95 points Vinous: "The 2016 Lagrange has a tightly knit, focused bouquet of intense blackberry, briar and cedar aromas. This is impressive, and it gains intensity with aeration. The medium-bodied palate delivers grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a vivacious, spicy, almost peppery finish. One of the most powerful Lagrange that I have tasted. A Saint-Julien that is consistently underrated, this 2016 will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 30-plus years. (NM)" (1/2019)

94 points - James Suckling "The 2016 La Tour Blanche has an extremely well defined bouquet featuring intense honeyed, botrytis-rich fruit, supremely well focused and conveying fine terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with viscous honeyed fruit laced with orange zest, marmalade, ginger and quince. There is a wonderful sense of harmony here. Persistent in the mouth while maintaining superb tension. Impressive. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2023 - 2050" 96 points -Neal Martin, vinous.com, August 2020

Jane Anson 96 Points for Inside Bordeaux: "The 2016 Fleur Cardinale is a muscular, beautiful and profound wine full of olive tapendade, tar, smoked earth, and tons of liquorice, bitter chocolate shavings, cassis and blueberry fruits. Things close in to a slate textured finish that gives balance and makes your mouth water, and as things open you get clearer peony floral aromatics curling out of the glass. This was the point at which the Decoster family were really making me sit up and take notice of what was happening at Fleur Cardinale, and it is starting to sing as five years old." (11/2021)

A White wine from Bordeaux, France. Made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc The harvest is strictly and carefully selected, destemmed and crushed before a natural cold settling. Stainless Steel tank fermentation at a low temperature with a post-fermentation and maceration on lees .

94 Points-Wine Enthusiast "This is a beautiful tropical fruit and spice-flavored wine. It has an exotic, ripe feel to it that is already attractive. The tight, mineral texture promises good aging."

93 Points-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The Chateau de Fieuzal Blanc 2014 has an attractive nose: lime mixed with citrus fruit and touches of grilled walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is quite shrill on the entry with attacking lime and citrus scents. The acidity is quite strong here, but there is plenty of fruit and a lovely sense of tension on the finish. This is an excellent Pessac-Leognan from this rejuvenated estate. Range: 91-93"

93 Points-James Suckling "A dry white with lots of mineral and white-pepper character as well as lightly cooked apples and lemons. Full-bodied, yet this remains agile and lively. Intense finish. Layered and structured. Little oily. Drink now or hold."

89–91. Barrel sample. This is a concentrated wine that's very full in the mouth and shows its structure right up front. It has acidity and some juiciness, but the fruit is still very suppressed by the dryness.

Medium-bodied, elegant and refined, with lovely, fresh, sweet, red fruits, silky tannins and floral aromatics. The wine is bright, refined and finesse driven. There is purity in the fruit, length and energy here.
The wine was made from blending 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% alcohol and aging in 50% new French oak barrels

"The 2016 Branaire Ducru has a fragrant bouquet of plush blackberry and graphite aromas, hints of bilberry and briar developing in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is quite succulent and multilayered, offering supple tannin and gentle grip on the finish. Real potential here. One of the best Branaire Ducru in recent years. Chapeau! Drink 2023-2055." -Neal Martin, vinous.com (Jan 2019)

96 points - James Suckling

From the Domaine of Clarence Dillon, this is the second label for the Chateau La Mission Haut Brion. (Not to be confused with Chateau Haut-Brion). Dillon purchased this famous vineyard in 1983 and has brought it to the fame it has today, situated next to its famous neighbour notwithstanding. The terroir is similar and the 26.6ha of vines features about half/half Cabernet Sauvigon/Merlot with a small amount of Petit Verdot. In 2007 a new cellar, bottling centre and tasting room were built, combining modern technology with tradition. The wine itself for this vintage is 54% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon and 1% cabernet franc. Great structure with fine-grained tannins that provides the backbone to flavours of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and spice. It's almost ready to go - try in 2026 or hold for another 5-10 years.

Very pale salmon colour. Fully ripe grapes. Very vinous nose. Masses of fruit and only the merest hint of fermentation aromas. Apparently 1.7 g/l residual sugar but it tastes more. High extract because berries are very small. Real mouthful of charming fruit. Very commercial I would have thought. Designed for the on trade. Mouthful of venosity. Well done!

Embodying an iconic legacy, Champagne Christian Busin Grand Cru 2012-993 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

’The 2016 Carmes de Rieussec is absolutely gorgeous. Hints of passion fruit, pineapple and mint all run through this gracious Sauternes. Medium in body, open-knit and accessible, the 2016 is easy to drink and enjoy right now.’’
- www.vinous.com

An exceptional wine, the ideal balance between freshness and power, fleshy structure and supple tannins.The nose is slightly smoky, with black fruits, periwinkles and wild blackberries enhanced by pepper and cinnamon. The palate is powerful and peppery, with a full, round palate and a tangy finish that brings finesse and lightness.

Scheurebe belongs to the spicy grape varieties and is ideal for spicy, aromatic dishes as a wine accompaniment. Its bouquet is reminiscent of cassis, ripe yellow fruits such as pear and peach. History: The vine breeder Georg Scheu succeeded in 1916 in the State Institute for Vine Breeding Alzey (30 km from Langenlonsheim) with his 88th seedling of a cross between Riesling and Silvaner in the convincing new breed - the Scheurebe.

A Red wine from Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France. Made from Merlot 50%,Cabernet Sauvignon 50%

Exceptionally complex, fine-smelling aszú made with furmint base wine and linden-leaf aszú grain. In addition to its intense fruity aroma and good acids, it has a completely smooth, elegant structure. Its sugar content can be described in the background, its main value in its complexity and impeccable balance. A lovely but firm wine, taking full advantage of the vintage. An excellent accessory for desserts and cigars.

Spoiled by the sunshine in the vineyards of the Nahe growing region, this Pinot Gris wine displays a finesse and uniqueness that Weingut Bürgermeister Schweinhardt has created with great care. The medium acidity gives this dry white wine contour and a pleasant freshness. A great wine that makes you want another glass!

Chateau Montrose has a family history dating back to 1815, with three owners overall, now being operated by the Charmolue family. This 1855 classification isa 2nd growth located on the left bank appellation of Saint Estephe. The Dame de Montrose is the estate's second label, made to the same rigourous standards as the First Wine. The 2019 is a red blend made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Atypical of blends from the left bank, there is a large percentage of merlot in these wines giving a juicy quality, yet still serious potential for ageing. Plum, blackberry, tobacco and eark earth notes dominate. It's medium bodied with a silky texture, light tannins and a beautiful finish.

On the palate, the wine delivers an exquisite combination of ripe and overripe fruit character. It charms with the presence of luscious stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots, along with a subtle touch of sweet fruits and honey that add a delightful richness.

94 Points-James Suckling
An entrancing nose of fresh violets, licorice, peppercorn, oyster shell, cloves, citrus and lavender. A very sleek palate follows with edgy, grainy tannins and so much zesty acidity and drive.

This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish. Three years with Jean-Michel Laporte as director, and he is doing great work.

"The 2010 Pontet-Canet offers a very deep garnet color. Whoa—the nose explodes with a vast array of black fruit preserves and savory nuances: plum preserves, blackcurrant cordial, black cherry coulis and licorice with wafts of dried lavender, melted chocolate, charcuterie, black olives, truffles and camphor plus a hint of sandalwood. The full-bodied palate is completely filled with black fruits, exotic spices and earthy nuances with a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. So much more expressive and seductive than a lot of 2010s at this stage, and yet it is still incredibly youthful! (LPB)" (5/2020) -100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

100 points - James Suckling

98 points - Jeb Dunnuck

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.

Not always a first growth, Chateau Mouton, owned Baron Philippe Rothschild was originally a 2nd growth in the original 1855 classification, but after a 20 year battle was elevated to a first growth in 1973, now in the elite five first growths. In 1988, Baron Philippe's daughter took over the Chateau. During her time as CEO, she brilliantly enhanced and modernized Chateau Mouton. Her three children now are co-owners and united in the same ambition to carry on the work of their mother and grandfather. The Chateau spans 90ha in the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. A red blend made with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot which offers an intense, expressive wine with aromas of blackberry, cassis, pencil shavings, cedar and mint. The palate has fine tannins with a rich, medium to full bodied wine. The finish is extremely lengthy. Always scoring very high, put this away for a few years. Best from 2025-2040.

"Aromas of wood and fresh fruit translate to the palate, giving this wine depth and concentration. It is powerful but also balanced and fresh, displaying the elegance of the vintage. While never overpowering, the wine's structure will allow it to age well. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

A high percentage (75%) of new wood has given this wine a very fine polished character. Along with the structure, it has brought out impressive aromas of black fruits, cinnamon spice and power. The wine is has a fresh black-fruit aftertaste.

Chateau Leoville Poyferre from Saint Julien was created in 1840 and is one of the Second Growths in the 1855 Classification. The 2014 vintage was marked by an Indian summer making this vintage successful.  This is a red blend of 60% Caberent Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc with a tiny bit of Petit Verdot to round it out. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, integrated oak and a hint of licorice. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine grained tannins and a persistent finish. drink from 2024-2030

This first collection case contains unique bottles sealed with wax, direct from the Château, and includes: 1988, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2008 vintages

Chateau Leoville-Barton (Saint Julien)- this wine is massive and powerful with the bulk of this coming from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc providing the lift. It has a solid core of cassis, blueberry compote, sweet oak and plum flavours wrapped with licorice and pencil lead. Muscular, yet lean, drink from 2025-2035. 

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Medium to deep garnet colored, the nose slowly, measuredly emerges with notions of preserved Morello cherries, baked blackcurrants and blackberry compote, giving way to nuances of pencil shavings, unsmoked cigars, Chinese five spice and sandalwood plus ever so subtle hints of cardamom and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and red fruit preserves with a firm, grainy-textured frame and fantastic freshness, finishing with a veritable firework display of lingering spices and minerals. This is a more restrained, relatively elegant vintage of Latour that may not have that "iron fist in a velvet glove" power of the greatest vintages but nonetheless struts its superior terroir and behind-the-scenes savoir faire with impressive panache. It is drinking nicely now with suitably rounded-off, approachable tannins, and the tertiary characters are just beginning to bring some more cerebral elements into the compote of temptingly primary black fruits. But, if you're looking to drink it in full, flamboyant swing, give it another 5-10 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20-25 years+. (LPB) 96+ (3/2020)

97 points - Decanter

The La Tour Carnet from Haut-Medoc is a blend of 68% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot to add that backbone structure. Dark red cherries, plums, smoke, leather, and cedar abound with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Although this is ready to drink now, give it ample time in a decanter for optimal drinking experience!

97 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: " Blended of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple colored 2016 la Fleur-Petrus reveals stunning Black Forest cake, redcurrant jelly and wilted roses scents with underlying suggestions of pencil shavings, yeast extract, dark chocolate and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the mid-palate possesses superb intensity and depth with layers of perfumed black fruits and loads of red fruit sparks framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note. (LPB)" (11/2018)

99 points - James Suckling

Chateau Haut Bailly is one of the most loved and most prestigious wine estates in all of Bordeaux. This Cru Classe of Graves has been owned by the Wilmers familiy since 1998, even though it has been in existence since 1530 and passed down the Bailly family line. With the investment made by the Wilmers family, the winery was custom built to a contemporary building, which allows them to carry out precision work in optimal conditions- that was debuted with the 2021 vintage. This 2019 is a red blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet France and 4% Petit Verdot. The aroma is elegant and complex with blackcurrants, earth, cigar box and pencil shavings with full body, ripe tannins and lively acids. This vintage received scores of 96+ from many critics.

The history of Chateau Duhart-Milon is not as well known as it should be. In the 18th century the wines of Milon became the "second" wine for Chateau Lafite. The 1855 classification awarded Duhart-Milon the only 4th growth in Pauillac, recognizing it for the quality of its soil. Sometime between 1830-1840 35 acres was left to the Casteja family who subsequently possessed a 99 acre vinyard name Duhart-Milon. Over the years the property changed hands many times and suffered a decline in the quality of the wines. The property was acquired in 1962 by the Rothschild family who totally overhauled the vineyards and brought back the quality of the wine as a 4th growth. This 2011 is a red blend from Pauillac in Bordeaux that is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this is a medium bodied wine with finesse and purity showing ripe berries, tobacco, spice and leather with an excellent freshness on the palate. This wine is ready to drink now, and should age for a few more years yet.

It is arrayed in an intense, bright garnet red hue flecked with purple. The charming and pleasant nose offers a lovely bouquet of red fruit and liquorice. The equally expressive palate combines aromatic freshness and fruity intensity, interpinned with a velvety texture. A succulent, elegant wine, smooth and well-balanced.

Located in the heart of the Graves, the Chateau is named after the family it belonged to until 1851. Now owned by the Quinn family, although more famous for minerally driven Bordeaux white blends, their red wines are also excellent. The current winemaker is a big believer in translation of terroir: he wants all the wines to have a sense of place. The 2014 Fieuzal is a red blend made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc for a ripe and fruity wine with herbal and earthy nuances, underpinned with firm, yet refined tannins and well-balanced acidity. Exellent potential for ageing.

Blackcurrants, cassis, graphite and earth on the nose, then changing to roses, violets and berries. Full-bodied with incredible energy of fine tannins and lively acidity. It grows on the palate and escalates to the summit of perfect wine.

A crisp, fruity, yet dry wine made with a blend of syrah, grenache and cinsault. It has bright acidity and light texture. Drink now.