Producer tasting notes: "The wine is a superb, deep purple-red color. The first nose is at once intense and subtle. It has a ripe fruitiness, and swirling brings out its aromatic complexity. The first expression is incredibly smooth and delicate, muscles". The tannins are precise but not aggressive, and subtly enchanting. The finish is long and fragrant. Once again, Haut-Brion surprises for its ability to enhance the complementarity of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This Haut-Brion 2019 vintage is one of the most successful vintages produced after a hot and dry summer. This fine wine has the structure of a 2005, with the freshness of a 2010. A modern, richer version of the 1990 vintage." - Chateau Haut-Brion

For 6 generations the family of Rothschild is synonomous with quality and luxury when it comes to the world of wine. First noted as a wine producer in the 1200's it earned the 1855 classification of a Premier Grand Cru Classe even before the chateau was acquired in 1868 by Baron James Rothschild. Today the family owns 9 seperate domaines expanding to countries outside of France including Chile, New Zealand and China. The Carruades de Lafite is the 2nd label of it's famous first growth Chateau Lafite. While Lafite will use 100% new barrels, the Carruades use the same barrels, but a year later. The 2016 vintage is a blenf of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The terroir of Pauillac shines through with an intense floral nose of lavender and other flowers, yet black currant, tobacco, pencil lead and cedar. Great ageing potential!

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.

"Gorgeous aromas of mango, pineapple, lime and dusty stone follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a creamy, ultra-fine texture. Flavorful and beautiful. Wonderful length. Extremely racy and fine in the mouth. Drink after 2025."
94 Points, James Suckling

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.

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

Chateau Margaux is one of the prestigious first growths, and the only one from the Margaux appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. In existence since 1500, the Ginestet family acquired the property about 1950, then purchased by the Mentzelopoulos in 1977 who still runs it to this day. The Chateau Margaux red blend is an assemblage of 90% Cabernet Sasuvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. A brilliant Bordeaux according to critics boasting powerful aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco, spices, violets and pencil shavings. The palate is elegant, yet complex and compelling. This vintage scored a perfect 100 points from several critics; one of several vintages of the decade to have scored this high. This will age for decades.

Chateau Margaux has a vast history, five centuries in the making. Most know this wine as just "Pavillon Rouge", but with its full name, the origins are clear: This is the 2nd wine of Chateau Margaux, one of the 1855 Classification 1st growths. The flavours and quality are close, yet with the ability to drink a little earlier than its big sister. Typically this wine represents 30% of the grapes harvested for a vintage. The 2019 is comprised of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. With this warm vintage, there is more body in the wine, yet still well balanced. Loaded with black fruit, pencil shavings, tobacco and spices, it is elegant and velvety on the palate with plenty of structure, yet still fresh and fruity. Touted as one of the best vintages for this wine and worth the purchase.

Blend: 65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Unwinding in the glass with deep aromas of wild berries, vine smoke, orange rind, exotic spices and violets, framed by a deft application of classy new oak, the 2019 Ausone is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with beautiful purity of fruit, lively acids and ripe but abundant structuring tannins. Deep, layered and vibrant, it's full of potential and will likely emerge as one of the most long-lived 2019s. This is another magical wine from what many consider to be Saint-Émilion's greatest terroir, and it will demand and richly reward patience.

Chateau Angelus in St. Emilion, Bordeaux's right bank has been in existence since 1782. Now operated by Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal, who represents the 8th generation of the Bouard de Laforest family. Her goal is to ensure the Angelus name continues to represent excellence and timelessness. Although the estate has been farming organically, they are going through the process to obtain official organic certification. The 2019 Angelus is a red blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Full and powerful the blackfruits of black cherry, cassis, plum, dried flowers and forest floor are evident with ripe tannins, medium+ body and a full, long finish. This wine is sure to age for 30 or more years.

Chateau Cos-d'Estournel is a second growth in the Saint Estephe appellation on the right bank of Bordeaux. The Chateau covers 69ha separated from first growth Chateau Lafite along the southern edge, by the stream between St. Estephe and Pauillac. This red blend is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot that is multi-faceted, delivering aromas of cinnamon, truffle, coffee and wild plums with a deep core of velvety tannins, full bodied and fantastic structure. Drink from 2027-2049.

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

Winemaker Notes
With its dark red robe, Alter Ego 2019 immediately impresses with its explosive aromatics. Subtle notes of red fruits evoking raspberries and redcurrants blend harmoniously with the floral fragrance of a field in spring. The sensation on the palate, initially refreshing, unfolds into a texture of great softness and length. This is Alter Ego at its best - a wine perfectly true to its identity.
Blend: 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot

Chateau Giscours is a famous third growth located in the Margaux appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. Documents indicate that the estate has been around since 1330. After World War II, it was purchased by Nicolas Tari who set about mondernizing the estate. Here there are 83ha of vineyards that make four labels, including a rose. The 2019 is made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this a serious wine with high intensity aromas of spicy cumin and cloves, black cherry and blackcurrant with a full bodied palate that is layered and concentrated, bright acidity and a great. long finish. Hold for the next couple of years, and age for the enxt 10+ years.

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.