Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur
You can view all of our current Bordeaux 2024 en primeur listings at the bottom of this page, or see the release offers for each château here.
Introduction to the 2024 Bordeaux vintage
Despite being the wettest vintage of recent times, 2024 has produced some very good wines, many of them released for sale at large discounts (25-35% or more) on the previous vintage. Understanding how the top châteaux have pulled this off requires an appreciation of how much viticulture and vinification have improved over the last two to three decades.
Twenty or thirty years ago, weather like that experienced in ‘24 would been evident in the glass, producing dilute wines with unripe tannins, and probably a whiff of mustiness. As a stagiaire at a famous château in Margaux during the 1994 vintage (another notably rainy year), I saw for myself the effect of heavy rainfall. When I travelled to Bordeaux this April to taste the 2024s from barrel, I went with this in mind but, thirty years on, the difference is profound.
The intervening years have seen huge advances in precision viticulture, micro-vinification, and the sheer focus on quality, leading to the top estates producing smaller amounts of wine, rigorously sorting the fruit. These factors alone make a huge difference, but an even bigger factor is that, as well as being wet, 2024 was also a warm year, with average temperatures of 18.7 centigrade, comparable with 2021 (18.8 degrees) and 2016 (19.2 degrees). August, in particular, saw some redemptive sunshine, creating the potential for excellent wines to be made.
The Growing Season
As we have already indicated, 2024 was very, very wet in Bordeaux. The preceding winter saw prodigious amounts of rain, and this was followed by a rainy spring, with 126mm in May alone. To put that into perspective, the weather station on the beach here at Aldeburgh has recorded 89.8mm so far for the entire year! The total rain in the growing season was 650mm, compared to a 10-year average of 429mm. Frequent rainfall and warm temperatures led to high mildew pressure at some vineyards. As fast as the vineyard workers could laboriously apply expensive mildew treatments, they were often washed away within a day or two by more rain.
The rainfall levels in July and August were more moderate and those months saw some warm temperatures, but the numbers fail to convey how cloudy it was in the first half of July. Thankfully, a mini heat wave at the end of July and a hot, dry August saved the vintage, In fact, Neal Martin (Vinous, May 2025) speculates that with a hot, dry September, 2024 could still have been a great vintage. More rain put paid to that, delaying most harvests until 23 September. Merlot fared less well on the left bank than Cabernet, leading to lots of Cabernet-driven wines in ’24, adding to the impression of this as a year for elegant, linear, focused wines, without as much fleshiness as some years. Many bunches were affected by millerandage, known in English as ‘hen & chickens’, with large, ripe berries mixed with small, unripe ones in the same bunch. Sorting in the vineyard and at the winery reception areas was key, which is where the kind of lavish attention to detail only possible at a cru classé estate comes into its own.
The Wines
Tasting the 2024s, we found may with attractive floral and fruit aromas, clean fruit flavours, and ripe tannins, with fresh, balancing acidity. Fruit concentration levels are not the same as those in vintages like 2019, ’20 and ’22, but we think that, with ageing, the ‘24s will become balanced, complex wines.
This is a heterogeneous vintage, with quality varying not just by commune, but by château. In general, it’s safe to say that this is an excellent vintage for white wines, the unsung heroes of 2024. We will have to think about offering you more 2024 whites in the coming months (but do please enquire in the meantime). Our selection below contains a little over fifty wines, compared to the ninety-plus wines we have offered in recent vintages. This is based on our own tasting experience, the critics’ reviews and relative value. The selection contains numerous famous châteaux that have produced delicious wines, with excellent ageing potential, offered at prices which bring them back within reach of many more wine lovers than for many vintages, so we hope you will find something to tempt you.
Antony Irvine
| RED | 2024 | Château Lascombes | 75cl | £249 per case of 6 | Château Lascombes 2024 / / 75cl £249 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Reserved aromatically but fresh and appealing. Supple fruit and finely integrated tannins. Firm and persistent on the finish with marked length. Vertical in expression. Should age. 17 points" jancisrobinson.com (JL)------"Aromas of cassis, lilac and nicely integrated creamy new oak introduce the 2024 Lascombes, a medium to full-bodied, dense and youthfully structured young wine underpinned by a bright spine of acidity and concluding with gently chewy tannins. This was cropped at 38 hectoliters per hectare and saw a combination of tank bleeds and reverse osmosis to amp up its concentration. Maturation is in 60% new oak, with lighter toasts than was formerly the case at this address. 89-91 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Lascombes was picked between September 23 and October 9 according to ripeness levels in parcels at 38 hl/ha. This vintage is aged in barrels with less heavy toasting (60 % new), 80hl foudres and amphorn. The wine is usually finished in the last two or three months in those foudres, though Axel Heinz said that might be omitted this year. It has an elegant and pure bouquet with bright black cherry and cassis fruit. There is remarkable underlying mineralité in this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite crisp and linear like many other Margaux wines. Light on its feet and very fresh with impressive precision on the finish, the 2024 is a "nimble" Lascombes that you would never have seen in the 1990s or 2000s. This is a very commendable, classically-styled wine that will give pleasure after three or four years. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"This has elegance, fine tannins, a clear expression of how Cabernet Sauvignon can perform in the vintage, rosebud, peony, slim, savoury, with fine and attractive aromatics, lovely salinity on the finish, nuanced and mouthwatering. Rises above the reputation of the vintage. Axel Heinz director. As of this vintage, only the original 1855 plots are in the wine Harvest 23 September to 9 October. 38 hl/ha yield, Julien Viaud consultant. Tasted twice. 60% new oak for ageing, 38 hl/ha, harvest 23 September to 9 October. 94 points" janeanson.com------"Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and aging in 60% new oak, the 2024 Château De Lascombes is deeper hued than the Chevalier de Lascombes and offers more cassis, graphite, classy oak, and scorched earth. Medium-bodied, it has remarkable purity, ripe, building tannins, solid mid-palate depth, balance, and length. It's another brilliant effort by technical director Axel Heinz at this château that's up there with the crème de la crème of the vintage. 93-95 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2024 Lascombes represents another important step for Lascombes under its current leadership. Silky and elegant, with notable depth, the Grand Vin impresses with its textural resonance and persistence. New leather, licorice, lavender and incense weave through a core of dark-toned fruit. Lascombes is shaping up to be one of the sleepers of 2024. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. Impressive. Tasted three times. 94-96 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"A touch of warm bread, graphite and fresh blackberries with a touch of black pepper. Richer and more concentrated than many from this vintage, this has excellent depth, full body and very complete, fine-grained tannins. Long, broad and juicy. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc and petit verdot combined. Around 60% new oak with lighter toast now. 95-96 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Le Tertre Roteboeuf | 75cl | £770 per case of 6 | Château Le Tertre Roteboeuf 2024 / / 75cl £770 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Le Tertre Roteboeuf offers up aromas of ripe berries mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, espresso roast, orange zest, smoked meats and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, it's unusually rich and broad for the vintage, framed by oak tannins that assert themselves on the somewhat carnal finish. 89-92 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Deep ruby red, this has profound ink, damson and liqourice notes on the aromatics and opening, good grip and tension, only slowly opening to show its gourmet side, with cassis and raspberry pureee. Smoked sandalwood, incense and cherry pit add further layers, but this needs time to build. Harvesting first five days of October. 93 points" janeanson.com------"Tasted from multiple barrels, the 2024 Tertre Roteboeuf will easily be an outstanding wine, and it brings more richness and breadth than most. Ripe darker berries, framboise, and spicy wood notes all show on the nose, and it's a classic Mitjavile wine with its richer, layered, balanced, and fleshy style on the palate. As with all 2024s, it's not going to make you forget the recent slew of great vintages, but it's a solid success in the vintage that will offer ample pleasure with the clear signature of the château. 92-94 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2024 Tertre Rôteboeuf is a classic wine from Francois Mitjaville. Texturally, Tertre-Rôteboeuf is unlike any wine in Bordeaux, especially in its mid-palate creaminess. Sweet floral and spice notes meld into macerated cherry, kirsch, blood orange, menthol and sweet French oak. In 2024, Tertre-Rôteboeuf is perhaps a touch Iighter than other years, but it largely makes up for that with its persistence and a saline-infused finish laced with high-toned red fruit notes. As always, Tertre-Roteboeuf is the last site Mitjaville picks. All of this fruit was brought in during the first days of October. Tertre Rôteboeuf remains one of the most idiosyncratic wines in Bordeaux. The 2024 is a fine edition. 2034-2054. 94-96 points." Antonio Galloni, Vinous |
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| RED | 2024 | Château L'Eglise Clinet | 75cl | £1,062 per case of 6 | Château L'Eglise Clinet 2024 / / 75cl £1,062 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 L'Eglise Clinet reveals a dark, brooding, gently reductive bouquet of incense, dark berries, smoke and oak mingled with floral accents of iris. Medium-bodied, layered and firm, it's built around tangy acids, with a lively mid-palate framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the spicy, youthfully chewy finish. This blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc will mature in 85% new oak. 90-92 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and aging in 80% new barrels, the 2024 Château L'Eglise Clinet is one of the deeper-hued Pomerols in the vintage. It offers rocking aromatics of dark berries, black cherries, graphite, scorched earth, and violets. Medium-bodied on the palate, it brings serious richness, with ripe, round, layered tannins and a great, mineral-laced finish. This is one of the denser, more concentrated wines in the vintage, yet it stays balanced and precise. 93-95 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked on September 21, 23 and 24 apropos the Merlot and September 23, 24 and 28 for the Cabernet Franc, which constitutes 10% of the blend. It matured in 85% new oak (90% Darnajou and 10% Taransaud). This takes time to unfurl generous black cherry, mint and cassis aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with chiseled tannins that frame the mineral-driven black fruit. It's not the most powerful L'Eglise-Clinet I have ever tasted at this stage, but you have to admire the manner in which this just builds toward the finish whilst retaining poise and tension. The 2024 is a wonderful Pomerol that will age effortlessly in bottle. 2030 - 2060. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet is brilliant and intensely aromatic in its first impression. Vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and rose petal soar from the glass. Readers will find a vertical, explosive L'Eglise-Clinet that impresses with its poise and balance. The 2024 deftly marries finesse and power to a degree I have seldom seen here in the past. Superb. 2034 - 2054. 95-97 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Elegant, slow unrolling of black fruit flavours, beautiful precision, get a lot of fennel here, even a touch of marzipan, coffee grounds, savoury and juicy, black fruits, cassis and blueberry, violets, powdery rose petals. This is just exceptional within the vintage, such a deeply felt and deeply chiselled wine, and I can unhesitatingly recommend. No chaptilisation, 3.59ph, 85% new oak. Harvest September 21 to 28, 45hl/h yield, Noëmie Durantou winemaker and co-owner. Clearly will age with elegance and finesse. Red wine of the vintage for me. 97 points" janeanson.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. After a little shaking, notes of fresh red currants, black cherries, and boysenberries jump from the glass, giving way to touches of spearmint, lilac, and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound and superbly graceful with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered. Nicely done! 95-97+ points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"Really impressive concentration for the vintage with dusty tannins that give density and intensity. Medium-bodied, this shows dark fruit and chocolate plus walnut and hazelnut undertones. Juicy and flavorful but always in reserve. Winemaker Noemie Durantou Reilhac likens it to the 2015 but with finesse. 90% merlot and the rest cabernet franc. 97-98 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Léoville Barton | 75cl | £288 per case of 6 | Château Léoville Barton 2024 / / 75cl £288 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Léoville Barton was picked from September 24 to October 5 and contains just a little more Cabernet Sauvignon than previous vintages. Matured in 60% new oak, this has an open bouquet with black fruit, potpourri and light sous-bois scents—quintessentially Barton. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and sapid in style with slightly powdery tannins on the entry and a little sinew on the finish that should be abraded during barrel maturation. This is a finely crafted Léoville Barton that should age with grace. Drink: 2030-2060. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Château Léoville Barton is based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's a classic Léoville Barton that brings to mind the vintages of the 1980s and 1990s, but with greater purity and precision. Aromas of cassis, ripe cherries, graphite, spicy wood, and loamy earth all emerge from the glass. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, it has fine tannins, integrated acidity, and a seamless mouthfeel. 91-94 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Stands out for the elongated and supple shape and texture of the tannins, builds complexity over the palate and this is well structured, with elegant, finessed, savoury but carefully extracted cassis and bilberry fruits, with cocoa bean and cigar. One of the wines in the vintage with definition and ageing ability, and retains clear Léoville Barton character. Harvest 24 September to 5 October. 60% new oak for ageing. 94 points" janeanson.com------"A serious wine that will delight patient purists, but which also showcases the new levels of purity and precision that this estate has been attaining since completion of the new winery, the 2024 Léoville Barton is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Unwinding in the glass with notes of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, with a taut but nicely integrated profile, concluding with a pure, penetrating finish. 92-94 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Léoville Barton is a very beautiful wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, new leather, graphite, crushed rocks, mocha and spice all meld together. A wine of classical build, Léoville Barton is also wonderfully deep and expressive. Today, all of its energy is directed inwards, but there is a lot of wine here. I can't wait to taste this from bottle. Tasted two times. Drink 2034-2049. 93-95 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"A classic Bordeaux that shows finesse and poise. This is understated, with a medium body, lovely texture and acidity, freshness and brightness. It shows firm tannins that aren't chewy. Very long and honest, with pure fruit. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 6% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. 95-96 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Léoville Las Cases | 75cl | £573 per case of 6 | Château Léoville Las Cases 2024 / / 75cl £573 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Medium to full intensity, vivid plum with vibrant violet around the rim, ink, black tea, chamomile flowers, slate, graphite, redcurrant, rose petals, cassis, bilberry, raspberry leaf, delivers the texture, tension and complexity that you expect from this level of estate in any vintage, and it is a success, reserved, slim and savoury with ageing potential. Arnaud Delon now at the estate, working alongside his father Jean-Hubert Delon. 31hl/ha yield. New cellars now in operation for the winemaking, 75% new oak. 3.60 pH. 31 hl/ha. 6.3% press wine. Harvest 30 September to 9 October. 94 points" janeanson.com------"One of the wines of the vintage, and certainly one that's likely to number among the longest-lived, is the 2024 Léoville Las Cases, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot that attained 13.1% alcohol. Unwinding in the glass with a pure, intense bouquet of cassis, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, with terrific mid-palate density and concentration but also a seamless integration of tannin and acidity that's especially rare this year, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Jean-Hubert Delon observes that the 2024 shares "the aromas and flavors of the 1986," defined by Cabernet Sauvignon ripened at the end of the growing season, though of course the 2024, lacking the huge power and structure of that vintage, is much more amiable than the 1986. 93-95 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Léoville Las Cases was picked between September 30 and October 9 at 31 hl/ha (compare that to 11 hl/ha next door at Latour!). It is aged for 18 months in 75% new oak barrels with 6.3% pressed wine. It has a backward, almost surly bouquet with introverted black fruit, cedar, touches of cumin and light sea spray scents. Superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with less structure than the last two vintages, yet it upholds wonderful balance with lace-like tannins. With crisp black fruit and beautifully assimilated new oak, this fans out towards the finish. It is paradoxically a more conservative Las Cases in keeping with the limitations of the growing season, but I suspect it will gain weight and sustain with time in barrel. 2031 - 2050. 93-95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Sashays out of the glass with gregarious notes of red currant jelly and fresh black cherries, plus nuances of iris, camphor, fragrant soil, and graphite with a touch of underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and elegantly knit with very fine-grained tannins and bold red berry flavors, finishing long and minerally. 94-96 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"The 2024 Château Léoville Las Cases is another incredibly classy wine from this team. It's a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, coming in at 13.1% natural alcohol and aging in 75% new barrels. Cassis, spicy oak, graphite, and tobacco all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, with a focused, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and the notable yet integrated acidity that marks the vintage. Complete and layered, this elegant Las Cases brings to mind the great vintages of the 1980s and 1990s. It will benefit from just a few years in bottle, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for decades. 94-96 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2024 Léoville Las-Cases is gorgeous. All the Las-Cases signatures are present, just dialed down a touch. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, grilled herbs, graphite and menthol are all beautifully delineated. The 2024 is distinguished by its precision and total class. Time in the glass brings out the wine's intensely floral, spice-inflected aromatics. Brisk acids and bracing mineral notes wrap it all together in style. I can't wait to taste this from bottle. 2034-2054. 94-96 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Complex, refined and truly mineral, this has natural vibrancy and freshness as well as excellent depth. Light midpalate concentration but also no sweetness at all. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky, stony tannins and a long, very tense finish. A vintage of delicacy and finesse. If you seek less alcohol and less power, this will be a great year to buy. 84% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. 97-98 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Léoville Poyferré | 75cl | £283 per case of 6 | Château Léoville Poyferré 2024 / / 75cl £283 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Offering up aromas of jammy berries and toasty oak, the 2024 Léoville Poyferré is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium-bodied, dense and blocky, it's firm, tannic and chewy, with some green characteristics vying with its creamy patina of new wood. Harvest took place between 24 September and 10 October, and some lots saw some reverse osmosis. 89-91 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré offers notable brightness to match its mid-weight personality. Floral and spice notes open into a core of dark red- and black-toned fruit. Medium in body, with good persistence, the 2024 is an understated Léoville-Poyferré. Today, it feels a bit compact, which also attenuates the fruit to some degree. 2032 - 2044. 89-92 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré was picked from September 24 to October 10 at 26.42 hl/ha. There was some reverse osmosis on the Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties. Quasi-Pauillac in style, it offers quite backward black fruit, hints of melted tar and graphite on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and quite succulent with fleshy ripe tannins, tobacco-laced black fruit, brown spices and light undergrowth. With a fine supple landing on the finish in typical "LP" fashion, this constitutes a delicious, early-drinking Poyferré that will be more approachable than other vintages. Drink: 2028-2050. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Deep garnet-purple in color. Needs a little swirling to coax out notes of fresh black and red currants and pencil shavings, giving way to nuances of iris, black olives, and damp soil. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers a sturdy structure of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to match the muscular black and red fruit flavors, finishing with good length if a little grippy. 92-94 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, RobertParker.com------"A bit closed and almost steely at the moment. At the same time, there is depth and huge structure, showing black cherries, mulberries, fine spices and violets. Full-bodied, this has heaps of very small-grained, dusty tannins on the palate and a long finish. A concentrated wine. Wait and see. 94-95 points." (ZS) JamesSuckling.com------"Impressive texture, slate wrapped in silky tannins, with real depth of flavour, black cherry and damson fruit, no dip through the mid palate, and a long finish. Maintains estate signature, shows generosity and confidence, one of the wines of the vintage. Alix Combe vineyard director, Isabelle David oenologist. Harvest 24 September to 10 October. 3.71 pH. 26.42 hl/ha. 95 points." Jane Anson------"Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2024 Château Léoville Poyferré is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It shows deep purple hues and classic notes of cassis, lead pencil, graphite, crushed stone, and violets. Pure, polished, and elegant on the palate, it has perfectly ripe tannins and plays in the forward, charming style of the vintage while still delivering plenty of depth and richness. It's aging in 80% new French oak for 18 to 20 months. 94-96 points" Jeb Dunnock.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Les Carmes Haut Brion | 75cl | £354 per case of 6 | Château Les Carmes Haut Brion 2024 / / 75cl £354 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Inky depths to the colour, touch of reduction on the opening as is often the case with En Primeur Carmes, this delivers energy, density, clarity. Austerity on the finish, but plenty of interest, savoury and muscular juicy black fruits, expect a wine that is built around about texture, architecture and savour, which is not something that I have found in many bottles in the vintage. 90% new oak, split between barrels and casks, 11% amphoras. Harvest 17 to 27 September. 3.61 pH, clay and limestone, 60 years old average vine age. 46hl/H yield in vineyard, 41hl/h after picking selection, then 24hl/h after cellar selection. All press used, no chaptilisation. 94 points" janeanson.com------"One of the most impressive wines of the vintage, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a striking effort that sets itself apart with seamless integration, even at this early stage, and a strong sense of identity. Poised, precise and unmistakably singular, it opens in the glass with a perfumed bouquet of iris, violet, dark berries, cherries, vine smoke and gentian. Medium to full-bodied, supple and notably fleshy for the vintage, it’s layered and textural, with a sappy, enveloping core of pure, vibrant fruit framed by finely grained, velvety tannins, culminating in a long, precise and gently stemmy finish. This is one of the rare wines of the vintage where sappiness is expressed with such finesse and charm, thanks in no small part to meticulous vineyard work and severe sorting in the winery. The blend is composed of 48% Cabernet Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, and it's maturing in a combination of 70% new oak, 19% foudres and 11% amphorae. 93-96 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion contains more Cabernet Franc at 48% of the blend. Picked between September 17 and 27 using 52% whole bunch, this is aged in 70% new barrels, 19% new foudres and 11% amphora. This has impressive fruit concentration on the nose with redcurrant and blackberry fruit, hints of cassis and a dab of dark chocolate. Fine delineation. After time, there is something that nods to the Northern Rhône without losing typicité. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with fine tannins, a subtle pepperiness imparted by the whole bunches and a tingle of pain d'épices towards the finish. Very harmonious and very delicious, this should provide 20 to 25 years of drinking pleasure. 13.2% abv. 2031 - 2060. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Slowly unfurls to reveal classic Franc notes of red currant jelly, fresh blackberries, and pencil shavings, followed by hints of rose oil, fragrant soil, and crushed rocks. The light to medium-bodied palate shimmers with electric red and black berry flavors, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. Nice! 60-year-old vines on clay and limestone. 48% Cabernet Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot. 52% whole bunches. pH 3.61. Aging 70% in new oak barriques, 19% in vats of 18 hl and 11% in amphorae. 95-97 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"Seamless and silky in the glass, with superb balance, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of the wines of the vintage. All the elements are so well balanced, always a sign of a superior vintage at this address. Floral notes, spice, leather and mocha run through a core of layered, beautifully persistent dark red fruit. Harvest took place between September 17 and 25, during one of the rare windows with little rain. As always, Les Carmes is done with a high percentage of stems (52%), specifically 100% for the Cabernet Franc, 50% for the Merlot and 20% for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is 70% new oak barrels, 19% 18HL foudre and 11% amphora. New oak is already very nicely integrated, another sign of a superb vintage. The 2024 is a brilliant effort by the team led by Technical Director Olivier Pouthier. 2034 - 2054. 95-97 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"This is always an idiosyncratic wine. This year it’s stunning, with a unique floral aspect and excellent depth of pure blue fruit, mulberries, dried herbs and white pepper. So juicy and mouthwatering on the palate, with a medium to full body and fine tannins. There is a crystalized mouthfeel, but the tannins are fresh and well knit. This is already delicious, which indicates its superb balance. 48% cabernet franc, 29% cabernet sauvignon and 23% merlot. points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Les Cruzelles | 75cl | £96 per case of 6 | Château Les Cruzelles 2024 / / 75cl £96 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Les Cruzelles is shy and introverted, offering up aromas of pepper, oak and incense. Moderately weighted, supple and lively, it's built around tangy acids and powdery tannins. 85-87 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Pops out of the glass with notes of juicy plums and Morello cherries, giving way to hints of garrigue and tilled soil. The medium-bodied palate delivers lightly chewy tannins and a good amount of expressive black and red fruit flavors, finishing earthy. 88-90 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"There is austerity here, as is classic in the vintage, but beautifully handled and balanced, with muscles, touch of cloves and again this white pepper character, with white plum, fine tannins, mouth-watering salinity on the finish. No chaptilisation, 57% new oak for ageing. 91 points" janeanson.com------"The flagship from this 9-hectare site, the 2024 Château Les Cruzelles is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc vinified all in tank and aged in 50% new oak. Ripe black cherries, red plums, violets, sappy herbs, and graphite all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a nicely balanced, concentrated mouthfeel, ripe yet firmer tannins, and outstanding length. 90-92 points" Jeb Dunnock, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Les Cruzelles was picked on September 20 and 22 with the Cabernet Franc picked on September 28, and matured in 57% new oak. This has more harmony and sensuality on the nose with a mixture of very pure black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced, with supple ripe tannins and real delineation and poise on the finish. This surpasses many Pomerols in this vintage and, given its potential price, comes highly recommended. Drink: 2028-2045. 90-92 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Dried peonies and roses with ripe cherries and berries on the nose. Quite structured and tight, with a medium to full body and a flavorful, medium-long finish. Tannins are slightly sinewy. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. 92-93 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com------"The 2024 Les Cruzelles is laced with blue/purplish fruit, cloves, licorice, menthol, incense and gravel. Ample and broad, with terrific resonance, the 2024 is super-expressive right out of the gate. There's gorgeous resonance and fine balance here. 2026 - 2036. 91-94 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château L'Evangile | 75cl | £570 per case of 6 | Château L'Evangile 2024 / / 75cl £570 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 L'Évangile offers good up-front intensity but then loses some of its depth on the mid-palate and finish. Black fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves and mocha confer an impression of gravitas. Élevage is 50% new oak, 25% foudre, 8% amphora and the rest in once-used barrels. Something about the oak profile does not feel optimal, as if the oak is mismatched to the wine. Élevage will be critical here, as the 2024 is quite forbidding at this stage. Even so, this is strong showing in a challenging year for a vineyard with relatively young vines that was largely replanted between 2002 and 2010. 2032-2049. 91-93 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Savoury plum, soft tannins, a touch of chalk, graphite, lovely fragrant florals, and extremely finessed. A wine that will age with grace. In the cellar, this was one of their longest macerations on record, up to 28 days, carefully measured, Harvest 18 September to 2 October, 22hl/h yield. Zero press wine, 45% new oak for ageing, plus 25% in large oak casks, 7% amphora. Juliette Couderc winermaker. Blason de l’Evangile is not being sold En Primeur. 93 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 L'Evangile has turned out beautifully, reflecting this estate's recent evolution (refining barrel choices and integrating foudre into the cellar) and its comparatively young vineyard's propensity to perform well in years with minimal hydric stress. Offering up aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of violets and black tea, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a velvety attack, good depth at the core and a persistent finish. This blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon attained 13.5% alcohol. 92-94 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2024 l’Evangile leaps with vibrant notes of kirsch and black raspberries with underlying suggestions of wild thyme, lavender, and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate delivers refreshing red berry and savory flavors with a lively line and a pleasant chewiness to the tannins, finishing with a real skip in its step. 93-95 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"The 2024 L'Évangile was picked from September 18 to October 2. This has a "cool" bouquet with blackberry and bilberry scents and a little marine influence with a hint of oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied with expressive Cabernet that imparts subtle graphite and tobacco notes. Again, this is fresh, quite structured, not long and perhaps a little tannic on the finish, but it will flesh out during its élevage in 50% new oak. 2029 - 2045. 93-95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2024 Château L'Evangile is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc aging in 50% new oak, 25% foudre, 8% in amphora, and the rest in used barrels. It's a smoking effort with a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a stunning Pomerol bouquet of red and blue fruits, damp earth, smoky tobacco, and lead pencil. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it's beautifully balanced, has a layered, elegant mid-palate, and ripe, firm, yet polished tannins. It's one hell of an impressive 2024! 94-96 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Wow. This is really something for the vintage. Such a long finish, while being subtle and sophisticated with wonderfully silky tannins that are so fine and very long. It's medium-bodied with a beautiful, compact palate from the beginning to the end, including the mid-palate. The finish shows walnut, hazelnut and dark-chocolate character. Exceptional. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. 98-99 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Lynch Bages | 75cl | £360 per case of 6 | Château Lynch Bages 2024 / / 75cl £360 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare (the lowest yield at this address since 1991), the 2024 Lynch-Bages is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Opening in the glass with aromas of minty berries and creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and heavily extracted, with firm, chalky tannins that assert themselves on the mouth-puckering finish. Lynch-Bages has historically performed well in challenging vintages, but the 2024 will demand considerable patience. 87-89 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Lynch-Bages was cropped at just under 30 hl/ha and aged in 75% new oak for a planned 18 months. It has some initial reduction that is shaken off after several minutes. Very pure blackberry and blueberry fruit emerges with hints of melted tar and graphite, and iodine eventually lends more complexity. The palate is medium-bodied and quite focused with grippy tannins that are impressive for their fineness. The 2024 possesses palpable mineralité and a poised finish. Though this does not touch the skyscraping heights that have been achieved in recent years, it is a "capable" Lynch-Bages that might warrant two or three years in the cellar and drink well for up to 15 years or possibly longer. Drink: 2030-2048. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Ruby with violet edging, opens to show chalk and slate tannins, giving a sense of restraint and grip, this is savoury and juicy with plenty of cassis fruits, delivers Pauillac consistency in an inconsistent vintage, and also it is just rather delicious. 75% new oak. 3.67 pH. 94 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 Lynch-Bages is packed. Cedar, scorched earth, licorice, incense and pipe tobacco weave through a core of dark, sepia-toned fruit. I especially admire the long, polished finish and overall balance here. The 2024 is a virile Lynch Bages with a bright future. Tasted two times. Drink 2034-2054. 93-95 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com |
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| WHITE | 2024 | Château Malartic Lagraviere Blanc | 75cl | £226 per case of 6 | Château Malartic Lagraviere Blanc 2024 / / 75cl £226 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Notes of pear and white peach preface the 2024 Blanc from Malartic Lagravière, a moderately weighted, elegant and juicy wine with bright acids and a long, ethereal finish. Drink Date: 2026 - 2032. 89-89 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"A blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Semillon, the 2024 Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc offers tart melon, honeyed citrus, and winter savory notes. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, it has fresh, focused fruits and bright acidity, staying clean and pure through the finish. 92-94 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Slate and gunsmoke reduction, alongside savoury grip and juice, lovely quality, white flowers, apple blossom, lime zest, great lift and quality, reserved, structured, plenty of ageing potential and hidden depths that promise future growth, and it works. 41 hl/ha, Jean-Jacques Bonnie owner with his sister Véronique. 94 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 Malartic Lagravière Blanc is superb. Vivid and expressive in the glass, with super balance, the Blanc is a delight. Lemon confit, mint, sage, chalk and light oak inflections build effortlessly. Lees-stirring builds texture. All the elements are so well balanced. Malartic-Lagravière Blanc is a highlight in 2024. Tasted two times. Drinking Window: 2028 - 2039. 92-95 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Malartic-Lagravière Blanc has a wonderful bouquet that is pure charm, with freshly sliced green apple, citrus lemon and touches of crushed stone. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is expertly balanced with satisfying weight and depth. The 2024's acidity deftly counters its concentration, giving way to a lightly spiced and quite persistent finish. Excellent. Drinking Window. 2028 - 2048. 93-95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"A very beautiful white, showing smoky lemons and green mangoes. Lime and hints of salt and minerals. Medium body with crisp acidity and a long, vivid finish. Terrific. 95-96 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Margaux | 75cl | £1,620 per case of 6 | Château Margaux 2024 / / 75cl £1,620 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Château Margaux has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, violets, cigar box and iris. Medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with excellent density and concentration for the vintage, it's lively and layered, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. This is a serious, youthfully tightly wound blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.8% alcohol. 93-95 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Château Margaux is quite soft and delicate. It shows fine delineation in its aromatics and on the palate, but it's distinctly on the lighter side, even for Château Margaux. The mid-palate and finish are a touch compact, while there is a bit of edginess in the tannins that needs time to resolve. Bright acids and the lack of fruit pliancy expose the tannins at this stage. Élevage will be everything. Château Margaux is a bit of a question mark. Drink 2034-2054. 93-95 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Based on 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Château Margaux is similarly deep purple-hued, with a more inward, closed, yet impressive style. Crème de cassis, graphite, spring flowers, and subtle spicy nuances all define the aromatics. It's medium-bodied with a concentrated, ripe, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and nicely integrated background oak. It's going to need time, but this is unquestionably a beautiful, elegant Margaux. The 2024 is 12.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.62. 94-96 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Representing 46% of the total crop (a little higher than recent years due to higher yields in the best Cabernet blocks), the 2024 Château Margaux contains slightly less Merlot (5%). It has a sophisticated bouquet in the context of the growing season, with black fruit, pressed violet and hints of pencil box that almost lend a Pauillac-like allure. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth. This is clearly a leaner Château Margaux compared to, say, the 2020 or 2022, but it is razor-sharp with superb tension and mineralité. Unapologetically classic in style with modest length, this noble First Growth will benefit from four to five years in bottle. 2030 - 2055. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Such a floral wine, aromatics that really take hold and grip on through the palate, raspberry, black cherry, edges of rosebud, chalk, white tea, crayon, chalk, iris, has real precision, and a slow-burn unspooling of flavours, salted cracker salinity on the finish. 46% of the overall production is in Château Margaux, 30hl/ha yield after sorting through the year as needed. Harvest September 23 to October 8. Philippe Bascaules director, 3.62ph. Excellent quality, one of the wines of the vintage, with a slightly earlier starting date for drinking than usual, eight years following harvest. 96 points" janeanson.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. After a little swirling, notes of fresh blackberries, red currants, and mulberries slowly emerge from the glass, plus nuances of pencil shavings, wild thyme, and crushed rocks. The light-bodied palate is tightly wound with mineral-spiked red and black berry flavors, framed by firm, very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and earthy. Very pretty. 94-96+ points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"Really impressive depth, concentration and perfume this year, with fine tannins. Lots of violets, red flowers, black cherries and currants. Full-bodied and seriously structured, with impeccable freshness and a very long finish. Dense and powerful for the vintage, with tension, vibrations, good concentration and a tannin framework. 93% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. 97-98 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| WHITE | 2024 | Château Margaux - Pavillon Blanc du Margaux | 75cl | £0 per case of 6 | Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc du Margaux 2024 / / 75cl £0 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked September 2 to 8 and cropped at 30 hl/ha. A pure Sauvignon Blanc as usual, it represents 40% of the total production and has a little higher pH than in recent years at 3.2. It has a delectable bouquet of lime flower, hints of peach skin and passion fruit with lovely delineation. The palate is fresh on the entry, quite vibrant and focused with a keen line of acidity and a twist of sour lemon on the finish. This is a superb Pavillon Blanc. Drink: 2028-2040. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Entirely crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 Pavillon Blanc reveals a delicate bouquet of confit citrus, boxwood, pear and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's built around bright acids and a lively mid-palate that segues into a fresh and herb-inflected finish. This is a slightly more opulent and expressive rendition compared to the more restrained 2021 and 2017 vintages. 93-94 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked between September 2 and 8. Airy, crisp and bright, the 2024 dazzles with its mineral-drenched tension and cut. Orchard fruit, citrus peel, white pepper, mint and slate lend notable brightness. The 2024 is distinguished by a compelling interplay of vibrancy and a feeling of textural richness that is so complementary. 2026-2039. 94-96 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"All Sauvignon Blanc that will spend nine months in barrel with plenty of lees stirring, the 2024 Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc reveals terrific honeyed citrus, passion fruit, mint, and exotic flower notes in its aromatics. It's beautifully textured on the palate, with a layered, almost creamy mouthfeel, integrated, bright acidity, and a great finish. 95-97 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Anis, fennel, white tea, citrus, lemon zest, kiwi, slate, a balanced and generous nose, and a ton of juicy mouthwatering waves that hit pretty much immediately, and keep on coming. 20% new oak, in 400l casks. Perhaps ready to drink a little earlier than the 2021 - this is generous and deliciously sappy and appealin. Harvest 2 to 8 September, 3.2ph. Philippe Bascaules estate director. 97 points" janeanson.com------"Passion fruit and grapefruit notes jump from the glass, followed by hints of chalk dust, elderflower, and gooseberries. The light to medium-bodied palate has a satiny texture with fantastic tension and intense tropical and citrus fruit flavor layers, finishing long and minerally. So good. 96-98+ points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"Really pure and precise, with a fascinating mineral drive to the fruit. Bright but textured on the palate, with a medium to full body. There is a subtle saline twist but it’s refreshing and driven, with excellent weight and length. The acidity really brightens it. 100% sauvignon blanc. 98-99 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| WHITE | 2024 | Château Margaux - Pavillon Blanc du Margaux | 75cl | £1,410 per case of 6 | Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc du Margaux 2024 / / 75cl £1,410 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked September 2 to 8 and cropped at 30 hl/ha. A pure Sauvignon Blanc as usual, it represents 40% of the total production and has a little higher pH than in recent years at 3.2. It has a delectable bouquet of lime flower, hints of peach skin and passion fruit with lovely delineation. The palate is fresh on the entry, quite vibrant and focused with a keen line of acidity and a twist of sour lemon on the finish. This is a superb Pavillon Blanc. Drink: 2028-2040. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Entirely crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 Pavillon Blanc reveals a delicate bouquet of confit citrus, boxwood, pear and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's built around bright acids and a lively mid-palate that segues into a fresh and herb-inflected finish. This is a slightly more opulent and expressive rendition compared to the more restrained 2021 and 2017 vintages. 93-94 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked between September 2 and 8. Airy, crisp and bright, the 2024 dazzles with its mineral-drenched tension and cut. Orchard fruit, citrus peel, white pepper, mint and slate lend notable brightness. The 2024 is distinguished by a compelling interplay of vibrancy and a feeling of textural richness that is so complementary. 2026-2039. 94-96 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"All Sauvignon Blanc that will spend nine months in barrel with plenty of lees stirring, the 2024 Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc reveals terrific honeyed citrus, passion fruit, mint, and exotic flower notes in its aromatics. It's beautifully textured on the palate, with a layered, almost creamy mouthfeel, integrated, bright acidity, and a great finish. 95-97 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Anis, fennel, white tea, citrus, lemon zest, kiwi, slate, a balanced and generous nose, and a ton of juicy mouthwatering waves that hit pretty much immediately, and keep on coming. 20% new oak, in 400l casks. Perhaps ready to drink a little earlier than the 2021 - this is generous and deliciously sappy and appealin. Harvest 2 to 8 September, 3.2ph. Philippe Bascaules estate director. 97 points" janeanson.com------"Passion fruit and grapefruit notes jump from the glass, followed by hints of chalk dust, elderflower, and gooseberries. The light to medium-bodied palate has a satiny texture with fantastic tension and intense tropical and citrus fruit flavor layers, finishing long and minerally. So good. 96-98+ points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"Really pure and precise, with a fascinating mineral drive to the fruit. Bright but textured on the palate, with a medium to full body. There is a subtle saline twist but it’s refreshing and driven, with excellent weight and length. The acidity really brightens it. 100% sauvignon blanc. 98-99 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Margaux - Pavillon Rouge du Margaux | 75cl | £528 per case of 6 | Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge du Margaux 2024 / / 75cl £528 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Pavillon Rouge is a very pretty wine that represents 28% of the château's production. Intensely floral and medium in body, the 2024 is quite gracious. Spice, crushed flowers and bright red-toned fruit are nicely delineated in a mid-weight, classy Pavillon. The blend is very much Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, as the Merlot suffered more. Drink 2028-2039. 89-91 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Pavillon Rouge contains less Merlot and more Cabernet Franc this year due to more plantings in the vineyard, and represents 28% of the total production. Raised in 50% new oak, it has a pretty nose with blackberry, blueberry, crushed stone and light oyster shell aromas that gain a little intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with brisk tannins. This is a very linear and structured Pavillon Rouge that does not possess the flesh or sensuality of warmer vintages, as you would expect with less Merlot in the blend. Quite saline on the finish, this will require two or three years in bottle. Drink: 2028-2039. 89-91 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Incorporating more Cabernet Franc (as recent plantings mature) and more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2024 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet cassis, red berries, vanilla pod and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and lively palate with good density, powdery tannins and lively acids. It checks in at 12.9% alcohol. 90-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Bursts from the glass with bold notes of black raspberries, kirsch, and red currant jelly, leading to suggestions of pencil lead, bay leaves, and damp soil. The light to medium-bodied palate is bright and refreshing, delivering very delicate, silky tannins and vibrant red berry flavors, finishing with a minerally lift. 91-93 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"The 2024 Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge sports a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as some classic notes of red and blue fruits intermixed with graphite, tobacco leaf, and spicy wood. It's beautifully balanced, has present tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This isn't a vintage for many second wines, but there's no denying the quality here. 91-93 points" Jeb Dunnock, RobertParker.com------"High floral aromatics on the nose, marked by peony, white roses, lilac, chalky tannins, lovely purity of expression, complex aromatics that reflect berry fruits that are ripe without being heavy, with focus and precision. 3.62ph, 12.5% press wine, 30hl/h yield after sorting. Harvest September 23 to October 8. Less Merlot than usual both in Pavillon and in Margaux, and more Cabernet Franc (9%) in this, as a result of plantings a decade ago. 93 points" janeanson.com------"Good, pure fruit with scented violets, black cherries and some currants. Full-bodied and richer than most from the vintage, with lots of fresh, dusty tannins and impressive concentration. Fresh, pure, compact and long. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. 95-96 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Meyney | 75cl | £210 per case of 12 | Château Meyney 2024 / / 75cl £210 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Meyney reveals a brooding, dark bouquet of dark berries, spices and oak. Medium-bodied, firm and compact, it's built around brittle tannins, concluding with a cigar-inflected finish. 85-87 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"Leafy character on the opening, but it settles into itself and the mid palate fills out with cocoa bean and fleshy cherry pit, fresh acidities, uplift on the finish. 89 points" janeanson.com------"Cassis, Bing cherries, spicy wood, and floral cedar notes emerge from the 2024 Château Meyney. Medium-bodied and showing solid concentration, it has ripe tannins and a noticeable touch of oak that will benefit from time to integrate. It's a well-made Saint-Estèphe that should come together nicely in bottle. 89-91 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2024 Meyney has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry and light cassis notes, but I just seek a little more delineation and nuance. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and saline with sappy black fruit, finely knit tannins and a cohesive finish. I like the length of this Meyney and, given its reasonable price, it should be worth seeking out once released. Drink: 2029-2044. 90-92 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Meyney is another big step in the right direction for this re-emerging Saint-Estèphe estate. In 2024, Meyney is refined yet still very deep, without the heaviness that was once typical here. It will be interesting to see in future years how much of that is the new style here and how much is the vintage. Either way, the 2024 Meyney is a standout. 2029 - 2044. 92-94 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"A balanced red with red berries, warm spices and cedar on the nose, following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Vivid and velvety with a bright finish. 93-94 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Montlandrie | 75cl | £168 per case of 12 | Château Montlandrie 2024 / / 75cl £168 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"Harvested between September 26th and 30th for the Merlot, October 3rd to 5th for the Cabernet Franc and October 4th to 5th for the Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Montlandrie reveals a more open and gourmand bouquet than its siblings, with aromas of cassis, mulberries and fresh flowers. Moderately weighted and supple, the palate is enveloping, with a juicy core of fruit that offsets some firmer tannins through the mid-palate, concluding with a fresh, fruit-driven finish. Composed of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine should gain further harmony and integration throughout its élevage. 87-89 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Montlandrie was picked between September 26 and October 5 and matured in 42% new oak. This has a more low-key bouquet than the Les Cruzelles with tightly wound black plum and tertiary aromas. The palate is more expressive with smooth tannins and a keen line of acidity, though it is more linear on the finish than the aforementioned Lalande-de-Pomerol. Still, this should drink well for eight to ten years. Drink: 2028-2039 89-91 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Plum ruby colour, medium intensity, white pepper and cloves, gentle but insistent lift through the palate, very much on the textural side of the vintage, more austere than in recent years but still full of character and charm, no chaptilisation, 42% new oak, harvest September 26 to October 5, winemaker Noêmie Durantou. Tasted twice. 91 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 Château Montlandrie is 60% Merlot and 20% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new barrels. It has a deep purple ruby hue to go with ripe darker cherry and currant fruits as well some plenty of chalky minerality, graphite, and some violet nuances. It's nicely concentrated, medium-bodied, has plenty of mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. 90-92 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Is a touch closed to start off, needing a little patient swirling to bring out evocative notes of black raspberries and fresh blackberries, plus hints of licorice, crushed rocks, and tapenade. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers great intensity and tension with grainy tannins and a vibrant, lifted finish. Nice! 91-93+ points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"The 2024 Montlandrie is a potent, deep wine with strong Cabernet character. Dried herbs, licorice, menthol, lavender and blue/purplish Merlot fruit all race across the palate before Cabernet Sauvignon tannins come alive to frame the potent, explosive finish. Superb. 2028 - 2039. 91-94 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"A juicy and fresh wine that delivers some nice density from this rainy year. Good depth and structure, with a medium to full body and fine-grained tannins built into the fruit. Tight-grained and pretty long. Good tannins on the palate. 60% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 20% cabernet sauvignon. 93-94 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Montrose | 75cl | £507 per case of 6 | Château Montrose 2024 / / 75cl £507 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Montrose is a serious, muscular effort that numbers among the wines of the vintage. Unwinding in the glass with notes of cassis, burning embers, cigar wrapper and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, with a lively spine of acidity, rich structuring tannins and a long, penetrating finish. With both the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon recorded at Montrose and a rather low pH of 3.55, it will surely number among the longest lived 2024 Bordeaux. 93-95 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Beautifully deep colour, this shows chalk, violet flowers, peony, fragrant and enticing floral profile compared to so many in the vintage, this is excellent, cocoa bean, cassis, depth, layers and concentration - one of the wines of the vintage. 15% press wine, a little more than usual. Harvest 23 September to 8 October, Pierre Grafeuille estate director. 95 points" janeanson.com----"The 2024 Montrose exudes Cabernet Sauvignon character in its aromatic savoriness and tannic structure. In fact, the 2024 has the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever. Tightly wound today, the 2024 impresses with its energy and focus. There's a bit less mid-palate and overall heft than most years, as well as a brighter fruit profile. Floral, spice and mineral overtones lend brightness throughout. The 2024 is a super-classic, nervy Montrose that will need a number of years to be at its most expressive. Aging is projected to be 18 months, with 60% new oak. 2034-2064. 94-96 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Montrose has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend due to the yields in various parcels. It was picked between September 23 and October 7 and matured in 60% new oak. The well-defined and very able nose demonstrates classicism, fine delineation and a little more florality than the Terrasse III. The palate is medium-bodied with very finely chiselled tannins and a keen line of acidity. This symmetrical Saint-Estèphe is blessed with an elegant, sapid and reassuringly precise finish that the estate seems to have honed in the last few years. It does not have the unbridled ambition of, say, the 2020 Montrose, but it is exceptionally well crafted and will become a fine Saint-Estèphe. 2032 - 2058. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Château Montrose is on another level and clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, it's aging in 60% new barrels. Gorgeous notes of cassis, violets, graphite, and smoky tobacco all emerge from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it has remarkable purity, fine yet building tannins, and a great finish. Coming in at 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.5, this estate continues to deliver First Growth quality year after year. 94-97 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"This shows finesse and elegance as well as plenty of subtle red currant and blackcurrant character. Medium-bodied with refinement and length. Tender, vivid and pure. Extremely well done in a difficult year. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. 96-97 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Mouton Rothschild | 75cl | £1,521 per case of 6 | Château Mouton Rothschild 2024 / / 75cl £1,521 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Deep purple hue. Purity on the nose with notes of dark fruit and spice. Rich and full for the vintage with a fine grain of tannin. Structured and long. Good potential. 17.5 points" jancisrobinson.com (JL)------"Harvested between September 23 and October 5, the 2024 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot that attained 12.9% alcohol. Offering up aromas of crème de cassis, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, with a muscular, monolithic style built around austere, chalky tannins. Somewhat reminiscent of the estate's 2001 vintage (which is just coming around today at age 24), this structured, youthfully angular Mouton will require patience. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Savoury and juicy, this is full of crushed rose petals, generosity of spirit even if it shows the austerity of the vintage, wrapped by bitter chocolate, cloves and spiced rosemary. Slate texture, delicious and understated, with clear ageing capacity. 3.71ph,give a good eight to ten years before drinking. Harvest 23 September to 5 October. 3.71 pH. 100% new oak. 94 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 Mouton Rothschild is embryonic. Dark, powerful and imposing, the 2024 is deeply intriguing, but also a wine that is going to need time to be at its best. Today, the tannins feel a bit brooding, the wine's mid-weight structure notwithstanding. The 100% new oak needs to integrate, but this is a barrel sample. Drink 2034-2054. 93-95 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Mouton Rothschild, which has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, was picked between September 23 and October 5 and aged for 18 months in 100% new oak. This has an understated bouquet with blackberry, cedar and graphite scents that take their time to unfold. The nose possesses very fine delineation though the oak is a little more prominent at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied and quite linear in style with fine tannins. A less flamboyant Mouton Rothschild in keeping with the style of the vintage, the 2024 discretely gains depth towards the finish and reveals a dash of white pepper on the aftertaste. Classy, very classy. 2031 - 2059. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"One of the wines of the vintage, if not the wine of the vintage, the 2024 Château Mouton Rothschild checks in as a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, hitting 12.9% alcohol and a pH of 3.71, that's resting in 100% new barrels. It sports a dense purple hue as well as absolutely rocking aromatics of blackcurrants, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and smoked tobacco. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, opulent mouthfeel, velvety tannins, ample mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It's an incredible achievement in the vintage that will need just 4-6 years of bottle age and have a broad, lengthy drinking window. Hats off to technical director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy and the entire Mouton team. 95-97 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"This shows plenty of drive with dusty and creamy tannins that run the length of the wine and builds at the end. It’s medium-bodied showing a focus and energy. Dark currants and flowers flavor. This really has length and it has the depth to improve with age. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot. 97-98 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Palmer | 75cl | £950 per case of 6 | Château Palmer 2024 / / 75cl £950 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Medium intensity, inky colour and some delicious sappy fruits. Stretched out, sinewy, lean muscles, charcoal, slate, peony, gunsmoke, hugely engaging texture with salinity, and a mouthwatering finish. Easy to recommend, love it. Harvest 25 September to 10 October, 3.7ph, first year ageing in barrels, second in larger oak casks. 94 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 Palmer is shaping up beautifully and stands out as one of the wines of the vintage in the Médoc. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, plums, cigar wrapper and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with good depth at the core, sweet structuring tannins and a long, precise finish. Uniting charm with seriousness, this blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot is the quintessential Palmer. Yields after sorting worked out at 22 hectoliters per hectare. 93-95 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Château Palmer is based on 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot, from tiny yields of just 22 hectoliters per hectare. It's aging in 50% new oak before being moved to foudre for the second year of élevage. This brings another level of density and texture, with ripe currants, cassis, violets, spicy wood, and tobacco all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it has beautiful mid-palate depth, velvety tannins, and remarkable length. It's a clear success and could end up among the top wines of the vintage when all is said and done. 93-95 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2024 Palmer is aged in 50% new oak for the first few months before it is transferred into 3,000-liter foudres. There is quite a stylistic difference between the Palmer and the Alter Ego on the nose: this is more sensual and displays more fruit concentration. Blackberry, blueberry, slate and light graphite scents unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and less voluptuous than recent vintages with an uncommon sense of symmetry, finely chiselled tannins and impressive tension on the slightly peppery finish. Excellent. 2030 - 2058. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Excellent depth and good purity of fruit, showing lots of blackcurrants, dark minerals and violet extract. Full-bodied, this has plenty of fine-grained tannins and a hallmark Palmer tannin structure and framework. Quite tight and juicy at the end with a lasting finish and lots of volume. 13.2% alcohol. 95-96 points" Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com------"The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. 94-97 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com |
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