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.”

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.

Chateau d'Armailhac showcases all of the hallmarks of its big brother, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, which is right next door. This is seriously juicy. Succulent ripe fruits dominate the palate, with a cool and racy undertone. The wine is ripe, showing flair and full of gravitas. Aged in 50 percent new and 50 percent old oak from Mouton itself, it has a creamy, fulfilling character. This is a wine which will certainly benefit from spending a few years in the cellar. This could be a treat and might just be a bargain too.

94 Points - James Suckling" Very minerally, silky and refined with a full body, firm tannins and currants, stones and citrus. Racy and fine. This has a little more Merlot in the blend but is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon as always. One of the best Armailhacs in a long time."

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!

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: 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.”"

"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

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.

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.”

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

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 (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.”

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.

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."

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.

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.

The 2016 Château Duhart-Milon is a highly-rated, elegant 4th Growth Pauillac blend (typically ~67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot) featuring a deep, dark ruby color. It offers intense aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and violets. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky, well-integrated tannins, excellent freshness, and a long, savoury finish. 

Without a doubt, Chateau Troplong Mondot has one of the most enviable and unique terroirs on the St. Emilion appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. Specifically located on the highest point of Saint-Emilion's famous limestone plateau, the 43ha estate has ideal soils and exposure. The resulting wines combine strength and elegance, complexity and precision. This 2014 Bordeaux red blend consisting of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc The wine has a rich fruit basket of blackcurrants, blackberries and raspberries accompanied by graphite, espresso and earth. The palate is fresh and precise that is rich, classy and elegant. Drinking well now, but certainly has 20 years of life left in it!

A blend of 44.7% Merlot and 55.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.3%. It rolls effortlessly out of the glass with seducing notes of warm black plums, black cherry compote and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of lavender, crushed rocks and underbrush with a hint of sassafras. The medium bodied palate is delicately played and refreshing, offering lots of soft spoken black fruit and earthy layers with a soft texture and seamless acidity, finishing with a spicy kick.

Like Brane-Cantenac, Cantenac Brown is one of the big outperformers in Margaux this year. Is it better than the 2009? It is probably more a question of taste. The 2010 wine is characterised by ripe black fruits well woven together into a sweet oak framework. This is a classic ‘silky’ Margaux but with very present refreshing acidity. Good length. A really successful wine this and with Brane-Cantenac surely a must buy in this vintage.

Crafted with elegance and power, Domaine Remi Jobard Sous La Velle 2022 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

" I loved the 2016 Château d'Issan and this is a certainly a wine to seek out. Made from a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot from yields of 55 hectoliters per hectare, aged 18 months in 50% new oak, it has a beautiful perfume of blue fruits (cassis, blueberries, etc.) as well as hints of graphite, subtle oak, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity, a terrific mid-palate, and perfect balance, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and is going to cruise in good cellars for 20-25 years or more. It's a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine that's very much in the style of the vintage." -Jeb Dunnuck (2/2019)

97 points - Decanter

Without a doubt, Chateau Troplong Mondot has one of the most enviable and unique terroirs on the St. Emilion appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. Specifically located on the highest point of Saint-Emilion's famous limestone plateau, the 43ha estate has ideal soils and exposure. The resulting wines combine strength and elegance, complexity and precision. The 2019 Troplong Mondot is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon with attractive aromas of blackberry liqueur, blueberries, licorice, chocolate, and spice. With mouth-filling, juicy, and concentrated textures and flavours, this 2019 received a perfect score of 100 from Wine Enthusiast. Best from 2027-2040.

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (52%), Sémillon (48%)
Drinking Window: 2027-2040

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A vibrant and beautifully composed La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc with remarkable freshness and elegance. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and white peach are complemented by notes of acacia flowers, fresh herbs and crushed stones. The palate is crisp yet generously textured, revealing layers of citrus, orchard fruit and subtle tropical nuances supported by lively acidity and pronounced mineral tension. Seamless and refined, it finishes with exceptional purity, saline energy and lingering floral notes. A sophisticated Bordeaux Blanc that offers both immediate appeal and the capacity to develop additional complexity with age.”

Blend: Merlot (78%), Cabernet Franc (22%)
Drinking Window: 2033-2060

97-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A stunning Château Canon with exceptional precision, depth and elegance. Aromas of black cherries, raspberries, violets and crushed limestone are layered with subtle hints of graphite, herbs and spices. The palate is refined and beautifully structured, offering remarkable purity of fruit framed by silky, ultra-fine tannins. Fresh, vibrant acidity enhances the wine’s energy and minerality, leading to a long and seamless finish. A poised and sophisticated Saint-Émilion with the balance and complexity to evolve gracefully for decades.”

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.”

The 2021 Gruaud Larose has turned out very nicely in bottle, unfurling in the glass with aromas of sweet wild berries, plums, violets and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and velvety, it's polished and seamless, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and lively acids. Drink 2025-2045.

Crafted with elegance and power, Chateau Le Gay 2019 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.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 65%, Merlot: 30%, Cabernet Franc: 4%, Petit Verdot: 1%
Drinking Window: 2019 - 2050

98 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous
"The 2014 Pontet-Canet is a captivating example of biodynamic Bordeaux at its best. It offers an intense and complex nose of blackcurrants, blackberries, crushed stones, and cedar with hints of graphite and spice. The palate is full-bodied, richly textured, and beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins that provide structure without heaviness. Layers of dark fruit, mineral notes, and a subtle earthiness develop seamlessly, culminating in a long, precise finish. This is a profound wine with great ageing potential.”