Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)

A blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Château Pavie Decesse comes from the upper plateau, just above Château Pavie, and the soils here are more limestone based, with just a thin layer of clay over the bedrock, which tends to produce a more elegant, ethereal wine. Nevertheless, this brings serious richness and depth as well as full-bodied aromas and flavors of black cherries, currants, bouquet garni, crushed violets, and chalky minerality. Just stunning in every way, it has an expansive texture, the classic purity and elegance this cuvée always shows, and a monster of a finish.

James Suckling (95-96)

Second wine of Pavie with wonderful blackberry, black olive and dark chocolate. Full and chewy with a powerful finish. Lots of structure and intensity.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2020 Pavie Macquin is sensational. Rich, dark and explosive, the 2020 balances the natural richness that is such a signature of the estate with a level of energy and vibrancy I have not seen here in the recent past. The result is a towering, imposing Pavie Macquin that hugely delivers. In this vintage, regisseur Nicolas Thienpont did not use the Cabernet Sauvignon, so the blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc lending aromatic presence, energy and depth. What a total knock out!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2020 Pavie Macquin is sensational. Rich, dark and explosive, the 2020 balances the natural richness that is such a signature of the estate with a level of energy and vibrancy I have not seen here in the recent past. The result is a towering, imposing Pavie Macquin that hugely delivers. In this vintage, regisseur Nicolas Thienpont did not use the Cabernet Sauvignon, so the blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc lending aromatic presence, energy and depth. What a total knock out!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2020 Pavie Macquin is sensational. Rich, dark and explosive, the 2020 balances the natural richness that is such a signature of the estate with a level of energy and vibrancy I have not seen here in the recent past. The result is a towering, imposing Pavie Macquin that hugely delivers. In this vintage, regisseur Nicolas Thienpont did not use the Cabernet Sauvignon, so the blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc lending aromatic presence, energy and depth. What a total knock out!

James Suckling (96)

Lots of blue fruits and boysenberries, with redcurrants, forest floor and violets. Full and compacted with beautiful tension and focus, and fine and structured tannins. 100% merlot. From organically grown grapes.

James Suckling (96)

Lots of blue fruits and boysenberries, with redcurrants, forest floor and violets. Full and compacted with beautiful tension and focus, and fine and structured tannins. 100% merlot. From organically grown grapes.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88)

The 2020 Petit-Figeac has a tightly wound, pencil box-tinged bouquet that suggests there is more than the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. It's pretty Left Bank in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a graphite entry that dovetails into a fleshier mid-palate. The 30% new oak is neatly integrated with a healthy dash of black pepper on the finish. Fine.

The Peymouton 2020 is a remarkable St. Estèphe Bordeaux from the esteemed Château Peymouton vineyards. This distinguished drink is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, crafted with traditional winemaking methods. The grapes are hand-picked and meticulously sorted before undergoing aging in French oak barrels to confer an added depth of flavour and character. Hailing from the left bank of Bordeaux, Peymouton 2020 boasts an uncompromising expression of its terroir.

The nose is enthralling, evoking singular notes of ripe black fruit, spice, and hints of cocoa. The palate perfectly balances sweeping tannins with luscious fruit and a robust body that lingers delightfully. The producing family, with a lineage dating back to the 1800s, continues their passion and commitment to making exemplary wine. With a storied legacy behind it and exciting prospects ahead, the Peymouton 2020 typifies fine Bordeaux wine.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)

The 2020 Quinault L’Enclos contains no Cabernet Sauvignon this year due to mildew. It has an intense bouquet of black cherries, blueberry and crushed iris flower. The oak is neatly enmeshed and feels delineated and tensile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannins, and lightly spiced, with white pepper and sage seasoning the black fruit. Quite structured and powerful on the finish, this is a long-term Saint-Émilion that will benefit from several years in the cellar.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)

The 2020 Quinault L’Enclos contains no Cabernet Sauvignon this year due to mildew. It has an intense bouquet of black cherries, blueberry and crushed iris flower. The oak is neatly enmeshed and feels delineated and tensile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannins, and lightly spiced, with white pepper and sage seasoning the black fruit. Quite structured and powerful on the finish, this is a long-term Saint-Émilion that will benefit from several years in the cellar.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)

The 2020 Quinault L’Enclos contains no Cabernet Sauvignon this year due to mildew. It has an intense bouquet of black cherries, blueberry and crushed iris flower. The oak is neatly enmeshed and feels delineated and tensile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannins, and lightly spiced, with white pepper and sage seasoning the black fruit. Quite structured and powerful on the finish, this is a long-term Saint-Émilion that will benefit from several years in the cellar.

James Suckling (97-98)

Wow. This is very chalky and salty with lots of mineral character. It shows lots of purple fruit and firm tannins. Racy and bright. Chewy yet fine tannins. Gorgeous. Gets better and better.

James Suckling (97-98)

Wow. This is very chalky and salty with lots of mineral character. It shows lots of purple fruit and firm tannins. Racy and bright. Chewy yet fine tannins. Gorgeous. Gets better and better.

Indulge in exquisite taste with the Rocheyron 2020, a magnificent piece of work from the venerable Chateau Rocheyron estate. Set in the iconic terroir of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, this notable vineyard, owned by Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz, merges traditional viticulture with cutting-edge innovation. The Rocheyron 2020 exhibits a harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-selected during an exceptionally warm growing season. Each vine is treated with utmost respect, employing biodynamic farming practices to preserve the authentic character of the grapes.

The wine itself boasts a deep purple hue, complementing a complex aroma of ripe blackberries and nuanced spices. On the palate, it unfurls a rich, velvety texture with elegantly layered tannins and a refreshing minerality. The Rocheyron 2020 is a wine of superb structure and depth, reflecting the masterful craftsmanship of its producers and the grandeur of its place of origin.

Indulge in exquisite taste with the Rocheyron 2020, a magnificent piece of work from the venerable Chateau Rocheyron estate. Set in the iconic terroir of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, this notable vineyard, owned by Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz, merges traditional viticulture with cutting-edge innovation. The Rocheyron 2020 exhibits a harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-selected during an exceptionally warm growing season. Each vine is treated with utmost respect, employing biodynamic farming practices to preserve the authentic character of the grapes.

The wine itself boasts a deep purple hue, complementing a complex aroma of ripe blackberries and nuanced spices. On the palate, it unfurls a rich, velvety texture with elegantly layered tannins and a refreshing minerality. The Rocheyron 2020 is a wine of superb structure and depth, reflecting the masterful craftsmanship of its producers and the grandeur of its place of origin.

Indulge in exquisite taste with the Rocheyron 2020, a magnificent piece of work from the venerable Chateau Rocheyron estate. Set in the iconic terroir of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, this notable vineyard, owned by Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz, merges traditional viticulture with cutting-edge innovation. The Rocheyron 2020 exhibits a harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-selected during an exceptionally warm growing season. Each vine is treated with utmost respect, employing biodynamic farming practices to preserve the authentic character of the grapes.

The wine itself boasts a deep purple hue, complementing a complex aroma of ripe blackberries and nuanced spices. On the palate, it unfurls a rich, velvety texture with elegantly layered tannins and a refreshing minerality. The Rocheyron 2020 is a wine of superb structure and depth, reflecting the masterful craftsmanship of its producers and the grandeur of its place of origin.

James Suckling (94-95)

A gorgeous red with so much black fruit and salty, mineral character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and a long finish. The precision and fine texture is impressive. One of the best I have had for a while.

James Suckling (95-96)

A powerful and intense red with blackberry, blueberry and ultra fine chewy tannins. It’s so long and energetic. Dense center palate.

Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)

One of the wines of the vintage will be the 2020 Château Tertre Roteboeuf, which has its classic exotic, boisterous, incredibly sexy personality front and center. Cassis, smoked meats, vanilla, graphite, white truffle, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality are just some of the nuances here, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, incredibly purity, building tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. I followed this barrel sample for just under a week and it never showed a hint of oxidation or fatigue. This cuvée always shows lots of oak (it’s brought up in 100% new barrels), especially in its youth, but it is incredibly well-integrated and largely disappears once at full maturity. Hide bottles for 7-8 years if you can, and it’s going to keep for 30 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)

One of the wines of the vintage will be the 2020 Château Tertre Roteboeuf, which has its classic exotic, boisterous, incredibly sexy personality front and center. Cassis, smoked meats, vanilla, graphite, white truffle, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality are just some of the nuances here, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, incredibly purity, building tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. I followed this barrel sample for just under a week and it never showed a hint of oxidation or fatigue. This cuvée always shows lots of oak (it’s brought up in 100% new barrels), especially in its youth, but it is incredibly well-integrated and largely disappears once at full maturity. Hide bottles for 7-8 years if you can, and it’s going to keep for 30 years or more.

The Wine Cellar Insider (95-97)

Deep, and dark in color, and equally dark and deep in its fruit, the nose pops with perfectly ripe dark red and black fruits, licorice, smoke, cherry blossoms, crushed rocks and stones. The wine has depth, sensuality, luscious textures and layers of ripe,opulent fruits. The finish lingers with layers of black and red fruits with dark chocolate that feel as good as they taste. This could be the finest vintage of Tour Sant Christophe ever produced, and that is really saying something. The wine is made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. You can age for 20-25 years. Or if you like,you can also enjoy this on the young side.

The Wine Cellar Insider (95-97)

Deep, and dark in color, and equally dark and deep in its fruit, the nose pops with perfectly ripe dark red and black fruits, licorice, smoke, cherry blossoms, crushed rocks and stones. The wine has depth, sensuality, luscious textures and layers of ripe,opulent fruits. The finish lingers with layers of black and red fruits with dark chocolate that feel as good as they taste. This could be the finest vintage of Tour Sant Christophe ever produced, and that is really saying something. The wine is made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. You can age for 20-25 years. Or if you like,you can also enjoy this on the young side.

Decanter (100)

A sensational Troplong. Vibrant and vivid, this makes you smile from the first smell: milk chocolate, floral notes of roses and lavender, wet stones, liquorice, cinnamon and ripe bramble fruits. Round and thrilling on the palate, tannins are abundant with a chalky blueberry coolness while a salty tang settles around the mouth. Lovely precision and purity of fruit; you feel the sharp definition - still linear which makes it less immediately charming than the 2019 but giving undeniable complexity. Deep but not heady, this remains pure and detailed, with a leanness from the terroir really setting this apart. After a few minutes, the glamour starts to appear giving a salivating, succulent and moreish aspect to the finish. An absolute beauty.

Decanter (100)

A sensational Troplong. Vibrant and vivid, this makes you smile from the first smell: milk chocolate, floral notes of roses and lavender, wet stones, liquorice, cinnamon and ripe bramble fruits. Round and thrilling on the palate, tannins are abundant with a chalky blueberry coolness while a salty tang settles around the mouth. Lovely precision and purity of fruit; you feel the sharp definition - still linear which makes it less immediately charming than the 2019 but giving undeniable complexity. Deep but not heady, this remains pure and detailed, with a leanness from the terroir really setting this apart. After a few minutes, the glamour starts to appear giving a salivating, succulent and moreish aspect to the finish. An absolute beauty.

James Suckling (98-99)

Fantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight with great length. Chewy at the very end, indicating real structure. All about structure and length. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 49% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.