Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

Just as it was en primeur, the 2018 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is rich, sensual and enveloping. Silky tannins wrap around a core of blackberry jam, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather. All the elements are so well balanced in this sumptuous, racy Saint-Julien. A warm growing season yielded small berries and heady, concentrated flavors. This is such a gorgeous wine. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.

The 20 Mille 2018 is a superb insinuation of fine wine production. Tracing its roots to the esteemed vineyards in Bordeaux, the prowess of its renowned producer Chateau 20 Mille is charmingly evident. The wine undergoes meticulous vinification, starting with a hand-harvested selection of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The fermentation, which is careful to facilitate optimal extraction of tannins and aromatics, is followed by an 18-month maturation in oak barrels, enhancing depth and complexity.

On the palate, the 20 Mille 2018 encapsulates an exquisite balance of blackcurrant and dark cherry notes, intertwined with hints of vanilla and spice. Its silky tannins add to a lasting finish, exemplifying an eloquent expression of its terroir. The bottle's seductive charm proves why this Bordeaux wine is worth collecting, drawing accolades from connoisseurs globally. Honouring its namesake, the 20 Mille 2018 is a shining testament to the mastery of viticulture and the art of winemaking.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2018 Croizet-Bages has a fragrant, well-defined nose with the blackberry and briary notes that I observed from barrel; this is one of the most satisfying aromatics I have encountered from this Pauillac estate. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, plenty of graphite-infused black fruit and a fine bead of acidity. A little dry on the finish but quite persistent. This is a fine Croizet-Bages that should please those whose knees tremble at the thought of "classic" Left Bank Cabernet.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2018 Croizet-Bages has a fragrant, well-defined nose with the blackberry and briary notes that I observed from barrel; this is one of the most satisfying aromatics I have encountered from this Pauillac estate. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, plenty of graphite-infused black fruit and a fine bead of acidity. A little dry on the finish but quite persistent. This is a fine Croizet-Bages that should please those whose knees tremble at the thought of "classic" Left Bank Cabernet.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2018 Croizet-Bages has a fragrant, well-defined nose with the blackberry and briary notes that I observed from barrel; this is one of the most satisfying aromatics I have encountered from this Pauillac estate. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, plenty of graphite-infused black fruit and a fine bead of acidity. A little dry on the finish but quite persistent. This is a fine Croizet-Bages that should please those whose knees tremble at the thought of "classic" Left Bank Cabernet.

Embodying refinement and elegance, the Haut-Maco Cuvee Jean Bernard 2018 hails from Bordeaux's Côtes de Bourg region. This sublime blend invites indulgence with its rich berry notes, and smooth complex layers. Boasting 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this distinct wine has been aged 12 months in French oak barrels, under the watchful eye of vintner Jean-Bernard Lagneau. Vignobles Lagneau's commitment to artisanal tradition is boldly displayed in each bottle.

Revered Haut-Maco has a varied palette, showcasing exceptional soils, topography, and microclimate, imparting remarkable uniqueness in every glass. Their wines are known for strategic sorting and respect to terroir, which is ever-present in the Haut-Maco Cuvee Jean Bernard 2018. Marrying intensity, vibrant acidities and ripe tannins, this wine speaks of the vineyard's meticulous cultivation. Savour the classic Bordeaux nuances of dark fruit, cassis and coffee, as it delivers an unrivalled drinking experience. Passion and precision, your glass awaits the stalwart Haut-Maco Cuvee Jean Bernard 2018.

Embodying refinement and elegance, the Haut-Maco Cuvee Jean Bernard 2018 hails from Bordeaux's Côtes de Bourg region. This sublime blend invites indulgence with its rich berry notes, and smooth complex layers. Boasting 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this distinct wine has been aged 12 months in French oak barrels, under the watchful eye of vintner Jean-Bernard Lagneau. Vignobles Lagneau's commitment to artisanal tradition is boldly displayed in each bottle.

Revered Haut-Maco has a varied palette, showcasing exceptional soils, topography, and microclimate, imparting remarkable uniqueness in every glass. Their wines are known for strategic sorting and respect to terroir, which is ever-present in the Haut-Maco Cuvee Jean Bernard 2018. Marrying intensity, vibrant acidities and ripe tannins, this wine speaks of the vineyard's meticulous cultivation. Savour the classic Bordeaux nuances of dark fruit, cassis and coffee, as it delivers an unrivalled drinking experience. Passion and precision, your glass awaits the stalwart Haut-Maco Cuvee Jean Bernard 2018.

James Suckling (92-93)

There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.

James Suckling (92-93)

There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.

James Suckling (92-93)

There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.

Decanter (94)

This is clearly one of the most concentrated d’Armailhacs that has been produced in recent decades owing to the extremely small and concentrated berries, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested at the end of the growing season. It’s also one of the best, with clear personality and power, and although still the least complex of the three Pauillacs in the Mouton stable, it should offer the best value giving a ton of rich fruit and cigar box frisson. 5% Petit Verdot makes up the blend. 3.7pH. Tasted several times – always with the same impression.

James Suckling (96)

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 (96)

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 (96)

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 (96)

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 (96)

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.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.

Wine Advocate (92-94+)

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Wine Advocate (88-90)

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