Flowers, leafy herbs, mint, espresso, cherries, plums and a hint of blueberries come alive in the aromatic profile. But the best is yet to come with its array of minerals, rocks, stones and salt-tinted red and black fruits that cross your palate with length, lift, precision, purity and soft, smooth textures. It is difficult to believe that this is their second wine.

Blackberries and black currants define the nose, palate, and character of this classy Pauillac. The wine offers vibrancy, chewy textures, and nuances of mint, tobacco leaf, cedar, peppery spices, and tobacco wrapper. Classic, classy, refined, and with ample layers of sweet, lush, dark fruits with the tannins to age, this will drink well early, yet it will also evolve quite well.

100/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The 2016 Cheval Blanc is blended of 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc and 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is incredibly youthful yet not so shy as some other 2016s at this stage, giving wonderfully intense scents of red currants, black cherries, wild blueberries and violets with nuances of star anise, cinnamon stick, rose hip tea, cigar box and wood smoke plus a touch of beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has jaw-dropping elegance and depth, offering up layer upon layer of fragrant red and black fruits plus an extraordinary array of mineral sparks, supported by a rock-solid grainy texture, finishing with epic persistence and an edifying perfume. This is a very different style from the rich, opulently hedonic 2015, yet this wonderfully fragrant, beautifully poised and intellectually compelling 2016 is equally extraordinary."

The 2016 is a red wine blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The wine has notes of black fruit and cocoa bean on the noes with a dense texture and elegant tannins. The palate is full-bodied with notes of black currant, pencil shavings and spice that lead into a very pleasant long finish. Drink from 2026-2036.

This wine has a tightly-knit tannic texture and a beautiful, long,aromatic aftertaste. It is fruity, spicy and oaky (the oakiness is normal at this early stage).2012 Quintus starts out quite smooth on the palate, going on to showripe fruit and a freshness that might be referred to as mineral which is very typical of the terroir.

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 Montrose is a 2nd growth in the Saint Estephe appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. The location itself is exceptional, facing the Gironde Estuary which means the 95ha vineyard benefits from the moderating influence of this body of water during hot summers and harsh winters. This red blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and scored over 95 by many of the critics. All typical Medoc aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, licorice, pencil lead, crushed stones, warm spices and violets. Balanced and impressive, give this a decade before opening and age for the next 30+ years.

93 points Vinous: "The 2016 Lascombes is grown into a gorgeous wine. Blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, espresso and copious new oak all flesh out in this ample, resonant wine. As always Lascombes is done in a style that brings out the more lush, flamboyant side of Margaux. In this vintage, all the elements meld together effortlessly, something that isn't always the case. (AG)" (1/2019)

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!

The nose displays plenty of menthol, blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. On palate, this medium-bodied wine is fresh and ripe with a long, clean, mineral and herbal finish. An incredibly food-flexible wine!

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully balanced Giscours that captures both the power and elegance of Margaux. Intense aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries, violets and crushed stones emerge from the glass, accompanied by delicate notes of cedar and spice. The palate is concentrated yet graceful, with layers of dark fruit supported by finely knit tannins and vibrant freshness. Precise and energetic, it delivers remarkable purity and depth through a long, refined finish. A sophisticated and age-worthy wine with excellent 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: 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: Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (27%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2060

98-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A captivating Château Palmer with extraordinary precision and elegance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, violets, graphite and subtle spices lead to a palate of remarkable purity and depth. The texture is silky yet structured, with ultra-fine tannins seamlessly woven into layers of dark fruit and mineral complexity. Fresh acidity brings energy and length, while the finish lingers effortlessly for minutes. A refined and harmonious Palmer that perfectly balances power, finesse and terroir expression.”

The Château Potensac 2006-09-10-15-16-18 Vertical Pack is a highly collectible 6-bottle vertical selection. It features six outstanding vintages of the highly-rated Médoc estate: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, and 2018. Château Potensac is renowned for its classic, terroir-driven, and long-aging Bordeaux blends.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (34%), Cabernet Franc (1%)
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2040

96-98 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
“The 2025 Echo de Lynch-Bages is a pretty serious second wine that is going to need a number of years to soften. Quite frankly, I don't think I have ever tasted an Echo with this much power and overall structure. Dark-fleshed fruit, gravel, incense, licorice and scorched earth convey gravitas. There's a lot of wine here, but patience is required.”

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.”

Blend: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (50%)
Drinking Window: 2035 - 2065

95-97 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
“The 2025 Angélus was picked from September 10 to 20, and Stéphanie de Bouard told me that they halved the pumpovers. The Cabernet Franc is aged half in foudres and half in new barrel, and the Merlot is half in new barrel and half in one-year-old barrels that were used for the 2023 vintage. The alcohol is 14.05% with a pH of 3.6, many grapes showing a gram or more malic acid. This note comes from a narrower Riedel glass that showed the wine in a better and more accurate light. The bouquet opens with blackberry, raspberry, light cassis scents and a touch of iodine, well defined, the oak seated politely in the background. The palate is silky smooth with filigree tannins, very well judged acidity plus palpable underlying sapid notes that come through towards the finish. Fine tension, very focused with a very persistent aftertaste, this is an Angélus with great potential and it should give 25 to 30 years' drinking pleasure.”

Blend: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (50%)
Drinking Window: 2035 - 2065

95-97 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
“The 2025 Angélus was picked from September 10 to 20, and Stéphanie de Bouard told me that they halved the pumpovers. The Cabernet Franc is aged half in foudres and half in new barrel, and the Merlot is half in new barrel and half in one-year-old barrels that were used for the 2023 vintage. The alcohol is 14.05% with a pH of 3.6, many grapes showing a gram or more malic acid. This note comes from a narrower Riedel glass that showed the wine in a better and more accurate light. The bouquet opens with blackberry, raspberry, light cassis scents and a touch of iodine, well defined, the oak seated politely in the background. The palate is silky smooth with filigree tannins, very well judged acidity plus palpable underlying sapid notes that come through towards the finish. Fine tension, very focused with a very persistent aftertaste, this is an Angélus with great potential and it should give 25 to 30 years' drinking pleasure.”

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 (94%), Merlot (5%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2075

98-99 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
“The 2025 Lafite-Rothschild was cropped at 27 hl/ha between September 2 and 20. Eric Kohler mentioned that, unlike 2022, it underwent a longer maceration than usual because, after 24 days, he felt the wine was at ease with itself and there was no excess. That comes through completely on the deliriously intoxicating nose, replete with nuanced blackberry, bilberry and estuarine scents, all beautifully defined and seamlessly integrated with the 90% new oak that is made from Lafite’s own cooper. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiselled tannins. It is blessed with extraordinary harmony and it is so well balanced that you almost overlook the weight and minéralitétowards the finish. Just a dab of graphite lingers on the aftertaste. This is a very succinct and refined Lafite-Rothschild that I suspect will drink earlier than the 2022, yet will age with equal grace in bottle. I admit that, upon returning to my car, it was only then that I realised what a brilliant wine the 2025 Lafite-Rothschild is destined to become.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (34%), Cabernet Franc (9%), Petit Verdot (2%)
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2045

95 Points - Georgie Hindle, Decanter.com
“Upfront and instantly so welcoming and friendly and fun, bright, lively, full on acidity kicks off the expression – so lifted with the focus on the pure fruit. Salty undercurrent that gives such an incredible contrast to the ripe strawberry fruit. But this is also lacking no richness – it’s got muscles, power, concentration and such capacity to age. Fabulous. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend.”

Blend: Merlot (62%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2040

94-96 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A juicy and velvety second wine of Cos, with spices and hazelnuts that highlight the dark fruit in this wine. It’s medium- to full-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Shows structure, but is integrated and polished. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot and 11% cabernet franc."

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 (59%), Merlot (35%), Petit Verdot (6%)
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2040

94 Points - Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter
“This wine evinces pleasing refinement, with clean fruit and a composed feel on the palate. Aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry come through clearly, complemented by subtle floral hints of violet, along with touches of vanilla and a faint note of eucalyptus leaf. The attack is supple and well–defined, with a slightly austere edge at this stage that should integrate further with barrel ageing (16 months, 35% new oak). There’s an appealing interplay of red and black fruit, giving the mid–palate a vibrant, lifted character, supported by fine, velvety tannins that lend structure without heaviness. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the wine retains a welcome freshness, bringing tension and precision. The finish is harmonious and clean, if not especially long, but it remains elegant and well–balanced overall."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (3%), Malbec (2%)
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2040

96 Points - Peter Moster, Falstaff
“Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque, almost inky core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Notes of licorice and hibiscus, hints of cassis, dark wild berries, fine herbal spice, some precious wood. Taut, complex and elegant, pure black forest berries, silky tannins, mineral-salty, very good length and freshness, remains very persistent, has definite ageing potential."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), Merlot (21%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Petit Verdot (2%)
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2045

96-100 Points - Georgie Hindle, Decanter.com
“Aromatic intensity, wild flowers, some chocolate and blackcurrant notes. Red cherries. Grippy and filling but soft, chalky and saline, a gorgeous weight on the palate with ripe bramble berries, cool blue fruit and lots of cola, liquorice and wet stones. Very transparent and hands off. A touch straight but lovely muscular edge without the heft. Juicy, fun, clean, pure. Balanced. Savoury. Great job controlling the extraction – tannins are there but this is sapid too. A little more serious and structured and perhaps overall elegant than Clerc. A 2% dash of Petit Verdot completes the blend.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Carménère (1%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Drinking Window: 2035 - 2055

95 Points - Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
“Captures the muscular leanness of the vintage, coupled with great intensity and depth, waves of cloves, red liquorice, dark autumnal fruits, huge sapidity, coffee bean and cappuccino, clear richness with creamy weight through the mid palate. 3.78 pH. Harvest September 3 to 19. 55% new oak for ageing. Estate signature. 3.78ph.”

Blend: Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (27%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2045

97-98 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautiful expression of fruit with focus and great definition. A tight balance between the chalky tannins, linear acidity and fruit. 73.2% merlot and 26.8% cabernet franc.”

A 3-bottle collection set from Château Giscours typically highlights the estate's 3rd Growth classification status, offering a vertical or curated selection of their Margaux appellation wines, featuring a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Known for its elegance, the wine features dark ruby color, violet aromas, and refined tannins, often highlighting vintages with rich fruit, floral notes, and good aging potential.

The 2012 Les Forts de Latour is a highly rated second wine from Château Latour, composed of roughly 75–76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers an elegant, medium-bodied experience with vibrant notes of blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, and cedar. Known for its precision and fine tannins, this 2012 is a classic Pauillac with strong aging potential (2015–2030+).

The 2014 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a complex, full-bodied red from Pessac-Léognan, praised for its aromatic intensity, structural power, and velvety texture. A blend of 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc, it features dark fruit, mineral, and truffle notes. It boasts a long finish, offering excellent aging potential until 2030-2040.

The 2019 Château Lascombes is a highly acclaimed, second-growth Margaux, generally described as a powerful yet balanced and elegant wine, often considered one of the best in recent years. It is characterized by its deep, opulent fruit and polished tannic structure.

The ABK6 Family Estate Bordeaux Merlot 2024 is a modern, vibrant red wine from Bordeaux featuring a ruby hue with violet highlights. It offers a lively palate of fresh red fruits—cherry, strawberry, and redcurrant—with fine, silky tannins and a crisp finish. This light and indulgent 100% Merlot is designed to be enjoyed young and slightly chilled.

The 2024 ABK6 Family Estate Vin de France is a vibrant, dry white blend featuring 80% Merlot (vinified as a "blanc de noir") alongside Sémillon, Colombard, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris. Known for its pale yellow color and exotic fruit notes, it offers a crisp, aromatic palate with balanced acidity and a long, refreshing finish.

"Blend: Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%)
Drinking Window: 2032–2050

96-97 Points - Jeff Leve
“Black cherries, plums, violets, licorice, espresso, caramel, black raspberries, licorice, and a hint of mint pop in the nose. Creamy, opulent, sweet, powerful, and also fragrant, fresh, and light on its feet. The palate is drenched in fruits, accompanied by a mineral essence that adds in the length, and the vibrancy to the long, intense finish. One of the wines of the vintage, this is in contention for the best vintage ever produced in the history of Larcis Ducasse. The wine blends 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc. 13.8% ABV. 3.5 pH. Harvesting took place September 10 - September 19. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. Aging is taking place in a combination of New, French oak barrels, 500 liter barrels, and foundres. Drink from 2030-2065.”"

"Blend: Merlot (87%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), and Cabernet Franc (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032–2050

96-97 Points - James Suckling
“A juicy and fine tannin texture with currant, raspberry and bark aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied and well structured with a caressing finish, all in balance. Very fine and attractive.”"

"Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (73%), Merlot (27%)
Drinking Window: 2033–2050

94-100 Points - Georgie Hindle, Decanter.com
""Supple and sop juicy and friendly, this has a lovely ripe strawberry and cooling raspberry elements with both fresh mint and a dollop of sweetness. Cool overall with a driving persistence of flavour – energetic but so precise and well defined with fine tannins and a crisp overall sensation. Ripe, round, a little cooler and more mineral than in hotter vintages, but this is definitely charming and easy to like. 3.71pH. Ageing 18 months, 30% new, 70% one and two years.”"

"Blend: Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%)
Drinking Window: 2035 - 2065

95-97 Points - Antonio Galloni 
“The 2025 Pape Clément is magnificent. The aromatics alone are captivating. Strong floral and savory notes soar from the glass. Lavender, rose petal, sage, mint and mocha lead into a core of wonderfully vibrant red/purplish fruit. Medium in body and deep, Pape Clément is positively stellar in 2025. The Cabernets and Petit Verdot add tons of aromatic presence. Élevage is 85% in barrique and 15% in foudre, with a relatively modest 33% new oak.”"

"Blend: Merlot (51%), Cabernet Franc (45%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (4%)
Drinking Window: 2032–2045

98-100 Points - Robert Parker
“A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Cheval Blanc stands out once again as among the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of blood orange and iris, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific mid-palate density, sweet tannins and a long, vibrant, violet-inflected finish. With its striking aromas, intensity of flavor and resolutely classical proportions (checking in at 12.7% alcohol and pH of 3.76), the 2025 gives every indication of being one of the great Cheval Blancs of the decade.”"