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.

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."

Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023 is an exceptionally fresh and aromatic white Bordeaux, characterized by a 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon blend. It features bright, high-tensile notes of linden, lime, Bergamot, white grapefruit zest, and greengage, offering a "piercing" and "crystalline" mouthfeel with subtle oak integration and a long, savory finish.

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+).

Leyrat Passion Cognac is an ultra-premium, limited-edition Single Estate Cognac from the Fins Bois cru, known for its intense, elegant profile and long aging in French oak. It features aromas of violet, candied fruit, orange peel, and sandalwood, with a balanced, silky palate of spice and citrus.

Leyrat Glory Extra is a premium, single-estate XO cognac from the Fins Bois cru, renowned for its age (roughly 40–70 years) and high-end presentation. It features an intense, floral, and spicy nose with notes of cinnamon, tobacco, and dried fruit, leading to a smooth palate of peach, apricot, and honey.

Leyrat XO Elite is a single-estate, high-end Cognac from the Fins Bois cru, showcasing a dense, complex, and harmonious profile. Aged over 10 years (often much longer) in Limousin oak, this 40% ABV cognac features a deep gold-amber color, delivering notes of roasted wood, dried fruits, tobacco, and characteristic nutty "rancio" on a long finish.

Leyrat VSOP Reserve is an elegant, single-estate Fins Bois Cognac from Domaines Francis Abécassis, characterized by a delicate, floral, and fruity profile. Aged for at least four years in French oak, it offers a smooth, harmonious palate with notes of violet, white fruit, spice, and toasted nuts, suitable for sipping neat, on ice, or in cocktails.

Reviseur Cognac Extra Origin is a premium, single-estate Extra Cognac from the Petite Champagne terroir, lauded for its intense, aromatic, and complex profile. Crafted from 100% Ugni-blanc grapes by Domaine Francis Abecassis, this award-winning, aged blend features a powerful, spicy nose, strong notes of honey and cinnamon, and a rich, slightly dry finish at 45% ABV.

Le Réviseur XXO (Extra Extra Old) is a premium, single-estate cognac produced by Francis Abécassis in the Petite Champagne cru. It is characterized by its significant aging, with the youngest eau-de-vie

Le Réviseur XO is an award-winning single-estate Petite Champagne Cognac, produced by Domaines Francis Abécassis. It is known for its high-quality, intense, and aromatic profile, often noted for excellent value for money.

Réviseur VS Cognac is a "Single Estate" Petite Champagne Cognac known for its vibrant, fruity character and exceptional value. Produced by the ABK6 family on their 90-hectare estate, it is distilled in small 1600-liter stills and aged in dry cellars to enhance its aromatic intensity.

The 2017 Le Pin is a highly sought-after, 100% Merlot Pomerol known for its exceptional elegance, depth, and balance, offering complex notes of black fruit (cherries, plums, raspberries), floral hints (violets, lilacs), earthy tones (truffle, forest floor, ironstone), and spice, all carried by silken tannins and vibrant freshness for a long, fragrant finish, showcasing remarkable complexity for the challenging vintage.

The 2004 Le Pin is a highly-rated, opulent Pomerol known for its plush, fleshy texture and complex aromas of ripe black fruits (plum, cherry), cassis, espresso, vanilla, and earthy notes, offering a luxurious experience with smooth tannins that can be enjoyed young or aged, showcasing the vintage's quality despite challenges.

The 2022 Château Le Pin is a highly acclaimed, 100% Merlot Pomerol, described as an elegant, full-bodied, yet balanced wine with intense aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, violet, and spice, plus notes of cedar, truffle, and mocha. It features velvety tannins, seamless integration, and a long, fresh, spicy finish with layers of dark fruit, earth, and minerality, offering both immediate appeal and aging potential, often compared to a luxurious, weightless texture.

Blend: 65% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking Window: 2025–2035

Tasting Note:
"Deep garnet with a violet rim. The nose is opulent and expressive, revealing aromas of dark chocolate, vanilla, and freshly ground coffee, interwoven with ripe blackberries, wild blueberries, and a hint of sloe. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and a balanced freshness. The finish is long and spicy, leaving a lasting impression of dark fruit and subtle oak nuances."

Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2050

96 Points - James Suckling
"This wine has a tightness and linear energy, with red currants, herbs, plums and hints of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied with beautiful integration and length. Racy and focused. Just the right amount of wood and fruit with tannins. Second wine of Chateau Margaux."

Blend: 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2050

98 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2021 Vieux Château Certan is a spectacular tour de force from Alexander and Guillaume Thienpont. What a wine. Vibrant and magnificent in its precision, the 2021 races across the palate, revealing seemingly endless layers of nuance over time. Dark blue/purplish fruit, cinnamon, new leather, graphite, lavender and crushed rocks all build effortlessly. The Cabernets are dialed up in 2021 and that comes through in the wine's flavor profile and overall feel. The purity of the flavors is just mind-bending. Harvest took place between September 25 and October 4. The blend is 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Readers who can find the 2021 should not hesitate, as it is truly magical. Score

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2012-2033

97 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 2007 Petrus offers a compelling nose of dark berries, graphite, and hints of spice and earth. Medium to full-bodied, it is rich yet refined, with smooth tannins and a lush texture. The wine is elegant and well balanced, with a core of black fruit accented by mineral undertones. The finish is long and persistent, demonstrating fine depth and purity. A slightly cooler vintage that delivers finesse and charm rather than sheer power.”

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2010-2065

99 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 2000 Petrus is a stunning, deeply concentrated wine that marks a modern classic for the estate. It reveals an intoxicating bouquet of black cherries, blueberries, graphite, and subtle floral notes. The palate is incredibly rich, silky, and powerful, with layers of ripe fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a persistent, velvety finish. This wine exemplifies the elegance and intensity Petrus is known for, with a balance that makes it approachable yet built for decades of ageing.”

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window for Magnum Size: 2013 – 2050

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"This 1998 vintage of Petrus is dense and powerful, with aromas of black currant, plum, and a touch of graphite. It is structured and muscular, showcasing a firm tannic backbone that promises long ageing potential. The palate features concentrated dark fruit, a touch of earthiness, and hints of licorice and espresso. The wine is dense and full-bodied, with a long finish that echoes the layered fruit and mineral complexity. A slightly more reserved but very promising vintage.”

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2008 – 2040

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"This 1998 vintage of Petrus is dense and powerful, with aromas of black currant, plum, and a touch of graphite. It is structured and muscular, showcasing a firm tannic backbone that promises long ageing potential. The palate features concentrated dark fruit, a touch of earthiness, and hints of licorice and espresso. The wine is dense and full-bodied, with a long finish that echoes the layered fruit and mineral complexity. A slightly more reserved but very promising vintage.”

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2006 – 2035

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 1994 Petrus is one of the most expressive and opulent wines of the vintage. It opens with a seductive nose of blackberries, cassis, graphite, and hints of smoky incense. On the palate, it is powerful yet refined, boasting tremendous depth and concentration. The tannins are firm but polished, supporting a complex core of dark fruit and mineral notes. The finish is long and nuanced, revealing layers of spice, cedar, and dark chocolate. A classic Petrus that will continue to evolve beautifully.”

Blend: Merlot: 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window for Magnum Size: 2001 – 2047

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 1986 Petrus is a masterpiece of balance and elegance. It offers an intense bouquet of black cherries, plums, violets, and subtle hints of truffle and earth. The palate is full-bodied, rich, and lush, with beautifully integrated tannins and a remarkable length that lingers in the finish. The wine has aged gracefully, showing layers of complexity with hints of leather, tobacco, and forest floor emerging. A sublime expression of Merlot’s potential at its peak.”

Balancing complexity and finesse, Reserve De La Comtesse 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a rich, full-bodied Bordeaux blend with deep purple color, bursting with ripe black fruit (black cherry, blackberry, plum), earthy notes (graphite, scorched earth, crushed rocks, tobacco), spice (cedar, incense, herbs), and hints of pencil shavings, all wrapped in a velvety texture with firm, polished tannins and a long, spicy finish, promising great aging potential. It's considered a powerful yet balanced wine, showcasing classic Graves character with excellent concentration and freshness. 

The Le Clarence Haut-Brion is the 2nd wine of the first growth Chateau Haut-Brion. It was in 2007 that this wine was renamed Le Clarence Haut-Brion as a tribute to Clarence Dillon, who acquired the property in 1935. This blend of 73% Merlot, 16% Cabernet France and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon has fruity red fruits on the nose with a smooth, concentrated palate.This a charming, pleasant wine.

The Château Lagrange Heritage Collection 2023 is a limited-edition Saint-Julien red wine created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the estate's acquisition by the Japanese Suntory group in 1983. This unique cuvée is a modern reinterpretation of the estate's historical blend from that era.

Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2065

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"Aromas of sweet dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and licorice introduce the 2022 Pichon‑Longueville Baron, a full‑bodied, layered and multidimensional wine that’s deep, dense and lively, with terrific concentration, sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Integrated and serious, this hints at the lavishness inherent to the vintage, while remaining classic and controlled.”

Balancing complexity and finesse, Clarence Haut Brion 2019 offers a full-bodied profile with vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

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

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Dame De Montrose 2020 offers a full-bodied profile with vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Croix De Beaucaillou 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The 2020 La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc is a vibrant, opulent Pessac-Léognan white, blending Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, offering intense aromas of pineapple, peach, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, with rich, fleshy fruit (nectarine, tropical notes) balanced by juicy acidity, minerality, and a chalky, spicy finish, showcasing the warm vintage's maturity with elegance. It's known for being up-front, fresh, and complex, serving as a delicious second wine from the Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion estates, with a blend around 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. 

Embodying an iconic legacy, La Chapelle D'Ausone 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Croix De Beaucaillou 2016 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Crafted with elegance and power, Le Carillon De L'Angelus 2016 offers a full-bodied profile with vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Now benefiting from its own dedicated winery, the 2021 Le Carillon d'Angélus is no longer a "second wine" per se, but rather draws on some 25 hectares of dedicated vineyards, emphasizing Merlot from the cool terroirs of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, complemented by holdings in the gravelly Figeac sector and on clay soils near Angélus itself—with anything that doesn't make the cut relegated to the No. 3 d'Angélus. Exhibiting aromas of raspberries, plums, warm spices and nicely integrated new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and polished, with lively acids, refined tannins and a long, penetrating finish. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Offering up wild, exotic aromas of blackberries, cloves and Indian spices mingled with notions of rose petal, bruised orchard fruit and cherry pit that evolve rapidly in the glass, the 2021 Pontet-Canet is medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a layered mid-palate and refined tannins that assert themselves on the firm, saline finish. Always one of the Médoc's most singular, idiosyncratic wines, it will be interesting to see how it performs in bottle.

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.