Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-93)

The 2016 Le Plus de La Fleur de Boüard is every bit as promising as it has always been. Still in barrel, La Fleur possesses tremendous richness and pure power. Dark red cherry, plum, chocolate, torrefaction, spice and menthol all develop in the glass. I am not sure about the extended barrel aging for Le Plus, but time will ultimately be the judge of that.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)

The 2020 Le Plus de La Fleur de Boüard is one of the best editions of this cuvée I have tasted. I am not sure about the extended élevage in barrel, but there is no denying the beauty and purity of the fruit. Black cherry, menthol, licorice, spice and chocolate build effortlessly in the glass. The 2020 is hugely promising.

Discover the exemplary Le Puy Emilien 2019, a rich product straight from the revered Château le Puy in Bordeaux's Saint-Cibard region. This magnificent wine is a hallmark representation of the region's centuries-old winemaking tradition. Crafted from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and a hint of Malbec, it exhibits a melange of ripe fruit, accented by delicate hints of spice.

In your glass, its ruby glow is a true testament to the natural vinification process - no added yeasts, no filtration, purely driven by gravity. Produced by the Amoreau family, vignerons since 1610, the voyage of the Le Puy Emilien 2019 from vineyard to bottle is guided by lunar and cosmic rhythms, aligning with biodynamic viticulture.

Treat your palate to the splendid Le Puy Emilien 2019, a symphony of refined balance, supple tannins, expressing the true essence of Bordeaux terroir.

Originating in the prestigious Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, France, Mazeyres Le Seuil de Mazeyres 2020 represents a superb example of finesse and structure. This exceptional wine is crafted from a blend of 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak barrels for a period of 14 months, culminating in an intense, balanced palate. The renowned Château de Mazeyres, recognised for their commitment to sustainability and biodynamic methods, oversees its production.

The Mazeyres Le Seuil de Mazeyres 2020 exhibits an impeccably deep colour, releasing rich aromas of black cherries, truffle, and a kiss of minerality. On tasting, vivid fruit flavours are elegantly partnered with lingering spice notes, embodying an exquisite complexity. The lasting finish and supple tannins certify it as a classic offering from Château de Mazeyres. Savour the quality of Mazeyres Le Seuil de Mazeyres 2020, a testament to superb French winemaking.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 1982 Léoville Barton has a slightly feral nose compared to its peers, probably due to some Brettanomyces, leaning towards Rhône in style, with hints of coffee granules that, frankly, are a bit off-putting. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly crunchy texture, plenty of black fruit intermixed with cedar and tobacco, showing some dryness on the finish. But this does improve markedly in the glass, cohering and the aromatics dispensing with some of their animal elements, prompting me to raise my initially parsimonious score. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)

Deep ruby-red. Black cherry, blackcurrant and graphite on the nose. Fresh and intensely flavored; dense and thick for the vintage but with an essential gentleness. Finishes fresh and long, with tannins covered by fruit. Excellent for the vintage.

Pressing every advantage afforded by the conditions of 2000, Léoville Barton produced an exceptionally long-lived and aristocratic wine, only just beginning to approach its recommended drinking window – this is classical Bordeaux after all! “This is a behemoth” in the words of Parker, who found that even in 2010 with a decade of age the St-Julien was a “broodingly backward” wine which “makes a mockery of many modern-day consumers wanting a wine for immediate gratification”. A further decade on and this Léoville Barton is finally beginning to unfurl its immense majesty to reveal its classic notes of cassis, cedarwood and dark fruits with impeccably constructed tannins. Parker ends his note, accompanied by a score of 95+ points, with the advice that “those who bought it should continue to exercise patience and be proud to own a wonderful classic with five decades of longevity ahead of it”.

James Suckling (98)

This has intense aromas of souis bois, mushroom, flowers, spices and ripe berry tart. Full and very rich, with layers of round tannins and intense flavors. This is opulent and wild. So good for a baby but wait until 2017.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Power and elegance merge effortlessly in this superb wine. Its pure black currant fruit is tightly coiled, supported by just the right amount of firm tannins. Great aging potential. A triumph.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

95-97 Barrel sample. New wood aromas, follow with solid, dark fruits. This is a powerful wine, which shows elegance and structure together and in balance. A beautiful wine for long-term aging.