conditions. August 15 to 29 for the harvest.

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.”"

Chateau Gazin is a high quality winery located in the Pomerol AOC on the right bank of Bordeaux, representing five generations of owners and growers. With 23ha of vineyards, the clay-gravel plateau is perfect for merlot and cabernet franc. The 2019 is a blend of 89% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 4% cabernet franc. A solid Pomerol that has spicy red and black cherry fruit, notes of cedar, violets and plum with a vull-bodied, velvety and textural palate. This will no doubt age incredibly over the long haul!

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (42%), Petit Verdot (3%) Drinking Window: 2032-2058 95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com “A beautifully crafted Beychevelle that combines richness, elegance and precision. The nose opens with aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries, violets and graphite, layered with subtle notes of cedar, cocoa and sweet spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and refined, featuring vibrant dark fruit framed by polished tannins and fresh acidity. Well-balanced and harmonious throughout, it delivers impressive depth and complexity while maintaining the estate’s signature finesse. Long and graceful on the finish, this is a classic Saint-Julien with excellent aging potential.”

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.”

The palate is soft and seductive, with integrated, ripe tannins subsumed by fleshy black fruit. Oily black cherries with a long, fruit-laden finish, this will be approachable and moreish from the outset. Gorgeous aromas of currants, crushed stones, blackberries and flowers.

Blend: Pinot Noir 100% The 2022 Vosne-Romanée from Bruno Desaunay-Bissey is a graceful and expressive Pinot Noir. Aromas of ripe red cherry, raspberry, and subtle violet notes lead to a silky, layered palate with bright red fruit, gentle spice, and delicate earthy undertones. The finish is long, elegant, and refined, showcasing the finesse of Vosne-Romanée. Perfect with roast poultry, charcuterie, or mushroom-based dishes.

Blend: Pinot Noir 100% The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny from Bruno Desaunay-Bissey is an elegant and refined Pinot Noir, showcasing the finesse of one of Burgundy’s most graceful appellations. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle floral notes open the bouquet, while the palate reveals silky red fruit, gentle spice, and delicate earthy undertones. The texture is smooth and balanced, with a long, expressive finish. Ideal with roast poultry, charcuterie, or mushroom-based dishes.

Blend: Merlot 90%, Cabernet franc 10% Drinking Window: 2027 - 2050 94 Points - Decanter "Scented red berries on the nose, creamy, floral, perfumed, juicy and fresh, with savoury herbal aspects too. Sleek and so refined, this is fresh and captivating but with weight and density. Mouthwatering acidity gives the life and the spark straight away, with firm but fresh and cool tannins supporting the fruit, present but not too much, giving the frame and the nuance. Tannin management is excellent with blue fruits, liquorice and subtle sweet tobacco notes. Bright, shining and sleek, this is both juicy and layered, mineral and fruity, while retaining freshness and bite. Leaves a lingering impression and has great ageing potential."

Blend: Cabernet Franc (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Merlot (23%) Drinking Window: 2035-2065 98-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com “A spellbinding Les Carmes Haut-Brion that brilliantly expresses the estate’s singular identity. Intensely aromatic, it opens with layers of blackberries, black cherries and cassis intertwined with violets, graphite, crushed stones and delicate exotic spices. The palate is remarkably refined and multidimensional, combining extraordinary purity of fruit with silky, ultra-fine tannins and vibrant, saline freshness. A striking mineral core and exceptional precision lend remarkable energy, while subtle floral and savory nuances unfold effortlessly toward an extraordinarily long, seamless finish. Profound, elegant and impeccably balanced, this is one of the defining wines of the 2025 vintage.”

"Gorgeous aromas of mango, pineapple, lime and dusty stone follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a creamy, ultra-fine texture. Flavorful and beautiful. Wonderful length. Extremely racy and fine in the mouth. Drink after 2025." 94 Points, James Suckling

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Petit Verdot (3%) Drinking Window: 2032 - 2060 96-98 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com “The 2025 Lynch-Bages was picked 9 to 21 September and matured in 75% new oak barrels. 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, a touch of cedar and black pepper that dovetails into a peacock's tail finish that “clings” to the mouth. This continues the strongest run from Lynch-Bages since the 1980s and, perhaps with the 2025, it is close to surpassing that.”

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: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot Drinking Window: 2026–2042 A beautifully defined red with spiced blue fruit, graphite, and floral aromas. Fine-grained and structured, the 2024 offers precision, freshness, and a long, mineral finish with al dente texture. 97 Points - James Suckling "A fresh, complex and deep nose of spiced blue fruit, waxberries, blue flowers, minerals, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied and really fine-grained, with tight, chalky tannins and a long, structured finish. Very juicy and complete, with excellent fruit definition and an al dente texture. More reactive tannins this year. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot."

This is another property owned by the famous Rothschild family, acquiring this estate in 1970, embarking on an ambitious renovation of the vineyards. Vines were replanted, parcels were consolidated and technical improvements were made including the building of a new vat room. Chateau Clerc Milon is a Fifth Growth located in Pauillac that adjoins both Chateau Mouton and Rothschild. This 2019 is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Containing the highest amount of cabernet sauvignon since the 1980's, this is classic Pauillac with fresh cassis, red cherry and plum that has nuances of classic, lead pencil, cedar and tobacco. This can be enjoyed now with a decant but has the ability to age very well for the next 20 years.

The 2021 Duhart-Milon has turned out beautifully, offering up incipiently complex aromas of dark berries and cassis mingled with notions of orange zest, burning embers, pencil lead and iris. Medium to full-bodied, suave and polished, with a layered core of fruit, supple tannins and a long, sapid finish, it will offer a broad drinking window. Drink Date: 2027 - 2045

The Château Duhart-Milon 2020 is a classic, elegant Pauillac from a warm vintage, offering a balanced profile of cassis, plum, tobacco, and earthy notes with fine, polished tannins and a long, structured finish, showcasing both purity and power, though perhaps less austere than older vintages, with excellent depth and aging potential. 

Polished and well-structured red with a medium body and firm but creamy and broad tannins. Perfumed already, with sandalwood, blackberry and currant character. Crushed stones. Tea leaves, too. Firm and solid to the end. Very solid for the vintage. 59% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 1.5% carmenere and 1.5% petit verdot.

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Chateau Clerc Milon 2020 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Clos du Marquis 2015 is a rich and structured Saint-Julien with expressive aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, mulberry, dark cherry, tobacco, and subtle spice. Concentrated and velvety on the palate, it combines ripe dark fruit with polished tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, persistent finish.

The 2019 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a highly-rated Pessac-Léognan white blend (Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon) known for its complex, structured profile with notes of white flowers, citrus (lemon/mandarin), orchard fruits (peach, pear), and honeyed minerality, balanced with creamy, toasty, and spicy undertones from oak aging, offering great depth, racy acidity, and significant aging potential. It's praised for its textural elegance and ability to combine freshness with concentration, reflecting the excellent 2019 vintage conditions. 

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Beychevelle 2020 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The Château Gruaud Larose 2020 is a powerful, classic Saint-Julien with deep, dark fruit (blackberry, cassis), cedar, tobacco, and floral notes, boasting firm but silky tannins, a rich texture, and excellent aging potential, often described as structured yet balanced with vibrancy and complex layers of dark chocolate and licorice. It's a dense, full-bodied wine with a long finish, reflecting the sunny 2020 vintage and showing great promise for cellaring, requiring patience for full expression. 

Winemaker Notes A wine of good density ruby red, with brown, mahogany, biscuit hints. The rim is fairly thick and the legs are fine, clear, abundant and regular. At once expressive, forthright and complex. There are notes of all families of fragrance: fruit, flowers, and spices. The attack is forthright, round and suave, soothing even. The intense aromas initially recall the complexity of the nose. There is leather and lightly charred wood, and roasted notes. The beauty of the wine is revealed by its elegance rather than its full-flavor. The wine has an attractive aromatic range with a finish of remarkable elegance.