Wine Advocate (96)

The 2017 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain is very deep purple-black colored and gives expressive black cherries, kirsch, warm blackberries and boysenberry scents with touches of sawdust, red roses, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of stewed tea. Full-bodied, the palate reveals a lot of depth with tons of red and black fruit layers and savory accents, framed by ripe, firm, grainy tannins, finishing with a refreshing lift and some mineral notions coming through.

Wine Advocate (96+)

Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain was aged for 22 months in oak, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a lifted, perfumed nose of red roses, kirsch, red plums and red currant jelly, followed by hints of mulberries, pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular red fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of earthy sparks. 547 cases were made.

Experience the elegant and riveting charm of the Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2012, a high-calibre vintage from the renowned Beaujolais region of France. This superb varietal, painstakingly crafted by esteemed producer Fabien Duperray, boasts impeccable balance, finesse, and depth. A luminary in the French winemaking scene, Duperray is famed for his rigorous selection process, indulging only in old vines and manual harvesting to ensure maximum flavour and quality.

The Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2012 exudes opulent floral and red fruit aromas, underpinned by a vivacious minerality and spicy complexity earned through 24 months of oak-ageing. Its lingering finish, remarkable freshness, and poised texture truly reflect the impeccable terroir of Fleurie's Chapel of Wood. A testament to the producer's scrupulous methods and year-long dedication, this wine radiates elegance and sophistication, captivating the palates of discerning wine enthusiasts. Savour the refined brilliance of the Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2012 to elevate any gastronomic experience.

Experience the epitome of Beauijolais grandeur with the Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2020. Produced in the spellbinding vineyards of Fleurie, in the heart of the French Beaujolais region, this exquisite wine is the brainchild of meticulous viticulturist, Fabien Duperray. Employing organic practices in the lush hillside vineyards, Duperray meticulously nurtures Gamay grapes, compromising nothing in the pursuit of impeccable quality. This exquisite Fleurie is aged in Burgundian barrels adding to its complex structure and enhancing the purity of the Gamay fruit.

The Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2020 titillates with a profound bouquet of crushed black cherries, wild berries and spices, underpinned by subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, it boasts a silky yet generous body with a vibrant acidity and mineral-infused finish that elegantly lingers. This remarkable blend showcases the distinctive charm and meticulous craft that Jules Desjourneys wines are renowned for. Truly a quintessential Beaujolais indulgence.

James Suckling (91)

This is racy for a 2006 with plenty of tobacco, berries and hints of mushroom. Light, stylish earthy character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a pretty finish with lovely tension. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (96)

This shows an enchanting nose of roses, violets and other flowers. It's also fruity but very subtle. A full-body, super-structured red with an excellent backbone of ripe yet firm tannins. Goes on for minutes. Don’t touch for five or six years. Try in 2019.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2014 La Lagune has a tightly wound bouquet that may have closed down since I last tasted it. It begins to open with blackberry, graphite and wet limestone scents, quite strict and focused, but very well defined and showing great clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, and density with a little chalkiness showing towards the second half. I like the tension and energy, lingering long in the mouth. It will need several years in bottle but it will be worth the wait. Tasted at the La Lagune vertical at the château.

Decanter (94)

The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.

Decanter (94)

The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.

Decanter (94)

The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.

Decanter (93)

Now certified organic, and converting to biodynamics from this year. It displays a confident weight to the damson fruits that are hugely elegant and well placed. A little closed when tasted on two occasions, and the high Petit Verdot content of this wine is no doubt contributing to its slight austerity at this stage, but it also brings that beautifully welcome whoosh of black fruit spicing. Very good quality, elegant and long-ageing, just a dash below the exceptional 2015.

Decanter (93)

Now certified organic, and converting to biodynamics from this year. It displays a confident weight to the damson fruits that are hugely elegant and well placed. A little closed when tasted on two occasions, and the high Petit Verdot content of this wine is no doubt contributing to its slight austerity at this stage, but it also brings that beautifully welcome whoosh of black fruit spicing. Very good quality, elegant and long-ageing, just a dash below the exceptional 2015.

Decanter (93)

Now certified organic, and converting to biodynamics from this year. It displays a confident weight to the damson fruits that are hugely elegant and well placed. A little closed when tasted on two occasions, and the high Petit Verdot content of this wine is no doubt contributing to its slight austerity at this stage, but it also brings that beautifully welcome whoosh of black fruit spicing. Very good quality, elegant and long-ageing, just a dash below the exceptional 2015.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2017 La Lagune is powerful and dense, but also a bit rough around the edges. Tobacco, game, licorice, smoke and dried flowers along with big, coarse tannins give the 2017 its decidedly hearty feel. Even so, there is quite a bit of complexity and plenty of personality. The 2017 is not exactly finessed, but it has a lot going on. The 2017 needs time to come together, but it is promising, that is for sure.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

James Suckling (93-94)

A firm, polished red with tight, focused tannins that flow across the palate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with good length and a gorgeous finish. From organically grown grapes.

James Suckling (93-94)

A firm, polished red with tight, focused tannins that flow across the palate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with good length and a gorgeous finish. From organically grown grapes.

James Suckling (93-94)

Fresh and fine with tight-grained, lightly stemmy tannins. Violets, raspberries, currants and orange zest. Medium-bodied, tight and fine. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling (93-94)

Fresh and fine with tight-grained, lightly stemmy tannins. Violets, raspberries, currants and orange zest. Medium-bodied, tight and fine. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is long and fresh with a linear feeling to the rich fruit, showing plums, redcurrants and spices, with chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. This is the first year being certified biodynamic from Demeter and furthermore, La Lagune is always excellent in hot years.

James Suckling (94-95)

A subtle yet plush La Lagune with black olives, blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnut. Medium body with fine, polished tannins and a savory finish. There's a crunchy feel to it and it’s layered and deep at the end. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot. No petit verdot.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2019 La Louvière has an impressive bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, cedar and sandalwood scents, full of gusto and fine definition. The oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, crisp and taut, with fine tannins and a focused, fresh, classically styled finish that shows finesse and persistence. Superb.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2020 La Louvière is a gorgeous, complex wine. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, incense, dried herbs and gravel meld into a core of dark red berry fruit. Brambly and savory, the 2020 has a ton to offer. This mid-weight Pessac-Léognan is an absolute delight. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.