James Suckling (99-100)

This shows very intense, old-vine character with bark, black mushroom and dark fruit. Full-bodied and creamy with unique flavors of earth and fruit. Layered and soulful. The best Hosanna ever? Merlot and cabernet franc. 45% from old vines, dating from the late 1950s.

James Suckling (99-100)

This shows very intense, old-vine character with bark, black mushroom and dark fruit. Full-bodied and creamy with unique flavors of earth and fruit. Layered and soulful. The best Hosanna ever? Merlot and cabernet franc. 45% from old vines, dating from the late 1950s.

James Suckling (98)

Extremely aromatic and floral, showing dried violets and blackberry and strawberry character. Full-bodied and creamy with very fine tannins that give a caressing, silky texture that is long and persistent. Exotic in many ways but so polished. A wine of contrasts. Made from old vines. 74% merlot and 26% cabernet franc. Drink after 2029.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from 4.5 hectares of vines on blue clay and more iron-rich gravelly soils and aged 16-18 months in 50% new French oak, the 2023 Château Hosanna is absolutely gorgeous and one of the finest vintages from this château that I can remember. Crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spice wood, chocolate, and flowery nuances define the aromatics, and it's rich and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a seamless, layered, sensationally textured mouthfeel, polished, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It's just a classic, deep, layered, magical Pomerol that flirts with perfection. Hide bottles for 7-8 years if you can, and it will shine over the following 30 years or more. Drink 2033-2063.

Oozing with gravitas, the Hubert de Bouard Song by Bong 2020 is a transcendent expression of fine winemaking. Handcrafted in the revered vineyards of St. Emilion, France, by ace wine producer, Hubert de Bouard, this vintage is a testament to his extensive expertise and unfaltering devotion.

Produced from a thoughtful blend of meticulously sorted Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, the Hubert de Bouard Song by Bong 2020 is aged in French oak barrels, imparting a distinct, palate-pleasing nuance to its flavour profile. An opulent nose of ripe forest fruits and earthy spices entwines with sumptuous layers of black cherry, tobacco and fine leather on the palate. Subtle, velvety tannins heighten this full-bodied wine's allure.

As expert sommeliers concur, a bottle of Hubert de Bouard Song by Bong 2020 is not just wine – it's a song of passion, tradition, and exceptional craftsmanship resonating with each savoured sip.

Explore the true essence of exquisite French viticulture with the Jean Gue 2019, an elegant expression of craftsmanship and terroir. Originating from the emblematic vineyards of Bordeaux, this fine wine shines with its perfect balance of intensity and refinement. Jean Gue, a well-respected producer with an esteemed legacy in winemaking, has mastered the intricate process of vinification to bring forth this rich red wine.

The Jean Gue 2019 showcases deep ruby undertones and a flavour profile steeped in blackberry, cherry and an exquisite hint of spice. This premium Bordeaux boasts firm, velvety tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Maturation in French oak barrels extends depth and complexity, while the region-specific gravelly soil lends an appealing minerality. This rare treasure is a testament to the meticulous dedication in its creation, preparing your palate for an unforgettable experience with each sip.

Indulge yourself in the refined luxury of the Jean Gue 2019, a wine that resonates with the seamless interplay between the gifts of nature and skilful artistry.

Introducing the outstanding Jean Gue 2020, a distinct embodiment of French viticulture. Produced by the acclaimed Jean Gue vineyard, located in France's renowned wine region of Bordeaux, this splendid creation mirrors the richness of its origins. Methodically crafted under the meticulous supervision of expert vintners, the Jean Gue 2020 undergoes a rigorous winemaking process adhering to time-honoured French traditions.

Marvel at its deep ruby hue and succumb to an enchanting bouquet of ripe dark fruits, underscored by delicate smoky undertones. The wine possesses an impeccable balance of acidity and tannins, making for an elaborated complexity on the palate. Jean Gue’s meticulous viticultural philosophy, executed with precision, is the reason for this fine wine's extraordinary character. It's certain to captivate and impress any discerning fine wine connoisseur, rendering the Jean Gue 2020 an indispensable addition to any refined collection.

Jeb Dunnuck (93+)

The 2018 Château Jean Faure comes from vines in the northern part of Saint-Emilion, not far from Cheval Blanc, La Dominique, and Figeac. This area tends to have more clay in the soils, and the blend is 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. A dense purple hue is followed by a complex, nuanced bouquet of redcurrants, black cherries, lavender, green tobacco, sandalwood, and dried flowers. Exotic and nicely perfumed aromatically, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a silky, elegant texture, nicely polished tannins, and terrific overall balance. It deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and should drink brilliantly for 15 years or more from cold cellars.

Jeb Dunnuck (93+)

The 2018 Château Jean Faure comes from vines in the northern part of Saint-Emilion, not far from Cheval Blanc, La Dominique, and Figeac. This area tends to have more clay in the soils, and the blend is 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. A dense purple hue is followed by a complex, nuanced bouquet of redcurrants, black cherries, lavender, green tobacco, sandalwood, and dried flowers. Exotic and nicely perfumed aromatically, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a silky, elegant texture, nicely polished tannins, and terrific overall balance. It deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and should drink brilliantly for 15 years or more from cold cellars.

Wine Advocate (94)

A particular success for this Cabernet Franc-dominant estate situated next to Cheval Blanc, the 2020 Jean Faure bursts with aromas of cherries, minty blackberries, rose petals and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, it's supple and suave, its enveloping core of vibrant fruit concealing sweet, powdery tannins, concluding with an expansive, perfumed finish. This beautiful wine stands out for its perfume and its ultra-refined texture.

Indulge in the flawless elegance of the Jean Voisin 2015. A Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Jean Voisin demonstrates sophisticated craftsmanship that is the epitome of French winemaking. At the heart of Saint-Émilion, the Voisin family meticulously hand harvests and manually sorts each grape to ensure optimal ripeness and purity. The wine ferments in temperature-controlled vats and ages for 12 months in French oak barrels, developing a refined complexity and finessed structure.

The 2015 vintage showcases an exquisite balance of ripe, dark fruit complexities and velvety tannins, finishing with a lengthy and satisfying mineral-laden note. The winery’s commitment to sustainable viticulture, generation of family expertise and prime terroir are echoed in each drop. This is a wine truly representative of its prestigious heritage, showcasing an exceptional expression of elegance and power. The Jean Voisin 2015 is a perfect embodiment of Saint-Émilion's time-honoured tradition of excellence.

Vinous - Ian D'Agata (87-89)

Good bright ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate, along with some strong oak tones. At once dense and nicely aromatic, showing good breadth for the year but also the tougher tannins that characterize so many 2011s. Finishes with good length, though.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2016 Joanin Bécot has an agreeable blackberry and cedar bouquet with hints of blue fruit and Christmas cake. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannins, graphite-tinged black fruit and a slightly dry but weighty finish. It needs a couple of years to meld together, but I appreciate the balance of this Côtes de Castillon.

Jeb Dunnuck (90)

The 2017 Chateau Joanin Becot checks in as a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc from healthy yields of 35 hl/ha that spent 16 months in 50% new French ok. It has a juicy, forward, delicious style that offers lots of black cherry and mulberry fruit as well as plenty of earth, forest floor, and leafy herb aromas and flavors. This classic, elegant 2017 has terrific purity, bright acidity, a complex, layered style, and outstanding length. It's not a blockbuster but just classic all the way.

Jeb Dunnuck (93)

Emerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty.

Jancis Robinson (16)

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 20 hl/ha (half the usual volume due to hail). No SO2 (at this stage). Cask sample. Pretty floral nose with violet notes. Hint of boiled sweets/hard candy as well. Lively and fruity, the tannins well honed. Touch of oak from the prise de bois but should settle. (JL) 14%

Jancis Robinson (16)

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 20 hl/ha (half the usual volume due to hail). No SO2 (at this stage). Cask sample. Pretty floral nose with violet notes. Hint of boiled sweets/hard candy as well. Lively and fruity, the tannins well honed. Touch of oak from the prise de bois but should settle. (JL) 14%

Wine Advocate (92)

Crafted by Juliette Bécot (from Beau-Séjour Bécot) and her team, the 2021 Joanin Bécot unveils its potential with a delightful, vibrant and dynamic profile, enriched with notes of cherries, dark wild berries, peonies and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, lively and gourmand, it’s seamless and supple with a vibrant, juicy core of fruit and an ethereal, saline finish. As usual, this overperforming estate from clay-limestone soils has produced a wine that punches above its weight, representing a significant and commendable achievement for a modest Castillon appellation.