Vinous - Neal Martin (99)

The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has one of the more opulent aromatic profiles amongst the flight of Pauillac wines, displaying black cherries, cassis, graphite and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a silver bead of acidity. Silky smooth in texture, this retains impressive composure toward the finish, handling the weight of fruit with class. It improves with each swirl, though the bottle I tasted just after bottling had a touch more precision. Nevertheless, this a fabulous Pauillac that flirts with perfection. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88)

The 2020 Plince has a relatively straightforward nose compared to its fellow Pomerol crus, slightly tertiary black fruit, perhaps a little more herbaceous in style. The palate has a light frame of tannins, drier and a tad more austere in style but with a fresh graphite-tinged finish emanating from the 16% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, the 2020 Potensac displays a little more opulence on the nose compared to other vintages. This is certainly true in bottle, though it retains a sense of composure, mainly red fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannins, crisp acidity, just a touch of licorice infusing the mixture of red and black fruit, a welcome tarriness imparting some classic Claret notes on the finish. A fine Potensac.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, the 2020 Potensac displays a little more opulence on the nose compared to other vintages. This is certainly true in bottle, though it retains a sense of composure, mainly red fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannins, crisp acidity, just a touch of licorice infusing the mixture of red and black fruit, a welcome tarriness imparting some classic Claret notes on the finish. A fine Potensac.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, the 2020 Potensac displays a little more opulence on the nose compared to other vintages. This is certainly true in bottle, though it retains a sense of composure, mainly red fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannins, crisp acidity, just a touch of licorice infusing the mixture of red and black fruit, a welcome tarriness imparting some classic Claret notes on the finish. A fine Potensac.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, the 2020 Potensac displays a little more opulence on the nose compared to other vintages. This is certainly true in bottle, though it retains a sense of composure, mainly red fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannins, crisp acidity, just a touch of licorice infusing the mixture of red and black fruit, a welcome tarriness imparting some classic Claret notes on the finish. A fine Potensac.

James Suckling (94-95)

A dense, layered red with blackberry, tar, asphalt and spice character. Medium-to full-bodied with wonderful, polished and creamy tannins. Chewy and fine. Potentially one of the best in a long time.

James Suckling (94-95)

A dense, layered red with blackberry, tar, asphalt and spice character. Medium-to full-bodied with wonderful, polished and creamy tannins. Chewy and fine. Potentially one of the best in a long time.

James Suckling (94-95)

A dense, layered red with blackberry, tar, asphalt and spice character. Medium-to full-bodied with wonderful, polished and creamy tannins. Chewy and fine. Potentially one of the best in a long time.

James Suckling (94-95)

A dense, layered red with blackberry, tar, asphalt and spice character. Medium-to full-bodied with wonderful, polished and creamy tannins. Chewy and fine. Potentially one of the best in a long time.

James Suckling (94-95)

A dense, layered red with blackberry, tar, asphalt and spice character. Medium-to full-bodied with wonderful, polished and creamy tannins. Chewy and fine. Potentially one of the best in a long time.

The Prieure Marzelle 2020 is a meticulously handcrafted gem of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, which stands as an exemplary reflection of the region's prodigious viticultural prowess. This elegant wine is the proud embodiment of delicate craftsmanship and rigorous vineyard management from the acclaimed Prieure Marzelle estate.

The Prieure Marzelle 2020 portrays a superior quality blend, primarily featuring Merlot with the subtle sophistication of Cabernet Franc. The generous 2020 summer bestowed full ripeness to the grapes, thus producing a wine with a perfect balance of intensifying fruit aromas and velvety tannins, harmonised by a rejuvenating acidity.

This extraordinary vin de garde offers a fascinating palate layered with dark fruits, subtle mineral nuances, and an endearing hint of French oak. Aged meticulously in new barrels, the Prieure Marzelle 2020 promises an intricate and lingering finish, a testament to its ageing potential. Doubtlessly, the purest expression of the terroir, this wine stands as a benchmark in the realm of fine wines.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is really something with pure blackberry and blueberry character. Chewy yet ultra fine tannins. It goes on and on. Could challenge the great 2016.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is really something with pure blackberry and blueberry character. Chewy yet ultra fine tannins. It goes on and on. Could challenge the great 2016.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is really something with pure blackberry and blueberry character. Chewy yet ultra fine tannins. It goes on and on. Could challenge the great 2016.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is really something with pure blackberry and blueberry character. Chewy yet ultra fine tannins. It goes on and on. Could challenge the great 2016.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is really something with pure blackberry and blueberry character. Chewy yet ultra fine tannins. It goes on and on. Could challenge the great 2016.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2020 Puygueraud has a very satisfying and harmonious nose: blackberry, briary, freshly rolled tobacco and light truffle scents, nicely focused and composed. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, as I found in barrel. Quite Left Bank in style with graphite notes towards the finish with a briny aftertaste. Excellent.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)

The 2020 Puygueraud Blanc is full of lemon peel, almond, dried flowers, apricot and chamomile. Light and gracious, with pretty tropical overtones, it is impeccably rendered and all the elements are nicely balanced.