Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)

One of the biggest successes on the upper plateau is the 2020 Château Clos Fourtet, and it does everything right in the vintage. A magical, perfumed bouquet of red plums, black cherries, white truffle, and white flowers just screams Saint-Emilion, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, a dense mid-palate, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality on the palate. Building incrementally with time in the glass, this is thrilling stuff that should offer some up-front appeal in its youth yet benefit from 7-8 years in the cellar and keep for 30 years or more. Bravo! The blend is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc that’s still resting in 50% new French oak.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2001 Clos Haut-Peyraguey has a relatively high-toned, showy bouquet, much more floral than its peers, featuring yellow flowers, dandelion, mirabelle and saffron scents. The palate is cohesive with a fine bead of acidity, delivering nectarine, apricot and hints of elderflower. Spice, ginger and lemongrass notes emerge toward the finish, which lingers wonderfully. After a slow start, this turns into quite a compelling Sauternes.

James Suckling (94-95)

A very fine-tannined red with currant, berry, violet and dried orange peel. Medium body, firm tannins and a linear finish. Very fine and pretty. This will age nicely. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94-96)

The 2023 La Gaffeliere is very pure and floral on the nose, with black cherries intermingling with violet and iris flower scents. The new oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and layers of lightly spiced black fruit. Cedar and graphite furnish the poised but persistent finish. This is another in a succession of impressive wines from this estate that just oozes sensuality. Superb.

Savour the grandeur of the Bordeaux region with the exceptional Clos La Madeleine 2007. This striking red wine originates from the iconic Saint-Émilion sub-region, famed for its rich, diverse wine heritage. Produced in only small quantities, Clos La Madeleine 2007 truly is the epitome of substance over volume. Aged in French oak barrels and comprised of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this stunning vintage preens with depth, layered with a tantalising bouquet of ripe red fruits and subtle spice.

The historic vineyard, overlooking the Dordogne, boasts an optimal terroir, bestowing a notable elegance upon the final product. Each bottle is a testament to the meticulous cultivation techniques implemented at the vineyard, ensuring a unique wine expression with each harvest. Succumbing to its profound allure, experts laud the Clos La Madeleine 2007 for its full-bodied richness, refined tannins, and long, seductive finish. For the discerning palate desiring a classical Bordeaux experience, this vintage is quite simply, incomparable.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

No secret that I am a fan of this small production, high quality estate in the Médoc region, owned by Françoise and Stéphane Dief. Once again here it shows you why. This is absolutely staying in the lines of 2022 in terms of its full-on inky colour, but there are vibrant violet edges, and this feels sleek but restrained. A real standout, leaning into the vintage with its clearly ripe dark fruits and plush chocolate and liquorice lacing, but never feeling over the top. A buy.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)

This stands out from the first nose, has sinewy tannins, textured bilberry and blackberry fruits, savoury liqourice and tobacco, slate tannins and a juicy finish. Accomplished and confident, one to look out for. Stephane Dief owner, 35% new oak for ageing, plus 6% amphora.

The Clos Margalaine 2013 is an elegant interpretation of the celebrated Pauillac appellation. This exquisite blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot marries intensity with finesse in a symphony of dark berry and cedar undertones. The harmonious blend spent 12 months in seasoned French oak, adding layers of complex character to the final cuvée.

This exceptional vintage hails from the renowned wine district of Bordeaux, where the specific terroir nurtures the uniqueness of every grape variety.

Clos Margalaine is borne out of the dedication of Château Margaux's team, spearheaded by Margaux’s esteemed Director, Philippe Bascaules. Their commitment to lasting sustainability practices unsurprisingly led to the birth of this gem, displaying once again their mastery in winemaking.

Perfect for discerning palates, the Clos Margalaine 2013 is an embodiment of finely crafted Bordeaux, aged to perfection and indicative of the brilliance behind each bottle.

The distinguished Clos Rene 1995 is a coveted gem among fine wine enthusiasts. Birthed in the illustrious vineyards of Pomerol, Bordeaux, it reflects the timeless mastery of the Milhade family. Steeped in 300 years of viticultural heritage, the Milhades have artfully crafted this vintage, nurturing its intoxicating character.

A product of a noble terroir, Clos Rene 1995 is exquisitely balanced, marrying 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Malbec grapes. These varietals intertwine to form a rich tapestry of black currant, earth, and subtle spice. Cellaring for a duration allows the wine to unfurl its complexity over time. It possesses an unparalleled depth that has tantalised tastebuds since its inception.

Being low yielding grapes from 40-year-old vines, Clos Rene 1995 is quite rare. Therefore, its velvety finish, coupled with its alluring bouquet, marks it as a must-have addition for any discerning collector. Truly, it's not just a wine, it's a testament to an illustrious legacy.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

The 2020 Clos René showed beautifully, with a pure, elegant style offering lots of cassis and black cherry fruits as well as notes of Christmas spice, flowers, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe, present tannins, it's very much in the style of this ripe yet fresh, lively vintage.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2012 Clos Saint-Julien is a deep, powerful wine. Inky crème de cassis, wild flowers, mint, lavender and sage are some of the notes that burst forward as this deep, opulent wine shows off its personality. Clos Saint-Julien is more obvious and juicy than proprietor Catherine Papon-Nouvel's Petit Gravet Ainé. This small property is planted to 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.

Experience the epitome of exquisite, tailor-crafted wine with the Clos Saint Julien 2013. Revered for its finesse, it is an irreplaceable testament to the rich terroir of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. This exemplary wine manifests meticulous winemaking by Catherine Papon Nouvel, a third-generation vigneron revered in the industry.

Clos Saint Julien 2013 is an assertive union of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With 18 months in French oak, it boasts complex layers of succulent fruit and velvety tannins. Exhibiting an intoxicating bouquet of black currant, plum, and graphite, it is punctuated with a lingering spicy finish with light toast nuances.

Uncompromising commitment and organic farming techniques are evident in the vigorous health of the vine and the purity of the fruit. You’re not merely buying a bottle of wine with the Clos Saint Julien 2013; you're investing in a narrative of vinicultural passion symbolising French winemaking at its finest.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

Catherine Papon-Nouvel's 2014 Clos Saint Julien is a deep, richly textured wine from Saint-Émilion's plateau. Super-ripe black cherry, smoke, licorice, menthol, chocolate and torrefaction notes build as the 2014 opens up in the glass. Seamless and full-throttle to the core, the Saint Julien possesses tremendous midpalate intensity and richness. Even so, there is plenty of supporting minerality to back things up. Stylistically, the Clos Saint Julien is quite a bit riper and more overt in feel than the Cabernet Franc-dominated Petit Gravet Ainé. The blend is 60 % Merlot and 40 % Cabernet Franc.

Wine Advocate (95)

A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine has an extraordinary purity and vivaciousness in 2009. Dense ruby/purple, with beautiful black currant and black cherry notes as well as hints of raspberry and spring flowers, despite the fact that 100% new French oak is used, it is completely buried beneath a cascade of glorious fruit. The wine is extremely aromatic, with great intensity and beautiful balance. Unlike most vintages, it is somewhat accessible because of the vintage’s low acidity and higher alcohols and should drink well for up to 20 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89)

The 2011 Clos Saint-Martin was inevitably going to be a comedown from the previous pair of vintages. This is more conservative and more tertiary in style, with less forward fruit; a touch of cinnamon in the background lends some intrigue. The palate is medium-bodied and clearly more approachable and pliant than the 2010. Commendable in terms of the weight and grip on the entry, though it does taper quickly and leaves you desiring more length on the finish. As such, I would open bottles in the near future and not cellar for too long. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.

Crafted from sumptuously ripe Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Closerie Saint Roc Rouge 2018 hails from the renowned Bordeaux region of France. This opulent red wine is the creation of the respected Les Vignerons de Tutiac winery, who takes a meticulous, handcrafted approach in the vineyard. Closerie Saint Roc Rouge 2018 is known for its impeccably balanced flavour profile, sporting rich berry nuances intertwined with subtle spice and oak undertones, a testament to 18 months of careful oak barrel aging.

Full-bodied yet velvety, it complements hearty roasts and succulent steak beautifully, its bright acidity and firm tannins ensuring a robust structure and long-lasting finish. As a vintage year, 2018 was highly favourable, leading to a Closerie Saint Roc Rouge that radiates charm, elegance, and a depth of flavour that encompasses the very essence of superior French viticulture.

The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 captivates with its entrancing allure. As a second wine from the illustrious Château Prieuré-Lichine estate in the prominent Margaux appellation, it reflects the well-respected terroir of Bordeaux with elegance. The vintners skilfully concoct a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, which endows the libation with its complex, multi-faceted character. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 is matured in 30% new oak barrels for a period of 14 months, resulting in a harmonious fusion of fruit and oak, culminating in stunning depth and balance.

Savour the wine's expressive bouquet draped in blackcurrant, cherry, and spicy oak. It delivers a smooth, rounded palate adorned with well-integrated, ripe tannins. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 is a superb reflection of Margaux's extraordinary terroir and the exceptional expertise housed within the revered Château Prieuré-Lichine estate.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89)

The 2019 Connetable de Talbot has a perfumed, well-defined bouquet with a skip in its step, featuring red berry fruit, cinnamon and touches of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. This is a well-balanced Connetable with a bit more body than previous vintages, slightly savory in style and maybe missing a little length. But as a Deuxième Vin, it works well. 13.8% alcohol

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2020 Connétable Talbot is matured in 15% new oak. It has a fresh blackberry and briary scented nose with tobacco scents emerging with time. The palate is fresh and energetic, quite chiseled tannins, a little chalky in texture with a graphite-tinged finish. This punches above my expectations and is well worth seeking out.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

I loved this bottle of 1982 Cos d'Estournel, and it was easily the best bottle I’ve had of this wine, which has always shown slightly tired and over the hill for me. It shows classic, even youthful notes of lead pencil, currants and saddle leather, was full-bodied, had beautiful depth of fruit, and a great, great finish, all pointing to a fully mature yet grand Saint Estephe. Drink up.

Wine Spectator (91)

Dense and powerful with tobacco, cherry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm with a long finish. Needs time; try after 1998.--The Bordeaux 50. -JS

Wine Advocate (83)

The 1987 is fully mature, displaying a toasty, weedy bouquet, light body, some soft, ripe fruit, low acidity, and a short but pleasant finish. It should be consumed over the next 4 years. Last tasted, 7/93.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)

(a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; aging in 80% new oak) Bright ruby. Pure, precise aromas of cassis, minerals, violet and fresh herbs, with an exotic note of curry that Prats says is from very ripe cabernet sauvignon. Wonderfully sweet and dense, with urgent fruit showing strong tobacco and spice notes and an almost exotic ripeness. But this has the fresh acidity to buffer its high sugars. A wine of great aromatic depth and verve, finishing with firm, thoroughly ripe tannins and superb persistence. Like so many 2002s, this is not yet showing much evidence of new oak. A potentially great vintage for this chateau.

James Suckling (99)

The purity of fruit to this is fascinating with plums, currants and other dark fruits. Then there is another layer of spices and chocolate. So much cassis. Full and very layered with chewy polished tannins and a long, long finish. Just starting to open. Changes all the time. Still needs a year or two but gorgeous to drink already.

Wine Advocate (94)

Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, opening with enticing scents of rosemary-crusted roast lamb, dried cherries, baked blackcurrants and mincemeat pie with touches of fallen leaves, cigar box and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, lively and elegantly played in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of chewy tannins and plenty of mineral accents on the long finish.

Wine Spectator (92)

Showing very well, with creamy-edged plum and cassis flavors flecked with tobacco and warm paving stone notes, remaining quite fresh and supple through the finish. Not as dense at the top years, but shows lovely purity and balance.

Wine Advocate (95)

The medium to deep garnet colored 2008 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Pow! The nose explodes with notes of baked cherries, preserved plums, fried herbs, beef drippings and warm cassis with wafts of wood smoke, salami and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and earthy/savory in character, sporting beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Another magical wine from this property, the 2009 Château Cos D'Estournel reminds me slightly of the 2005 with its incredibly rich, powerful, opulent style married to stunning finesse and elegance. Still youthful yet with a touch of maturity, its deep ruby/plum color is followed by classic Saint-Estèphe notes of blackcurrants, dried tobacco, loamy earth, Asian spices, and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, and massive on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced and has building tannins hiding under its wealth of fruit, with no hard edges and a great, great finish. This tour de force is still 5-7 years away from maturity and is a legendary wine to follow over the coming 40-50 years.

Wine Advocate (99)

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Cos d'Estournel unfurls slowly, measuredly, releasing delicate notes of dried mulberries, stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles before giving way to notions of potpourri, black cherry compote and chocolate box plus touches of dried sage, tobacco and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid foundation of very firm, grainy tannins and very lively acidity supporting the remarkable intensity of tightly wound fruit layers, finishing very long and fragrant. Give it another 4-5 years in bottle and this will be stunning!

Wine Advocate (98+)

Composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, yields for the grand vin in 2017 were 43 hectoliters per hectare, and it was aged in 60% new oak. It came in at an alcohol of 13% and an IPT of 68. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cos d'Estournel needs a little coaxing to unfurl, revealing beautiful expressions of preserved plums, boysenberries, blackcurrant pastilles and wild blueberries with hints of Indian spices, menthol, lilacs and mossy tree bark plus a compelling suggestion of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and well-knit freshness supporting the tightly wound blue and black fruits layers, finishing long and fragrant. This wine will need a good 5-7 years in bottle before it begins to blossom and should go on for at least another 40 years. I expect this wine to be a blockbuster of a head-turner when I come back and taste it at 10 years of age!