France

  95-96 points James Suckling  A very fine yet structured d’Issan with blackcurrant and plum, as well as spice and walnuts. The palate is full and structured with wonderful tannins and length. It really grows on the palate. Serious balance of ripe and fine tannins with pretty fruit and a citrusy undertone. This could move up a notch. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot.   (5/2022)    #BORD  

Falstaff 92 points. "Deep dark ruby with opaque core and purple tinge to the narrow rim. Dark berry fruit, notes of liquorice lie alongside hints of nougat, precious wood and fine orange zest. Medium-bodied, sweet cherry fruit, balanced and elegant, subtle fruit sweetness on the finish; a versatile food companion. "   #BORD

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 2022 Vintage Tasted: May 2023 Deeply colored, the wine is loaded with chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, flowers, and black cherries. The fruits are creamy, luscious, ripe, sweet, and vibrant with a chocolate edge to the berries in the finish. This is an outstanding vintage for Chateau Dassault! Drink from 2025-2042. 92-94 Pts.

NEAL MARTIN: 92-94 Alexandre Ma: 94 - 96 JEB DUNNUCK: 92 - 94 J.LEV: 92 - 94  

"Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, discreet ochre brightening on rim. Dark wild berry fruit with a hint of nougat, ripe cherries, inviting bouquet. Juicy, fine cherry fruit, good freshness, vivid tannins, dark chocolate on the finish, certain ageing potential.." - 91/100, Falstaff. Wine Advocate 90-92. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2020 De Malleret is aging for 12 months in French oak barrels, one-third new. Deep purple-black colored, it offers an impressively pure nose of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and black cherries, plus hints of dried Provence herbs, dark...

Falstaff 94 points. 2022 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2023 Deep dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, subtle hints of fine oak, black forest berries and dark cherry with a pleasant tobacco spice. The complex palate is juicy with fine fruit, redolent of ripe berries with ripe, supporting tannins and some nougat notes, a long, powerful food wine with certain potential for ageing.

  A Margaux estate for this value is truly hard to find. Situated on the "tertre", French for rising mound or land, Du Tertre is one of the oldest properties on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. This elevated outcropping of the Medoc gives excellent vineyard plot position for light, rain and a natural drainage. Aged in 100% French oak barrels (45% new). The property is owned by Eric Albada Jelgersma and Denis Dubourdieu as consulting oenologist. 96 Points James Suckling  This is really clear and bright. Medium- to full-bodied with a solid tannin structure. Tight layers of phenolics to this. Racy and long finish. Firm and...

WA 93 "The 2021 Durfort Vivens has turned out well in bottle, offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, layered and lively, it exhibits impressive depth and sweetness of fruit, not only for the vintage but also for a blend dominated by fully 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, concluding with a long, precise finish." WK Feb 2024.   #BORD  

  JS 95 jamessuckling.com, April 2023 (94-95 points) A juicy and nicely chewy young red with crushed stone and salt, with black berry and blueberry character. Medium-bodied with excellent tannins and a persistent finish. Crunchy. 70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon.  VN 95 Vinous, May 2023 (VN 93-95 points) The 2022 Faugeres is one of the most vibrant, nuanced wines I have tasted from from the property. Expressive floral and savory top notes meld into a core of racy red-toned fruit. -- Antonio Galloni.  

96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Attractive aromas of blueberries and mulberries with graphite, dark licorice and crushed stones. Dark chocolate, too. Full-bodied. Impressive quality to the tannin structure that starts gently and glossy and continues to build, gaining power throughout the palate. Deep and dense with a velvety dark-fruited core. Really long, tense and persistent. 77% merlot, 18% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2026." 12/22.   #BORD

JS 96 jamessuckling.com, December 2022 Lovely texture to this Pomerol. Fine velvety tannins with plum, walnut and crushed stone character. Savory finish. Needs time to soften. Very classy and structured, yet so refined. 91.6% merlot and 8.4% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2025.  JD 96 jebdunnuck.com, March 2023 I continue to absolutely love the wines from this Pomerol château, and their Grand Vin always brings a richness and depth that makes it a joy to drink. Coming from a larger vineyard near Petrus, La Fleur Petrus, and Le Gay, the dense purple hue of the 2020 Château Gazin is followed by a rocking bouquet of ripe black...

James Suckling 94 points. Excellent depth for 2021. Refined and complex with aromas of graphite, cassis, mineral, chili chocolate, white pepper and cigar box. Fresh and juicy, with fine, polished tannins. Long, refined and nuanced. Medium body. Fine tannins. An overachiever for the vintage. Drink or hold.   #BORD  

 "Licorice, chocolate, black raspberries and flowers and plums show up on the nose. The wine is soft, forward, medium-bodied, fresh and sweet on the palate, finishing with soft, silky, mineral-edged fruits and leafy herbs in the finish. Drink from 2023-2035. 91-93" -  91/100 ,  Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider   #BORD

Wine Advocate 93-95+. Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed. LPB May 2021. Vinous - Score: 94 (2023 February) The 2020 Grand Mayne has a very enticing, pure bouquet that unfolds wonderfully in the glass, with ebullient raspberry and wild...

Vinous Media 94 points. The 2021 Grand Puy Ducasse has a tight backward nose at first unfolding to offer tobacco infused black fruit. The palate is medium bodied with slightly chewy tannins modest depth fine acidity and a slight rustic finish. Not bad considering the vintage. Rating: 92-94 Points; Antonio Galloni; Vinous.   #BORD  

Wine Enthusiast 95 points. Grape:  55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot Tasting Notes:  Black currant, Tobacco, Mushroom, Earth.  In the 17th century, Arnaud Ducasse purchased land in Pauillac that was to become Château Grand Puy Ducasse. The château was classified as a 5th Growth, in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. This chateau is highly unusual in that it is located in the heart of Pauillac. Grand-Puy Ducasse is one of the leaders of this appellation. The 2020 Grand Puy Ducasse is another fabulous wine from a château that has been on an impressive streak over the last few years. It is elegant,...

Decanter, April 2022. 95 points. A superb GPL this year with one the highest percentages of Cabernet in the blend. Rose hawthorn notes on the nose - really nuanced. A little bit more closed on the palate in terms of overt acidity and fruit but this has such a beautiful texture, silky smooth with fine tannins that are persistent and mouthfilling but very elegant too, they frame the ripe fruit and mineral flavours - lots of bitter black chocolate and liquorice on this as well as salinity too. This has a much more subtle power than many others - a tense core, tightly wrapped but presenting a lovely juicy fragrant cherry flavour with terroir...

95 points Decanter  Black peppercorns, tobacco, ash, vanilla, cinnamon and cedar spice. A gorgeous mouthfeel straight away, the tannins so plump, not heavy or opulent but filling and ripe. This has a charming gentle aspect - a smooth, sleek texture with concentration. Supple and agile, there is lots of energy here, filled with red fruit flavours that have a delicate, sweet liquorice edge. Acidity does not overtake the fruit at all, just lifts the palate all the way through. Excellent work, immensely pleasurable, well framed with promise for long ageing. More Cabernet in the blend than usual. Ageing 14 months in French oak barrels,...

97 James Suckling "Lots of redcurrants and blackcurrants with some cassis as well as iron, tile, stone and hints of dried herbs. Full-bodied with lots of pretty structure and very juicy tannins. Lively and energetic. Exciting to taste. pH 3.54 and with 13.9% alcohol. From biodynamically grown grapes. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." 96 Neal Martin for Vinous "The 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral was picked from 6 to 26 September and is being raised in 40% new oak, plus 20% in concrete tanks and amphorae. Yields were 45hL/ha, higher than many other estates, which Clare Villars-Lurton cites as a result...

96-98+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Haut-Bailly was harvested from the 9th to 25th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.3%. Deep purple-black in color, it prances out of the glass with naturally beautiful notions of fresh black cherries, violets, mulberries and boysenberries, giving way to hints of redcurrant jelly, star anise, tilled soil and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is delicately crafted with velvety/grainy tannins and fantastic freshness framing the perfumed red and black berry layers,...

95-97 points Wine Enthusiast  Barrel Sample. This is a very aromatic, precise wine. Ripe fruits and density are balanced by the wine's freshness and acidity. It has structure that brings out creamy tannins to balance the succulent black fruit flavors. (RV)   (6/2022)  96 points Vinous  The 2021 Haut-Bailly is incredibly poised, even if it is clearly a wine of reserve in this vintage. Its vertical build speaks of pure sophistication. Time in the glass brings out hints of dried herbs, menthol, licorice, pine, blackberry and underbrush. Most of the blend is Cabernet, so the flavor profile and overall...

95-96 Points, James Suckling: "Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference." 6/20 Wine Advocate 93-95 points. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Haut-Batailley opens with fragrant notes of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly, leading to suggestions of fragrant soil, dried mint, woodsmoke and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers impactful, vibrant black fruit flavors with a...

94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus." 05/21. 92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot aging in French oak barriques, 60% new, the 2020 Haut-Batailley weighs in with 13.6% alcohol, a pH of 3.85 and an IPT of 81. Deep purple-black in color, it opens with seducing, beautifully pure notes of blackcurrant jelly, juicy blackberries and warm plums, plus hints of chocolate...

The 2021 Haut-Batailley has a well-defined bouquet with briny, seaweed-infused black fruit, certainly demonstrating more concentration and cohesion compared to the Verso at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and focused, touches of cassis infuse the black fruit with impressive grip, classic in style with a sapid, black olive-tinged finish. Very fine. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media. 94 points.   #BORD

94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: “This is very linear and tight with beautifully crafted tannins that give a long, intense and energetic finish. The mid-palate is tight and poised.” 4/21. 92-94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: “Checking in as 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Château Haut-Brisson brings some serious fruit, offering a monster nose of chocolate-covered blueberries, iron, tobacco, and candied violet aromas and flavors. Rich and full-bodied, it has ripe tannins and outstanding length. It pushes on the ripeness scale, yet I've no doubt it's going to show more freshness...

"Round, polished, fruity and forward, the soft, smoky, dark red fruits with their espresso tinted accent are going to be easy to enjoy on release and over the next decade or so. Drink from 2023-2034. 90-92" -  91/100 ,  Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider.   #BORD

Falstaff 96 points. 2022 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2023 Deep dark ruby colour with purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Nuances of cassis with delicate floral notes in the background, red heart cherries, fresh tangerine zest, attractive bouquet. Juicy, red currant, red cherry, some nougat, fresh acidity, mineral and salty finish, lively, animating style, good ageing potential.

JS94 James Suckling: "Lots of crushed stone and blackberry with some walnut and mushroom. Dried-earth undertone. Medium-to full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a savory finish. From biodynamically grown grapes."  Demeter certification. Barrel Sample: 93-94. WE93 Wine Enthusiast "This wine is dense, with serious initial tannins that mask the black fruits. The structure is in place and behind the black currant fruits. Together they promise a wine with plenty of aging potential." Barrel Sample: 91-93 #BORD

Gold Medal, Guide Hachette. Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard. Gold Medal, Feminalise.   James Suckling 92 points. This little family owned gem is located on the hillsides of St Emilion, boasting Fleur Cardinale as their neighbours.. Only 2000 cases are produced from the 8 hectares of vines, which are planted with 75, 50 and 35 year old vines. The wine is a blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Traditionally made to the same meticulous Grand Cru Classe formula for 6 generations. It spends 12 months in French oak, 50% new before being bottled. Dense ruby color with bluish reflect, signs of a beautiful youth. On the nose, fruity...

"94-95 points - Extremely well done with super integrated tannins. Dark-fruit and chocolate character. Full-bodied, yet intense, linear and long." - James Suckling. Decanter 92 points.     #BORD

St-Emilion This is a young red with chewy yet polished tannins that lead to a full-bodied palate with ripe fruit, chocolate and minerals. Some cloves, too. Muscular wine for the vintage, yet remains refined and well crafted. Date Tasted: June 2020; Rating: 94-95 Points; James Suckling The 2019 La Dominique just shimmers with beauty. Bright, floral and vibrant, the 2019 is a total stunner. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cedar and red cherry jam open up in the glass, but it is the wine's purity that impresses most today. The oak and overall extraction - often an issue at La Dominique in recent vintages - are really well-judged. This is a...

James Suckling 91-92 points. It is firm and direct in its sensory profile and shows notes of geraniums, magnolia blossom, hibiscus, cedar chunks and guarana. Medium-bodied, soft tannins well polished and a juicy, well extended finish. A blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. Drink now.

St-Emilion The 2019 La Gaffelière wafts from the glass with a rich bouquet of blackberries and cherries mingled with subtle hints of burning embers and loamy soil that’s framed by a deft application of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, it’s a concentrated, vibrant wine built around bright acids and fine, powdery tannins. Its vivid fruit tones and classical balance make this Cabernet Franc-rich blend a promising candidate for sustained bottle age. Anyone who has tasted the great wines this estate produced in the 1950s and 1960s knows how great this site can be; and with stricter selection as well as...

  95-97 points Vinous  The 2021 La Gaffelière is a wine of extraordinary finesse and class. Time in the glass brings out striking depth and complexity. The aromatics alone are beguiling but everything about the 2021 speaks to elegance. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, blood orange, mint and saline notes punctuate the finish. (AG)  (4/2022)    #BORD  

Rated 93 by James Suckling A medium- to full-bodied red with vivid dark fruit and notes of sweet spices and bitter chocolate. Polished and velvety with fine, plush tannins. Structured and refined. Lingering finish with hints of violet and walnut. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. JS.     Totally surrounded by classified growths, La Gurgue enjoys a privileged terroir, and the attentive care of Mrs Villars (also owner of Ferrière, classified growth of Margaux, and Haut-Bages-Libéral, classified growth of Pauillac), distinguished in the Top 25 of the best producers of the Bettane&Desseauve...

Haut Medoc WA (93-95) Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 La Lagune bursts from the glass with vivacious notes of crushed black and red currants, boysenberries and wild blueberries plus nuances of wild thyme, smoke, cinnamon toast and pencil lead with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, offering loads of very finely stacked black fruit, baking spice and mineral layers with a solid frame of ripe, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with lots of savory sparks. Shimmering with energy, this 2019 La Lagune is a real head-turner! LPB Jun 2020. Decanter 94 points. James Suckling 94-95...

93-95 points Vinous  The 2021 Laroque is a standout. Bright and racy, with tremendous persistence, Laroque stakes its claim as Saint-Émilion's brightest rising star. Bright limestone accents run through a core of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint and white pepper. There is a linear intensity to Laroque that is hugely appealing. Technical Director David Suire fashioned a gem. Don't miss it. (AG)   (4/2022)  92-95 points Wine Advocate  The 2021 Laroque is very promising indeed, and winemaker David Suire and I agree that it is likely to surpass the estate's 2018 vintage in quality....

Pomerol James Suckling 95 points. Forest-fruit aromas of blackberries and strawberries with some bark and pine cone. Black licorice, too. Full-bodied and chewy with lots of fine tannins and a juicy finish. Traditional and fascinating. Drink after 2026. JS.   #BORD

Falstaff 91 points. "Intense ruby red fades to purple at the rim. Delicate hints of cloves and cassis, a touch of blackberry compote, subtle nougat and tobacco notes. Juicy, dark wild berries, sweet cherries, well-integrated ripe tannins, fresh, clearly structured, long and persistent; a versatile food companion."   "The 2021 Lacoste-Borie is lovely, bursting with aromas of plums and cassis mingled with hints of orange zest, spices and espresso roast. Medium-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a charming core of fruit, supple tannins and a succulent, giving profile, it's already hard to resist. Readers looking for...

"It is firm and direct in its sensory profile and shows notes of geraniums, magnolia blossom, hibiscus, cedar chunks and guarana. Medium-bodied, soft tannins well polished and a juicy, well extended finish. A blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. Drink now." -  92/100 ,  Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com.   #BORD

93-95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2020 Lafon-Rochet is fabulous. The aromatics along are dazzling. Gracious and yet effusive, with tons of nuance, the 2020 dazzles from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, new leather, spice, lavender and menthol fill the room with soaring intensity. Silky, elegant and so pure, Lafon-Rochet is shaping up to be one of the real under the radar gems of 2020. It's a terrific effort from Basile Tesseron. Don't miss it." 06/21 #BORD

Wine Advocate 94-96 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Lagrange leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of redcurrant jelly, ripe blackcurrants and minted blackberries, followed by nuances of dark chocolate, star anise and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is both super intense and super elegant, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness to frame the bright, crunchy black and red fruits, finishing long and mineral laced." 05/21 #BORD

The 2021 Lagrange turned out beautifully. Succulent red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco, spice and mocha infuse the 2021 with gorgeous depth. Soft, succulent and inviting, Lagrange is wonderfully appealing. It will drink well with minimal cellaring. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media. 94 points. The 2021 Lagrange is a strong effort, offering up notes of dark berries, pencil shavings, licorice and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and nicely concentrated palate with lively acids and youthfully structuring tannins that assert themselves on the finish, reflecting the record-high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend....

94-96 James Suckling "Very firm and focused with silky tannins, which are driven and intense. Full-bodied yet reserved and polished. Impressive finish for the estate with chocolate and light coffee bean. Pure merlot."   95-97 Neal Martin for Vinous "The 2022 Lagrange was picked between 8 and 30 September, it ages in 60% new oak for a planned 21 months. It has an almost clinical bouquet, with very well defined blackberry and blueberry fruit, graphite and crushed stone. Quite a gap in quality between this and the Fiefs de Lagrange this year. The palate is extremely pure with cashmere tannins, black cherry fruit infused by...

James Suckling 92 points. Really clear aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries with dried flowers and sandalwood. It’s full-to medium-bodied, yet with very tight, refined tannins that run the length of the finish. Second wine of Lagrange. Very well done. Best after 2024.

  93-94 points James Suckling  A medium-bodied red with redcurrant, crushed-stone and earth character, following through to fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced.   (5/2022)  93 points Wine Advocate  The first vintage vinified in the Barton family's new winery, the 2021 Langoa Barton is immensely promising, offering up aromas of cassis, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and black truffle, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless palate that's deep and complete, its vibrant core of fruit framed by ripe tannins and lively acids. (WK)   (4/2022)  93...

Decanter 95 points The deep, dark black-purple color isn't quite opaque. The nose shows lovely, intense, slightly meaty, high ripeness, dark-fruit. The palate is fresh & medium to full-bodied with ripe, rich black-fruit opening superbly. The rich structure is supple & ripe, balancing the wine's warming alcohol. Elegantly handled oak shows as exotic spices on a long & structured finish. The finish balances juicy dark-fruit fruit, gripping tannins & chocolatey suppleness. 04/23 DCAMW.

96-98 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2020 Larcis Ducasse has a deep purple-black color, leaping from the glass with bold notions of redcurrant jelly, plum preserves, kirsch and red roses, followed by hints of licorice, fragrant earth and spice cake, with a touch of woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with fragrant red berries and profound black fruit preserves, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and lovely tension, finishing very long and fantastically layered. Absolutely, stunningly singular." 05/21 #BORD

VNM94 Vinous, February 2024 The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced. -- Antonio Galloni    #BORD

91-93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2020 Larrivet Haut-Brion displays a deep garnet-purple color and exuberant scents of kirsch, black cherry preserves, stewed plums and warm cassis, plus hints of cinnamon stick and ground cloves with a waft of wilted roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of red and black fruit preserves, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.” 05/21. #BORD