A mild and very wet winter led to an early and even budbreak. The damp weather lasted all the way through Spring accompanied by some very cool temperatures. Miraculously, full flowering took place between the 7th and the 11th of June which was a 5-day period of lovely weather and relatively hot temperatures. These conditions encouraged a quick and uniform flowering followed by a good return of fruit. The midpoint of the colour change of the berries happened around the 10th of August, with excellent uniformity across all the grape varieties. Despite these unpredictable swings of Nature; the heat and the absence of rain, the vines could maintain a healthy foliage right up to the beginning of the harvest thanks both to the water reserves and to the ploughing of the plots. Harvesting started 8 days late. Light showers at the beginning of September and a lovely Indian summer during the picking meant that all the grape varieties achieved perfect ripeness and a healthy condition placing the 2016 vintage among the great vintages.

Chateau Quintus (St. Emilion) - With a good dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend it gives it a dense, perfumed structured character. There is beautiful rich blackberry, violet, cassis, new leather and toasted spices on the nose and palate. The Chateau has made a considerable stride with this vintage. Drink now through 2026

"Violet and iris aromatics curling out of the glass, starting to reach their full expression at 20 years old. Beautifully finessed and elegant, with hints of black truffle, cloves and rich blackberry fruits, this is a vintage that showcases the best of Margaux. It took its time to reach this point but it has been worth the wait, and the wine just gets better and better over a few hours in the glass. Highlights the success of the partnership between owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos and director Paul Pontantallier, with this château delivering some of the most memorable wines of the turn of the century years in Bordeaux. (JA) " (7/2020) -Decanter (100 Points)

100 points - Jeb Dunnuck

100 points - James Suckling

99 points - Robert Parker

"Y" d'Yquem 2023 is a rare, prestigious dry white Bordeaux (Bordeaux Blancs Secs) released on March 11, 2026, known for its complex balance of high acidity and richness. Produced from a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, it features aromatic notes of lemon verbena, sage, white peach, and yellow grapefruit, finishing with a savory, chalky texture.

The 1990 Château Margaux is a legendary, 100-point Bordeaux wine known for its immense depth, velvety texture, and remarkable longevity. It features opulent, aromatic layers of blackcurrants, violets, cedar, and truffles, with a powerful yet silky, full-bodied palate. It represents a "monumental" vintage now at peak maturity, yet capable of further aging until at least 2050.

Embodying an iconic legacy, Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2000 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Dark, almost opaque in colour, the wine opens with a cornucopia of scents; spice-box, dark Cuban cigar wrapper, flowers, creme de cassis, blackberry espresso, mint and a drop of dark chocolate. Concentrated, full-bodied, deep, long, intense and complex, texturally, the wine is opulent, plush and velvety. But there is also more than ample lift to keeping everything upbeat. The seamless finish is perfectly balanced, with all its layers of polished, sensuous, silky fruits in the right place for over 60 seconds! The wine blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon,13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.1% ABV, pH 3.8. Yields were low at 32 hectoliters per hectare with only 49% of the harvest going into the Grand Vin, so not much wine was made.

Subtle and profound aromas of blackberries, wet earth and sweet tobacco. Hints of spice, too. Full-bodied and so deep. It’s incredibly vertical and long. Just like looking down a well. Firm and powerful tannins, yet polished and balanced. Goes on for minutes. One of the greatest ever. Try after 2025.

Subtle and profound aromas of blackberries, wet earth and sweet tobacco. Hints of spice, too. Full-bodied and so deep. It’s incredibly vertical and long. Just like looking down a well. Firm and powerful tannins, yet polished and balanced. Goes on for minutes. One of the greatest ever. Try after 2025.

Deep, dark, ruby-red, is not quite opaque. The nose is cedary with quite high-toned, ripe dark fruit, overlaid by lovely top notes of coconut & vanilla. The concentrated cassis fruit in the palate is very classy, it is lean, structured & cedary with hints of coconut & vanilla. Fine tannins give grip while retaining some suppleness. The wine has a wonderful elegance thanks to beautifully balanced acidity. Alcohol is also balanced, leaving the finish long & fine.

Blend: 66% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2004-2045

A timeless expression of Right Bank elegance.

The 1989 Château Cheval Blanc captures the soul of Saint-Émilion with effortless grace and intensity. From a warm, generous vintage, this masterpiece marries the opulence of Merlot with the perfume and finesse of Cabernet Franc in perfect harmony.

The nose is intoxicating, ripe plum, black cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar, and exotic spices swirl together in a seductive bouquet. On the palate, it’s velvety and expansive, with superb balance, silky tannins, and a lingering finish that echoes with truffle, graphite, and dark fruit.

Now at the peak of its powers, the 1989 Cheval Blanc offers an unforgettable experience, rich, refined, and emotionally resonant. It is a wine for connoisseurs, collectors, and anyone who believes in the artistry of Bordeaux.

Critic Notes:
96 Points | Neal Martin (Vinous) - Wine Journal Sep 2011
“Tasted at Cheval Blanc dinner at The Ledbury. One of the finest vintages of Cheval Blanc in recent years, this is the best bottle that I have encountered. It has a show-stopping bouquet of bacon fat, roasted chestnut, blackberry and still that heavenly tincture of Italian meats. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, so vigorous and 'confident' with a tangible meatiness to that ebullient red fruit that is degrading at a glacial pace. Lovely poise on the finish with that walnut notes once again, although I did remark that over time in the glass it relinquished some of its harmony. Still, this is a Cheval that oozes charisma. Drink now-2020+ Tasted November 2010.”

The medium to deep ruby-red color is not quite opaque. The nose shows a little clean cassis perfume over precise toasty oak. On the palate lovely freshness allows vivid cassis hints to show ahead of a classic cedary mid-palate that is dominated by the wine's fine tannic structure. Alcohol is balanced & the finish endures well. The fruit on the finish is closed & unsupple.

1986 is an astonishing vintage; its very slow development in a way reminds us of the previous generation's wines. Its tannic structure is very tight-knit, very dense and softens only very slightly from year to year. The bouquet is starting to open up; however, we feel that it is still only showing a limited part of its enormous potential. It is full and rich on the palate, still a little bit firm. Should we drink it?. A great vintage, but which seems to belong to another, older era.

2009 is perhaps the greatest young Château Margaux we have tasted over the last 30 years. The 2009 Château Margaux is an unparalleled vintage in its tannic power and fullness (reminding us of 2005) and its softness (reminiscent of 1990). And since its alcoholic degree is barely over 13, its finish remains fresh, flavoursome and of astonishing length. When to drink it? This is a question that is difficult to answer as it already gives so much pleasure, but with such enormous potential.

The Cabernet, is both fine and dense at the same time and dominates the personality of the Château Margaux 2007. The Merlot gives full, tender and rich texture, along with the Cabernet Franc which clearly benefited from the conditions of the vintage. We can start drinking it now even if wisdom would have us wait several more years.

Deep ruby-red color is not quite opaque. The aromas are tightly wound being dusty at first over cassis, them becoming more ceadry & perhaps chalky. The palate is tight & closed at present. There is a delicate leafy cassis fruit but the wine is dominated by plentiful, fine, smooth tannins. Acidity is good alcohol is balanced & the finish has superb length. The wine's fruit is largely closed up, but its excellent balance suggests this could open spectacularly with age.

Surprisingly woodsy, with truffle, cassis, earth, tobacco, cedar chest and blackberry in the developed nose. There is a nice softness to the tannins and fruit. Not yet fully mature, but quite developed for a vintage of Latour at 10 years of age, the wine offers pleasure, refined textures, balance and sweet berries in the finish. Drink now, or wait 5 years for more complexity

Medium to deep ruby red in color. Notes of graphite & chocolate dominate the dark fruit on the nose. The palate is big, rich and concentrated with lots of cassis that is lifted by good acidity. The tannins are huge with good grip, but do not quite close-up the fruit. Alcohol is balanced and the finish has good length. A big wine but with lively fruit & good equilibrium

The 2016 Château Margaux is a highly acclaimed, elegant Bordeaux blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its ethereal lightness yet intense flavor, featuring notes of cassis, violets, red berries, and smoky undertones, with silky tannins and a long, fragrant finish, showcasing exceptional balance and significant cellar potential. 

1x Château Margaux 1987/1999/2011

The Year of the Rabbit set from Château Margaux is limited to 100 sets, with each set independently numbered. The set comprises three bottles of Margaux from the Year of the Rabbit, namely 2011, 1999 and 1987. The wines have been stored in the Château Margaux cellars before release. The year 2011 was one of the most intense vintages that the winery has ever produced, and the wine is finally starting to show its full potential now; 1999 is one of the château’s favorite vintage for serving its guests; whereas the charming character of Margaux’s 1987 continues to emanate despite the difficult weather of the year.

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 1982 Château Cheval Blanc is a legendary, fully mature Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé (approx. 60% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot) that represents a benchmark for the vintage. It offers a complex bouquet of dried fruits, truffles, cedar, and mint, featuring a silky, medium-bodied palate with soft tannins and a long finish.

The Château Margaux Year of the Horse Set is a rare, limited-edition collection released to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac's Horse, typically featuring three iconic vintages like 1978, 1990, and 2002, presented in a special case with a unique certificate signed by the château's director. This set offers a journey through different eras of Château Margaux, highlighting exceptional vintages known for their power, complexity, and aging potential, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of fine wines.

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.”

Embodying an iconic legacy, Chateau Latour 2013 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2018-660 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.

The 2020 Château Lafite-Rothschild is a classic, powerful yet elegant Bordeaux blend (92% Cabernet Sauvignon) known for its deep ruby color, intense aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, cedar, and graphite, and a compact, complex palate with seamless tannins, minerality, and a long finish, showing significant depth and potential for aging, often described as a magnificent expression of the exceptional 2020 vintage with notes of delicate strength. 

Embodying an iconic legacy, Chateau Cheval Blanc 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 Angélus has turned out superbly and underlines this estate's continuing shift to a more elegant, integrated style that offers a purer expression of its terroir. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, it unwinds in the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries, rose petals, mint and subtle hints of licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully layered and vibrant palate that's deep, precise and penetrating, concluding with a mouthwateringly chalky finish. Some 120 hectoliters of Cabernet Franc, amounting to around 20% of the blend, were matured in foudre this year, which no doubt helps to account for the significantly reduced oak impact in the 2020. 2027 - 2060

Crafted with elegance and power, Chateau Cheval Blanc 2005 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.