James Suckling (99)

Ripe black fruit, clove, licorice, pine and walnut husk on the nose. Bitter chocolate and coffee, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Muscular and very formed. Energetic and precise with long, chewy layers and lots of depth, structure and polish. Superb. Needs time. Try from 2026.

James Suckling (99)

Ripe black fruit, clove, licorice, pine and walnut husk on the nose. Bitter chocolate and coffee, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Muscular and very formed. Energetic and precise with long, chewy layers and lots of depth, structure and polish. Superb. Needs time. Try from 2026.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (99)

The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (99)

The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (99)

The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique!

Wine Advocate (91-93)

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The Graviere 2018 is a fine wine epitomising the celebrated terroir of Bordeaux, France. Crafted by the seasoned winemakers at Château Graviere, this classic red blend comprises predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Harvested at perfect ripeness, the grapes provide a well-rounded flavour profile and distinct character to Graviere 2018. Precisely crafted using traditional winemaking techniques, the wine reflects the rich heritage of its acclaimed vineyards. This vintage presents an expressive nose of dark fruits, while the palate is elegantly layered with nuances of ripe cherry, truffle, and a touch of earthiness. A notable balance of silky tannins and vibrant acidity give it a striking length unseen in contemporaries.

Graviere 2018, with its exceptional structure, shows promise of longevity and will continue to evolve in the cellar. The elegant complexities of this sublime Bordeaux wine render it ideal to accompany a gourmet meal, making each sip an unforgettable indulgence. A celebrated expression of the region's winemaking prowess.

Wine Advocate (88-90)

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The Wine Independent (100)

La Mission Haut-Brion 2018 has a deep garnet-purple color. It slowly unfurls to offer notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and Morello cherries, leading to hints of menthol, cedar, pencil lead, and roses, plus a touch of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, rich and opulent on the palate, it is jam-packed with juicy black fruits and loads of fragrant accents, supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and earthy.

The Wine Independent (100)

La Mission Haut-Brion 2018 has a deep garnet-purple color. It slowly unfurls to offer notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and Morello cherries, leading to hints of menthol, cedar, pencil lead, and roses, plus a touch of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, rich and opulent on the palate, it is jam-packed with juicy black fruits and loads of fragrant accents, supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and earthy.

The Wine Independent (100)

La Mission Haut-Brion 2018 has a deep garnet-purple color. It slowly unfurls to offer notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and Morello cherries, leading to hints of menthol, cedar, pencil lead, and roses, plus a touch of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, rich and opulent on the palate, it is jam-packed with juicy black fruits and loads of fragrant accents, supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and earthy.

Vinous - Neal Martin (96)

Tasted side by side, the 2018 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is unequivocally a few steps ahead of the 2018 Haut-Brion Blanc. I made sure to decant my bottle for three hours before penning a single note, as it always demands aeration. Slightly deeper in color, which is nothing unusual, it has a more complex bouquet of yellow fruit, peach skin, almond shavings, hazelnut and light lanolin notes, all beautifully defined. The palate is extremely well balanced with a tangy, marmalade-tinged entry, dried honey and a slight pepperiness toward the finish. Very cohesive and focused, this is a marvelous, quite cerebral La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc. Superb.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

La Pensee 2018 is a vintage masterpiece, meticulously crafted in the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion, France. Renowned for an impeccable blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this panache wine embodies the true spirit of its terroir. Its origin, Château Coutet, boasts a lineage of wine-making dating back to Roman times, making each bottle a testament to centuries-old tradition and expertise. The 2018 vintage indulges your senses with a delicate bouquet of ripe, red fruits complemented by subtle undertones of earthy spices.

La Pensee 2018 undergoes a strict vinification process that enhances its uniqueness. Aged in French oak barrels, it develops a structured yet sophisticated character that is an emblem of Saint-Émilion's terroir. The hand-harvesting and meticulous selection ensure that only the most superior grapes are chosen, delivering a wine that lives up to Château Coutet's stellar reputation.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is very tight and long for Petite Église with a very compact and focused palate. Medium-to full-bodied, compressed palate with ripe tannins that are firm and fresh.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is a very solid La Pointe with tight and powerful tannins, backing up the ripe and dark fruit. Big, full and juicy.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is a very solid La Pointe with tight and powerful tannins, backing up the ripe and dark fruit. Big, full and juicy.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is a very solid La Pointe with tight and powerful tannins, backing up the ripe and dark fruit. Big, full and juicy.