France

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

"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

Vinous Media 96 points. The 2023 Haut-Bages Libéral is a potent, virile wine. In many vintages, Haut-Bages Libéral is a bit more pliant and inviting, but the 2023 is a wine that is going to need time to come around. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, leather, lavender, licorice, incense and gravel. The 2023 was aged for 16 months in 40% new barrels, 40% once-filled barrels and 20% in a mix of amphora and concrete ovals. I can't wait to see how this ages.   Drinking Window:  2030 - 2053 Reviewer Name:  Antonio Galloni Review Date:  13th March 2026

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.

94-95  James Suckling  A medium- to full-bodied red with beautiful dark and blue fruit and an array of fine grained, silky tannins. Refined and lingering. Very attractive and textural. From biodynamically grown grapes.   Review Date:  19th April 2023

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, 98-100 points. This is an exceptional Haut-Brion, offering juice and elegant balance alongside classically structured layers, generous but restrained, sense of architecture and building blocks of a truly great Left Bank wine. Rippling with sinewy muscles, juicy and controlled, packed with cocoa bean, espresso, liouqorice root, but none of these flavours dominate, knitted together, with a vertical lift. 100% new oak, Jean-Philippe Delmas director, Jean-Philippe Masclef technical director, no outside consultant.   Drinking Window:  2035 - 2050 Reviewer Name:  Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux Review...

James Suckling 96-97 points. Dark berries, spicy herbs and sea shell undertones. Graphite, too. Ripe but fresh and crunchy with medium to full body and firm, very fine, linear tannins. Long and mineral and delicate on the finish. Really attractive. Review Date:  19th April 2023.   Wine Advocate 94+ points. As usual, this estate crafted another sensual, delicate wine in a region where power and austerity are often the norm. The 2022 Haut-Marbuzet reveals an elegant, seductive bouquet of licorice, dark berries, cherries and flowers mingled with barely noticeable oak. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's enveloping...

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.     #BORD20

  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...

Fresh and fine with tight-grained, lightly stemmy tannins. Violets, raspberries, currants and orange zest. Medium-bodied, tight and fine. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. 93/94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, May 2022   #BORD

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...

Located in the heart of Pauillac, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a celebrated Fifth Growth known for its consistency and classic "Pauillac" soul. The estate is situated on a high gravel ridge—the "Grand Puy"—which provides exceptional natural drainage. Under the long-standing stewardship of the Borie family, the property has maintained a reputation for producing wines of great longevity and precision. The 2022 vintage is a powerhouse for the estate, showcasing a dense core of fruit supported by the high-quality tannins characteristic of this hot, dry growing season. Tasting Notes: The 2022 vintage opens...

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, 98-100 points. This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined...

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 #BORD20

Deep, dark, ruby-red colour. Quite a closed pencil- shaving, graphite and cassis nose. The palate has clean cassis and graphite notes but is a little closed & linear. There is balanced alcohol & the tannins close it up quickly. Hopefully it will open nicely given time. Decanter Nov 2023.   jamessuckling.com | JS 92 Published: Feb 8, 2015 Firm and balanced with blueberries, blackberries and hints of citrus and minerals. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Best after 2017.   

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 #BORD20

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...

Decanter 95 poiints  Another great vintage from Lagrange. Strongly scented, lots of Cabernet markers, liquorice, toast, cedar, tobacco, some dark chocolate and dark bramble fruit - blackcurrants and blueberries with perfumed accents too. Smooth and supple, almost velvety on the palate, this has a thickness of fine tannins, and plump fruit with a great juiciness. A touch of bitterness on the finish - some iodine notes, oyster shell salinity and some oak toast. I like the plump, almost fleshy aspect, balancing the acidity with a hint of sweetness.   Drinking Window:  2029 - 2042 Reviewer Name:  Georgina Hindle Review...

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 #BORD20

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

Vinous Media 95+. The 2023 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of total understatement and class, Laroque sizzles with all of the tension that is such a signature of the limestone parcels. In some recent vintages, Laroque has been more charming at the outset. The 2023, on the other hand, is a wine that is going to require a few years in bottle to be at its finest. Tasted two times.   Drinking Window:  2033 - 2053 Reviewer Name:  Antonio Galloni Review Date:  13th March 2026

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

JS 95 jamessuckling.com, January 2023 Aromas of crushed blackcurrants and cherries with dried Provence herbs, lavender, raw walnuts and spiced cedar. Graphite, too. Full and muscular with a broad-shouldered, velvety tannin structure that goes on for minutes. Textured and chalky with a lingering finish. Very polished. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot and 5% petit verdot. Try after 2027.  JD 95 jebdunnuck.com, March 2023 Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2020 Château Lascombes is clearly another brilliant wine from this château that readers will love. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a classic bouquet of cassis, dried...

Wine Enthusiast 94 points.   "This estate, on the edge of the village of Martillac, has produced a fine, structured wine. The wood aging has lent its polish, giving the wine richness alongside the acidity as well as good potential. Drink from 2027. "   91-93 points Vinous  The 2021 Latour-Martillac has an attractive nose: brambly red fruit, loam and light cedar scents. Maybe conservative in style, yet it conveys purity and terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and fine acidity. A slightly more sinewy Pessac-Léognan, yet it coheres in the glass. Its substance suggests that it will repay...

Its Origins Chateau Latour Martillac is one of the most recognizable chateaux in Pessac Leognan. This is because of the famous tower that rests in front of the chateau. In fact, the tower is where the property found the first part of its name. While the property was first developed in the 12th century, the tower is the only section from the original, small, fortified castle. The modern era here begins in the early 1940s. At that point in time, the vineyards were increased in size. Much of the new land was devoted to red wine grapes. In 1955 Jean Kressman became the owner of LaTour Martillac. He managed it for his father starting in 1940....

Pomerol Vinous | Rating: 96 The 2019 Le Bon Pasteur is different in style to previous vintages, and I mean that in a positive sense. This is very elegant and classic in style, pure dark cherry and blueberry fruit entwined with a touch of truffle. The palate is well balanced with gentle grip, slightly chalky in texture with well judged acidity, harmonious with a creamier finish, a hint of salted liquorice lingering on the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted three times with consistent notes. Drink Dates: 2024-2045 Author: Neal Martin James Suckling | Rating: 96 A tight, focused red with blackberry and dark-chocolate character. It’s...

  94-95 points James Suckling  This is a very balanced and pretty wine with ultra-fine tannins that are integrated and persist through the wine. It’s medium-bodied with lovely length and depth. A focused and thought-provoking wine for the vintage.   (5/2022)  93-95 points Vinous  The 2021 Le Bon Pasteur was impressive both times I tasted it. Vibrant and deep, the 2021 offers up generous red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, spice, mint and licorice, all with a sense of exoticism that is hard to miss. There's a feeling of real energy and vibrancy I don't recall seeing here previously. The...

96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: “Aromas of dark berries, ash, tar, blackcurrants and lead pencil, following through to a medium to full body, with firm and integrated tannins and a medium, chewy finish. Needs four to six years to soften and come together. Very tight and nicely structured. Try in 2027 and onwards.” 01/23. Wine Spectator 96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "A bold, strapping young wine, with vivid plum, cassis, kirsch and black licorice notes that meld steadily as they cruise through, carried by a bolt of graphite and finishing with a flourish of violet, anise and apple wood....

Decanter: 94 points “Heady on the nose, perfumed and scented. The palate is alive and playful, delivering high acidity but also focused fruit so it's both lightly framed and fun, but also savoury and serious. Smooth and silky tannins give the gentle frame, letting the strawberry, creamy raspberry and red cherry fruit do the talking. It's unfussy, all the elements to the fore but all well balanced with a charming texture overall and persistence of high-toned red berry fruits with saline sides. Hints of green pepper, black pepper, slate and pencil lead on the finish. I like this a lot! Drinking Window 2026 – 2048.”...

Jane Anson 97 points. Step into the heart of what St Julien does best here, firm and muscular but thoroughly juicy tannins, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruits that are mature but full of finesse, with just the right amount of precision and tension. This is a wine where a single glass will not be enough, and reminds you that in 2022 the wines were exceptional but atypical for many Bordeaux lovers. Here you get an understated gloriously drinkable St Julien from long-term owners the Barton family that will go the distance. 60% new oak for ageing.   Drinking Window:  2033 - 2048 Reviewer Name:  Jane Anson Review...

James Suckling 99 points. So subtle and complex, with aromas of violets, lavender, dark roses and fresh currants. Very open. A wonderful hint of herbs. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a multilayered texture to his and a savory, succulent finish that emphasizes brightness and length. Tangy and vivid at the end. Primary and pure. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 4% merlot. Best after 2028, but exciting to taste now.   Review Date:  30th December 2025.

95-96 points James Suckling  This is very typical for St.-Julien with violets, berries, blackcurrants and crushed stone. Medium to full body with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Powdery tannins and a rich finish. Velvety texture.  (5/2022)  95 points Decanter  Beautifully fragranced on the nose - floral-edged ripe bramble fruits. Nicely detailed and presents, despite a clear youthful tannic structure this has layers of flavour with ripe and sweet fruit nuances balanced by a mineral grip, salty touches and cool fresh mint leaf notes. It's more of a contemplative wine, needing a few minutes...

Jane Anson, Inside Burgundy, 98 points. Brilliant Poyferré, deep ruby colour, setting the scene for ink, campfire, espresso, mint, cassis and damson. Concentrated but with a delicious balance, this feels effortless and is truly a wine for Bordeaux lovers to seek out. Harvest September 14 to October 5. 80% new oak, 52hl/h yields, biggest since 2004, with more 1st wine than usual because the old Cabernet Sauvignon plots gave quality and quantity (after three low quantity years). Alix Combes new vineyard manager, replacing long time manager Bruno Clenet.   Drinking Window:  2033 - 2048 Reviewer Name:  Jane Anson Inside...

DC 100 Decanter, January 2023 The best 2020s seem to be confident without showing off or shouting too loudly and this Carmes does just that. Focused and precise, this is complex and characterful, rich yet vibrant with a texture and taste that makes an impact straight away. Fresh black fruits, floral notes and sensational minerality do the talking - it has weight, density and structure - broad and bold yet svelte, it has direction and persistence, building quickly then settling and elongating with such clarity and purity. This is a wine you want to drink. Cool, classic, sharp and decisive with a flawless texture. Whereas 2019 was more...

Wine Advocate 95 points. The 2021 Les Carmes Haut-Brion has turned out beautifully in bottle, though it is more introverted and brooding than it appeared during en primeur tastings, unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries mingled with spices, loamy soil, licorice, rose petals, gentian and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, with a concentrated core of fruit framed by ripe but abundant structuring tannins and bright acids, it concludes with a long, palate-staining finish. As readers may remember, it's a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. Published:  Feb 09, 2024.  ...

James Suckling 98-99 points. This is a fantastic wine and very, very exciting, with purity and brightness to the floral, spicy and blackberry notes. "Aromas of spices, sweet tobacco, earth, tar, flint, rose petals, fresh basil and bay leaves come through clearly. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and focused palate and open-grained tannins that are integrated and lightly dry. So savory, juicy and spicy. 60% whole-cluster fermentation. 50% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. From organically grown grapes. Already so delicious but better in two or three years and well beyond." -  James Suckling  ...

James Suckling 92-93. "Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, faint brightening on rim. Black wild berry fruit underlaid with fine fine wood savouriness, floral nuances, a hint of liquorice and cassis. Juicy, ripe sweet cherry, freshly structured, ripe tannins, lemony-mineral on the aftertaste." - 91/100, Falstaff. #BORD20

This is a very structured red with lots of blackberry, currant, walnut and graphite. Full-bodied and long. Nice chewiness. 72% cabernet sauvignon, the rest merlot. Score: 94 - 95James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 23 May 2021.   #BORD20

Extremely well done  with a full body and nicely integrated tannins that give this tension and power.  The structure is wonderful . Minty. Chocolate-covered coffee beans. Serious but fun. ~94-95 JS.

96-97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "This is really cool to smell, with lead pencil shavings, iron filings and oyster shells. Blackcurrants, too. Full to medium body with layers of firm tannins, but a dusty and powdery texture, too. Lovely finish. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc." 05/22   #BORD

93-94 points James Suckling  A very fresh and juicy red with a medium body and supple, soft tannins. Vibrant red-berry fruit with pretty spice notes. Raspberries and licorice with some salted chocolate. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot and 1% cabernet franc.   (5/2022)  93 points Decanter  Beautiful aromatics, richly scented with a ton of black fruits on the nose. Bright and fun, this has great fruit expression. It's edging on high toned, so you get that sharp hit of fruit rather than dense and plush but it has such clarity and precision of tannins, fine and softly gripping the mouth. Well worked and...

Jeb Dunnuck 99 points. Awesome levels of blackcurrants, darker cherries, roasted herbs, chocolate, and scorched earth all emerge from the 2022 Château Malartic-Lagravière, an incredibly concentrated, rich, layered beauty that has velvety tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. It's easily the finest I've tasted from this château and is a riveting 2022 that deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will keep for two decades or more. The 2022 is based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, with the élevage spanning 20 months in 60% new French oak....

Rated 95 by Vinous Media The 2021 Malescot St. Exupéry is another terrific wine from a property that has been trending towards finesse. The 2021 represents another step in that direction, helped by the vintage, of course. Red cherry, iron, blood orange, spice, tobacco and cedar build as this mid-weight, savory Margaux shows off its considerable charms. Pretty floral top notes accent the finish. Tasted two times. Rated 95 by James Suckling A tight and focused young red with redcurrant and blackberry character. It’s medium-bodied with racy and fine tannins and a linear, focused finish. Lots going on, yet it’s tight and...