Red Bordeaux
| RED | 2023 | Château Saint Pierre | 75cl | £389 per case of 12 | Château Saint Pierre 2023 / / 75cl £389 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Saint-Pierre contains no Cabernet Franc and it will not be blended into the Grand Vin henceforth. This has a bit more animation and vigor than the Gloria, precise and fresh with plenty of black fruit and a lovely graphite note underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins but there is clearly more concentration compared to the Gloria (this was actually done partly in the winery). A touch of soy towards the finish completes an attractive Saint-Pierre. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"A strong effort, the 2023 Saint-Pierre unwinds in the glass with aromas of cassis, dark berries and incense, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with good mid-palate density, powdery tannins and lively acids, it's a classically proportioned Saint-Julien that will age with grace. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. 92-94 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Château Saintayme | 75cl | £121 per case of 12 | Château Saintayme 2023 / / 75cl £121 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"A 100% Merlot, the 2023 Saintayme evokes aromas of dark wild berries, mulberries, licorice and pencil lead, followed by a round, supple and juicy palate with a fleshy core of fruit and dense, rich tannins that assert themselves with a structured finish. 88-90 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"The 2023 Saintayme is pure Merlot, as usual, picked between September 27 and October 4 and matured in 30% new oak. This is quite lush on the nose with black plum and light blueberry scents and fine purity. It clocks in at 14.6% alcohol, but that is nicely disguised. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly powdery texture, moderate weight and good balance. There’s perhaps slightly less complexity on the finish compared to the 2022 at this stage last year. 89-91 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Medium intensity ruby, austere tannins on the opening, this has lemongrass and slate, juicy raspberry and grilled spice notes, slow and steady unrolling through the palate. Plenty to love. 92 points" janeanson.com------"The 2023 Saintayme, 100% Merlot, is a deep, serious wine. There's a real core of inner strength here. Dark red fruit, cedar, spice and dried flowers open with some coaxing, but the 2023 impresses most with its overall poise. Pretty floral overtones add brightness. The 2023 is a very fine Saintayme. 91-93 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Lovely freshness and balance with berries, orange peel and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied with nice, round tannins. Pure merlot. 92-93 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Château Sénéjac | 75cl | £138 per case of 12 | Château Sénéjac 2023 / / 75cl £138 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"This shows structure and finesse with a dusty texture to the tannins. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit and a creamy aftertaste. A little light at the end. 89-90 points" jamessuckling.com------"A blend based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Sénéjac exhibits notes of dark berries, red cherries and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and fleshy palate that's bright, supple and charming. It's a strong effort. 89-91 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2023 Sénéjac has a somehow "distant" bouquet that requires aeration to open up, with graphite/pencil shavings littered over the light black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a bright, slightly bitter entry that at least has decent tension. It is not a powerful Haut-Médoc-quite linear, strict and classical in style. I don't quite engage with this Sénéjac as much as other vintages, yet it evidences thoughtful winemaking and should broaden out during barrel- maturation. This may end up at the top of my banded score. 90-92 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Soft but plentiful tannins from the first moment, this is lovely, with a real sense of grip and life, rises gently through the palate, touches of tomato leaf and liqourice root coupled with ruby brambled fruit and an overall sense of balance and cheer, Haut Medoc typicity, austere tannins on the finish, but in a way that suggests ability to age, and an ability to bring you out of the glass and into the place and the terroir. Nancy Bignon Cordier, also owner of Château Talbot in St Julien. A value, one to look out for. 92 points" janeanson.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Château Siran | 75cl | £252 per case of 12 | Château Siran 2023 / / 75cl £252 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Siran is a rich, earthy Margaux. Cherry, tobacco, dried herbs and scorched earth add to an impression of rustic, wild power. This Siran has a ton of power, but incisive tannins give an impression of untamed intensity. Tasted two times. 87-89 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Exhibiting aromas of dark berries and sweet new oak, the 2023 Siran is medium to full-bodied, dense and youthfully structured. It's a solid effort. 89-91 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2023 Siran, picked September 11 to 29, has a well-defined bouquet that is not as complex as the previous vintage. It is focused and delineated, with black fruit mixed with graphite and melted tar, almost Saint-Julien in style. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, quite minerally and lively without the depth of the 2022, yet rather elegant and refined on the finish. This constitutes a very gracious Margaux and as I tried second and third bottles towards the end of my trip, it just seemed to get better and better. 92-94 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"An enjoyably sculpted Siran, plenty of depth to the tannins, balanced, juicy and inky, with crushed pure liqourice root, bluebuerry and cassis pastille, rose petals and mint. This is delicious, with tension and a mouthwatering finish, great stuff from owner Edouard Miaihle and winemaker Marjolaine Defrance. 35% new oak for ageing. A buy. 94 points" janeanson.com------"Wow. This is really well done with plenty of al-dente fruit character, bright acidity and firm, fine tannins that are already well integrated. Medium-bodied. Crunchy. 94-95 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Château Talbot | 75cl | £462 per case of 12 | Château Talbot 2023 / / 75cl £462 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Talbot contains the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon to date, at 77%. It was picked from September 13 to October 6 at 54hL/ha according to winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte. Matured in 60% new oak, this has a fragrant bouquet that, like one or two fellow Saint-Julien wines, discretely unfolds in the glass. Quite precise with blackberry, cedar and light pencil box scents, there is a Pauillac-like tincture here. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled, grainy tannins. It’s overtly classic in style, albeit with more mid-weight depth compared to some vintages of Talbot. Displaying fine cohesion and sapidity, this fans out on the finish, with a deft touch of white pepper livening things up. This is a very promising Talbot, and I may actually prefer it to the previous vintage. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Offering up aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, plums, espresso roast and crushed mint, the 2023 Talbot is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich but lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Harvested over the course of fully four weeks, it's a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot that attained 13% alcohol. 92-94 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished. 94-95 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Château Tronquoy | 75cl | £198 per case of 12 | Château Tronquoy 2023 / / 75cl £198 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Tronquoy is quite elegant in this vintage. Crushed flowers, mint, dried herbs, tobacco and cedar lend lovely aromatic complexity. There's more Petit Verdot in this year's blend, which comes through in the wine's aromatic presence, and also less Merlot, which is noticeable in the mouthfeel. It's a style I like a lot—more Saint-Estèphe and less of the rusticity that marked some years. This is a very pretty and promising Tronquoy, not to mention one of the most finessed vintages of this wine I can remember tasting. 2027-2038. 91-93 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"Containing an unusually high 51% Cabernet Sauvignon this year (complemented by 38% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot), the 2023 Tronquoy offers up aromas of dark berries, cherries, burning embers and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and refined palate with good depth at the core, lively acids and a persistent finish. Foudres are now complemented barriques for élevage. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Medium to full intensity ruby plum colour, higher Petit Verdot than usual in the blend, and it comes through in sappy, lively black pepper spice and dark fruit character, good quality, a little austere. In organic conversion, to be certified 2024. Harvest September 6 to 26. 93 points" janeanson.com------"A crunchy and velvety Tronquoy with blackberry, blackcurrant and chocolate aromas. Lots of blackcurrant, berry and cherry character on the medium-bodied palate, with solid tannins that have a powdery texture. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot and 11% petit verdot. 92-94 points" jamessuckling.com------"The 2023 Château Tronquoy is based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that will see 12 months in one-third new barrels, with a touch in foudre. Ripe red plums, blueberries, spring flowers, espresso, and liquid violets all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length. 92-94 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2023 Tronquoy-Lalande was picked September 6 to 26 and contains more Petit Verdot in the blend this year. It matured in one-third new oak plus some newly-introduced foudres and amphorae. Blackberry and bilberry fruit surface the nose, plus a fresh punnet of strawberries. This is quite delightful and full of character. The palate is underpinned by fine acidity. Fresh and quite marine-influenced, this has a silky texture on the finish that lingers in the mouth, representing another superb Tronquoy from a rejuvenated estate. 93-95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Château Troplong Mondot | 75cl | £534 per case of 6 | Château Troplong Mondot 2023 / / 75cl £534 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"A blend of 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Troplong Mondot unwinds in the glass with aroma of black raspberries, mulberries and cherries mingled with notions of iris, licorice, black tea and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's textural and mouthfilling, with the mid-palate density so typical of this terroir, its concentrated core of fruit framed by beautifully polished tannins and succulent acids. 95-97 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2023 Troplong Mondot was harvested from September 5 to October 9, with 60-70% picked within nine or ten days; other parcels were "stragglers" that required more time. There is actually 4-5% whole clusters in the blend,and according to Aymeric de Gironde, it works like the vin de presse, glueing components of the wine together. Sulfur is only added when the wine is put into barrel. The 2023 has a very well-defined and focused bouquet with pure blackberry, raspberry, ground chalk and light sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a very crisp and mineral-driven entry. It's chalky in texture and quite tensile in the mouth, with a dash of black pepper on the finish. This is an individualistic Saint-Émilion that will fill out during its élevage. Very long. 95-97 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"A tight and very focused young Troplong with freshness and finesse that adds plenty. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a vivid finish. Lots of blackberry and blueberry character. It really opens and envelops your palate, caressing every square inch. Cashmere-like texture. The limestone comes through beautifully. 97-98 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Clos du Marquis | 75cl | £462 per case of 12 | Clos du Marquis 2023 / / 75cl £462 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Clos du Marquis is a rather serious, structured wine, evocative of cherries, dark berries and kirsch, framed by a touch of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied and fleshy but structured, it's a taut, concentrated wine that will reward some patience. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2023 Clos du Marquis was picked from September 6 to October 5 at 44hL/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has a complex bouquet, comprising a mélange of red and black fruit, cedar and subtle touches of violet-very charming. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip. It's a little creamy in texture on the entry, but there is solid backbone and a saline finish. This is very promising. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Squid ink, cassis, bilberry, roses, love the intensity and gorgeous salinity of this wine. Captures the sense of energy and florality in the best Cabernets of 2023, although retains the austerity that you expect from this site in its early years. First vintage in the new cellars, moving from 40 vats to 80 vats, with 30 microvinification vats. Harvest September 6 to October 5, 50% new oak for ageing, 44hl/h yields. 94 points" janeanson.com------"This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023? 95-96 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Domaine de Chevalier | 75cl | £275 per case of 6 | Domaine de Chevalier 2023 / / 75cl £275 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Always one of the benchmark wines of a vintage, and here showcasing the quality of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2023 (as well as the potential for varying yields, as they are down at 30hl/h here). Well balanced, great depth of ink, cassis, bilberry and damson fruits, rises through the palate, with tannic grip and plenty of grilled but carefully judged oak. A great Chevalier, not perhaps at the very top of recent vintages here, but one that will give huge amounts of pleasure, and captures the great classicsm of the year. 35% new oak for ageing, Bernard family owners. 95 points" janeanson.com------"The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from September 7 to 30 and contains 13% alcohol. This is quintessential "DdC" on the nose: black fruit, sous-bois and hints of black olive at first, subtle marine notes emerging with time in the glass. There’s wonderful focus and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pencil-shaving-tinged black fruit on the entry. Perhaps a bit grippier with more spine than one would expect (especially following the more sensual 2022), this is very traditional in style, with a tremendously long and satisfying saline finish. Superb. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier reveals a perfumed, incipiently complex bouquet of dark wild berries, cassis, rose petals, spices and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins and bright acids, it concludes with a long, saline, gently oak-inflected finish. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc is maturing in 40% new barrels. 94-96 points" Yohan Castaing, RobertParker.com------"Plenty of blackberry, blackcurrant, chocolate and flint aromas that follow through to a full body, yet it’s in check and focused with a beautiful framing of fine tannins. The purity of ripe fruit is impressive with cabernet really showing through. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc. 97-98 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou | 75cl | £364 per case of 12 | La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou 2023 / / 75cl £364 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou marries sophistication with the textural richness that is such a signature here. All the elements are so well balanced. Jammy dark red fruit, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and mocha infuse the 2023 with tons of nuance. Supple tannins wrap it all together. This Saint-Julien screams with character. 90-92 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou has a very perfumed and floral bouquet: plush red berry fruit, vanilla, cedar and blood orange, well-defined with deftly integrated new oak (60%). The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins that lend this La Croix a bit more backbone than recent vintages. It's very fresh; white pepper and thyme complement the bright red fruit, leading to an overtly peppery finish, with a touch of graphite on the aftertaste. 91-93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com ------"The true second wine of this great château, the 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is 58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot, resting in a mix of mostly once-used oak. It has a more Cabernet nose of ripe red, blue, and black fruits as well as subtle tobacco, iron, sappy flowers, and graphite notes. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has fine tannins and a great finish. It shines for its overall balance as well as purity. This beauty hit 13.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.71 and a massive IPT of 91. 91-93 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot. 94-95 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | La Dame de Montrose | 75cl | £288 per case of 12 | La Dame de Montrose 2023 / / 75cl £288 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 La Dame de Montrose has a light and slightly tertiary nose, with touches of tea leaves infusing the black fruit. The palate is soft and supple on the entry, with licorice-tinged black fruit and a rounded, cracked-black-pepper-tinged finish. There’s good body for a Deuxième Vin. This will give a decade of drinking pleasure. 89-91 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Silky tannins with grip and intensity, a lovely balance of texture and fresh acidities. Slate and pummice stone grip, this is delicious, with appellation typicity in its powerful black fruits, but measured with a saline kick on the finish. In organic conversion, to be certified 2025. 92 points." Jane Anson------"The 2023 La Dame de Montrose is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is so floral, with notes of iris and lavender opening out to a core of black raspberries and mulberries plus hints of dusty soil and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is tight-knit and lively, with lightly chewy tannins and a ferrous finish. The blend is 61% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.50. 91-93 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"Another strong performance from this bottling, which dependably numbers among Bordeaux's top three or four second wines, the 2023 La Dame de Montrose reveals aromas of cassis, pencil shavings and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and dense palate that's polished, pure and layered, with sweet tannins, lively acids and a saline finish. It's a blend of 61% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2023 La Dame de Montrose is a rich, heady wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, new leather, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha are beautifully amplified. Explosive to the core, the 2023 possesses tons of aromatic intensity and pure volume. This showy, Merlot-based Dame is quite alluring. 92-94 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc. 94-95 points." James Suckling |
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| RED | 2023 | Les Pagodes de Cos | 75cl | £396 per case of 12 | Les Pagodes de Cos 2023 / / 75cl £396 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos, representing 47% of the volume of the château, has a plush crushed strawberry, cassis and violet-scented bouquet that displays some prudent use of oak. The palate is svelte and silky in texture and harmonious, with a judicious pinch of white pepper and graphite. A nicely poised, persistent finish wraps things up in style. This is a classy Les Pagodes that should give 12 to 15 years of drinking pleasure. 90-92 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos has turned out beautifully, offering up aromas of cassis, orange zest, vine smoke and incense, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished palate with a deep core of fruit, supple tannins and a lively, mouthwatering finish. It's a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2023 Pagodes De Cos is a gorgeous effort offering lots of ripe red and black fruits, some graphite, toasted spice, and savory tobacco notes, medium to full body, and ripe tannins. It has a savory, firmer edge and will need some time. 91-94 points" Jebdunnuck.com------"The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos makes a strong statement out of the gate. A blast of intense dark fruit, leather, spice, menthol, game, licorice, dried herbs and chocolate infuses the palate with remarkable textural intensity. Ample and resonant in the glass, with fabulous balance, Les Pagodes is exceptionally fine in 2023. The long, sustained finish is a thing of beauty. 92-94 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"The polished and creamy texture here is extremely attractive, with blueberry, blackcurrant and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with linear tannins, showing polish and finesse. Creamy mouth-feel. Second wine of Cos. 12.9% alcohol. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. 93-94 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Pichon Comtesse Reserve | 75cl | £201 per case of 6 | Pichon Comtesse Reserve 2023 / / 75cl £201 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Réserve de la Comtesse has a lovely bouquet, discrete initially, then opening with cassis and light violet fruit. It never shouts too loudly at this early stage. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins on the entry. There’s also a stronger graphite element than I have noticed in recent vintages, due to the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%). This is a classically styled Réserve. 90-92 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"A terrific second wine, the 2023 Resèrve de la Comtesse wafts from the glass with a pure bouquet of blackcurrants, dark berries, lilac and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's sensual and vibrant, with melting tannins and a deep core of cool fruit framed by polished but present tannins. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc marks the 50th anniversary of this second wine's production. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The success of Pichon over recent years extends to its second wine also, and this delivers waves of cassis bud and red roses on the opening beats, followed up by vibrant raspberry and and blackberry fruits, easier drinking than the powerhouse 2022. A vintage that sees 50 years of Pichon Comtesse Reserve (once known, of course, as Reserve de la Comtesse). 55% of the production, more than usual because they were focusing so much on Cabernet for the main wine. Nicolas Glumineau director. 93 points" janeanson.com------"I like the freshness and linear character to this second wine of Pichon Lalande. It's medium-bodied with creamy and polished tannins that are fine at the end. It is linked from start to finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. 94-95 points" jamessuckling.com |
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| RED | 2023 | Vieux Château Certan | 75cl | £1,110 per case of 6 | Vieux Château Certan 2023 / / 75cl £1,110 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2023 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 18 to 29. This year, there is no Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend as the fruit did not reach full ripeness, according to winemaker Guillaume Thienpont. The fruit was cropped at 43hL/ha as they suffered no mildew, there were one-third fewer pump-overs, and this vintage matured in two-thirds new oak. It has a well-defined bouquet, a little sultry at first: black cherry, iodine, violet flower and a touch of crushed stone. This unfurls beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Broader in the mouth compared to the Le Pin that I tasted right before, this is slightly more savory in style thanks to the 18% Cabernet Franc, landing gently on the finish. This is an elegant, slightly earthier VCC that will age beautifully in the bottle. 94-96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2023 Vieux Château Certan bursts from the glass with demonstrative aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, violets mingled with notions of burning embers, iris, crushed mint and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and sensual, with a gourmand attack that segues into a layered, enveloping mid-palate, it's polished and perfumed, with a sweet core of fruit and a long, gently oak-inflected finish. This year's blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc checks in at 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.74. 94-96 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Fresh floral heights to the aromatics, then dark berry fruits and a core of muscles of the palate, classically-weighted with grip and texture, white pepper spice and salted cracker salinity on the finish. Stretches out through the palate, feels gloriously old school, full of hidden depths and pleasures. 43hl/h yield, harvest September 18 through to 29. Youngest vines here are 1988, which helps give the complexity that is so celebrated at VCC. 96 points" janeanson.com------"The 2023 Vieux Château Certan is like a drug. Its exotic aromatics, deeply layered fruit and sublime textures are just captivating. I tasted the 2023 from an assembled base blend and four core components. Every wine was nothing short of breathtaking. When I think of the archetypes of greatness in Bordeaux, VCC is one of them. The 2023 is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Like all producers, Alexandre and Guillaume were forced to decide whether to pick their Cabernets before or after the September rains. As it turned out, none of the lots picked before the rain made it into the Grand Vin. Only those picked later were deemed of high enough quality. 96-98 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com------"A very fine and polished young VCC with subtle density and a racy backbone of tannins. Compact with well-toned muscles and a persistent finish. Very silky. Really grows at the end. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc. 97-98 points" jamessuckling.com------"A blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, Vieux Chateau Certan 2023 has a pH of 3.74 and it is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of fresh blackberries, juicy plums, and black cherries slowly emerge from the glass, opening out to fragrant notes of violets, star anise, and black truffles, followed by wafts of wood smoke and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is taut and muscular with firm, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing with many, many layers of earth, spice, and floral notes. This is pure latent power. 97-99+ points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Angelus | 75cl | £1,074 per case of 6 | Château Angelus 2024 / / 75cl £1,074 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, cropped at a very honorable 40 hectoliters per hectare, the 2024 Angélus has turned out well, offering up aromas of dark berries, minty plums and violet, framed by a deft touch of toasty oak. Medium-bodied, ample and suave, it's polished and textural, with sweet but present tannins and creditable persistence on the finish. 90-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"Vivid plum colour, cedar and gunsmoke on the opening, skilfully and carefully put together, slim through the palate, but this is very clearly finessed, sleek, with quiet confidence, and pumice stone texture, cherry pit, squid ink, damson, rosebud, Cabernet Franc dominant in terms of its floral aromatics. 39hl/h yield, 40th anniversary vintage of Hubert de Böuard. This will for sure be ready to drink earlier than many vintages of Angélus, but it is well structured and will age for many years to come. No chaptilisation. 94 points" janeanson.com------"The 2024 Angelus is very fine. It is the first vintage I have tasted that captures the newer approach at Angelus, one where the wines are not as extracted as in the past. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol fill out the layers effortlessly. Here, too, the wine shows superb balance and real textural presence. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot being raised in 80% new oak and 20% once-filled barrels, and the Cabernet Franc in equal parts foudres and new smaller French oak barrels. The 2024 is mid-weight, classy and polished. Drink 2030-2054. 93-95 points" Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Angludet | 75cl | £242 per case of 12 | Château Angludet 2024 / / 75cl £242 per case of 12 |
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Tasting NotesFragrant, floral, white flowers, just super sappy and enjoyable, well balanced and carefully constructed, a little dilute through the mid palate but the focus is on the fruit. Sichel family owners, headed up by Benjamin Sichel. 60% barrels and 40% amphoras. 29 hl/ha yield. Biodynamic certified. 91 points" janeanson.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Angludet | Magnum | £260 per case of 6 | Château Angludet 2024 / / Magnum £260 per case of 6 |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Ausone | 75cl | £1,842 per case of 6 | Château Ausone 2024 / / 75cl £1,842 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot. Cask sample. Fragrant and floral with a stony terroir note behind. Lovely purity of fruit on the palate with fine, elegant tannins. Very long finish. Really quite refined. 2032-2050. 17+ points." (JL) Jancisrobinson.com------"Aromas of dark berries, toasty oak and rich espresso roast mingle with hints of petals and spices, introducing the 2024 Ausone, a medium to full-bodied, lively and sapid wine that's a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. The tannins are nicely ripe, with some structuring oak tannin already lending a supporting presence on the finish. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"The 2024 Ausone was picked between September 30 and October 5. It aged for 20 months in new French oak from 5 cooperages with malo in barrel as usual. There is slightly less Merlot in the blend due to mildew and coulure during the season. It has a very pure nose with black cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of cracked black pepper in the background. It just misses some of the profound complexity that a top Ausone can deliver. The palate is lovely, though, one of the most velvety 2024s that I tasted out of barrel. This is very harmonious with a focused and sustained finish. Whilst it doesn't quite have the horsepower or sheer ambition of a top-drawer Ausone, this is a success for the vintage simply because it is endowed with greater substance and persistence. There's presence here. 2029 - 2055. 93-95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"The 2024 Ausone is pure sensuality. Intensely perfumed, plant and silky on the palate, Ausone is haunting in its beauty. All the elements are so well balanced. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, espresso, and exotic spice overtones all take shape in the glass. A wine of understated depth, the 2024 is impressive. Even in the early going, the 100% new oak is not at all evident, suggesting a wine with superior balance. The blend is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. 2034-2054. 93-96 points." Antonio Galloni, Vinous------"Deep ruby in colour, this delivers texture and flavoursome sappy fruits, clear winemaking skill that maintains estate signature. You feel the tightrope walk of minerality and fruit, and as in 2021 Ausone is at the very top of what was possible in the vintage. Cassis bud, peony, violet, cloves, jasmine flowers, chamomile, subtle complexity and layers that expand and build through the palate. The successful construction of this wine highlights what was so challeging to fully achieve with so many others in the vintage. Harvest 30 September 5 October, Philippe Baillarguet cellar master. 100% new oak. 96 points" janeanson.com------"A classic blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot resting in new barrels, the 2024 Château Ausone sports a vivid ruby hue to go with a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, subtle cassis, graphite, sappy flowers, and lead pencil. It's gorgeous on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, focused, remarkably elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and perfectly integrated oak. This classy, perfumed, sensationally elegant Ausone will drink nicely with just a few years of bottle age. 94-97 points." Jeb Dunnuck------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Soars out of the glass with fragrant notes of black cherries, black raspberries, violets, and sassafras, with touches of forest floor and fragrant soils. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully silky with seamless freshness supporting the delicate red berry and floral layers, finishing long and perfumed. Stunning. 95-97 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent------"A really classic Ausone, reminiscent of the great ones of the 1980s. Medium-bodied, it has such clarity and brightness and length. Purity and precision with drive and focus from superb viticulture and winemaking. A blend of 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot. 97-98 points." JamesSuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Beaumont | 75cl | £110 per case of 12 | Château Beaumont 2024 / / 75cl £110 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2024 Beaumont has a perfumed bouquet with black cherry and raspberry scents—it's almost Burgundian in style! The palate is medium-bodied and sapid with grainy tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a fresh, clean, lightly spiced finish that lingers in the mouth. Always a solid performer, this is an enjoyable Beaumont to enjoy over the next decade. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 2027-2037. 88-90 points." Neal Martin------"The 2024 Château Beaumont is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest 5% Petit Verdot. It has a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as attractive aromatics of red and black currants, leafy herbs, and spicy oak. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has a supple, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and ripe tannins, all making for an undeniably delicious Haut-Médoc. 89-91 points." Jeb Dunnuck------"The 2024 Beaumont is a very pretty and expressive Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois. Floral, savory and earthy top notes give the 2024 lovely aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. All the elements are so nicely balanced. This is a terrific showing, made all the more notable by highly challenging conditions that included a very rare bout of hail during harvest. Tasted two times. 89-91 points." Antonio Galloni------"Nicely done, with fine tannins and attractive fruit that deliver currant and dark cherry character. Shows potential. 91-92 points." JamesSuckling.com |
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| RED | 2024 | Château Beychevelle | 75cl | £347 per case of 6 | Château Beychevelle 2024 / / 75cl £347 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Aromatically expressive. Red- and dark-berry fruit to the fore. Palate fresh and harmonious with integrated tannins. Structured. Classic in style. 16.5 points." (JL) Jancisrobinson.com------"Deep garnet-purple colored. Black cherries, fresh red currants and mulberries scents slowly emerge from the glass, plus hints of wild sage and pencil lead. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers red berry and savory flavors with great tension and lightly chewy tannins, finishing with a skip in its step. 92-94 points." Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2025------"A pure, balanced, absolutely classy Saint-Julien, the 2024 Château Beychevelle is deep purple-hued with ample red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with notes of graphite, lead pencil, and background oak. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has polished tannins, the fresher, juicy acidity of the vintage, and a great finish. The blend is 55% Cabernet, 42% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot checking in at 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.57 and an IPT of 75. 92-94 points." Jeb Dunnuck------"Good depth and complexity here from this light, acid-driven vintage. Violets, fresh herbs, blackcurrants, berries and a touch of paprika and white pepper. Bright and succulent on the palate with firm, crunchy tannins and a structured finish. 94-95 points." (ZS) JamesSuckling.com------"The 2024 Beychevelle might very well be the wine of the vintage in Saint-Julien. It is certainly among the very best I tasted on the Left Bank. Plush, inky and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2024 is so silky and inviting. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha and spice are some of the many notes that stain the palate. The sustained, resonant finish is a thing of beauty. Tasted two times. 2032 - 2054. 95-97 points." Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2025 |
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