France

From an estate that is delivering its greatest run of vintages since the superb Post War series that preceded the frosts of 1956, the 2022 Canon is a magical wine that will be worth every effort to track down. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, wild plums and cherries mingled with hints of bay leaf, spices and violets, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with huge levels of concentration, vibrant acids and beautifully refined tannins. Concluding with a long, saline finish, this pure, perfumed and ineffably complete Canon is built for the ages, even if its structural polish is such that it will be approachable...

James Suckling 99-100 points. This is so elegant and sophisticated already, with a really electric presence and length that goes on and on. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intensity of tannins. It remains weightless and energetic. The pH is 3.41, making this a vivid and lively wine. Currant, orange and stone. Sea salt, too. The limestone soils created a unique wine here in 2023. A blend of 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc.   Review Date:  22nd April 2024. The Wine Independent 98-100 points. A blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Canon has a pH of 3.42 and it will age in barriques for 16-18 months, of which...

Chateau  Cantemerle  is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux and its woodland setting is amongst the most beautiful in the  Medoc . They produce about 25,000 cases of Chateau Cantemerle per year, a medium bodied elegantly styled Bordeaux that drinks well young and in its first two decades. James Suckling 93-94 points. "Crushed berries and walnuts with red-chili and mushroom notes. It’s medium-to full-bodied and soft. Juicy at the end. Ripe tannins and good balance."  

James Suckling 93-94 points. "Lots of richness and fruit for this winery, showing blackberry, blackcurrant and dark-chocolate character. It’s full and layered. Well done."   Review Date:  19th April 2021.

Wine Advocate 93 points. The 2021 Cantenac Brown has turned out very nicely in bottle, wafting from the glass with notes of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of menthol, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with a layered core of fruit, sweet tannins and nicely integrated acids, it concludes with a delicately vanillin-inflected finish. This strong performance in a challenging season underlines this property's upward trajectory. "We've never had so many people put in so many man-hours in the vineyard," observed José Sanfins, who has directed this Margaux château since...

Very attractive red with blackberry and blackcurrant aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins. Pretty purity to this. 91-92 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com May 2021. #BORD

"On the nose, fruity, elegant and offers a nice ripe/sparkling fruit, gourmandize, good definition and fine concentration. It reveals notes of fleshy/ripe black currant, bursting boysenberry and more lightly violet combined with hints of morello cherry, fleshy blue berry, licorice stick as well as subtle touches of cardamom, graphite and a subtle waft of tea. On the palate, fruity, balanced and offers a mineral/fine acid framework, juiciness, elegance as well as gourmandize, richness, concentration, energy, sweetness and density/blackness. The wine expresses pulpy/juicy blackberry, ripe dark berry and more lightly violet notes with...

Wine Advocate 98+ points. Composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, yields for the grand vin in 2017 were 43 hectoliters per hectare, and it was aged in 60% new oak. It came in at an alcohol of 13% and an IPT of 68. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cos d'Estournel needs a little coaxing to unfurl, revealing beautiful expressions of preserved plums, boysenberries, blackcurrant pastilles and wild blueberries with hints of Indian spices, menthol, lilacs and mossy tree bark plus a compelling suggestion of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins...

Jeb Dunnuck 99 points. Based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, the deep purple-hued 2020 Chateau Cos D'Estournel has, dare I say, an almost Lafite-like sense of elegance and class, offering gorgeous cassis and darker currants fruits as well as tobacco, lead pencil, acacia flowers, and graphite. Hitting 13.46 alcohol, with a pH of 3.9 and an IPT of 80, this flawless, full-bodied, incredible elegant Saint-Estephe has silky tannins, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. It will need a decade of cellaring to hit its prime drink window. Of the trilogy of 2018, 2019, and 2020, it's clearly my favorite (that’s splitting...

WE 98 Wine Enthusiast, June 2022 (WE 96–98 points) For the vintage, this is a big wine. Big in all the senses, giving juicy black fruits and powerful tannins. The fruit also exudes great concentration. It will take many years to develop fully. ROGER VOSS JL 96 TheWineCellarInsider.com, March 2024 Dried flowers, smoke, licorice, Indian spices, black cherries, plums , chocolate, and a hint of blue fruit shows up with ease in the perfume. The palate is the wine shines. Here, you find layers of supple, creamy ripe, black and red fruits, polished textures, creamy, soft tannins and a finish that builds and lingers with its waves if fruit and...

A structured and generous red wine from Pauillac The estate Château Croizet-Bages , a 5th Classified Growth of  Pauillac , was founded in the 17th century. Bolstered by its prestige, the Château stood out during the universal exhibitions of the 19th century. In 1942, the estate was purchased by a merchant by the name of Paul Quié, whose family is still at the head of this prestigious property today. The vineyard This 27-hectare vineyard on the left bank of  Bordeaux  is situated on the Bages plateau. The vines, aged 35 years on average, are planted in deep gravel and gravelly sand soils. The winemaking and...

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 2022 Vintage Tasted: May 2023 Dark pit fruits, blackberries, flowers, and cocoa create the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, sweet, polished and fresh. On the medium-bodied palate, the fruits are ripe, sweet and long, leaving you with a touch of salty chalk on the back end of the creamy finish. The wine is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.3% ABV. Drink from 2025-2038. 93-95 Pts.

96 points. jamessuckling.com, March 2021 Aromas of blackberry, plum, cocoa, iodine, clove and graphite. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Tightly wound and mineral at the moment, with dusty gravel and graphite notes, yet with focus and precision. Such balance and harmony for the vintage. Try from 2025.    #BORD

96 points. jamessuckling.com, March 2021 Aromas of blackberry, plum, cocoa, iodine, clove and graphite. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Tightly wound and mineral at the moment, with dusty gravel and graphite notes, yet with focus and precision. Such balance and harmony for the vintage. Try from 2025. 

James Suckling 97 points. "Fresh currants and raspberries pop out of the glass, together with oranges and cedar. Such purity of fruit in the nose. Full-bodied, yet so refined and vertical. It goes deep and long with tight, compressed tannins that are pure and exciting. Really tight and focused. Precise. Try after 2026." (JS)   Wine Advocate 96 points. "d'Issan has been on a roll lately with 2019 marking another step-up in quality. The wine is full-bodied, silky, fresh, vibrant, pure and lively. The nose is packed with wet earth, herbs, flowers, tobacco, espresso and ripe, sweet, red berries. There is serious lift and...

96 points, Decanter. "This is a sinewy, powerful and forward-moving wine with a sense of momentum. Moreish, with the elegance and plump damson fruits that Issan delivers so well, but more muscular than some years with the impact of both Petit Verdot and Malbec that are in the blend for the first time in this vintage. These add layers of spice and the overall architecture is clear. Peony and violet notes add a kick upwards on the finish, this has a delicacy even though it is intense. Less Cabernet in the blend in 2020 than in 2019, as is often the case in the Médoc due to low yields. This new blend in Issan will be seen going...

  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  

James Suckling Wine of the Year 2025, 98 points. This is really luxurious, showing blackcurrants and orange peel with cedar and dried-mushroom aromas following through to a medium to full body that grows on the palate. This has crunchy and lightly chewy tannins that are slightly austere but in an elegant, classical Bordeaux way. Chewy at the end. So much energy and vibe. So complex. Probably the greatest wine ever from here. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2028 but already a joy to taste. Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider, 96 points. Violets, black cherries,...

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...

  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.  

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

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...

"Flowers, red currants and cedar create the nose, while layers of soft, fresh, ripe, dusty red and black currants with touches of olives and savory herbs hit your palate. The tannins are ripe. There is good freshness, weight and the fruits express purity. The wine ends with a refined, polished, mildly dusty finish. Drink from 2025-2040. 94 Points" -  Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 points. The 2020 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse is a brilliant, powerful, age-worthy Pauillac that will reward bottle age. Blackcurrants, tobacco, cedar pencil, and chocolate are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a dense, mouth-filling texture, plenty of ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It’s not the most elegant Pauillac out there, but it has quintessential aromatics, structure, and density, and is beautifully done, as well as incredibly satisfying. It will probably take a decade of bottle age to hit maturity, and it should have 30-40 years of overall longevity....

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,...

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.

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

  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