Château Léoville-Las Cases
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[99-100]
Two samples tasted at two different times and two different places, two certainties : the wine is an absolute epitome in Bordeaux with its incredible harmony, aromatic diversity, tannic finesse, feel in the mouth. At least in our view, which will be largely shared. But as long as the corks do not falter.
Château Lafleur
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[99]
With a mark from its 54% of Bouchet, this wine presents an interactive tannin that possesses the absolute shine on this vintage. At the start, the fruit is radiant, well complemented by great class floral notes. The finale lingers onto fresh and intense, perfectly melted notes.
Petrus
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[99]
A Petrus of great dimension with a structure that gains in finesse with the passing weeks and an aromatic scope delivering spices, pepper, iris, marshmallow, violet. Alluring and shining tannins. A legendary vintage for the cru.
Château Cheval Blanc
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[99]
33 plots on the 53 that can make Cheval have gone into this extra-ordinary wine. The depth is linked to the acidity and tannins that answer back to one another. We have the texture of cashmere of the greatest vintages with an floral and fruity aromatic palette that will surpass 1998. A great emotion.
Château Ausone
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[98-99]
Mouth-watering wine, from the nose to the tannin feel on way of the monumental finale that stays elegant. Caudalies are infinite and last more than an hour after tasting. Everything is there, in this wine, intensity of tannins and structure, mouth-filling texture, perfectly tense with the right touch of satin, and a superlative freshness.
Château Lafite-Rothschild
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
It will take its place after the 1959 in the legend, with more intensity at birth, more precision, a larger scale of flavours and a finesse in the tannins’ integration than all the beautiful past vintages. Great wine, worthy of its pedigree.
Château Mouton-Rothschild
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
Magnificent aromatic intensity and imposing matter, great start in life for a larger than lie Mouton.
Château Haut-Brion
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
Great sap, magnificent construction in the mouth, noble tannin, great style, we will never see its climax.
Château L’Évangile
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
An Evangile at its summit with a wine that takes you delicately from the start to the finish in the mouth, unrolling a satin-like texture unique to this vintage. The finale extends the wine in a magnificent way.
Vieux Château Certan
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
The 30% of Cabernet Franc build a vibrant middle of mouth by bringing a unique freshness and complexity. They uphold and play down the slight rigour of the Merlots, which is where lies this blends originality. A legendary vintage.
Château Canon
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
An Haute Couture Canon, thanks to the cashmere that perfectly dresses the long and deep structure of the cru, finely lengthened by a chalky grain of incredible purity.
Château Figeac
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
An absolute wine for its refinement in all aspects, with more aromatic freshness than on the legendary 2016 vintage and a purity in its persistence, brought on by sublime Cabernets.
Château Calon-Ségur
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
Grandiose expression of the year’s sun, marvellously velvety texture, no feeling of alcohol regardless of its out of the ordinary level, length, unique fruit for its class and its breadth in mouth, this wine will become a legend.
Château Beychevelle
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[98]
Sublime finesse and flesh, infinitely delicate, in a very generous body, the summit, the most artistic and the most complete of the history of Beychevelles.
Château Durfort-Vivens
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
Tiny harvest because of mildew, exceptionally vinified in terra cotta amphoras, and sublime texture. A future cult wine.
Château Palmer
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
Tiny harvest but a success as memorable as the legendary 1961, exceptional breadth and velvet texture, great length, an incredibly fresh resurgence of tannins.
Château Rauzan-Ségla
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
Sumptuous finesse, great Margaux, refined texture, satin tannins, bravo.
Château Latour
Médoc, Pauillac, Grand Vin, Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
Extremely rich, solid, intense, firmer and less evolved at this stage in barrel than its Premier peers.
Château La Conseillante
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
Great floral charm, dream like satin texture, subtle concentration, with a quasi air-like fruit.
Château La Violette
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
Deep and vibrating tannins, unrolling all the components of peppery flowers, with an irresistible finale that takes off. The most seducing of the vintage.
Château Gruaud-Larose
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[97-98]
The most beautiful for the past 30 or more years, superlative finesse and harmony regardless of the vintage’s grandeur, exceptional grain of tannin.
Château Margaux
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Much more flesh the middle of the mouth than the 2016 and 2017, obvious class, great longevity, a great vintage that will rival 2015.
Château Duhart-Milon
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Ideal Pauillac in its construction, its taste and its menthol aftertaste, fresh, of very distinctive expression.the best Duhart in the last half-century and an excellent value for money.
Château Pichon Baron
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Pichon of great stature, intense, aromatically noble, still a bit firm and rigid in its build, but everything is there, present for ageing that will tame it.
Château Belair-Monange
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Delicate start with a touch of creaminess, perfectly long mouth with a chalk grain that upholds an impressive end of mouth.
Château Cos d’Estournel
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Splendid constitution, exemplary classicism in a perfectly mastered tannin extraction, great future, worthy of its pedigree.
Château Montrose
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Great complete wine, an aromatic intensity seldom seen so soon on this terroir, magnificent texture, great length, great personality, will make history.
Château Léoville Poyferré
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[97]
Very elegant sap, powerful yet not aggressive tannins, a harmonious giant that could enter into the legend, a bit like the 1929.
Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Remarkably broad construction and emergence of a refined matter and texture worthy of this monument. And ideal Comtesse.
Domaine de Chevalier
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Allure and great finesse, impeccable race, delicate tannins, great vintage.
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Ample, refined, complex and ageing potential. Great wine.
Château Pape Clément
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Most probably one of the most beautiful Pape-Clement in history.
Château Vray Croix de Gay
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Great fruit, floral, open, ambitious tannins, beautiful silky volume, just as rigorous in its construction as it is seductive in its aromatic expression. And balance in the mouth. Again, a true success ! A priority for any amateur.
Château Angélus
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
A superb freshness for this first organic vintage, in both the very pure aromatics and the grand finale, upheld by the subtlety of great cabernet francs. Everything is so that one does not even feel the barrel time.
Château Bellevue
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Very elegant satin texture that unrolls from start to end of mouth, with intensity and generosity. The finale, with its white pepper, brings in a beautiful vitality to the wine.
Château La Gaffelière
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Very beautiful success thanks to the cabernet francs that balance out the constitution from beginning to the end of mouth. The chalky grain beautifully stretches out the wine.
Château Pavie
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
One feels the tannic intensity and a well positioned matter. The cru will evolve in the best possible way in the coming weeks.
Château Tertre-Rotebœuf
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Still in balance on the tautness of deep tannins of great elegance, with a grandiose aromatic intensity combining intensity and freshness. This cru stands out yet again by its most beautiful construction.
Château Troplong-Mondot
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
We were keen to see what this cru, harvested very early, would give. And we saw… indeed, one can only be seduced by the deep, mouth watering nose. The cashmere feel in the mouth precedes an extremely fine chalky grain that stretches the tannin out, tannins that carry the wine towards a fresh and floral fireworks. Undoubtably the greatest Troplong of the 21st century.
Château Trotte Vieille
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, Très Vieilles Vignes, Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Nose of milk toffee and black cherry typical of the cru, with a touch of mouth watering pepper. The mouth, with its 54% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon is one of Saint Emilion’s most stylish, wi5 its elegance and its great freshness. After bottling, this wine could be part of the top five Saint Emilions.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Great generosity in body and texture, balanced and refined tannins. The aromatic freshness is more discreet at the time of tasing, but we will obviously come back to it.
Château Saint-Pierre
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[96-97]
Great sap, it is a complete and surprising wine.
Château Brane-Cantenac
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Regardless of the texture’s generosity, an infinitely delicate aromatic array that gives it a personality that is a seducing as usual.
Château d’Armailhac
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Marvellous finesse. Long, delicate, elegance. The best vintage in this cru in a long time.
Château Batailley
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Complete, associating power, aromatic finesse, high ripeness but also freshness, very elegant extraction of tannins, an example of Bordeaux classicism.
Château Lynch-Bages
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Intense colour, strong presence of wood but that does not hide the monumental structure, all in power, without a touch of aggressively. Wait, obviously.
Château Mouton-Rothschild
Médoc, Pauillac, Petit Mouton , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Still up on top of its category for its full body and terroir expression, which will satisfy those who cannot afford the grand vin.
Château Pontet-Canet
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Beautiful fruit, vibrant, harmonious, a bit less imposing than some neighbours, but without comparison as far as balance and natural go.
Domaine de Chevalier
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Blanc, Sec
[96]
Subtly fruity and floral nose, flavourful mouth, melting, with dense texture, refined aromas, upheld by excellent vivacity and a touch of salt. Great energy and race.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Beautiful middle of mouth with its flesh and velvet touch, long, already smokey, harmonious, more accessible than Haut Brion, though a bit less complete.
Château Clinet
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
The greatest Clinet in history, with a satin start, a full, dense and silky middle of mouth. Which does not exclude elegance, freshness and an irresistible floral finish. A favourite of the year in Pomerol.
Château L’Église Clinet
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Rooted in a remarkable floral expression that wraps a finale in the mouth dominated by violet, this 2018 gains in charm with breathing. Its intense satin structure that one can feel at the first touch of tannin is already perfectly in place.
Le Pin
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
We have a merlot that is quite pinot-like, with an aromatic intensity dominated by violet and a very charming satin texture.
Château Trotanoy
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Restrained, this Trotanoy has a muscular, intense structure, is delicate and has an haute couture satin touch.
Château Ausone
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, Chapelle d’Ausone, Rouge, Sec
[96]
A gothic Chapelle on this vintage, with rising tannins, and an iridescence from the start to the silky centre, and a finale on chalk.
Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Praise of elegance, freshness, satin texture and a touching finale, this cru is in the best of shapes.
Château La Marzelle
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Remarkable touch of velvet reminiscent of the greater Pomerols, impressive length, probably the best in its history.
La Mondotte
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Satin like and creamy tannins supported a rich structure that expresses itself in the subtle touch to the mouth, up to the finale. Remarkably fine and fresh grain.
Château Monbousquet
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Great Monbousquet, full, ample and rich, very deep, a massive body with an incredible velvety texture. Superb aromatic persistence.
Château Villemaurine
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Great finesse of texture, a svelte and aristocratic depth, this is a great Villemaurine, worthy of its exceptional chalk terroir.
Château Léoville-Barton
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[96]
Beautiful build, firm, generous, elegant tannins, great foreseeable future.
Château Giscours
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Great expression of the cru, full and velvety texture. Very beautiful success of this cru.
Château Rauzan-Gassies
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
The best in history, charm, balance, finesse, at last at the terroir’s true level.
Château Haut-Bailly
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Complex and intense nose, great ripe fruit, notes of tobacco, cedar-wood, very full mouth, with a great tannic structure but also an explosion of fruit and an enjoyable freshness. A massive Haut Bailly.
Château Smith Haut-Lafitte
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Blanc, Sec
[95-96]
Very pure nose with magnificent aromas of rose, citrus fruit, yellow fruit, minerality and smokiness are not far, very rich mouth, large, with flesh and opulence, but with also a very good acidity and a slight salty-bitter touch that balances out the wine. Excellent compromise between richness and freshness.
Château Smith Haut-Lafitte
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Seducing nose, balancing out maturity and freshness, red and black fruits, spices. A more austere mouth, warm, structured, with good massive tannins, that will without a doubt gain in finesse with time, a great freshness and a dynamic finish.
Château Certan de May
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
The greatest certan de May ever produced, with a subtle juiciness of the fruit that perfectly accompanies the deep tannic build.
Château La Fleur-Petrus
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Great charm for this silky wine with delicious touches of violet and black pepper that open up, one of the most beautiful finales of the vintage.
Château La Pointe
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
We have here the best La-Pointe in history thanks to the great precision in the plot management in the vineyards. We can feel the grape that has been harvested at just the right level of phenolic maturity. Silky, fragrant and fresh, the flesh kicks in on the tip of its toes before it imposes itself with firmness and caress on the finale. To cellar in magnums.
Château Rouget
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
He mouth offers a satin texture, with fleshy fruits and spice, and is surrounded by high quality tannins.
Château Beauséjour-Bécot
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Great aromatic charm on spices and flowers in a distinguished intensity. The tannins seduce with great length, a flavourful freshness and a light salty finale. As it opens, its finesse gains in density. Great success.
Château Fonplégade
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
The best vintage if this cru : one appreciates the aromatic intensity, the tannins’ delicate touch and depth. The texture’s finesse is at the level of this cru’s exceptional terroir.
Château La Clotte
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
The freshness of peony and black pepper aromas that intermingle with black fruits make one’s mouth water, the suave touch in the mouth is most subtle, the tense and creamy tannins have great style. Charming today, one will come back in a few years to something impressive.
Château Larcis Ducasse
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Still discreet, this wine shows a brilliant form, with a fresh build that is ideal on this vintage. We have here one Firsts of Saint Emilion that will best evolve with time.
Château Pavie-Decesse
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Beautiful silky tension, great intense and precise fruit, deep length, subtle grain of tannin.
Château Phélan-Ségur
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Powerful and elegant in a style closer to the Saint Juliens than the Saint Estephes, fine tannins, remarkably harmonious intensity, will be as good if not better than the past vintages.
Château Léoville-Las Cases
Médoc, Saint-Julien, Clos du Marquis, Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Complete, great velvety texture, great length.
Château Léoville-Las Cases
Médoc, Saint-Julien, Le Petit Lion, Rouge, Sec
[95-96]
Full of race, finesse, surprising for its category.
Château Lascombes
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Generous, bug slightly soft in the middle of the mouth for the moment, beautiful grain of tannin.
Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Vigorous, ample, franc, firm tannins, a great Malescot in line with the terroir.
Château Margaux
Médoc, Margaux, Pavillon Rouge, Rouge, Sec
[95]
The wine benefited from great Merlots not used for the first wine and while keeping a considerable finesse it emerges with more body that in the past on elegant years.
Château Latour
Médoc, Pauillac, Forts de Latour, Rouge, Sec
[95]
Intense colour, imposing body, mineral tannin typical of Latour, firm, complete. But it needs to be fine tuned in barrel.
Château Hosanna
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
A great Hosanna that lacks in neither elegance nor depth, with a deployment of tannins better mastered than usual.
Clos L’Église
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Violet, on the nose as in the mouth. Silk texture, fine and stylish length characterised by a aromatically intense finale.
Château Le Gay
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
For the moment, the tannins are serious, but will perfectly evolve. A lot of body, and today, it is the structure that supercedes the aroma.
Château Canon-la-Gaffelière
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
The cabernets (franc and sauvignon) that make up for 50% of the blend, bring all their freshness to this cru where the persistent flesh is for the moment restrained.
Château Corbin
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
A Corbin that increases in power with satin and energy in the tannins and a most noble finale, characterised by floral nuances that are typically Pomerol.
L’If
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Suave and creamy to start of with, followed by an elegant intense and structured mouth, with a mint and pepper finale. The 26% cabernet franc transpire superbly in the finale.
Château La Dominique
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Approximately 40% of the harvest enters into the composition of this year’s grand vin, revealing a long and fine, silky structure, with a healthy restraint in the finale where floral nuances remind the taster that Pomerol is so close to merlot.
Château Petit-Gravet Aîné et Clos Saint-Julien
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, Clos Saint-Julien, Rouge, Sec
[95]
60% cabernet franc and 40% merlot compose this seriously successful final blend. The shining mouth is full of aristocratic elegance. The truly delicate tannins seem imperceptible and the silkiness settles progressively in the mouth. High emotion with this wine.
Château Meyney
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Truly great wine, highly personalised, harmonious, complex, worthy of comparison with the best crus classés and obviously for a much more accessible price. Indispensable for any Medoc amateur.
Château Langoa-Barton
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Intense colour, perfectly defined on the nose, between black fruit, cedar wood, and even a touch of black truffle, juicy, well built, an example of Saint Julien.
Château Talbot
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[95]
Great body, precise tannins, great future, a superb Talbot in the making that might deserve a better rating.
Château La Fleur de Boüard
Rive droite Dordogne, Lalande de Pomerol, Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Precise tannins, energetic and long wine, a lot of dynamism and depth.
Château Marquis de Terme
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Very nice wine, delicate in texture, nice fruit, nice style. Probably a good value for money.
Château Haut-Bages Libéral
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
A lot of body, strong wood presence that day , nice sap, firm tannins, confirming the progress in precision and strength of expression started off with the 2016 vintage. Probably great value.for money. And there will be available volume, which is rare in biodynamic domaines on this vintage.
Château Bourgneuf
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
A wine that doesn’t show itself completely at first but for which one can guess a super potential and balance, as for its neighbour, Trotanoy. This wine is a priority for its value for money, because this wine is now playing in the big boys’ league.
Château du Domaine de l’Église
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Graceful nose, with the correct amount of freshness and concentration, the tannin is elegant and deep. This marathon runner will reveal its aromatic palette in the coming years. This is a truly great wine.
Château Gazin
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
All in finesse and freshness, with a very noble tannic structure and a.floral aftertaste that is this vintage’s great Pomerols signature.
Château Latour-à-Pomerol
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Not to be missed, for its creamy length, its menthol tannin and its very alluring floral finale.
Château Le Bon Pasteur
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Suave to start off with, leads on to an intense mouth, elegantly built, with a mint and spice finale.
Château Bellefont-Belcier
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
A slightly fresher start, with a super satin touch and deep tannins, borne by the terroir’s genius and the new style.
Château Fleur Cardinale
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
In the mouth, the wine is of a perfect richness and in a hedonistic style, with an imposing but fresh creaminess. A true success.
Clos Fourtet
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Broad and very fresh for this premier still in its infancy, one gets a sense of a definite build, an aromatic persistence that will gain in finesse in the coming months to give birth to the property’s true truffle style.
Château Guadet
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
This wine shows a tense yet suave fruit. The flesh is full and intense with a minty and floral, fresh finish. Great success.
Château Laroque
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
David Suire ably mastered the vintage, where the terroir’s chalk brings the defining freshness, with a well help richness of the vintage. A turning point in this cru’s history.
Château Pavie-Macquin
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
A Pavie Macquin with well established tannins that will soften with time.
Château Soutard
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
61% merlot, 1% Malbec, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 31% cabernet franc compose the blend of this 2018. The high proportion of cabernets brings freshness and complexity with a welcome firmness that perfectly extends the velvety texture.
Château Haut-Marbuzet
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Splendid construction, noble aroma of wood, great freshness regardless the incredible level of maturity, high level texture, this wine too reaches the level of the best grands crus classés in the appellation’s triumphant vintage.
Château Montrose
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Dame de Montrose, Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
Superb this year and without a doubt superior to preceding Dames with the special mineral definition of this terroir and an intriguing and unique serious voluptuousness. Highly recommendable
Château Ormes de Pez
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[94-95]
The most complete of recent history, one of the most obvious definitions of what one expects of an elegant Saint Estephe, with the characteristic serious voluptuousness for this rather special vintage.
Château Cos d’Estournel
Médoc, Bordeaux, Les Pagodes de Cos, Blanc, Sec
[94]
Great achievement, magnificent aromatic intensity, rare notes of acacia, long, flavourful, and without the least touch of neither technological nor varietal aromas.
Château Coutet
Graves-Sauternais, Bordeaux, Opalie, Blanc, Sec
[94]
One of the vintage’s most impressive dry wines, minute quantities but an example of race, finesse and freshness.
Château Margaux
Médoc, Bordeaux, Pavillon Blanc, Blanc, Sec
[94]
Great energy for the vintage, great aromatic transparency, subtle, quite mong, one of the achievements of these medoc bordeaux that rival with and sometimes surpass the best graves.
Château Talbot
Médoc, Bordeaux, Caillou Blanc, Blanc, Sec
[94]
Complete with a rare aromatic dignity and magnificent sap, I do not remember having ever tasted one of this level. Bravo.
Château Valandraud
Rive droite Dordogne, Bordeaux, , Blanc, Sec
[94]
The wine expresses a freshness of fruit and does not part with its usual elegance and depth. The final salty touch revives the whole.
Roc de Cambes
Bordeaux et Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Bourg, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Mouth watering nose, perfectly defined fruit, we have a thickness in the middle of the mouth upheld by an acidity that perfectly balances out the wine.
Château Boyd-Cantenac
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Elegant style, powerful, energetic, tannins still a bit aggressive.
Château Cantenac-Brown
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Rich but balanced and fresh, without excessive extraction, quite rigorous in its tannins, good length, excellent but without a specially affirmative character.
Château Dauzac
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Powerful and deep, flesh and structure, long, elegant and fresh balance.
Château Monbrison
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Refined, delicate, ripe, ultra typical Margaux, we recommend it.
Château Prieuré-Lichine
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Powerful, slightly austere, sincere and complex. It will certainly gain in refinement.
Château Clerc Milon
Médoc, Pauillac, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Power, glory, a touch of heat, though.
Château Lafite-Rothschild
Médoc, Pauillac, Les Carruades de Lafite , Rouge, Sec
[94]
More intensity and sap than in the past vintages, firm but civilised tannins, only suffers from the comparison to the surprising Duhart in this vintage.
Château Pichon Baron
Médoc, Pauillac, Griffons de Pichon-Baron, Rouge, Sec
[94]
More in the Pauillac than Tourelles spirit, intense, balanced, really well made.
Château Bouscaut
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
A very developed and yet paradoxically very fresh nose, floral nuances, a mouth full of charm and flavours, with a tight grain, very elegant tannins and a lot of freshness. There is potential..
Château Haut-Brion
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Blanc, Sec
[94]
Very expressive nose but less obvious energy than the past vintages. To be revisited soon.
Château La Garde
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Remarkable vinosity, intense length, great purity : La Garde at its best.
Château Malartic-Lagravière
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Intensely fruity aromas, woody and very refined spicy notes, a harmonious and round body, with tight flesh, elegant tannins and length. Enticing.
Château Pape Clément
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Blanc, Sec
[94]
Deliciously fruity and smokey nose, with touches of chalk, menthol and mineral, dense mouth, wi5 depth, a lot of flesh and a great vigorous finale. An affirmative personality.
Château La Croix de Gay
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, La Fleur de Gay , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Great refinement in texture, super start in the mouth, suave and satin like that develops into a caressing touch, fine and silky, with notes of violet and fresh black fruits. Flavourful and rather persistent tannins, superb success.
Château La Croix-Saint-Georges
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Elegant fresh and black fruit wi5 hints of violet for a rather open nose. The mouth is satin like and the wine evolves in a structured body, subtly dense. The finale is long, elegant and persistent with notes of peppery mint. It is irresistible.
Château La Patache
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, L’Enclos de Tourmaline, Rouge, Sec
[94]
Small production of 3,000 bottles in the sector of clinet where the clay managed to keep the freshness. The tannic build remains at t he service of the fruit, intensely ripe, without losing its freshness. Already very voluptuous.
Château Lafleur
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, Les Pensées de Lafleur, Rouge, Sec
[94]
Like Lafleur, Pensées has 54% of bouchet. One appreciates their seducing velvet, with a very floral aromatic evolution. It is already very alluring.
Château Le Moulin
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Now in the able hands of Murielle Thunevin de Valandraud for the viticultural and technical parts, on this vintage, Le Moulin show a fullness and subtlety that are rare at this stage, in an elegant hedonistic style.
Château Nénin
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
A Nénin with hints of lead pencil, for the moment serious, with a true great potential. Time in barrel will give it nuance and a great complexity. As is always the case, it is Pomerol’s marathon runner.
Château Barde-Haut
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
I took great pleasure in this vintage, assures Patrice Lévêque who produces a wine that is as intense as it is well balanced, with a chalky rise in its finale that brings more complexity and a great freshness. A priority for the amateur.
Château Dassault
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
The 60% merlots from sandy terroirs bring finesse, the 15% merlots on clay build the full middle of mouth and the 25% cabernet francs bring complexity and true freshness. The wine will evolve perfectly.
Château de Ferrand
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
The greatest Grand Ferrand in history, with a depth in tannins never before reached, expressing themselves in a flavourful velvety freshness.
Château Fombrauge
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Great intensity, a lot of sap, the energy, elegant balance in its power.
Château La Fleur d’Arthus
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, Monolithe d’Arthus, Rouge, Sec
[94]
The property’s 100% cabernet franc version obviously stands out in this vintage, with a concentrated mouth, silky, fleshy with a slightly peppered fresh fruit. The long mouthwatering finale is intense and persistent. It is superb.
Château Les Grandes Murailles
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
A depth and a balance, all in freshness, never before achieved by this domaine.
Château Moulin Saint-Georges
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
The clay’s density is here totally mastered ; we therefore have power, elegance and persistence with a salutary freshness on the finale. To keep in magnum.
Clos Saint-Martin
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
An expressive nose of ripe black fruits and spices. The mouth is silky, fleshy with a full and fruity body. The finale is long, generous and persistent.
Château Sansonnet
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Body still a bit tight, with a fresh intensity of matter and a very beautiful peppery finale. Silky texture and a concentration perfectly adapted to the vintage.
Château Cos d’Estournel
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Pagodes, Rouge, Sec
[94]
A success. Complex and harmonious, in line with the grand vin in a slightly less monumental style
Château Lafon-Rochet
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Strong colour, enveloping, firm tannin, slightly simpler in style than some of its neighbours, great future, a true Saint Estephe.
Château Branaire-Ducru
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
A little more discreet than its peers, a slightly less flash but very elegant, subtle and with great future.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Médoc, Saint-Julien, La Croix de Beaucaillou, Rouge, Sec
[94]
One of the best of its category, on cedar wood and spices, large, generous, profoundly typical of Medoc.
Château Lagrange
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[94]
Fine, elegant, slightly lighter than the Léoville, there is a lot of refinement and race in the supporting tannins.
Château Gilette
Graves-Sauternais, Sauternes, Crème de Tête, Blanc, Liquoreux
[94]
It will be made available only in 20 years but is rather surprising, largely botrytised, roasted, long and produced in reasonable quantity. A lot of know-how made possible by the small size of the vineyard.
Château Haut-Carles
Rive droite Dordogne, Fronsac, Haut-Carles, Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Very elegant balance and great energy, no heaviness, great finesse in the texture. Superb success.
Château Sociando-Mallet
Médoc, Haut-Médoc, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Generous, well made, fine.tannins, slight shortcoming.in middle.of.mouth compared to the great wines, but nice.style of Médoc wine. Recommendable.
Château La Fleur de Boüard
Rive droite Dordogne, Lalande de Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Ample, refined, with a confirmed balance and freshness. Great success for the property.
Château Siran
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Excellent, round, refined, delicate, precise, very well-made. The cru continues to improve.
Château du Tertre
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
All in finesse, delicate, subtle, light, original and interesting. Great value for money to be expected.
Château Haut-Condissas et Château Rollan de By
Médoc, Médoc, Haut-Condissas, Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
A deep and generous build, very ample, around 10 and great lengths and maturity. Superb success.
Château Gombaude-Guillot
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Always more refinement, intensity and aromatic freshness for this cru that rivals with the best.
Clos des Baies
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
More signed this year, thanks to the higher proportion of cabernet franc that brings freshness and more complexity and length.
Château Capet Guillier
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Graceful, great purity, superbly extracted tannins, so far the best vintage ever made by this property.
Clos des Jacobins
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Aptly built, this voluptuous wine shows a heady body upheld by highly sensual tannins.
Château Petit-Gravet Aîné et Clos Saint-Julien
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, Château Petit-Gravet Aîné, Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
The vintage’s fullness is expressed here with a lot of freshness, thanks to the 80% of Cabernet Franc and 20% of Merlot. The juice is intense, fine and subtle. The acidity is enveloped by a refined matter. Here.is.a.very promising wine.
Quintus
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Fruit of 72.3% of merlot and 27.7% of cabernet franc, the blend is about freshness and vertical constitution. For the moment, this wine is not very expressive, but time in barrel should give the very elegant flesh one finds in the end of mouth the opportunity to fully reveal itself.
Château Calon-Ségur
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Marquis de Calon, Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Magnificently velvety texture, very flavourful fruit, fine tannins, wholeness hiding the intensity of matter, fresh finale, delicious.
Château Gloria
Médoc, Saint-Julien, , Rouge, Sec
[93-94]
Complete wine, slighter more elegant than Glana, nice tannins. Elegant aromatic shine.
Château Climens
Graves-Sauternais, Barsac, , Blanc, Liquoreux
[93]
A potential rating because the blend is not finalised, the different samples a a reduced harvest (6hL/hA) is divided between the passerillés grapes from before 12 October and the botrytised grapes from after, sometimes sumptuous, slightly more refined than in other crus, probably thanks to the biodynamic viticulture.
Château Fourcas-Hosten
Médoc, Bordeaux, , Blanc, Sec
[93]
Proportionally more complex and more original than the red, saltiness and length, largely at the level of a good number of Graves whites.
Château Mouton-Rothschild
Médoc, Bordeaux, Ailes d’Argent , Blanc, Sec
[93]
History’s most complete, with notes of acacia, with no caricatural notes from the varietal and a promising length.
Château Grand-Village
Bordeaux et Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Acte 8 de Grand Village, Rouge, Sec
[93]
After eight successful Actes on Fronsac’s chalk line, we have set up a vineyard for Act 9 that bears the name of Perrières de Lafleur, characterised by its 51% of Bouchet. The wine expresses a lively fruity freshness and remains as elegant and deep as usual, with a sort of pride in the tannins.
Château Montlandrie
Bordeaux et Côtes de Bordeaux, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
A rather more earthy than floral aromatic expression, great ample mouth, with a build worthy of a Saint Emilion classé.
Château Respide-Médeville
Graves-Sauternais, Graves, , Blanc, Sec
[93]
Complete, large, great acacia aroma, lots of matter, no false attitude.
Château Respide-Médeville
Graves-Sauternais, Graves, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Firm in its tannins but generous in its texture, but still needs time in barrel to fine-tune its expression.
Château Belgrave
Médoc, Haut-Médoc, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Powerful and harmonious elegant texture, no tannin gripe, great potential for ageing, excellent value for money.
Château La Tour Carnet
Médoc, Haut-Médoc, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Powerful but finishes on slightly too dry tannins, probably due to the samples time of wood.
Château des Eyrins
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Successful constitution, based on slightly more tannins than the average but melted thanks 5o the grapes’ very high ripeness.
Château Ferrière
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Purer and more complex than in the past, still a bit rigid in the middle of the mouth, it will soften with time.
Château d’Issan
Médoc, Margaux, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Relative lack of power, but a fine grain of tannin, ripe, slightly softer in the middle of the mouth. One should wait for the end of its time in barrel.
Château Haut-Condissas et Château Rollan de By
Médoc, Médoc, Château Rollan de By, Rouge, Sec
[93]
Amplitude and flesh, nice melting structure, great balance.
Vieux Château Saint-André
Rive droite Dordogne, Montagne-Saint-Émilion, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
This wine possesses a net velvet touch, tannins texture that perfectly articulate fresh and lively finale. One of the best satellites of this vintage, to be preempted by the amateur.
Château Pichon Baron
Médoc, Pauillac, Les Tourelles de Pichon-Longueville , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Nice velvety texture, more charming than the grand vin without its energy.
Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Médoc, Pauillac, Réserve de la Comtesse, Rouge, Sec
[93]
Spicy and complex on the nose with the adjunction of a high percentage of petit verdot, tighter and less harmonious tannins than that of the Grand vin, which is normal, but less harmony than certain peers of the category.
Château Carbonnieux
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Extravagant and open nose, ripe fruit, velvety flowers, pronounced smoky notes, dense mouth, with an elegant depth, tannins as fleshy as they are firm, nice length and tension. The most complete Carbonnieux for many years. Incredible charm and great potential. Will it be similar to the magnificent 59?
Domaine de Chevalier
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, L’Esprit de Chevalier, Rouge, Sec
[93]
Vivacious and full, rather elegant.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Graves-Sauternais, Pessac-Léognan, , Blanc, Sec
[93]
Rather broad, but a bit soft in the middle of the mouth, less expressive at its beginnings than in past years.
Clos du Clocher
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Soft and suave start in the mouth leading on to a charming and complete body. Elegant finale, caressing and full of aromatic life, with floral and spicy nuance
Château L’Église Clinet
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, Petite Église, Rouge, Sec
[93]
A Petite Eglise Uplifted for the first time by 20% cabernet franc that here bring freshness and complexity. The best vintage ever produced on this cru.
Château Petit-Village
Rive droite Dordogne, Pomerol, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
The elegant maturity of the supple tannins of this vintage, the flavour and a mouth-filling depth.
Château Berliquet
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Long and fresh tannins, rather deep, with all they need of velvet around them.
Château Croix de Labrie – Peyredon
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Great success for this true ample to start off with and with a spicy depth, juicy fruit that perfectly accompany a rising and well built finale.
Château Grand Corbin-Despagne
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Irregular samples, the one tasted at Chateau Dassault on Sunday 31st March was of good quality: a firm start in the mouth that opens up on to an elegantly textured body. Beautiful final always full of aromatic life, with nuances of black fruits, pepper and spicy flowers.
Château La Fleur d’Arthus
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
A style of wine as persistent as it is elegant, a good rendering of the vintage, the tannins are silky, bouncing and fruity.
Clos La Madeleine
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
The first true vintage by the Moueix family, with a chalky grain that gives the wine freshness and delicacy.
Clos de l’Oratoire
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Fresh and alert tannins with a subtle juiciness in the fruit’s definition.
Château Quinault l’Enclos
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
The first true vintage with the new technical set up that allows for a better mastering of the plots, which gives a mind-blowingly suave wine, with long and fresh tannins and a welcome touch of juiciness in the finale.
Château Rochebelle
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Black fruit on the nose as in the mouth with a touch of mint. One is in the power and persistency, the time in barrels will soften the tannins and refine the balance.
Château Valandraud
Rive droite Dordogne, Saint-Émilion grand cru, Virginie de Valandraud, Rouge, Sec
[93]
Beautiful silky texture that unrolls from the start to the end of the mouth in a coherent way, with intensity and generosity. The finale, with its peppery mint, gives a beautiful tannic vitality.
Château Le Boscq
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Strong build, elegant flesh, tannins well extracted, worthy of this special vintage’s personality.
Château Lilian-Ladouys
Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, , Rouge, Sec
[93]
Ample, generous, typical, probably the most convincing in its expression of its terroir since the cru’s resounding start in 1989.
Château Gruaud-Larose
Médoc, Saint-Julien, Sarget, Rouge, Sec
[93]
Great aromatic finesse but with body and nuances that makes this vintage one of the best in a long time.
Château Léoville Poyferré
Médoc, Saint-Julien, Moulin Riche, Rouge, Sec
[93]
Good flesh, rich wine, balanced, flavourful, expectedly less nuances than in the Grand Vin.
Château Léoville Poyferré
Médoc, Saint-Julien, Pavillon de Léoville-Poyferré, Rouge, Sec
[93]
A bit thinner and less flesh than the moulin-riche, the winemaker’s choice is clear. Great achievement.