James Suckling (97-98)

This is so full of energy. It’s full-bodied with electrified tannins and a long, long finish. So polish and focus here with exquisite balance and length.

James Suckling (97-98)

This is so full of energy. It’s full-bodied with electrified tannins and a long, long finish. So polish and focus here with exquisite balance and length.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91-93)

The 2020 Clos La Gaffelière is a super attractive second wine. It is a bit darker and more overt than the Grand Vin, both of which lend quite a bit of immediacy. Black cherry, plum, spice, chocolate and leather build nicely in the glass. This supple, juicy Saint-Émilion will drink well right out of the gate.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94-96)

The 2023 La Gaffeliere is very pure and floral on the nose, with black cherries intermingling with violet and iris flower scents. The new oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and layers of lightly spiced black fruit. Cedar and graphite furnish the poised but persistent finish. This is another in a succession of impressive wines from this estate that just oozes sensuality. Superb.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94-96)

The 2023 La Gaffeliere is very pure and floral on the nose, with black cherries intermingling with violet and iris flower scents. The new oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and layers of lightly spiced black fruit. Cedar and graphite furnish the poised but persistent finish. This is another in a succession of impressive wines from this estate that just oozes sensuality. Superb.

Savour the grandeur of the Bordeaux region with the exceptional Clos La Madeleine 2007. This striking red wine originates from the iconic Saint-Émilion sub-region, famed for its rich, diverse wine heritage. Produced in only small quantities, Clos La Madeleine 2007 truly is the epitome of substance over volume. Aged in French oak barrels and comprised of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this stunning vintage preens with depth, layered with a tantalising bouquet of ripe red fruits and subtle spice.

The historic vineyard, overlooking the Dordogne, boasts an optimal terroir, bestowing a notable elegance upon the final product. Each bottle is a testament to the meticulous cultivation techniques implemented at the vineyard, ensuring a unique wine expression with each harvest. Succumbing to its profound allure, experts laud the Clos La Madeleine 2007 for its full-bodied richness, refined tannins, and long, seductive finish. For the discerning palate desiring a classical Bordeaux experience, this vintage is quite simply, incomparable.

Discover the Clos La Madeleine 2020, a masterpiece originating from Saint Emilion, perfect for the discerning wine connoisseur. Clos La Madeleine is a distinguished producer, renowned for the remarkable quality achieved from its small vineyard plots. With 2019 marking a shift towards entirely organic practices, they consistently achieve excellence in every bottle. Clos La Madeleine 2020, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, exhibits exquisite structure and enticing bouquet. Its nuanced layers unfold with tantalising hints of ripe fruit, specifically black plum and blackberry, interlaced with subtle hints of cocoa and fine tobacco undertones grounded with classic forest floor notes.

This vintage offers a remarkable level of finesse that is undeniably spellbinding. The Clos La Madeleine 2020, with its expertly crafted balance and nuanced varietal expression, is a shining testament to the exceptional terroir of Saint Emilion. An absolute must for any connoisseur in search of an illustrious Bordeaux experience.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2012 Clos Saint-Julien is a deep, powerful wine. Inky crème de cassis, wild flowers, mint, lavender and sage are some of the notes that burst forward as this deep, opulent wine shows off its personality. Clos Saint-Julien is more obvious and juicy than proprietor Catherine Papon-Nouvel's Petit Gravet Ainé. This small property is planted to 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.

Experience the epitome of exquisite, tailor-crafted wine with the Clos Saint Julien 2013. Revered for its finesse, it is an irreplaceable testament to the rich terroir of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. This exemplary wine manifests meticulous winemaking by Catherine Papon Nouvel, a third-generation vigneron revered in the industry.

Clos Saint Julien 2013 is an assertive union of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With 18 months in French oak, it boasts complex layers of succulent fruit and velvety tannins. Exhibiting an intoxicating bouquet of black currant, plum, and graphite, it is punctuated with a lingering spicy finish with light toast nuances.

Uncompromising commitment and organic farming techniques are evident in the vigorous health of the vine and the purity of the fruit. You’re not merely buying a bottle of wine with the Clos Saint Julien 2013; you're investing in a narrative of vinicultural passion symbolising French winemaking at its finest.

Experience the epitome of exquisite, tailor-crafted wine with the Clos Saint Julien 2013. Revered for its finesse, it is an irreplaceable testament to the rich terroir of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. This exemplary wine manifests meticulous winemaking by Catherine Papon Nouvel, a third-generation vigneron revered in the industry.

Clos Saint Julien 2013 is an assertive union of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With 18 months in French oak, it boasts complex layers of succulent fruit and velvety tannins. Exhibiting an intoxicating bouquet of black currant, plum, and graphite, it is punctuated with a lingering spicy finish with light toast nuances.

Uncompromising commitment and organic farming techniques are evident in the vigorous health of the vine and the purity of the fruit. You’re not merely buying a bottle of wine with the Clos Saint Julien 2013; you're investing in a narrative of vinicultural passion symbolising French winemaking at its finest.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

Catherine Papon-Nouvel's 2014 Clos Saint Julien is a deep, richly textured wine from Saint-Émilion's plateau. Super-ripe black cherry, smoke, licorice, menthol, chocolate and torrefaction notes build as the 2014 opens up in the glass. Seamless and full-throttle to the core, the Saint Julien possesses tremendous midpalate intensity and richness. Even so, there is plenty of supporting minerality to back things up. Stylistically, the Clos Saint Julien is quite a bit riper and more overt in feel than the Cabernet Franc-dominated Petit Gravet Ainé. The blend is 60 % Merlot and 40 % Cabernet Franc.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

Catherine Papon-Nouvel's 2014 Clos Saint Julien is a deep, richly textured wine from Saint-Émilion's plateau. Super-ripe black cherry, smoke, licorice, menthol, chocolate and torrefaction notes build as the 2014 opens up in the glass. Seamless and full-throttle to the core, the Saint Julien possesses tremendous midpalate intensity and richness. Even so, there is plenty of supporting minerality to back things up. Stylistically, the Clos Saint Julien is quite a bit riper and more overt in feel than the Cabernet Franc-dominated Petit Gravet Ainé. The blend is 60 % Merlot and 40 % Cabernet Franc.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2016 Clos Saint-Julien is gorgeous and also quite a bit more reserved than it was from barrel. Voluptuous and racy, with remarkable freshness, the 2016 has so much to offer. A rush of black cherry, violet, lavender and spice builds as this sensual, caressing Saint-Émilion shows off its personality. The purity of the fruit and the wine's sheer harmony both make for a fabulous drinking experience.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2017 Clos Saint Julien is a total knockout. Lavender, mint, inky dark fruit, spice, licorice, chocolate and leather all open up in the glass, but it is the wine's nuance and total sense of precision that impresses most. A wine of great delineation, the 2017 is simply brilliant. Don't miss it.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2017 Clos Saint Julien is a total knockout. Lavender, mint, inky dark fruit, spice, licorice, chocolate and leather all open up in the glass, but it is the wine's nuance and total sense of precision that impresses most. A wine of great delineation, the 2017 is simply brilliant. Don't miss it.

Wine Advocate (95)

A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine has an extraordinary purity and vivaciousness in 2009. Dense ruby/purple, with beautiful black currant and black cherry notes as well as hints of raspberry and spring flowers, despite the fact that 100% new French oak is used, it is completely buried beneath a cascade of glorious fruit. The wine is extremely aromatic, with great intensity and beautiful balance. Unlike most vintages, it is somewhat accessible because of the vintage’s low acidity and higher alcohols and should drink well for up to 20 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89)

The 2011 Clos Saint-Martin was inevitably going to be a comedown from the previous pair of vintages. This is more conservative and more tertiary in style, with less forward fruit; a touch of cinnamon in the background lends some intrigue. The palate is medium-bodied and clearly more approachable and pliant than the 2010. Commendable in terms of the weight and grip on the entry, though it does taper quickly and leaves you desiring more length on the finish. As such, I would open bottles in the near future and not cellar for too long. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.

Vinous - Neal Martin (86)

The 2013 Clos Saint-Martin cannot disguise the shortcomings of that challenging growing season on the nose, where it is short on fruit concentration and intensity, though fresh and without greenness. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite supple tannins that frame the slightly dry black fruit. However, it feels somewhat hollow and short on the finish, and therefore bottles should be consumed in the near future. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90+)

The 2014 Clos Saint Martin has a reduced nose that is difficult to shake from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a light touch of spice, harmonious if just missing a little complexity towards the finish. It actually improves with aeration and I will give this the benefit of the doubt. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

Sophie Fourcade's 2015 Clos Saint Martin has turned out beautifully. Dense, pliant and impeccably layered, it also offers a good bit of freshness to play off the sweet red stone fruit flavors. I especially like the brightness here, especially in 2015, where it is easy for wines to be out of balance. A closing flourish of sweet red cherry and raspberry fruit leaves a lasting impression. Tasted three times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2016 Clos Saint-Martin is absolutely gorgeous. Rich and sumptuous, the 2016 possesses exquisite balance and a sense of poise that is impossible to miss. Silky tannins and layered, ripe fruit give the 2016 tons of raciness. Dark red cherry fruit, blood orange, flowers and a hint of spice are some of the strands that come together in this alluring Saint-Émilion. The 2016 will be virtually impossible to resist in its youth. Today, it is flat-out gorgeous. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2017 Clos Saint-Martin is superb. Rich, racy and flamboyantly ripe, the 2017 is a real head-turner. Super-ripe red plum, blood orange, spice, mint and star anise all pulse through a juicy, Saint-Émilion built on textural lushness. I would prefer to cellar the 2017 to allow some of the baby fat to melt away, but the 2017 is an undeniably alluring and racy wine with a bright future. Today, it is a total pleasure bomb, but not at all overdone. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2017 Clos Saint-Martin is superb. Rich, racy and flamboyantly ripe, the 2017 is a real head-turner. Super-ripe red plum, blood orange, spice, mint and star anise all pulse through a juicy, Saint-Émilion built on textural lushness. I would prefer to cellar the 2017 to allow some of the baby fat to melt away, but the 2017 is an undeniably alluring and racy wine with a bright future. Today, it is a total pleasure bomb, but not at all overdone. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2018 Clos Saint-Martin is racy, supple and so expressive. Crushed flowers, mint, blood orange and raspberry all build with a bit of time in the glass, framed by ripe, silky tannins that make the 2018 a pure joy to taste today. The 2018 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but also has the depth and verve to drink well for a number of years. It's a terrific effort from proprietor Sophie Fourcade.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

The 2019 Clos Saint-Martin comes from a tiny vineyard of clay and limestone soils and is mostly Merlot blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. This deep purple-hued beauty boasts a rocking nose of darker currants, ripe black cherries, mulberries, chocolaty oak, iron, and bloody meat. It's deep, rich, and full-bodied on the palate and has a round, voluptuous mouthfeel, flawless balance, layered tannins, and a great, great finish. It's a stunning bottle of wine that already offers pleasure yet is going to gain complexity and nuance with 5-7 years of bottle age and keep for 30 years or more. This estate continues to be a hidden gem in just about every vintage and is well worth snatching up by savvy readers.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2020 Clos Saint-Martin is quite simply a different wine from what I tasted en primeur. Racy and yet super-finessed, the 2020 is a Saint-Émilion of exquisite beauty. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. Medium in body yet deep, with mind-blowing balance, Clos Saint-Martin is a flat-out stunner.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)

The 2021 Clos Saint-Martin is a heady, exuberant wine, even in this challenging vintage. Clos Saint-Martin stands out for its mid-palate sweetness and generosity. Ripe red plum, blood orange, spice and rose petal give the 2021 an exotic flair that is hard to miss. This is a fine effort for the year. Terrific.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)

The 2022 Clos Saint-Martin comes from a tiny 1.3-hectare vineyard of clay and limestone soils and is based on 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Glass-staining purple-hued, with powerful aromatics of pure cassis, blackberries, spicy oak, graphite, and chalky minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, concentrated mid-palate, remarkable purity, and one hell of a great finish. This is another absolutely brilliant Saint-Emilion that readers will love to have in their cellar. Tasted twice.

James Suckling (94-95)

I like the build up in the finish of this classy, medium- to full-bodied wine. Offers currant and berry fruit, as well as integrated, fine and velvety tannins. Caressing at the end.

The curtain raiser vintage of Collines de L'If has a deep ruby colour. The first nose reveals dense red fruits with hints of spice and fresh blonde leaf tobacco both enhanced by chalky notes. The mouth is tender, silky with smooth tannins. The wine boasts a balanced finish that lasts, with again notes if fresh red fruits.