The 2019 Château Pavie showcases a deep, dark, opaque purple-black color with a rich bouquet of cherries, blackberries, and berry fruit liqueur, mingled with sweet spices, loamy soil, licorice, and rose petals, known for its power and structure.

A clear contender for the best, Left Bank value wine made today, this beauty is elegant, fresh, soft, silky, polished, medium-bodied, fruity, ripe, sweet and already accessible. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. 92 Points

A deep, dark, opaque, glass-staining wine. Restrained, composed & perfumed on the nose with black fruits, cedar, raspberries, blackberries and violets. The palate is very concentrated & extremely refined. Its fine grained tannins are tightly knit, powerful & muscular but in harmony. An outstanding wine.

Polished and refined with a firm, fine and linear tannin structure. Harmonious. Perfumed violets, roses and subtle licorice. All in balance here, with precise layers of black fruit, minerals and pencil lead. Rather seamless. Firm, yet fine and sleek to the end. Very classy. Fine-velvet texture. 96% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 1% petit verdot.

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.

Patrick Lambert's vineyards are located in Cravant-les-Coteaux, just 8 km from Chinon, renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the Chinon appellation. He cultivates 6.5 hectares of land, all classified as organic. Lambert's red wines reflect the classic Chinon style, showcasing the full fruitiness and deep texture of Cabernet Franc. His marvelous rosé demonstrates a light touch, allowing his wines to develop their own unique character.

An inventive cuvée from Stéphane Sérol's imagination, for the pleasure of his friends. What a success! A blend of Gamay, Syrah and a hint of Grenache from various terroirs around France, it's a skilful blend of fruity, peppery notes, with a juiciness that's almost unique.

Maison Louis Jadot is one of the most trusted and revered wine houses in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Frédéric Barnier, Jadot’s esteemed winemaker, and his team balance tradition and technology, focusing on the purest expression of each wine’s terroir.  Founded in 1859, the house now owns 528 acres of vineyards, including 280 acres of the Cote d’Or’s most prestigious Premier and Grand Cru plots.

As so often with Lafite, it is power that marks this wine. That, and density of texture. The additional element in this vintage, and at this stage of the wine's development, is a dominant wood element. The vanilla and tannins from the wood match well with the concentrated tannins of the fruit, which is dark, dense and tight. This is a wine for long-term aging: in 15 years this will have superb richness.

The color is bright and the aroma, while not that intense, is precise and extremely pleasing thanks to how clean and assorted it is. The bouquet has notes of blueberry, blackberry and juniper, all topped with a balsamic touch. The mouthfeel is extraordinarily soft, perhaps too much so, but fortunately this is balanced by a lively acidity. It is decidedly impossible not to like this wine.

"This perfumed wine shines with black fruits. Against this, the wine's tannins are solid and firm, promising long-term aging. The wine's structure—black fruits against tannins—is a classic for this estate. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2000 has barely budged in its evolution since it was bottled and released in 2002. After ten years in bottle, it still reveals a dense opaque purple color along with a potentially sensational bouquet of blueberries, black currants, graphite, asphalt and background oak. Extremely powerful, full-bodied and superbly concentrated with good acidity and high but round tannins, this massive La Mission-Haut-Brion should take its place among this estate's most hallowed vintages when it hits full maturity in another one to two decades. I was surprised by just how youthful this wine tasted at age 12. If tasted blind, I would have guessed it to be around 4 to 5 years old. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.

Rich and dramatic, the 2019 Valandraud bursts with aromas of berry fruit, plums and licorice, framed by a lavish but far from exaggerated application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, fleshy and sensual, it's broad and enveloping, its lavish core of fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins and succulent balancing acids.

Lovely dark garnet color with a beautiful shine. Good aromatic intensity. The nose is very fresh with notes of small red and black fruits on a mineral and smoky background (marl limestone). Well delineated, fresh and fruity on the palate. Good structure and balance, the tannins are present but fine. Persistent finish ending on the fruitiness and mineral freshness.

Contention as one of the top vintages produced here, the wine is strong on its floral characteristics. Once past the opening bouquet of white flowers and dried roses, you find plums, black cherries, black raspberries, mint and cigar wrapper nuances. The palate provides a lush, opulent, vibrant, energetic backdrop for its wealth of deep red fruits and oceanic influences. The finish has a touch of salty chalk that adds complexity to its wealth of silky, ripe, red fruits.

Picture walking into a flower show with a basket of fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar, and while that is not quite PC, it is the aromatic profile here. The wine is fresh, bright, vibrant, lifted, and floral on the palate. The wine is elevated, refined, soft, and silky, with a refreshing, silky edge to the fruits in the finish. The wine is pure elegance. There is nothing between you and the fruits. There is intensity, length, and a striking sense of purity. The wine lingers seamlessly for 60 seconds or longer..

The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot aging for an estimated 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The production of the grand vin represents 48% of the harvest this year. Opaque purple-black in colour, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notions of blackberry pie, preserved plums and crème de cassis, plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, chocolate mint, graphite and cedar chest with a touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long and spicy.

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.

Francois Mikulski was born to a Burgundian mother and a Polish father. He spent many summers in Burgundy falling in love with the vineyards and the lifestyle. This certainly and easy going Pinot Noir that expresses notes of blueberries, cherris, plums with spice notes. Hints of mint with those red fruit notes on the palate offers charm and adds to the soft tannins. These are cult wines that you want to get your hands on.

Located in Savigny-les-Beaune, this climat of Les Serpentières is located under Roichottes with 1 ha on a south-facing exposure. It was formerly called "Les serpentines" after the name of a species of snake that could often be seen in the summer on the hot and stony Burgundy lands. Made with 100% Pinot Noir, the wine has a complex bouquet of dark fruit, including black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with hints of earth, spice, and leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with rich flavors of black fruit with a backbone of firm tannins with a long, lingering finish.

Maison Louis Jadot has been producing exceptional Burgundy wines since its founding in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot. For the past 150 years, Louis Jadot has continued as one of Burgundy's great names and gained an international reputation for its superb red and white Burgundy wines. Louis Jadot is one of the largest producers of estate Burgundies of the Cote d'Or and one of the most celebrated exporters of premium Burgundies, owning close to 140 acres of vineyards from 24 of the most prestigious sites in Burgundy.

Pairs well with: Duck

The emotion of Les Corvées reveals itself in the beauty of desire and the anticipation of the absolute. Stretching south beyond Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Corvées is situated in an area that is relatively flat with rich soils. This gives a taste of the finesse of the premiers crus which border its southern extremity. A deep garnet appearance with mauve highlights, producing a dark veneer in the glass. Purple tones with ruby glints, reminiscent of glorious years.

Pairs well with: Duck

Champerrrier is a red wine produced by Domaine Tortochot in the Gevrey-Chambertin subregion of Burgundy. It is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, which are carefully selected and hand-harvested. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 12-18 months to develop complexity and richness.

On the nose, Champerrrier has a bouquet of red and black fruit aromas, with notes of cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of ripe fruit, earthy notes, and a touch of oak. The wine has a firm tannic structure and a long, elegant finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

Overall, Champerrrier is a well-crafted red wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape and the terroir of Gevrey-Chambertin. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, poultry, and game. It is best served slightly chilled at a temperature of around 16-18°C (60-64°F).

The nose is spicier than that of Pommard, with notes of cloves and peppers that intertwine with nuances of wild berries. The fruit emerges gradually from aeration. The flavour corresponds to the aromas: the wine is nicely full-bodied, with a grain of crunchy tannin and a frank vitality, it is the energy of Volnay that speaks and the wine is both built and lifted: molto vivace, as the musicians - it will give the right tempo to the best roast poultry.

Organic

Domaine Elodie Roy is a small, family-owned winery known for producing elegant and expressive Burgundy wines with a focus on sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery. Elodie is a rising star in Burgundy; the trend of young, female winemakers carving their way into the history books. The Santenay 1er Cru 'Les Gravières' 2020 is 100% Pinot Noir from the one of the most well-known premier cru in Santenay. Wine from here will have rich flavours and high acidity. Elodie's Pinot Noir has aromas of plum, cassis, chocolate and spice. The palate is fleshy and full-bodied with concentrated fruit, smooth tannins and a lengthy finish.

Domaine Jacques Prieur has the rare claim to fame of owning property in some the greatest appellations in Burgundy including Chambertin, Musigny, Clos Vougeot, Echézeaux, Corton, Meursault and Montrachet. Not many Domaines can boast that. History of the Domaine dates to 1868. Owned now by the Labruyère Family, supported by Prieur Family's heirs, they passionately promote and defend the great terroirs of Burgundy worldwide. The Beaune Greves Premier Cru sits on 1.17ha overlooking the city of Beaune. This 100% pinot noir offers notes of fresh red berries, evolving into cherry pit and spicy vanilla notes. Elegant, fresh, and fruity, the wine has balanced tannins and acidity with a smooth finish.

Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is a Second Wine from the famed First Growth, Château Mouton Rothschild, that offers an opportunity for oenophiles to experience its sensuous winemaking style at a great value. Château Mouton Rothschild was initially ranked as a Second Growth during the Official 1855 Classification, and in 1922, the estate was acquired by Baron Phillippe de Rothschild, a true renaissance man who added his name to the label. The Baron was a successful winegrower, a playwright, a screenwriter, a theatrical producer, a poet, and a Grand Prix racecar driver. He also referred to Château Mouton Rothschild’s Second Growth classification as a “monstrous injustice.”

Pairs well with: Beef, Lamb and Venison

Second label of Chateau Latour.

Critic tasting note: "There is a velvet touch to this smooth, rounded wine. With some dark tannins as well as blackberry fruits, it is rich with some concentration. At the same time, the acidity shoots through the wine to give a really fruity aftertaste." - 94/100, Wine Enthusiast

There is 52% Merlot in the blend and it shows in an enticing, opulent aroma of plum and blackberry. A little more backward than the other wines in the Haut-Brion stable so far, but all the ingredients are there to make a brilliant wine. There is a great depth of ripe fruit, impressively fine tannins, lovely balance and excellent length. It is superbly fresh and has exceptional potential for the future.
(52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot)

Like many Chateaux, Palmer was always owned by families. The Pereire brothers purchased the property in 1853 working hard to bring the estate up to first growth status in time for the famous 1855 Classification. It was ranked a Third Growth, although widely recognized as among some of the greatest wines of Bordeaux. Now owned by several families of Bordeaux, English and Dutch heritage since 1938, these families have always given priority to quality and authenticity. A typical blend of almost equal parts Cabernet and Merlot, this 2019 is a red blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 4% petit verdot, this elegant Margaux is beautifully defined with pencil lead infused black fruit of cassis and blackberry, spice, crushed rock and pressed flowers. Juicy, yet creamy on the palate, it offers substantial tannins and a beautiful long finish. Drink from 2025-2049

A rich, balanced, long-lasting and incredibly harmonious red wine, dark in colour with a touch of purple in the reflections. Its powerful and complex bouquet contains notes of dark berries, with hints of cherry alongside peppery and liquorice spices. On the palate it is aromatic, with velvety tannins and soft ripe fruit, and a long finish.

"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 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux bursts forth with exuberant Morello cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents accented by touches of menthol, dark chocolate and garrigue plus a waft of tree bark. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant, vivacious and fresh with satiny tannins and a nice long finish. " Rating: 93+ -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

95 points - James Suckling "The nose is redolent with ripe plums and dark cherries, as well as abundant red and purple flowers and a faint, blonde-tobacco edge. The palate delivers an ultra-rich and flavorful palate with polished, sinewy tannins that will carry this wine for some time to come. Freshness and balance, finishing taut and youthful. Full of promise, this is one of the finest recent releases from here. Try from 2023. "

Haut-Medoc holds some incredible value when it comes to Bordeaux. Don’t underestimate these wines! A typical H-M blend of 50/50 merlot and cabernet, it’s just right with attributes of red fruits, flint, cedar, and pepper spice.

" The 2016 Haut-Bages Libéral has turned out beautifully. Rose petals, lavender and sweet red cherry are some of the notes that grace this fine, translucent Pauillac. Medium in body and precise, with exquisite finesse and nuance, the 2016 is incredibly expressive today. This is a fabulous showing from proprietor Claire Villars Lurton. (AG)" (1/2019) -Vinous 95 points

Medium-bodied and fresh with a plummy quality, this wine is focused on red fruits and sweet-smelling earth. Bright and a little strict, give this a few years to come around and soften.

93 points Neal Martin for Vinous: "The 2016 La Lagune has a classic tobacco and cedar bouquet with fine delineation and nicely integrated oak. The medium-bodied palate offers gentle grip on the entry and plenty of tarry black fruit. A touch of mint emerges toward the linear but impressively focused finish. I like the vivacity and penetration here. This should drink well over the next two decades." (01/2019)

92 points - Robert Parker