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Institute of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux commented vintage 2018 as one that evolved from "initial fears" to "guarded optimism", which eventually blossomed into one of "real enthusiasm". The key factor behind such evolution is rainfall level, among all things else. Vintage 2018 began with an extremely wet March (wettest March among past 10 years); and the stretch of rain continued until June. A very wet Spring sparked "initial fears". Very sunny and dry summer turned fear into enthusiasm. Exceptional sunny and dry, virtually rain-free September was the cherry on top.  Read below for WineWorld team's interpretation of the university's verdict, complemented with detailed weather conditions in Bordeaux in 2018.

"Initial fears" of mildew and hail-reduced yield: The year 2018 began with very wet conditions which expedite flowering and bring fruit set early; growth was robust whilst compromised, to different extent (depending on canopy management and anti-mildew strategy of each grower), by risk of mildew from the rain. Isolated areas in the area of Cote de Bourg and Blaye suffered from hailstorm damage in May. Overall, havoc was less severe than 2017 when frost wrought immense damage particularly on Right Bank. Vintage 2018 escaped frost which had attacked 40% of Bordeaux's potential crop in late April, 2017. 

"Guarded optimism" kicked in around July as weather turned fine. The rain stopped and Bordeaux saw three continuous months of sunny, dry weather. Water stress was not an imminent issue as vines were well hydrated from the earlier half of a wet 2018. If mildew and mold was the main hazard in the first half of the year, over-abundance of sun exposure and warmth could go from friend to foe in the second half of the year; especially for younger vines and well-draining soils (on Left Bank in particular). 
 
"Real enthusiasm" erupted amidst a rot-free, sunny and dry harvest. Sunny, dry conditions continued all the way into early October. Growers needed not worry about rot from Bordeaux's usual September showers. Focus was entirely on the achievement of balance. Vintage 2018 saw the output of very ripe Cabernet from Left Bank; and Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Right Bank. Opulence and power are the two leitmotifs of this vintage. There is no denying that Bordeaux en primeur 2018 buyers will receive high-alcohol, broad-shouldered reds with robust tannins. The notion of elegance will be found among growers who meticulously worked out the optimal balance point among pH, alcohol, tannin level and concentration whilst dodging potential trapfalls of brettanomyces and volatile acidity. (Both could be encouraged in a high pH and alcohol environment, especially when exposed to oxygen.)

Wines:
Clement Pichon 2017 - Haut-medoc

James Suckling 90-91: "This shows lots of good riper fruit of morello cherries and blackberries. Supported by a core of fine yet ripe tannins, this is carried forward to a fruity finish." Wine Spectator 89-91: "Bright, fresh and racy, featuring cassis and bitter cherry fruit zipping through, with sleek tannins and acidity. Light floral and iron notes run throughout." - JM Vinous 86-88: "The 2017 Clement Pichon has a well-defined and quite floral bouquet with crushed rose petal and violet infusing the blueberry and blackberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly grainy tannin. This is often pushed too hard in the winery but I discern a little more restraint here, meaning there is more freshness on the finish even if I can still feel the dry wood tannins." - Neal Martin

 
Aile D'Argent 2017 - Bordeux

James Suckling 95-96: "The impressive ripeness and intensity combined with elegance and finesse are what make this wonderful white. Honeysuckle, apricots, glazed grapefruit, spices and nutmeg. Medium to full body and fleshy fruit that’s lifted by the delicious acidity to the long finish." Wine Spectator 90-93: "A plump style, featuring lemon curd, pear and shortbread notes starting to define themselves, with white peach and honeysuckle accents." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 Aile d’Argent Blanc, which was the only cru to suffer some frost damage, underwent around 14% malolactic fermentation (normally it is around 30%). It has a fresh, lemon thyme and white peach scented bouquet. The palate is well balanced with fine tension, quite saline with moderate depth, a tang of grapefruit and a touch of stem ginger towards the finish. [Readers should note one-third of this wine will be bottled under composite cork for the first time.] Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin

 
Alter Ego de Palmer 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 92-93: "This shows excellent body and depth of fruit. Rich and very deep. Layered and flavorful. Solid and chewy. Serious second wine." Wine Advocate90-92: "A blend of 53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Alter Ego de Palmer is very deep purple-black in color and gives up exuberant crushed red currants, red cherries, black plums and mulberries with touches of forest floor, garrigue and lavender plus a waft of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a good core of plummy fruit and very soft, plush tannins, sparked by just enough freshness, finishing fruity." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Wine Spectator 89-92: "Lively, featuring lots of lavender and savory hints mixed with black cherry and plum flavors. Shows a light bramble note. Open-knit, with juicy energy on the finish." - JM

 
Angelus 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 95-96: "A layered and fine-grained young Angelus with very focused and integrated tannins that give the young wine form and focus. Full body and a subtle and fascinating fruit character. Should turn out beautifully." Wine Advocate 94-96: "A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2017 Anglus is a little closed to begin, opening out beautifully to notes of baked plums, fresh blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of mocha, bay leaves, beef drippings and wood smoke plus a touch of roses. Medium to full-bodied with a great density of mid-palate fruit and firm, fine-grained tannins, it finishes long and earthy with a compelling lift." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 94-96: "The 2017 Anglus has a crisp, direct and very pure bouquet that is almost Burgundy-like in style. Crushed blackberry, hints of cassis, just a suggestion of bell pepper emanating from the Cabernet Franc and a faint estuarine scent all come through although unusually for this Saint-milion, they take three or four minutes to coalesce. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, but quite firm in the mouth. There is a marine-influence to this Saint-milion with a chalky, lightly spiced and, relative to 2015 and 2016, quite conservative and linear style. It feels very saline on the finish, perhaps more than I have encountered in recent years. It foregoes the roundness of recent vintages, perchance an Anglus that will be best shown on the dinner table instead of on its own. That's not a bad thing. Excellent." - Neal Martin

 
Aromes de Pavie 2017 - St Emilion

James Suckling 92-93: "A firm and elegant red with very pretty dark berries, dark chocolate and mineral undertones. Round tannins. Medium-to full-bodied, racy and fine. Juicy. Second wine of Pavie." Wine Advocate 91-93: "There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Blended of 65% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon from the young vines of Pavie, the 2017 Armes de Pavie is very deep purple-black in color with an incredibly open, spicy nose with a core of baked plums, blackberry pie and dark chocolate with touches of potpourri, black olives and Indian spices plus a waft of damp soil. Full-bodied, firm and velvety, it's packed with black fruits and spice layers, finishing long and opulent." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 Armes de Pavie is terrific. Rich, pliant and generous on the palate, the 2017 has a lot to offer. Hints of rose petal, lavender and spice add top notes to the bold, luscious fruit. There is quite a bit to like in the second wine of Pavie." - Antonio Galloni

 
Ausone 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 97-99: "Blended of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone offers up slowly emerging notes of crushed black plums, blackberries and mulberries with nuances of anise, violets, new leather and unsmoked cigars plus suggestions of black olives and truffles and a touch of cast iron pan. Medium to full-bodied with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and an uplifting backbone of freshness perfectly supporting the profoundly layered, tightly wound yet incredibly intense fruit, it finishes very long with mineral accents and compelling tension." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 95-98: "The 2017 Ausone is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Stunning in its grandeur and presence, the 2017 possesses marvelous depth and remarkable aromatic intensity from the very first taste. Dark red and blue stone fruit, licorice, menthol, lavender and sweet spice build into the rich, flamboyant finish. The 2017 is 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot with the Franc very expressive today. The fruit saw about 30 days on the skins, including a week of cold soak. But those are mere details. The 2017 Ausone is a total stunner. That's all there is to it." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 96-97: "This is a centered and deep red with blueberry, raspberry, mineral, stone and lemon aromas. Full-bodied, focused and polished. Lovely length. Gentle yet structured. Supple."

 
Barde Haut 2017 - St Emilion

Jame Suckling 93-94: "Very tight and direct with lots of limestone and salt aromas and flavors. Full body and firm and silky tannins. Tightly wound. Impressive." Vinous 92-94: ''The 2017 Barde-Haut was picked from 18 September to 2 October, matured in 80% new oak for 18 months. It has a sensual bouquet with black cherries, a touch of oyster shell and iodine, well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, more volume than the Poesia, especially towards the finish that exerts a gentle grip in the mouth. It feels very silky in texture with a persistent finish. This is a really excellent Barde-Haut, in my opinion, with the upper hand over the Clos l’Eglise this year, frankly not far off the 2016 in quality. Bravo Helène et Patrice Garçin-Leveque." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 91-93: "Barde-Haut didn't see any frost this year due to the altitude of the vineyards. Composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Barde-Haut gives notions of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and Black Forest cake with touches of potpourri, dusty soil and cast iron pan. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and minerally." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Baron de Brane 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 90-91: "A cool and fruity red with red currant and crushed stone character. Hints of lemon zest and bright acidity Medium body, firm and silky. Pretty second wine of Brane." Vinous 86-88: "The 2017 Baron de Brane is an attractive wine, but it is also a bit modest in structure and diluted in character. It will be interesting to see if the Baron fleshes out during its aging. Today, the 2017 is decidedly light in body, but there is good lift to the red berry fruit." - Antonio Galloni

 
Barsac - Doisy Daene

James Suckling 93-94: "Serious density and spiciness with a full body, lovely sweetness and a flavorful, spicy finish. Lovely botrytis."

 
Barsac - Extravagant de Doisy Daene

 
Barsac - Coutet

James Suckling 91-92: "Pleasant center palate to this young Barsac. Medium-bodied and very sweet, but lacks a bit of botrytis for me."

 
Barsac - Broustet

James Suckling 93-94: "Shows some beautiful spiciness and intensity with wild fruit and lovely sweetness. Dried mushrooms, too. Medium to full-bodied. Pretty tannic texture and a flavorful finish. Very well done."

 
Barsac - Doisy Daene

 
Beauregard 2017 - Pomerol

James Suckling 92-93: "Shows some serious length here with berries, chocolate and orange peel. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. 40% cabernet franc makes this happen. Rest merlot" Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 Beauregard is the best vintage Florence and Daniel Cathiard, along with Technical Director Fabien Tietjien, have made so far. Silky, plush and wonderfully inviting, the 2017 has quite a bit to offer. Bold Cabernet Franc notes add lift and savoriness to the bold, punchy Merlot fruit in this impeccable, harmonious Pomerol. All the elements are beautifully woven together. This is a terrific showing." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 89-92: "A bright, floral style, with red currant and cherry fruit flavors streaking through, along with savory and incense notes. Fresh acidity makes the finish lengthy and focused."

 
Bellevue Mondotte 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 96-98: "There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Made up of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the very deep purple-black colored 2017 Bellevue Mondotte has a seriously earthy character—molten rocks—with suggestions of truffles and fertile soil over a core of crème de cassis and plum preserves, plus a hint of camphor. The palate is medium to full-bodied, concentrated, intense and powerful with firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 95-97: "Powerful, dark and explosive, the 2017 Bellevue Mondotte bristles with the energy and tension that is such a signature of this tiny 1.5 hectare Saint-emilion cru. Graphite, smoke, crème de cassis and menthol race out of the glass. As always, Bellevue Mondotte is a tannic, searing Saint-emilion with bracing acids and tons of structure. It is also one of the most fascinating wines in Gerard Perse's lineup." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 92-93: "A chewy 2017 with lots of wet-earth and dark-berry character. Some bark, too. Full body, a medium center palate and a flavorful finish. Wait and see how it comes together."

 
Beychevelle 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 93-94: "Very fine tannins already with a solid core of blackberry and blueberry character. Hints of flowers. Full-bodied, well-integrated and tight, not to mention fresh and long." Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Beychevelle is absolutely gorgeous. Creamy and beautifully layered on the palate, Beychevelle exudes exotic richness in its ripe red/purplish berry fruit. Even though the 2017 is rather flamboyant in style, it retains quite a bit of brightness to play off its more extroverted leanings. Beychevelle was impressive on the several times I tasted it." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 90-93: "This has a soft core of pure plum and cherry preserve flavors. Light cedar, vanilla and tobacco notes fill in on the finish. Very rounded, displaying a jammy feel rather than the vintage's overt freshness. A bit of an anomaly."

 
Blason D'Issan 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 91-92: "This is round and velvety with a juicy and fruity character and an undertone of sweet strawberries. Round and full-bodied. Sweet tannins." Vinous 87-89: "The 2017 Blason d'Issan is delightful and fruity, in other words everything a second wine should be. Medium in body, fresh and inviting, the 2017 will drink beautifully upon release. Floral and spice notes add a lovely sense of lift throughout. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Harvest started on September 18, the earliest since 2003. Quite unusually, there was no break in between the picking of the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Indeed, some of the younger vine Cabernet came in before all the Merlots were in." - Antonio Galloni

 
Bordeaux - Doisy Daene Blanc Sec

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The Doisy Daëne 2018 Blanc Sec is a little closed and still a bit cloudy at this nascent stage. It gives lovely lemon tart and grapefruit scents with hints of lime leaves and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, tightly wound, refreshing and citrusy, it has a nice, long mineral-laced finish."

 
Bordeaux - Mont Perat Rouge

Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Mont-Pérat is a little broody to begin, with notions of tar, woodsmoke and charcuterie over a core of baked redcurrants and blackberry preserves plus a waft of fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives a firm line of chewy tannins and lovely freshness, lifting the earthy flavors on the finish."

 
Bordeaux - Mont Perat Blanc

Wine Advocate 87-89: "The Mont-Pérat 2018 Blanc reveals notions of lime juice, yuzu zest and green mango with touches of wet slate and dill seed. Medium-bodied, the palate gives soft-spoken citrus and tropical layers with just enough freshness and a white pepper finish."

 
Bordeaux - Girolate

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Girolate comes bounding out of the glass with gregarious black cherry compote, blueberry pie and baked plums scents with nuances of Chinese five spice, potpourri and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with a bright streak of freshness running through the rich, spicy flavors, it is supported by velvety tannins and finishes long."

 
Bordeaux - Girolate Blanc

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The Girolate 2018 Blanc leaps from the glass with notes of poached pears, guava and honeydew melon plus hints of lime zest and yuzu. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with rich tropical and melon flavors plus a racy backbone, finishing with a peppery kick."

 
Bordeaux - La Tour Carnet Blanc

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The la Tour Carnet 2018 Blanc leaps from the glass with bold lime cordial, lemongrass and green guava notes plus hints of honeysuckle and lanolin. Medium-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and a satiny texture, finishing spicy."

 
Bordeaux - Croix Mouton

 
Bordeaux - 20 Mille

 
Bordeaux - Blanc de Valandraud

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc slips out of the glass with softly spoken notes of lemongrass, lime cordial and chalk dust giving way to a core of fresh pineapple and green mango with a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate gives bags of citrus and tropical fruit and a racy line lifting the long finish."

 
Bordeaux - Virginie de Valandraud Blanc

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc slips out of the glass with softly spoken notes of lemongrass, lime cordial and chalk dust giving way to a core of fresh pineapple and green mango with a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate gives bags of citrus and tropical fruit and a racy line lifting the long finish."

 
Bordeaux - Blanc de Chasse Spleen

 
Bordeaux - Arums de Lagrange

 
Bordeaux - Aile D'Argent

 
Bordeaux - Virginie de Valandraud Blanc

 
Bordeaux - Blanc de Valandraud

 
Bordeaux - Petit Verdot By Belle Vue

 
Bordeaux - Magrez Fombrauge Blanc

 
Bordeaux - Blanc de La Tour Carnet

 
Bordeaux - Doisy-Daene (Bordeaux Blanc)

 
Bordeaux - Mont Perat Blanc

 
Bordeaux - Mont Perat

 
Boyd Cantenac 2017 - Margaux

Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 Duhart-Milon has a crisp, pencil lead scented bouquet, introverted at first, a little conservative with smoke and freshly rolled tobacco. It is classic Duhart-Milon really. The palate is medium-bodied with a sharp, pointed entry. This is already quite austere and saline in the mouth, just a little toughness towards the finish that should soften by the end of the elevage. There is something almost standoffish about this Pauillac, a noticeable bell pepper tang developing towards the finish that lingers after the wine has departed. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin Wine Adcocate 86-88: "The 2017 Boyd-Cantenac is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of crushed blackcurrants, warm plums and fragrant earth with a waft of mossy bark. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy backbone and oodles of freshness, finishing earthy."

 
Branaire Ducru 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 92-93: "This is very tight and focused with a precise depth of blackberry and blueberry fruit. Full body, melted tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Shows a compacted style." Vinous 91-94: "The 2017 Branaire-Ducru offers lovely depth and density. The characteristic dark red/purplish fruit character of Brainaire comes through beautifully. As always, Branaire is a wine of polish and finesse. Stylistically, the 2017 comes across as a smaller scaled and more accessible version of the 2015. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. The 2017 is really quite lovely. Tasted three times." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 90-93: "The plum and cherry paste flavors show good energy, with floral lift and sleek graphite accents adding to the sense of range and definition. Well done." – JM

 
Brane Cantenac 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 92-93: "Dark currant, berry and fresh herb character. Full-bodied, juicy and flavorful. Very structured. Solid finish and length. Better than 2014?" Vinous 91-93: "The 2017 Brane-Cantenac was picked from 14 September to 2 October at 31.2hl/ha after frost destroyed 35% of the vines in April. It is matured in 75% new oak and 25% one-year old and it has 13% alcohol. It has a tightly wound bouquet with broody black fruit, tar and a touch of graphite, very Pauillac in style as usual. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very linear and precise, not a deep Margaux and unashamedly classic in style with dry, slightly brusque tannin. The finish is dominated by tobacco and pencil lead notes with healthy pinch of pepper on the aftertaste. Classic Brane-Cantenac through and through. Tasted on three occasions." - Neal Martin Wine Spectator: "A light singed alder hint leads the way here, along with light bay leaf and savory notes, while the core of gently steeped black cherry and plum fruit fills in slowly. Shows modest intensity through the finish but the flavors knit nicely."

 
Brown Rouge 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2017 Brown is deep garnet-purple in color with quite a spicy nose, offering black cherries and blackberries at the core plus a waft of potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with elegant fruit and well-played, soft tannins, finishing with a lively lift." Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 Brown offers a melange of red and black fruit on the nose, not quite as well defined as the best Pessac-Leognans that I have encountered en primeur, but it delivers satisfying intensity. The palate is fleshy on the entry with a fine bead of acidity, slightly sharp tannin with a strict and quite linear, iodine-tinged finish." - Neal Martin

 
Caillou Blanc de Talbot 2017 - Bordeaux Blanc

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2017 Caillou Blanc de Talbot has quite an earthy nose of wet pebbles and struck flint over a core of lemon juice and white grapefruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fantastic intensity and bags of minerals on the long refreshing finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 87-89: "The 2017 Caillou de Talbot Blanc is matured in one-third new oak with no racking. It has a simple but attractive bouquet with scents of red apple, melon and grapefruit, all well defined. The palate is balanced with a taut line of acidity that imbues this white Saint-Julien with attractive tension. Whilst it is not overly complexed, the lightly spiced finish is welcome and it has satisfying length.' - Neal Martin

 
Calon Segur 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 94-95: "This is very delicate on the attack but it grows on the palate with firm and silky tannins that turn lightly chewy. Builds consistently. Compacted and tight." Vinous 92-94: "The 2017 Calon-Segur was cropped at 43.5hl/ha and underwent a 20-day cuvaison after which it is matured entirely in new oak for 20 months. It contains 13.2° alcohol. At the moment the aromatics convey the 100% new oak but there is sufficient fruit underneath. There is a palpable sense of “coolness” imbuing the aromatics and like other Saint-Estèphe barrel samples, it conveys a subtle estuary-like tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannin, beautifully integrated new oak that lends this a silky texture. Perhaps this is the smoothest of all the 2017s I encountered within this appellation, a classy and sophisticated Calon-Segur in the making and heightened by the thrilling tension towards the finish and the latent energy that lingers in the mouth. Excellent." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2017 Calon-Segur is tentatively blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with pronounced black currants, crushed blackberries and fresh black plums with hints of cigar box, sandalwood and cinnamon stick plus a waft of mossy bark. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, energetic and fresh with layers of black fruit, perfumed incense and fragrant earth notions, lingering nicely with exotic spices coming through on the finish."

 
Canon 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 94-96: "The deep purple-black colored 2017 Canon offers-up intense notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis with touches of fertile loam, yeast extract, beef drippings and iron ore plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied with great freshness and firm, rounded tannins, it's very earthy in the mouth, finishing long and mineral-laced. A very serious wine, it is also fun, bright and vivacious and should age impressively." James Suckling 94-95: "This is very focused and fresh with limestone and crushed-stone character. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a salty finish. Shows lots of minerality already. Umami licorice undertones." Vinous 93-96: "A rich, explosive wine, the 2017 Canon exudes class from the very first taste. Huge aromatics resonate through to the palate, where the wine is deep, fleshy and beautifully layered. Effortless and gracious, Canon is a wine of real pedigree. I don't think the 2017 will reach the dizzying heights of the 2015 or 2016, but it will be interesting to see how close it gets." - Antonio Galloni

 
Canon Fronsac - Canon Pecresse

Wine Advocate 88-90: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Canon Pécresse features scents of crushed blueberries, warm black raspberries and plum preserves with touches of dried herbs and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling black fruit with loads of earthy sparks and a soft texture, finishing juicy."

 
Cantemerle 2017 - Haut Medoc

James Suckling 93-94: "This shows a polished yet encompassing structure of solid tannins, which support flavors of mulberries and black cherries. Medium-bodied, velvety with rather chewy. Long finish." Wine Advocate 89-91: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cantemerle gives up lovely crushed black and red currants notes with hints of kirsch, underbrush and cinnamon stick plus a waft of roses. Medium-bodied with plenty of freshness and a fine-grained frame, it is elegantly expressed and finishes with beautiful harmony." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 Cantemerle is deep, fleshy and wonderfully expressive. Savory herb, tobacco, menthol, licorice, dark red cherry, smoke and incense run through this super-expressive, pliant Haut-Medoc Grand Cru Classe. All the elements simply meld together effortlessly. Rose petal, lavender and a host of floral notes add perfume to the finish. The 2017 should be one of the finer values of the year. Tasted two times. - Antonio Galloni"

 
Carillon de l'Angelus 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 93-94: "Fascinating that this second wine of L’Angelus is 90% merlot and is so tight and structured. Full-bodied, tight and layered with linear tannins and freshness. Focused and serious." Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 Le Carillon d'Angélus is pretty, succulent and forward, all qualities that are easy to appreciate today. In the 2017, the Carillon is 90% Merlot, which is one of the consequences of the April frost that wiped out 50% of the production across the three sets of vineyards that inform this wine. I would prefer to drink the 2017 sooner rather than later, while the fruit is bold and luscious." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 88-90: "Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Le Carillon d'Angélus is very deep purple-black in color and features a lovely core of crushed black cherries, blackberries and blueberries with touches of violets and cedar chest plus a waft of cinnamon stick. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and fresh with soft tannins and plenty of juicy fruit, finishing on a peppery note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Carmes Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 94-95: "A tight and linear red with a firm and intense, pretty center palate of blackberry and wet-earth character. Full-bodied, reserved and focused. Really compacted."

 
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux - Montlandrie

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Montlandrie is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol and is currently aging in 40% new oak. Deep purple-black in color, it features fragrant notes of lilacs, Morello cherries and blueberry compote over a core of plum preserves and woodsmoke plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is richly fruited with black and blue fruits, lifted by earthy accents and lovely freshness, finishing long and velvety textured."

 
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux - Clos Lunelles

Wine Advocate: "Owned by Gérard Perse of Château Pavie, who noted the striking similarities between the terroir here and at Pavie, this is a 9.5-hectare vineyard on the limestone plateau of Castillon. Grapes were harvested October 1-2, with yields of 37 hectoliters per hectare. The 2018 Clos Lunelles is blended of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 14.46% alcohol and a 3.64 pH. Very deep purple-black in color, it delivers bold, exuberant scents of crushed black cherries, plum pudding and kirsch with nuances of mulberries, dark chocolate, espresso and star anise with suggestions of mossy bark, truffles and tapenade. Full-bodied with concentrated black fruit and earthy layers, it has a firm, grainy texture and fantastic freshness, finishing long and mineral sparked."

 
Chapelle De La Mission Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 92-93: "Quite tannic but in a very attractive way with blueberries, currants and spices. Medium-bodied, tight and chewy. Show tension and texture." Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is wonderfully lifted and gracious, with bright red stone fruit and floral notes that dominate this year. In 2017, the Chappelle is decidedly gracious and light on its feet, with a construction that favors persistence over weight." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2017 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 49.2% Merlot, 41.9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with spice-laced notions of warm plums, mulberries and cassis with touches of tree bark, cloves, pencil lead and yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of chewy tannins and refreshing acid supporting the spicy black and red fruits, finishing a little grippy." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Cheval Blanc 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 97-98: "This is tight and very tannic with a linear and steely backbone of texture. Full-bodied, compacted and complete. Muscular and flexing it but polished and toned. Wow. There is 6% cabernet sauvignon in the blend, which may be giving this even more strength. Very, very long. Very Left Bank in terms of the power and depth." Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Cheval Blanc bristles with tension. Because of severe frost damage, in 2017, the Grand Vin includes a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), from gravelly soils, which gives the wine very unusual flavor and structure profile. Vibrant and pulsing with a real sense of direction, the 2017 is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. Even so, it is an utterly fascinating wine. The blend is 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, aging in 100% new oak." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2017 Cheval Blanc is composed of 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon—an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon for this wine. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens slowly to reveal a gorgeous lilacs, roses, licorice and black truffles nose over a compelling core of cassis, warm plums, wild blueberries and cigar box plus a waft of wood smoke. Medium to full-bodied, firm and earthy in character on the palate, it packs in tightly wound fruits and mineral accents, culminating in a long, perfumed finish. 50,000 bottles are to be produced."

 
Clarence de Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 93-94: "A fresh and bright red with currant, walnut and wet-earth character. Medium to full body, tight tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Haut-Brion is focused." Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Cabernet Franc and 1.7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with aromas of red and black plums, black cherries and cinnamon over dried herbs, underbrush and tobacco nuances. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, with lovely red fruit and an herbal lift on the finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion was picked from 31 August to 29 September, matured in 22% new oak. There is a little richness on the nose compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission, a touch more volume. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, lively and tensile with a precise and quite sustained and supple, almost pastille-like finish." - Neal Martin

 
Clarte De Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 93-94: "A fresh and bright red with currant, walnut and wet-earth character. Medium to full body, tight tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Haut-Brion is focused." Wine Advocate 90-91: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Cabernet Franc and 1.7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with aromas of red and black plums, black cherries and cinnamon over dried herbs, underbrush and tobacco nuances. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, with lovely red fruit and an herbal lift on the finish." Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is laced with expressive dark red cherry, plum, rose petal and lavender. Pliant and inviting, yet also light on its feet, the Clarence captures all the freshness that is typical of the wines of this sector of Bordeaux in 2017. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. In many vintages, Le Clarence can offer a very good representation of the estate, but in 2017, the wine is a touch simple and lacking in structure relative to some recent editions. The blend is 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5,3% Cabernet Franc and 1,7% Petit Verdot." - Antonio Galloni

 
Clarte De Haut Brion Blanc 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 93-94: "This shows beautiful density and layers for a baby white with cooked apples, pears and hints of yogurt. Full-bodied, fresh and bright." Wine Advocate 90-92: "Composed of 69.4% Semillon and 30.6% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 La Clarte de Haut-Brion opens with very sprightly peaches and fresh lemon juice notes with nuances of honeysuckle and chalk dust. The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors, finishing long and chalky." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 La Clarte de Haut-Brion is bright, crisp and inviting, with plenty of citrus and white flower notes. Energetic and vibrant, the Clarte sizzles with crystalline brilliance. The blend is 69.4% Semillon and 30.6% Sauvignon." - Antonio Galloni

 
Clinet 2017 - Pomerol

Wine Spectator 92-95: "Alluring, offering fleshy layers of fig, boysenberry and plum compote notes lined with anise and roasted apple wood accents, this is nicely integrated already, with fresh acidity embedded throughout." –JM Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Clinet opens slowly to reveal vibrant red and black fruits: red currants, black cherries, plums and cassis with touches of roses, yeast extract, wood smoke and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and a taut, muscular palate of tightly wound fruits and compelling mineral accents, it finishes long with wonderful purity and fragrant earth accents." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 92-94: "The 2017 Clinet was picked from 19 to 26 September for the Merlot and on 29 September for the Cabernets at 35hl/ha. It is matured in 72% new oak and the remainder one year old. The alcohol is 13.1° compared to say 14.4° for 2016. It has a perfumed bouquet with mainly red berry fruit, top notes of loam and a touch of violet. It is certainly well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well delineated, and saline in the mouth. It is quite open towards the finish, perhaps with less grip than other Pomerols that I have tasted, but it is undeniably elegant and well balanced with a hint of cured meat cropping up on the aftertaste. Classic Clinet!" - Neal Martin

 
Clos Du Clocher 2017 - Pomerol

James Suckling 91-92: "More fruit than many Pomerols in 2017 with a solid core of berry and chocolate character. Ripe tannins and a long, subtle finish." Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 Clos du Clocher is inky, deep and voluptuous. Floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit in this super-expressive, pliant Pomerol. Clos du Clocher is usually a bigger, more extracted wine, but in 2017, those qualities are reined in, and the wine is just gorgeous. A closing flourish of red and purplish berry fruit punctuates the finish." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2017 Clos du Clocher is deep purple-black in color with a beautiful nose of lilacs, star anise and dark chocolate with a core of crushed blackberries and mulberries. The palate is medium to full-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and plenty of mid-palate muscular fruit, extending into a long, spicy finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Clos Du Marquis 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 93-94: "Firm and silky wine with very pretty dark-berry and cherry character with currant undertones. Pure quality of fruit is serious. Very salty on the finish. Bright acidity, too." Wine Spectator 91-94: "Blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit is lined with graphite, anise and sweet tobacco notes. There's juicy energy and a nice bramble hint at the very end. Has purity and typicity. Well done." - JM Wine Advocate 91-93: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored and composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Clos du Marquis gives up gorgeous notions of crushed plums, blackberries and cassis with hints of chocolate box, pencil lead, menthol and lavender. The palate is medium-bodied, very finely crafted and refreshing with firm yet fine-grained tannins, great intensity and a long, mineral-laced finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Clos Fourtet 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Spectator 93-96: "Intense, with blackberry, cassis and boysenberry puree notes racing through, inlaid with subtle anise and black tea details. Offers a gorgeous feel, with a long, fine-grained chalky spine buried on the finish. A beauty." James Suckling 94-95: "A very sexy young wine with a solid center palate and refined, integrated tannins. Medium body. Everything is in the right place." Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Clos Fourtet is very good, but also very tightly wound. Powerful and tannic, the 2017 is likely to require many years to come in its own. Today, the 2017 is certainly less charming than some recent vintages and other 2017 Saint-emilions. There is certainly no lack of depth or concentration. The dark red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal and lavender flavors are very nicely delineated. Clos Fourtet is one of the wines that improved over the two weeks I followed it. I won't be surprised if it is even better from bottle." - Antonio Galloni

 
Clos L'eglise 2017 - Pomerol

Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Clos L'Eglise is a wine that brings together power, tension and energy. There is quite a bit of richness to the fruit, but also plenty of supporting structure. Beams of underlying tannin give the 2017 its drive and sense of direction, while keeping the flavors perked up. Bright red stone fruit, mint and white pepper lead into a sculpted finish lifted by striking floral notes. This is a decidedly tannic, tightly wound Pomerol that is going to require patience, but it is also hugely promising. The 2017 was done in 100% new 300L barrels." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 92-93: "This is a very juicy red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight." Wine Advocate 90-92: "Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Clos l'Eglise comes bursting forth with fresh black plums and black currants notions with hints of black raspberries, black pepper and Indian spices plus touches of lavender and roses. Medium-bodied, firm, grainy and with seamless freshness, it fills the palate with spicy black fruits and finishes long and perfumed." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Clos Rene 2017 - Pomerol

Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 Clos Rene is gorgeous. Deep, resonant and super-expressive. Soft curves and voluptuous fruit give the 2017 its racy, inviting personality. Super-ripe red cherry, pomegranate, mint, spice and rose petal all build into the textured, silky finish. This is a terrific showing." - Antonio Galloni

 
Connectable de Talbot 2017 - St Julien

Vinous 89-90: "Succulent black cherry, plum, lavender and spice notes flesh out in the 2017 Connetable de Talbot. Drink this juicy, forward Saint-Julien over the next handful of years. Silky tannins and soft contours add to the wine's open-knit, inviting personality.' - Antonio Galloni

 
Cos d'Estournel 2017 - St Estephe

Wine advocate 97-100: "The final blend of the 2017 Cos d'Estournel is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Very deep purple-black in color, it offers up intense scents of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and black cherries with touches of incense, spice cake, star anise and plum preserves plus a perfumed hint of potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with very firm yet wonderfully ripe, "sweet", fine-grained tannins at just 13% alcohol—something of a miracle in our modern times. The palate sports fantastic freshness and tons of energy emitted from the intensely perfumed black fruit layers, finishing on an epically long-lingering mineral note. Truly profound." James Suckling 97-98: "Love tasting this wine. You almost want to drink it for its harmony and balance. Full-bodied and so complete with cloves, spices, dark berries and hints of chocolate. Wonderful integration on the finish." Vinous 94-96: "The 2017 Cos d’Estournel is matured in 60% new oak and comprises 13% alcohol, approximately the same as the 2016. It has a more expressive and welcoming bouquet than usual, maybe more indicative of how this wine will mature in bottle, less opaque than the 2016. A common theme throughout the range from Cos d’Estournel is a Pauillac-inspired backbone/tannic structure coupled with an attractive scent wafting over from the estuary...think mudflats, oyster shells and the tang of sea spray. It gains a little intensity with aeration but never fully lets go. The palate is very well balanced with filigree tannin, rendering this one of the most approachable barrel samples from the estate in recent years. The coolness of the latter part of the season defines this Saint-Estèphe more than the precocity of June: streamlined, cool and linear with a velvety finish that feels sleek, to the point of being understated, though that belies its length and focus. This is simply a very classy wine in the making and typical of the more recent sophisticated style pursued by the property in recent years." - Neal Martin

 
Cos d'Estournel Blanc 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 96-97: "This is going to be a wonderful Cos white with green mangoes, sliced apples and crushed-stone character. Green kiwis, too. Full-bodied and very rich with tension and brightness. Fantastic length. 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon." Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 Cos d'Estournel Blanc bristles with energy, much of which comes from the slightly higher amount of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend. White flower and citrus peel notes are nicely pushed forward. The Semillon is felt in the wine's mid-palate creaminess and textural depth. A touch of reduction on the finish – typical for this wine – adds freshness. The blend is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon." - Antonio Galloni Wine Adcocate 90-92: "Cos d'Estournel started making this white wine in 2005 from the Goulee vineyard. The 2017 Blanc is composed of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. It gives beautiful, expressive grapefruit, ripe peach and passion fruit notes with touches of baker’s yeast, powdered ginger, nutmeg and beeswax. Medium-bodied, vibrant, racy and with great finesse, it has a very long citrus and tropical fruit-laced finish. With plenty of structure and intensity, it should age reasonably well."

 
Croix de Gay 2017 - Pomerol

James Suckling 89-90: " Shows some very good depth of fruit and intensity with chocolate, coffee and dark-berry character. Medium to full body. Soft tannins." Wine Spectator 88-91: "Fleshy and direct in feel, with warm plum and fig compote flavors coated with a melted licorice layer. Bramble and apple wood accents show on the finish. A touch chunky in feel." Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Croix de Gay delivers expressive notes of Indian spices, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with a touch of garrigue. It's medium-bodied with chewy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing soft and pretty." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Croizet Bages 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 90-91: "Shows good fruit and depth for the vintage with plenty of juicy tannins, fine acidity and a medium to long finish."

 
D'Issan 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 93-94: "This sneaks up on you with a pretty density of ripe fruit such as plums and strawberries. Full body, layered and ripe tannins set this young wine up for a tannic and fruity finish." Wine Advocate 90-92: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 D'Issan (a tentative blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot) opens with crushed blueberries and black plums notes with hints of cassis, licorice and violets. Medium-bodied with a firm and finely grained frame, it has oodles of freshness lifting the ripe black and blue fruits to a long, perfumed finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 d’Issan was picked from 18 September to 3 October, the earliest since 2003. It was cropped at 43hl/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has an elegant and understated bouquet with blackberry, black truffle and pencil lead aromas, quite Pauillac in style compared to previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, quite saline in the mouth with black fruit, tar and minerals towards the lightly spiced finish that lingers in the mouth. It will benefit from several years in bottle but this continues a purple patch for this historic Margaux." - Neal Martin

 
Dame de Montrose 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 91-92: "A juicy and savory second wine with blackberry, blueberry and wet-earth character. Medium-bodied, tight and silky. Fresh finish." Wine Advocate 89-91: "Composed of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 La Dame de Montrose is deep garnet-purple colored with a very fragrant nose of violets, lavender and dark chocolate over a core of cassis, Provence herbs and smoked meats. The palate is medium-bodied and very refreshing with ripe, very soft tannins, elegant and refined with a perfumed finish." Vinou 88-90: "The 2017 La Dame de Montrose represents 40% of the total production this year. The Merlot, which constitutes nearly half the blend, occupies the driving seat on the nose with copious black cherry, raspberry and cedar scents that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a ripe, almost confit-like entry. It feels harmonious with fine tannin, perhaps not the length of say the 2014 or 2016 La Dame de Montrose, a little more compact in style at the moment, loosening up and gaining more harmony by the time of my second visit in mid-April. It certainly has pleasing purity and it should drink well over the next decade." - Neal Martin

 
Desmirail 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 90-91: "Plenty of blueberries and blackberries with hints of spices and green tea. Medium-bodied, tight and focused. Outstanding depth of fruit for the vintage." Wine Spectator 89-92: "Pretty lilac and sandalwood notes lead off, followed by a velvety edged core of plum and cassis fruit flavors, all of which knit nicely through the fine-grained finish." - JM

 
Domaine de Chevalier 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 93-95+: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier opens with a cedary waft giving way to a good core of crushed black currants, blackberries and mulberries with suggestions of black truffles, tilled soil and black olives plus a hint of smoked meats. Medium-bodied with a good, solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is elegantly fruited yet well sustained on the mid-palate and long finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 93-94: "This is really delicious and round with soft and ripe tannins. Full body and juicy fruit. Shows ripeness and balance. A pretty wine to watch for the future." Vinous 92-94: "The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge was cropped at 34hl/ha between 11 and 29 September and is matured in 35% new oak for 18 months. It has a vivacious bouquet with quite generous black fruit, raspberry, brine and black olive that is well-defined and focused, if not possessing the complexity of the previous two vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly edgy tannin – layers of black fruit interlaced with melted tar and graphite, closing in a little towards the finish with a gentle grip. I appreciate the deft manner in which this fans out and leaves a mineral residue on the finish. A Domaine de Chevalier of refinement rather than power, one with “buvabilite” or “drinkability.” - Neal Martin

 
Domaine De Chevalier Blanc 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 96-97: "This is a dense and beautiful DC with serious density and a fabulous layering of fruit. Phenolics are there but they melt into the wine already. Love the acid/fruit balance. A solid and serious white." Vinous 93-95: "The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was picked from 31 August until 15 September via several tries through the vineyard that yielded 46hl/ha, with 13.5 alcohol. It has a very attractive, estuarine influenced bouquet with scents of cockle and oyster shell infusing the vivacious citrus fruit. This opens up very nicely with aeration in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. It feels quite saline and spicy in the mouth with a rather intense citric finish that is very persistent, the aftertaste again, quite saline." - Neal Martin

 
Dragon de Quintus 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 89-90: "A fresh and clean second wine of Quintus. Medium body, fine tannins and a precise finish. Easy and fine." Wine Advocate 88-90: "Composed of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 le Dragon de Quintus is deep garnet-purple colored and scented of baked cherries, warm mulberries and blackberry pie with touches of bay leaves and fertile loam. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a lively backbone and ripe, grainy tannins defining the vibrant fruit, finishing with impressive length and an herbal lift." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Du Tertre 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 91-92: "This is nicely done with currants, bright lemon and mineral character. Medium to full body, fine and silky tannins and a focused and vivid finish. Linear." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 du Tertre is a distinctly powerful, savory Margaux. A rich concoction of jammy dark fruit, smoke, leather, licorice, tobacco and game melds together in this pliant, inviting Grand Vin from du Tertre. All the elements are beautifully woven together in a silky, succulent du Tertre that will drink well with minimal cellaring. As always, du Tertre has a very distinctive wild character, but the 2017 appears to have more than enough depth to provide balance. Overall, this is a strong vintage for du Tertre, with lovely fruit presence and terrific balance.' - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 89-91: "Medium garnet-purple colored and composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2017 du Tertre gives expressive notes of black berries and cassis with pencil lead, bay leaves and lavender hints. The palate is medium-bodied with a good core of open-knit fruit and plush tannins lifted with great freshness, finishing on a perfumed note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Ducru Beaucaillou 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 97-98: "Holy.... This is so powerful and dense with amazing depth of fruit and beautifully ripe tannins tannins. Full body, layers of fruit and tannins. It’s has a long finish but then kicks off at the end. Remains classic in style." Wine Advocate 95-97+: "There was no frost at Ducru-Beaucaillou in 2017 due to its proximity to the estuary. This barrel sample comes from the final blend, which was made in early 2018. Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot and sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou is intensely scented of blackcurrant cordial, blackberries and lavender with hints of crushed rocks, iron ore, rose hips and Provence herbs plus touches of wood smoke and sandalwood. Medium-bodied, very firm and grainy in the mouth, it possesses lovely freshness, lifting the intense flavors, finishing long and minerally. Sporting an incredible core of muscular mid-palate fruit, this wine should age incredibly." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou is distinctly sleek and polished, with a real air of sensuality. Finessed and racy to the core, the 2017 is all about elegance rather than the power that informed both the 2015 and 2016. Red-toned fruit, plush texture and silky tannins all contribute to the wine's restrained feel. A host of floral notes add brightness as the wine opens up in the glass. There is so much to like in the 2017. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot." - Antonio Galloni

 
Duhart Milon 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 90-91: "Very pretty chocolate and dark-berry character with a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Balanced and refined." Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 Duhart Milon is deep, luscious and fruity, with lovely mid-palate depth and pliancy. Soft, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark red and blackish fruit. The 2017 is a very pretty Clerc Milon with plenty to recommend it. This is really quite lovely. The blend is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot. Duhart is another impressive wine in a portfolio from Lafite that is especially strong this year." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 89-91: "A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the 2017 Duhart-Milon is beautifully scented of crushed red and black currants, black raspberries and spice cake with suggestions of lavender, cloves and rose hip tea. The palate is medium-bodied, very soft and elegant with seamless freshness and a lingering spiciness on the finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Duo de Conseillante 2017 - Pomerol

 
Durfort Vivens 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 94-95: "Very long and driven on the palate with asphalt, blackcurrants and violets. Full body, tight and intense. Hints of hazelnut at the end. Demeter certified biodynamic." Vinous 91-94: "The 2017 Durfort-Vivens is potent, but also quite structured and forbidding at this stage. The very high percentage (91%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage gives Durfort much of its character. Classically austere in the best sense of the term, the 2017 looks like a wine that is going to need a good bit of time to unwind. Grilled herbs, smoke, tobacco and incense develop in the glass, and yet the 2017 is only showing some of its cards. Yields are down about 35% because of frost, but the damage was mostly contained to parcels in Soussans as opposed to those that inform the Grand Vin." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 89-92: "Charming and stylish, showing bright floral lift throughout while red currant and raspberry fruit, along with mineral and rooibos tea notes, glide through the silky finish."

 
Echo De Lynch Bages 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 92-93: "A layered and juicy red with blackberry and wet-earth character. Full-bodied, rich and juicy. Well done for second wine of Lynch." Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Echo de Lynch Bages is absolutely delicious. Pliant and open-knit, the 2017 offers up a compelling melange of red berry fruit mixed with floral and spice notes. In 2017, Echo has a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon than is typical. I very much admire the wine's creamy, inviting personality. In other words, Echo is exactly what a second wine should be." - Antonio Galloni

 
Eglise Clinet 2017 - Pomerol

persistence and bags of energy. This will be extremely long lived!" Vinous 95-97: "The 2017 L’Eglise-Clinet was picked between 12 and 22 September, the Cabernet Franc coming in on the last day. Nothing was touched by the frost. It is matured in 70% new oak. Denis Durantou did not specify the exact quantity produced, “Just enough for my friends” according to his spec sheet! The bouquet is very succinct, perhaps more open than either the 2015 or 2016 at this early stage, extraordinarily pure with blackberry, wild strawberry, smoke and truffle. It just gets better and better as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, linear and focused, very fresh with pointed acidity. This is full of tension and poise, a touch of graphite emerging towards the finish that lingers in the mouth with superb salinité at the end. It completes a triumvirate for Denis Durantou after the 2015 and 2016s.' - Neal Martin

 
Ferriere 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 93-94: "A very precise and center weighted red with very attractive blackberry and blueberry character. Tight and long. Demeter certified biodynamic." Wine Spectator 89-92: "A sanguine note leads off here, giving this a lively feel, while gently mulled cherry and plum fruit glides in behind. Floral nuances check in on the elegant finish." - JM

 
Feytit Clinet 2017 - Pomerol

James Suckling 91-92: "Some good fruit with hints of chocolate and berry character. Medium body, firm tannins and an open finish. Should develop nicely." Vinous 93-96: "A wine of real distinction and class, the 2017 Feytit-Clinet possesses tremendous intensity and exceptional balance. Inky black cherry, lavender, charred earth and licorice, along with potent tannins, give Feytit-Clinet its explosive rich personality. As always, Feytit-Clinet is an especially virile, tannic Pomerol. All the elements are wonderfully fused together. The 2017 was tremendous on each of the three occasions I tasted it. In a word: Superb." - Antonio Galloni

 
Figeac 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 95-96: "This is a dense and layered red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of hazelnuts. Full-bodied, very tight and focused. Impressive young tannins. Velvety texture. Very pretty to taste. Juicy and delicious. 43% merlot, 47% caberent sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc. Less franc than normal due to the frost." Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 Figeac is magnificent. Beautifully layered and exquisite in the glass, the 2017 possesses remarkable balance and harmony from the very first taste. An utterly beguiling, captivating wine, the 2017 simply has it all. Bright, red-toned fruit, mint, spice, lavender and rose petal overtones flesh out in the glass, but above all else, Figeac is a wine of total harmony. The Grand Vin includes 10% second generation fruit. Even so, production is down around 50%." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 94-96: "The 2017 Figeac is composed of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Very deep garnet-purple in color, the nose sings of Cabernet Sauvignon—bright crushed black currants, blackberries and wild blueberries with wafts of lilacs, pencil shavings, tobacco, tilled earth plus a hint of bay leaves. The medium-bodied mouth is fine, elegant, minerally and incredibly vivacious with tons of energy. Bright and refreshing with firm, grainy tannins and a provocative hint of chew, it finishes with great length. This should age wonderfully. 100% new oak was used for this sample and it is very well-integrated." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Fleur de Gay 2017 - Pomerol

Wine Spectator 91-94: "Solid, with licorice root, ganache and fig notes forming a slightly muscular core, backed by brambly grip and a good dose of roasted apple wood on the finish. A touch rustic but has the core of fruit to fill out. For fans of the style." James Suckling 91-92: "A tight and focused red with dark-berry, light wet-earth and dark-chocolate character. Medium body, firm tannins and a clean finish." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 La Fleur de Gay offers much more concentration than its sibling La Croix de Gay, the vines located central on the gravel plateau bestowing higher quality fruit: crushed strawberry and cranberry, a touch of truffle and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a fine bead of acidity and a fresh finish with good tension and length. This is a very fine La Fleur de Gay that should age well in bottle." - Neal Martin

 
Fombrauge 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 91-92: "A tight and elegant red with very fine tannins, a medium body and a fresh finish. Shows tension and freshness. Solid for the region." Wine Spectator 90-93: "Offers nice flesh, with a mix of black currant and plum fruit inlaid with subtle black tea, graphite and anise notes. Reveals a tobacco edge on the finish. Well done." Wine Advocate 92-94: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Fombrauge leaps from the glass with expressive red and black currants notes and a plummy undercurrent plus wafts of lilacs and wood smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a finely grained frame and backbone freshness supporting the elegant fruit, finishing on a lingering earthy note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Fontenil 2017 - Fronsac

forward plum and blueberry fruit sails through, featuring a light charcoal spine for balance. Shows flashes of herb and spice, with some sneaky length." - JM Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Fontenil is well defined, and quite focused compared to the previous two vintages. It has a rather conservative bouquet that nevertheless has fine intensity with attractive black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, just a nagging green vein towards the second half that just discombobulates the finish and lingers unwanted on the aftertaste. That may dissipate during the elevage – we will see." - Neal Martin

 
Fronsac - Haut Carles

 
Fronsac - Dalem

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Dalem (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) is deep garnet-purple in color and a little broody to begin, giving way to a core of baked blueberries, kirsch, redcurrant jelly and blackberry pie plus wafts of bay leaves and truffles. Full-bodied with bags of generous black fruit sparked by red fruit accents and a firm, velvety texture, it has a lovely refreshing lift on the finish."

 
Fronsac - Fontenil

Wine Advocate 93-95: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Fontenil struts out of the glass with confident black plum preserves, black cherries and mulberries scents plus suggestions of underbrush, Indian spices, violets and mossy bark. Full-bodied, rich and decadently fruited, it has a solid, plush frame and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed."

 
Fronsac - Vrai Canon Bouche

Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Vrai Canon Bouché bursts from the glass with baked plums, blueberry preserves and spice cake scents plus notes of unsmoked cigars, bay leaves and mossy bark. Full, rich and laden with juicy fruit, it has soft, rounded tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
Fronsac - La Vieille Cure

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Vieille Cure reveals a wonderfully savory nose of chargrilled meats, dried herbs and Marmite toast with a core of baked plums, blackberry preserves and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with vibrant black and blue fruits plus loads of savory sparks and a plush texture, finishing with a refreshing lift."

 
Fronsac - Haut Carles

 
Fronsac - Moulin Haut Laroque

 
Fronsac - Moulin Haut Laroque

 
G de Guiraud 2017 - Bordeaux White

Wine Spectator 90-93: Lively, featuring white peach, lemon zest and thyme notes zipping along. Very pretty, with a refreshing finish." JM

 
Gaffeliere 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 95-97: "Composed of 40% Cabernet Franc and 60% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Gaffeliere has pronounced cassis, baked plums and blackberry pie notes with suggestions of lavender, baking spices and rose hip tea. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins, an electric intensity of bright black and blue fruits and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally." Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 La Gaffelière is without question one of the wines of the vintage in Saint- emilion. Bright, precise and wonderfully lifted, the 2017 is all precision. Exquisite aromatics and lively, red-toned fruit infuse this mid-weight, remarkably pure Saint-emilion. Spice, blood orange and floral notes add the closing layers of nuance. The 2017 really dazzles. Don't miss it." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 94-95: "This is really excellent for the vintage with wonderful density of fruit in terms of plum liqueur and creme de cassis. The palate’s plush but velvety with round tannins and a long finish. Should drink fabulously when young. So generous but silky and dialed-in."

 
Giscours 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 92-93: "A firm and silky red with dark-berry, cherry and mineral aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a driven finish. Very dialed-in." Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 Giscours is a terrific, and also a worthy follow up to both the 2015 and 2016. Rich and pliant in the glass, the 2017 exudes notable depth in its super-ripe dark cherry, plum, chocolate, leather and menthol flavors. Above all else, the 2017 offers a striking combination of juiciness, freshness and brightness, with terrific depth and plenty of nuance. The 2017 finishes with notable creaminess and textural elegance. This is very nicely done." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 90-92: "Blended of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Giscours is scented of crushed black currants, blackberry tart and black raspberries with touches of Indian spices, Sichuan pepper and violets plus a waft of chocolate box. Medium-bodied with wonderful freshness defining the palate and elevating the red and black fruits, it finishes with a nice ripe, grainy texture paving the way."

 
Gracia 2017 - St Emilion

Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Gracia is magnificent. Rich, sumptuous and powerful in the glass, the 2017 exudes concentration and pure power. Inky red cherry, raspberry jam, mint, blood orange and exotic spice notes are all fused together. Sumptuous and racy to the core, Gracia delivers superb flavor intensity, with more than enough freshness to keep things in check. What a gorgeous wine it is. This is one of the best recent vintages of Gracia I can remember tasting. Superb! Tasted three times." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 91-92: "An extracted and rich red with blackberries and dark fruit. Hints of walnuts. Full body and a juicy finish." Wine Advocate 90-92: "The current blend of the 2017 Gracia is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it features gorgeous crme de cassis, plum preserves and mocha scents with hints of lilacs, allspice and tilled black soil. Medium-bodied with a firm frame of very ripe, fine-grained tannins, it has a lively backbone and delivers great length." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Grand Puy Lacoste 2017 - Pauillac

Vinous 91-93: "The 2017 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from 15 to 29 September cropped at 45hl/ha, matured in 75% new oak. It has a clean, precise and conservative bouquet that takes time to open. I like the mineral tension here, the focus, and hints of freshly shucked oyster shell emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, fresh in the mouth with plenty of cedar and tobacco-infused red and black fruit that drive a long, slightly peppery finish. It is a quintessential Grand Puy Lacoste, sans the frills of the 2016 and yet you can already imagine this being drunk to the very last drop in about ten years time. It is simply a very likeable Grand Puy Lacoste in the making. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin James Suckling 92-93: "Very pretty and focused with a tight and refined palate of juicy tannins and a savory finish. Elegant." Wine Spectator 91-94: "This is crunchy and lively, offering a bright herbaceous note mixed in with red and black currant fruit. There's good iron-driven cut on the finish. A bit backward, but the pieces are there for a textbook, mineral-driven Pauillac."

 
Grandes Murailles 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Vinous 90-93: "The Les Grandes Murailles is gorgeous. Supple, racy and inviting, the 2017 shows a bit more raciness and overall depth than it usually does, but all the elements are very nicely put together. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice and spice all run through this lush, impeccably balanced, mid-weight Saint-emilion from the Cuvelier family. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 88-90: "Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Grandes Murailles opens with fresh black raspberries and blackberries on the nose plus hints of charcuterie, tar and chargrill. The palate is medium-bodied with a well-played chewy frame coming into balance with the succulent fruit and ample freshness, finishing with a pleasant lift." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 88-89: "A red with a salty, fruity and wet-earth character. Medium body, a solid core of fruit and a fresh finish."

 
Graves - Clos Floridene Rouge

Wine Advocate 87-89: "The 2018 Clos Floridene is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of bright black and red fruits, cassis, meats and woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is chewy with a savory finish."

 
Graves - Clos Floridene Blanc

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The Clos Floridene 2018 Blanc gives tropical scents of green guava, mango and pineapple with touches of honeysuckle and fresh ginger. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers fantastic freshness and mineral-tinged citrus layers, finishing long and clean."

 
Graves - Prelat du Pape Clement Rouge

 
Graves - Clos Floridene

 
Graves - Clos Floridene Blanc

 
Graves - Clos Floridène Blanc

 
Graves - Clos Floridène rouge

 
Gruaud Larose 2017 - St Julien

Wine Spectator 91-94: "Well-built, with plum and blackberry fruit that is very fresh, thanks to bright acidity. Light floral, anise and graphite notes add range. A savory streak keeps the finish going." James Suckling 92-93: "A firm and silky young red with an attractive center palate of fruit and hints of cedar. Fresh, tight and compacted." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 Gruaud Larose was picked from 15 to 20 September for the Merlot and from 21 to 3 October for the Cabernets, fermented in wood and cement tanks and aged in French oak, 80% new for 18 to 24 months. It comes in with 12.88 alcohol. Quite deep in colour, it has an introverted bouquet at first that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. There are notes of black cherry, iodine and just a touch of pencil lead. The palate is medium-bodied with finely balanced. An unpretentious but pretty Gruaud Larose that is benefitted by what is clearly a prudent extraction. The oak is neatly integrated with a linear, almost pastille-like finish and quite a sustained aftertaste." - Neal Martin

 
Guiraud 2017 - Sauternes

Wine Spectator 92-95: "Lively, featuring orange peel, white peach, almond cream and apricot flavors that stay juicy and brightly defined. Elegant overall, with power in reserve." - JM Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2017 Guiraud gives notes of baked apples, crme brlee and preserved mandarin peel with touches of crushed rocks and fungi. It delivers great elegance in the mouth with loads of spicy apple and savory flavors, finishing on an earthy note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Haut Bailly 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 94-96: "The 2017 Haut-Bailly is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it has a wonderfully spicy nose of cinnamon stick, cloves, anise and fenugreek with core of roses, warm blueberries, black forest cake and black raspberries plus hints of underbrush and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied with firm, ripe, grainy tannins, it has oodles of freshness and great finesse, continuing bright and energetic on the long, minerally finish." James Suckling 94-95: "A firm and silky red with a medium to full body, a solid center palate and a long and integrated finish. Very fine, polished and refined. Creamy tannins. Hints of bitter orange." Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Haut-Bailly is an understated beauty. Nothing in particular stands out rather it is the wine's balance that impresses most. All the classic Haut-Bailly signatures come through in a mid-weight, super-finessed wine that hits all the right notes. Dark red and blue stone fruits, graphite, smoke, licorice and incense are all laced into the super-expressive finish. The 2017 emerges from the estate's central, most historic parcels, as those vineyards were not affected by the April frost that took with it 30% of the production." - Antonio Galloni

 
Haut Batailley 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 94-95: "A firm and silky red with a medium to full body, a solid center palate and a long and integrated finish. Very fine, polished and refined. Creamy tannins. Hints of bitter orange." Vinous 91-94: "The 2017 Haut-Batailley is a hugely promising wine. Sumptuous and expressive in the glass, with gorgeous layers of fruit that unfold effortlessly, the 2017 has quite a bit to offer. Silky tannins add an air of sensuality to a core of dark fruit, lavender, leather and spice notes. Tasted next to the bottled 2016, the 2017 speaks with an effortless refinement. The oak is especially well judged for a young wine. The Cazes family is putting a serious amount of investment behind their newest acquisition. Among other things, an ambitious replanting program is underway. Jean-Charles Cazes told me yields were generous in 2017, which is quite unusual for the year." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 89-92: "This has good currant and damson fruit lined with tobacco and iron notes. Offers slightly dusty tannins but remains fresh and focused overall." - JM

 
Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 95-97: "Composed of 53% Merlot, 40.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.3% Cabernet Franc, the very deep purple-black colored 2017 Haut-Brion is a little closed on the nose, revealing fresh blackberries, black currants and dark chocolate with suggestions of pencil shavings, beef drippings, tilled soil and cracked black pepper plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it has very firm, ripe, grainy tannins and a lively backbone structuring the tightly knit earth and black fruit layers, finishing with compelling mineral and perfumed layers." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 95-96: "A tight and focused red with dark-berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a linear and fine finish. Very refined. Elegant and balanced." Vinous 94-96: "The 2017 Haut-Brion was picked from 31 August to 29 September, the longest harvest ever, matured in 69% new oak with 14.25% alcohol (lower than recent vintages.) It has a more generous bouquet than the La Mission Haut-Brion at this point: black cherries, blueberry, a little confit fruit, hints of warm gravel and clove. It is much more restrained than the previous vintages – cooler and linear. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, nicely structured with more grip in the mouth than the La Mission. What it has in common with the aforementioned is a sense of symmetry. It feels very persistent with a light marine/oyster shell influence on the finish. This probably has the edge over the La Mission Haut-Brion at the moment, but intra-family competitiveness aside, it boils down to a great follow-up to the brilliant 2015 and 2016." - Neal Martin

 
Haut Marbuzet 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 90-91: "A firm and chewy young red with a solid center palate of berry and currant character. Fresh finish." Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Haut-Marbuzet has a typical plump, fruit-forward bouquet with red plum, strawberry preserve and dark chocolate aromas. If you appreciate this property’s forward, fruit-driven style then this will suit you to the ground. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin and moderate depth. It is a little more conservative towards the finish and oaky at the moment, a vintage constrained by the growing season unlike in 2016. Whilst not as complex as the top tier Saint-Estèphes, I feel there is some drinking fun to be had here given three or four years of ageing." - Neal Martin

 
Haut Medoc - Charmail

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Charmail comes from the lieu-dit Charmail in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne. The blend is 39% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot. Aging is projected to run 12 months in 30% new oak barrels. The rest of the wine is aging in 17-hectoliter concrete eggs and 500-liter barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up very spicy notes of cracked black pepper, cumin seed and cloves over a core of warm plums, blackcurrant cordial, underbrush and a waft of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy line cutting through the muscular fruit, finishing with a lively herbal lift."

 
Haut Medoc - Bellevue

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Made of 100% Merlot, the 2018 Bellevue is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up wonderfully expressive scents of baked black cherries, plum preserves and blueberry coulis with hints of mocha, licorice, dried spearmint and chargrill plus a waft of cardamom and Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied with bags of rich, seductive fruit, it is laden with bright earthy sparks and has a soft, plush texture, finishing with fantastic freshness and energy."

 
Haut Medoc - Tour Carnet

Wine Advocate 90-92: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 la Tour Carnet features notes of warm black cherries, dark chocolate, star anise and garrigue over a core of blackcurrant cordial, black raspberries and black tea. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins, it has a muscular mid-palate and a refreshing herbal lift on the finish."

 
Haut Medoc - Larrivaux

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larrivaux features baked berries, warm cassis and herbs with pencil shavings and olives notions on the nose. Full, rich and concentrated, it has firm, grainy tannins with nice freshness and great length."

 
Haut Medoc - Lanessan

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Lanessan is deep garnet-purple colored with black cherries, cassis, mulberries and baked plums on the nose with herbs, earth and tea hints. Medium to full-bodied, it is a little chewy and herbal with the oak poking through on the finish."

 
Haut Medoc - Clement Pichon

 
Haut Medoc - Camensac

 
Haut Medoc - Sociando Mallet

 
Haut Medoc - Belgrave

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Belgrave reveals scents of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of damp soil, fungi, charcuterie and sautéed herbs. Full-bodied and completely packed with rich, black fruit layers, it has a solid foundation of firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy."

 
Haut Medoc - Coufran

Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple, the 2018 Coufran is a little broody to begin, giving way to pronounced notes of smoked meats, fertile loam, truffles and tapenade over a core of Black Forest cake, warm cassis and blackberry pie. Full, rich and decadently fruited in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and savory."

 
Haut Medoc - Cantemerle

Wine Advocate 86-88: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cantemerle delivers notions of crème de cassis, raisin cake and prunes with hints of Chinese five spice and dusty soil. Full-bodied and boldly fruited with dried berries and fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing spicy."

 
Haut Medoc - Sociando Mallet

Wine Advocate 85-87: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Sociando-Mallet has a nose of baked fruits, stewed plums, earth and herbs with a waft of menthol. The palate is full-bodied, firm, hard and chewy with an herbal, hot finish."

 
Haut Medoc - La Tour Carnet

 
Haut Medoc - Clement Pichon

 
Haut Medoc - Belle Vue

 
Haut Medoc - Gironville

 
Haut Medoc - Cantemerle

 
Haut Medoc - Camensac

 
Haut Medoc - Lanessan

 
Haut Medoc - Beaumont

 
L'Evangile 2017 - Pomerol

Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 L'evangile is a stunning wine. Frost wiped out half of the potential crop, including all of the Cabernet Franc, which means the Grand Vin is 100% Merlot. Rich, sumptuous and explosive, the 2017 possesses remarkable depth and stunning intensity in all of its dimensions. The purity, energy and textural resonance of the fruit is ravishing. The 2017 saw five days of cold soak followed by 30 days on the skins. Technical Director Jean Pascal Vazart opted for gentle pumpovers and longer extractions than normal. Malolactic fermentation was done in 100% new oak, where the wine is presently aging. A massive, concentrated wine, L'evangile is going to need a number of years to be at its very best, but it is magnificent, even in the early going. In a word: dazzling!" - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 94-95: "Very fine and velvety tannins in the mouth with juicy fruit that gives dark-berry, chocolate and spice character. Medium to full body. Bright acidity. Harmonious and very pretty. Pure merlot. Reminds me of the 2012, but shows a little more ripeness and suppleness." Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2017 L'Evangile is deep garnet-purple in color, featuring a profoundly scented nose of plum preserves, smoked meats, chargrill and cigar box with touches of licorice, tapenade, tar and truffles plus an earthy waft of underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a lovely purity of black and blue fruits, accented with baking spice notions and framed by plush tannins that offer just the right amount of provocative grip, finishing long and earthy." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
La Confession 2017 - St Emilion

James Suckling 91-92: "Layered and flavorful with a medium to full body, velvety tannins and a long and intense finish." Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2017 La Confession is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of crushed black plums and mulberries with touches of baking spices and mocha. Medium to full-bodied with great concentration and firm, rounded tannins, it has just enough freshness and a long spicy finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 88-91: "The 2017 La Confession is endowed with serious depth and unctuousness. Blueberry jam, menthol, licorice, sweet French oak, crme de cassis, spice and new leather are all amped up in this decidedly flamboyant Saint-emilion. Although not exactly subtle, the 2017 is quite delicious." Antonio Galloni"

 
La Conseillante 2017 - Pomerol

Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2017 La Conseillante displays a deep garnet-purple color and simply sings of crushed blueberries, mulberries and ripe plums with suggestions of violets, chocolate box, rose hip tea and a waft of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive richness at this elegant weight coupled with vivacity and supported by plush, velvety tannins, finishing with great length and energy. This is an arrestingly beautiful expression of this vintage!" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 La Conseillante is a wine of total finesse and class. Bright, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2017 is exceptionally polished and nuanced from start to finish. Despite its mid-weight, gracious personality, the 2017 has real staying power. Technical Director Marielle Cazaux gave the fruit about 2 days on the skins, with no SO2 at crush. Cazaux added that the malos were quite fast. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Frost reduced production by around 15%, while drought further reduced yields in the Franc by a further 10%. As for the wine, well, the 2017 was magnificent on each of the three occasions I tasted it." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 94-95: "Tight and precise with focused tannins and a lovely texture to this young wine. Medium to full body. Compressed and serious. Some salty and dark fruit at the end."

 
La Croix St Georges 2017 - Pomerol

Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 La Croix St. Georges is deep, pliant and creamy, with tons of textural richness. The dark red plum, mocha, spice and new leather flavors are all given an extra kick of voluptuousness in 2017. Sweet floral notes add brightness on the finish. This is an especially succulent style, but it works well.' - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 88-89: ''Some berries and dark chocolate with hazelnut undertones. Medium body, firm tannins and a medium finish."

 
La Dominique 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 92-93: "This shows a solid core of fruit with lots of salt and meat character. Full to medium body and a fresh finish." Wine Spectator 90-93: "Bright, with a crunchy feel. Savory and mineral notes are prominent, along with sleek cassis and damson plum fruit. Not big, but the finish is racy and very pure." Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 La Dominique offers notable richness and textural depth, with a good bit of aromatic freshness that perks up the red and purplish berry fruit. Suave, silky tannins add to the wine's enticing personality. Dark cherry, plum, espresso and leather build into the super expressive, layered finish." - Antonio Galloni

 
La Mission Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion, blended of 56% Merlot, 39.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.4% Cabernet Franc, is very deep garnet-purple in color and scented of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with suggestions of cigar box, bay leaves, Indian spices and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied with very firm, grainy tannins and a racy backbone supporting the taut, muscular fruit, it has bags of mineral and earthy suggestions layering the very long finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 95-96: "This is a very tight and focused young La Mission with a pretty center palate of dark fruit and flavors of oyster shell and hints of fresh tobacco. Serious and precise on the finish. 56% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 4% cabernet franc." Vinous 93-95: "The 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked from 4 to 29 September and matured in 68% new oak with 14.1° alcohol. It has a more broody bouquet than previous years: dark berry fruit, brown spices, warm gravel and later, a touch of orange rind. This can sometimes be sultry out of barrel and the 2017 falls into that category. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin. This La Mission Haut-Brion is built around a wonderful structure and symmetry. It feels precise with a detailed, saline finish that lingers in the mouth. I can see Jean-Philippe Delmas’s comparison with the 2001 though I find the tannins finer in the 2017. Superb." - Neal Martin

 
La Mission Haut Brion Blanc 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 96-98: "Blended of 76.2% Smillon and 23.8% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 Blanc gives up seriously intense notes of jasmine, grapefruit, lime zest and yuzu with touches of crushed rocks and lemongrass. The palate is medium-bodied with electric intensity and incredible tension, finishing long with many citrus fruit and mineral layers." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 96-97: "This is really layered yet tight and focused with searing minerality that gives it tension and energy. Full-bodied, bright and precise. Impressive. 76% semillon and 24% sauvignon blanc." Vinous 93-95: "The 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc was picked 22 to 31 August and matured in 38% new oak. It is very precise on the nose with lovely scents of orange blossom, Cornice pear, nettle and yellow flowers. The palate is well balanced with a slight waxiness on the entry. There is an underlying resinous quality to this La Mission Blanc with citrus lemon, Granny Smith apples, stem ginger and tangible mineralit towards the finish. This is a classy, sophisticated La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, one that is surpassed by the nascent Haut-Brion Blanc at the moment, but may have a trick up its sleeve with age thanks to the high proportion of Smillon." - Neal Martin

 
La Mondotte 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 96-98+: "There was no frost here. Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Mondotte simply sings of gorgeous ripe blackberries, mulberries and black raspberries with touches of sandalwood, lavender, licorice and rose hips plus wafts of garrigue and exotic spices. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, very silky tannins and layer upon layer of black fruits and spices, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed.' - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 96-97: "Incredibly complete for the vintage, this cascades with its character of dark chocolate, blackberry coulis and Chinese spices. It’s so very beguiling on the palate with rich yet in-tune black fruit and complemented by regal, surrounding tannins. Bright acid carries this through to a long finish." Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 La Mondotte is a total stunner, not to mention one of the wines of the vintage. Exquisitely layered in the glass, the 2017 possesses stunning freshness and vibrant to play off the characteristically dense Mondotte fruit. Lavender, chocolate, menthol, spice, crushed rocks and new leather add nuance to a core of plush, inky dark fruit. La Mondotte was spared damage from frost. For the first time, La Mondotte contains 30% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni

 
La Tour Carnet Blanc 2017 - Haut Medoc

James Suckling 90-91: "A fresh and vivid white with sliced-lemon and -pineapple character. Medium-bodied, bright and fruity. Yet tight and energetic." Vinous 86-88: "The 2017 La Tour Carnet Blanc was picked from 6 to 11 September, matured in Burgundy barrels. It has a simple cooking apple, pear and white peach scented nose that just needs to muster more vigour. The palate is fresh on the entry with peach and light mandarin notes, moderate weight with a clean and fresh, lightly spiced finish." - Neal Martin

 
La Tour Carnet Rouge 2017 - Haut Medoc

James Suckling 92-93: "Very tight and polished with pretty density and tannins. Medium to full body, good length and excellent balance. Remake of 2014." Wine Spectator 88-91: "A clean, direct, racy wine, with light mineral and savory notes amid a core of cassis fruit. Shows good length and tension." - JM Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 La Tour Carnet is a blend of 60% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc picked between 21 September and 5 October, matured in 30% new oak barrel for 16 months. It needs some encouragement from the glass but eventually reveals scents of blackberry, boysenberry jam and a faint hint of orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannin that grip the mouth. There is fine purity and detail here, but it is resolutely linear and strict, and I find the finish needing a soupon more fleshiness, just to offset the firmness of the tannins." - Neal Martin

 
La Voute 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Voute delivers notes of chargrill, tar and black soil over a core of blackberries and red and black plums. The palate is medium to full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins and a compelling racy line lifting the intense red and black fruits, leading to a long finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 La Vote has pretty black cherry and blueberry fruit on the nose that opens nicely in the glass. The oak here is well managed. The palate is medium-bodied with pastille-like black fruit, slightly lower acidity than its peers with a silky smooth finish that lingers nicely. It is not a complex Saint-emilion but it is well crafted." - Neal Martin Jame Suckling 89-90: "A tight and solid 2017 with subtle wet earth, dark fruit and fresh herbs. Medium body and a clean finish."

 
Labegorce 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 92-93: "A juicy and rich red with lots of fruit and wet-earth character. Medium to full body, ripe tannins and a fresh finish." Wine Spectator 90-93: "Fresh and lively, with red and black currant fruit gilded with lilac and sandalwood notes. A fresh mineral edge shows on the finish. Nicely rendered." - JM Wine Advocate 89-91: "Beginning with the 2009 vintage, Labegorce Zede was folded into Labegorce, both of which are owned by the Perrodo family (as is the recently acquired Marquis d'Alesme). Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Labegorce gives pronounced black fruits, blackberries and black plums with suggestions of underbrush, lavender and bay leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe, plump, juicy and expressive with plush tannins and good length. The current blend is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Lacoste Borie 2017 - Pauillac

Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 Lacoste Borie was picked from 15 to 29 September, cropped at 49hl/ha. It has a clean, fresh and slightly earthy bouquet, what you might call “classic” in style, perhaps not quite as precise as the 2016 but then again, few 2017s are. The palate is medium-bodied with firm and strict tannin, a little raw at the moment with a small attenuation on the slightly rough-hewn finish. Not bad although I would like to see more finesse by the time of bottling. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin

 
Lafite 2017 - Pauillac

Wine Advocate 97-99: "Composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon with 3.5% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Lafite Rothschild is a little shy on the nose to begin, opening out to scents of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and warm black plums with touches of yeast extract, charcuterie, cigar box and fertile loam plus a hint of iron ore. POW—the paradoxically ethereal, medium-bodied palate hits you with vibrant, exhilarating black fruit and previously latent floral layers, supported with fantastic freshness and super fine-grained, pixelated tannins, finishing with persistent mineral and perfumed layers. Truly. Stunning." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 97-98: "This is very tight and tannic with lots of blackcurrant and sweet-tobacco character. Firm and powerful tannin texture sets this up for a long and chewy finish, yet it remains very compact and polished. It's a wine that possesses all the hallmarks of Lafite — everything from flavors to structure." Vinous 95-97: "The 2017 Lafite-Rothschild had been blended in mid-March, a couple of weeks prior to my visit, therefore it was important to let this settle and aerate. Moreover, I returned on my final day in Bordeaux mid-April for a second reading. It feels very aloof at first, even a little green, although that ebbs away with time in the glass to reveal pure blackberry and bilberry fruit, touches of brine, cedar and graphite. Patience discloses a really quite sublime array of aromas. The palate is where all the action is: filigree tannin, very well judged acidity, harmonious and poised with a silky smooth finish that glides across the mouth. It does not possess enormous length but it is very precise and, for want of a better, less clichéd word, classic from start to finish. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin

 
Lafon Rochet 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 92-93: "Solid, ultra-clean 2017 with a very pretty core of fruit and chewy tannins. Flavorful and fresh. Extremely long and focused." Vinous 91-93: "The 2017 Lafon-Rochet has matured in 50% new oak and the remainder in one-year old. I have to say, the bouquet is very expressive with plenty of blackberry, wild hedgerow, oyster shell and pressed flower that blossom in the glass. It is very well defined and more sophisticated than I have detected in recent vintages. Perhaps this is the first vintage where the new winery, replete with concrete vats, has really played a serious role in meliorating quality. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, quite saline in the mouth with just a hint of black olive. There is a slightly grainy texture with a sustained peppery finish, completing a crisp and vivacious Lafon-Rochet that should please many wine-lovers. Expect this to land at the top of my banded score." - Neal Martin

 
Lalande de Pomerol - Fleur de Bouard

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Fleur de Boüard displays pronounced scents of baked blackberries, black cherry coulis and tilled soil with hints of kirsch, dried herbs and fungi. Medium to full-bodied with generous black fruits and a soft texture, it has just enough freshness and an earthy finish. The blend here is 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon."

 
Lalande de Pomerol - Plus de La Fleur de Bouard

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Made of 100% Merlot, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Le Plus is quite closed and broody to begin, opening to give notions of baked plums, warm black cherries and kirsch plus touches of Chinese five spice, bay leaves and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with ripe, rich black fruits with loads of earth and herbal accents to brighten it up, framed by rounded tannins, finishing long and spicy."

 
Lalande de Pomerol - Cruzelles

Wine Advocate 91-93: "This is produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet. The 2018 Les Cruzelles is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it features slightly reduced notions of asphalt and tires over a core of warm red and black plums, blackberry pie and boysenberries with hints of fruitcake, incense and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and packed with perfumed black fruit, it has a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long."

 
Larcis Ducasse 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 94-95: "A very pretty and structured red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of limestone character. Medium to full body, solid tannins and a real freshness underneath. Long and flavorful." Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is a rich, sensual wine, with softer contours and more plushness than is typically the case, part of which is attributable to the vintage and part of which is the result of gentler winemaking. Dark red cherry and plum fruit is nicely pushed forward in this succulent, racy Saint-emilion. Mocha, licorice and menthol wrap around the juicy, pliant finish. The 2017 is an especially succulent, racy Larcis. It has been consistently brilliant on the four occasions I have tasted it so far." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is deep garnet-purple colored with a bombastic, gregarious nose of preserved plums, baked blackberries and mocha with hints of sauteed herbs, pencil lead and chargrilled meats plus a waft of yeast extract. The palate is big, rich and full-bodied with a very firm frame of chewy tannins and lashings of oak joining with opulent fruit, finishing long."

 
Larrivet Haut Brion 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Larrivet Haut-Brion is magnificent. Frost took out a large portion of the chteau's parcels. As a result, the wine is a highly unusual blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. In the glass, the 2017 is rich, sumptuous and explosive, with serious density to match its flamboyant personality. A highly unusual wine, the 2017 has so much to offer. Wow! Now, for the bad news. Production is down 75%. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 91-92: "A solid red with almost all cabernet sauvignon this year. Medium to full body, layered and intense. Shows length." Wine Spectator 90-93: "Pretty sanguine and tea notes lead off here, with silky textured damson plum and blackberry fruit following quickly behind. Lively anise and bramble hints emerge on the finish. This has range and character."

 
Latour Martillac Blanc 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 92-93: "A dense and salty white with loads of apple, lemon and lime character. Medium to full body. Vivid finish." Vinous 91-93: "The 2017 Latour-Martillac Blanc has a lifted linden, Granny Smith apple and nettle scented bouquet that opens nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, fresh and focused with a satisfying sense of tension. It is a subtle Pessac-Leognan Blanc, unfolding in the glass to reveal light nectarine and stone fruit notes towards the finish. This is a strong performance from Latour-Martillac and it comes recommended." - Neal Martin

 
Latour Martillac Rouge 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 91-92: "A dark-berry and dark-chocolate character with spices. Medium body and a delicious finish." Wine Spectator 90-93: "This sports some dark plum and fig fruit flavors allied to a gentle and silky structure. A light licorice snap hint echoes through the finish, with sweet spice notes. The polished finish shows a gloss of toast." – JM Vinous 89-91: "A dark-berry and dark-chocolate character with spices. Medium body and a delicious finish."

 
Leoville Barton 2017 - St Julien

Vinous 93-96: "One of the few truly exceptional Left Bank wines of the vintage, the 2017 Leoville-Barton is simply fabulous. The 2017 also has the distinction of having a very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky crme de cassis, white flowers, lavender, crushed rocks, menthol and spice give the 2017 a distinctly layered, resonant feel. The 2017 offers fabulous density and structure, although the tannins need time. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The September rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, Cabernet is pushed up in the blend, while there is no Franc at all. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 93-96: "This manages to pack in some serious plum, blackberry and black currant compote flavors, along with layers of melted black licorice and tar on the finish. This has a density that sets it apart from the pack in the vintage, with a lovely roasted apple wood note on the finish." James Suckling 94-95: "This is a really excellent Leoville-Barton with wonderful cabernet sauvignon character of blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Full body, firm and lightly chewy tannins and a long and beautiful finish. This has tension and brightness."

 
Leoville Las Cases 2017 - St Julien

Wine Advocate 96-98: "The 2017 Leoville Las Cases, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot from 50- to 90-year-old vines, is deep garnet-purple in color and simply sings of crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries and plum preserves with notions of wood smoke, cigar boxes, crushed rocks and beef drippings. Medium-bodied with wonderful intensity and vivacity, it gives a firm, fine-grained frame and a densely packed mid-palate, finishing long and earthy. This should age incredibly!" James Suckling 96-97: "This is very muscular with formed and bright tannins that give the wine super drive and length. The tannins build on the finish with a lovely integration of black fruits. Serious for the vintage." Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 Leoville Las Cases is remarkably elegant and polished for this typically brutish Saint-Julien. Persistence more than power is the key element that distinguishes the 2017 from most other vintages and most other Saint-Juliens as well. The classic Las Cases flavor profile is very much in evidence, but in a wine that is silky, nuanced and exceptionally polished. In 2017, Las Cases is truly magical, and one of the most complete wines of the Left Bank. In a word: sublime. Don't miss it. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni

 
Leoville Poyferre 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 95-96: "Very tight and energetic finish to this young, new red with currant and blackberry character. Hints of crushed stones. Dense and four-square with a chewy tannin structure and a long finish. Very muscular. Serious encore to the 2016. Same level?" Wine Advocate 93-95: "Yields in 2017 were 44.34 hectoliters per hectare. The 2017 Leoville Poyferre is very deep purple-black in color with super intense notes of freshly crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries and Sichuan pepper with hints of lavender, baking spices and wood smoke. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and grainy with restrained, understated fruit and a long, mineral-laced finish." Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Leoville-Poyferre boasts serious depth and concentration within the context of the year. Bright and floral, with beautifully layered fruit, the 2017 is at once gracious and powerful. Raspberry jam, chocolate, new leather and spice all flesh out in this decidedly exuberant, fleshy Saint-Julien. Many 2017s are quite open, but Leoville-Poyferre is quite reticent. Some of that may be attributable to high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in a blend composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Because of the late season rains, only 3 out of the 5 parcels that typically inform the Grand Vin were used. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni

 
Lussac St Emilion - Bel Air Jean & Gabriel

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cuvée Jean Gabriel leaps from the glass with bold notes of crushed blackberries, black cherry compote and redcurrant jelly with hints of spice box, violets and anise. Full-bodied, concentrated and seductive, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness to lift the finish."

 
Lynch Bages 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 95-96: "This is an excellent Lynch that starts off slowly and then drives at the end with dark fruit and hints of hazelnuts. Strong and focused tannins. A beautiful young wine." Wine Spectator 92-95: "There's really good flesh here for the vintage, with cassis, plum and blackberry compote flavors that are a step ahead of the pack in concentration. Light charcoal and iron notes score the finish, which is racy and fresh. Textbook Pauillac." - JM Vinous 91-93: "The 2017 Lynch Bages was picked from 18 September with the young Merlot vines and finishing on 30 September. It was cropped at around 50hl/ha. It is aged in 75% new oak for 18 months. It offers good intensity on the nose, not as precise or as mineral-driven as the 2016 last year, with cedar and pencil shaving infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very refined, a touch of white pepper and cedar with impressive depth on the finish. This will be an approachable Lynch Bages, probably pre-destined to be overshadowed by the magnificent (if nascent) 2016 but it will certainly give 20 to 25 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted four times with consistent notes." - Neal Martin

 
Lynch Moussas 2017 - Pauillac

Jame Suckling 92-93: "This is precise and linear with a very pretty center palate of tannins and a bright finish. Fresh acidity. Some hazelnuts just at the end, but it’s not from the wood. Elegant and refined." Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2017 Lynch Moussas, composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with a very pretty nose of red roses and chocolate box over a core of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and wild blueberries with touches of garrigue and wood smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm, grainy backbone and oodles of freshness, finishing with great length and a mineral character coming through." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 88-91: "Black cherry, smoke, chocolate, lavender and graphite run through the 2017 Lynch-Moussas. Powerful and a touch rustic (but pleasantly so), the 2017 offers plenty of intensity and persistence. This is an especially dark, potent style of Pauillac, but there is also more than enough to hold the interest of readers for a number of years. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni

 
Magrez Fombrauge 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Magrez Fombrauge delivers an expressive nose of crme de cassis, warm black plums and wild blueberries with touches of spice box, bay leaves and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, it packs in the muscular fruit, culminating in a lingering savory note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 92-93: "A round and juicy red with berry, spice and chocolate character. Medium-bodied, fresh and clean. Bright finish." Wine Spectator 90-93: "Ripe, offering a succulent core of raspberry, plum and berry fruit flavors. Shows good underlying energy and tension, with a nicely rendered anise- and toast-infused finish." - JM

 
Malescot Saint Exupery 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 95-96: "A fantastic 2017 from Margaux with a deep and ripe core of fruit in the center palate. Silky and juicy tannins. Full body, plenty of fruit and a long, flavorful finish." Vinous 91-93: "Malescot Saint Exupery comes across as very ripe in 2017. There is no shortage of depth or intensity, but ripeness is pushed to the edge, while the wine's structure – arguably its greatest signature – seems to be lacking. I don't see much typicity in the 2017. Malescot Saint Exupery is often one of my personal favorites in Margaux, but the 2017 left me wanting more of its typical character and personality. Tasted two times." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Malescot St. Exupery is scented of crushed red and black cherries, warm plums and mulberries with touches of roses and wood smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of vibrant red and black fruits and soft, plush tannins, with a long, perfumed finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Margaux - Arsac

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 D'Arsac is scented of cassis, redcurrant jelly and warm plums with hints of lavender, tilled soil and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it is soft-spoken with lovely plush tannins and good density, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
Margaux - Tour de Mons

Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2018 La Tour de Mons is deep garnet-purple colored, opening with cedar over red and black fruit, black cherries and dried herbs with a waft of mossy bark. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy with an oaky finish."

 
Margaux - Dauzac

Wine Advocate 87-89: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Dauzac gives up pronounced crème de cassis, baked plums and dried mulberries scents with hints of Indian spices, sautéed herbs and dusty earth. Full-bodied and packed with muscular black fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and goes a little warm on the finish."

 
Margaux - Marquis d'Alesme

Wine Advocate 94-96: "The 2018 Marquis d'Alesme Becker is from the lieu-dit Les Terrasses de Margaux. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and it has 14.5% alcohol. It is to be aged 18 months in 65% new and 35% two-year-old barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with bold, expressive black cherries, warm plums, crème de cassis and red roses scents with touches of baking spices, potpourri and fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich and opulent, it completely fills the palate with hedonic black fruit preserves and spices, framed by firm, velvety tannins and finishing with fantastic length."

 
Margaux - Labegorce

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Beginning with the 2009 vintage, Labégorce Zédé has been folded into Labégorce, both of which are owned by the Perrodo family (as is the recently acquired Marquis d'Alesme). The 53-hectare vineyard has thus grown to 65 hectares and remains situated on the plateau just north of the town of Margaux, across the road from Lascombes. Density now approaches 10,000 vines per hectare with an average age in 2018 of 29 years. Aging is in 40% new and 60% one-year-old barrels. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot and it has 14% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Labégorce is a little subdued by cedar to begin, giving way to a core of plum preserves, Black Forest cake and Indian spices with wafts of garrigue and lavender. Full, concentrated and laden with black fruit preserves, it has an approachable frame of firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a peppery note."

 
Margaux - Monbrison

 
Margaux - Boyd Cantenac

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Boyd-Cantenac features smoked meats, dried herbs and savory aromas over baked berries and cassis with a pencil lead hint. The palate is full-bodied with a soft texture and bags of fruit and herb sparks, finishing warm."

 
Margaux - La Gurgue

 
Margaux - Marojallia

Wine Advocate 92-94: "This vineyard is situated between Le Tertre and Monbrison in the parish of Arsac on deep, gravelly soils. It is planted at a high density of 6,500-10,000 vines per hectare. The average age of the vines for this section was 60 years old in 2018. It is aging in one-third new French oak barrels, one-third in second year barrels and the rest in vats. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, and it has 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Marojallia is a little reticent to begin and then, with coaxing, reveals fragrant rose hip tea, cedar chest, fallen leaves and cinnamon stick scents over a core of black cherry compote, warm cassis and plum pudding. Full-bodied and decadently fruited, the palate has a plush frame and just enough freshness supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and spicy."

 
Margaux - Mongravey

 
Margaux - Siran

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Siran opens with quietly spoken notions of baked blackberries, blackcurrant cordial and bay leaves with hints of scorched earth, tar and tobacco. The full-bodied palate is restrained and elegantly played with subtle earth layers among the black fruit and a solid foundation of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with earth and mineral nuances."

 
Margaux - Prieure Lichine

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Prieure-Lichine slips sensuously out of the glass with gorgeous raspberry coulis, chocolate-covered cherries and warm cassis scents with hints of candied violets, licorice, camphor and wilted roses. The full-bodied, richly fruited palate is beautifully perfumed with loads of floral accents and has a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long with some mineral notions coming through. Very pretty."

 
Margaux - Desmirail

Wine Advocate 87-89: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Desmirail comes rolling out of the glass with exuberant blackcurrant cordial, prunes and baked cherries scents plus hints of tobacco, fried herbs and woodsmoke. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture with just enough freshness and bags of spiced berry preserves flavors, finishing on an earthy note."

 
Margaux - Malescot Saint Exupery

wine Advocate 94-96: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Malescot St. Exupery comes prancing out of the glass with flamboyant raspberry coulis, kirsch and redcurrant jelly scents over a fresh blackcurrant and boysenberry core with wafts of red roses, cinnamon stick and forest floor. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate delivers stacks of red fruit, cassis and floral layers with a firm, finely grained frame and plenty of freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Just lovely."

 
Margaux - Rauzan Gassies

Wine Advocate 93-95: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Rauzan-Gassies rocks up with flamboyant notions of kirsch, blackberry preserves, warm cassis and Chinese five spice with touches of black tea, red roses and menthol plus a waft of molten chocolate. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, it has a solid core of rich fruit, finishing long with perfumed red and black fruit layers."

 
Margaux - Marquis de Terme

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Marquis de Terme gives up bold blackberry compote, blueberry pie and crème de cassis scents with nuances of menthol, tobacco and cedar chest. The full-bodied palate is quite serious and stern, with firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness to support the pure, pronounced black fruits, finishing with a minty lift."

 
Margaux - Palmer

Wine Advocate 97-99: "The 2018 Palmer is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Grapes were harvested September 13 to October 15, and the wine has a 3.83 pH and 14.3% alcohol. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose is a little reticent to begin, but with coaxing, it slowly emerges to show fragrant violets, underbrush, mossy bark and iron ore with exponentially growing notions of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake, plum preserves, hoisin, Christmas cake and red roses with wafts of dusty earth, Indian spices and cracked black pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and downright powerful in the mouth, it has a solid structure of firm, wonderfully plush tannins and masses of fragrant accents, finishing very long and very spicy. By the time I finished tasting this, the nose had exploded in this fragrant bomb of fruit, earth and floral notions. This is one of those 2018 wines that has a beguiling brightness that comes from the many floral, spice and mineral accents among all that rich fruit. WOW!"

 
Margaux - Rauzan Gassies

 
Margaux - Dauzac

 
Margaux - Desmiral

 
Margaux - Mongravey

 
Margaux - Alter Ego

 
Margaux - Palmer

 
Margaux - Arsac

 
Margaux - Tour de Bessan

 
Margaux 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 97-98: "This is a very dense Margaux, and especially for the vintage, with a full body, grainy tannins and a long and rich finish. Impressive depth of fruit and structure. Luscious and muscular at the same time." Wine Advocate 96-98: "A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Chteau Margaux charges from the gate with opulent kirsch, raspberry preserves, wild blueberries and cassis notions accented by roses, violets, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth with touches of underbrush and truffles. Medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with vibrant, ripe red and blue fruits, layering in perfume and spice nuances. It's framed by very finely grained and plush yet firm tannins and great tension, finishing with epic length." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 Margaux is one of the highlights on the Left Bank. Surprisingly powerful and virile, the Grand Vin clearly reflects the influence of a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Beams of tannin give the wine support through the mid-palate and into the finish. Estate Manager Sebastian Vergne told me the winemaking team opted to raise temperatures at the end of fermentation to gain a bit more color, depth and polymerization of tannins. The Grand Vin represents 37% of the estate's production." - Antonio Galloni

 
Marquis de Calon 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 89-90: "Fresh and delicate with firm tannins and a crisp finish. Medium body and a bright currant and dark-cherry character. Second wine of Calon." Wine Advocate 88-90: "The tentative blend for the 2017 Le Marquis de Calon-Segur is 57% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with bright, pretty red currants and black cherries with touches of cassis and Provence herbs plus a hint of pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and juicy with plenty of vibrant fruit and soft tannins, finishing savory." Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 Marquis de Segur, the deuxime vin of Calon-Segur, was cropped at 43.5hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak. It has quite a powerful bouquet that almost dwarfs the 2015 that I tasted alongside. Merlot dominates the aromatics, a melange of black and blue fruit, later crushed violet making it almost Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of fruit and crisp acidity. It is quite saline in the mouth and then tapers towards a cedar-tinged finish that expresses the Cabernet Sauvignon. Good potential and a fine second label." - Neal Martin

 
Medoc - Potensac

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Potensac is blended of 45% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, all harvested between September 21 and October 13, with yields of 49 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has 14.42% alcohol and is to be aged in barriques, 35% new; the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with bright, fresh red and black plums, crushed blackcurrants and bay leaves with hints of cracked pepper and damp soil. Full-bodied, rich and laden with red and black fruit layers, it has a plush frame of rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long."

 
Meyney 2017 - St Estephe

James Suckling 92-93: "This is very nicely done with a lithe yet structured core of dark fruit and round, juicy tannins. Medium to full body, a driven line of acidity and a long finish." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 Meyney has a clean and fresh bouquet with blackberry and raspberry fruit mingling with cedar and light cigar humidor aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe tannin and a fine bead of acidity. I find this surprisingly juicy in style that probably belies the structure underneath. This will be one of the more approachable Saint-Estphe wines in this vintage, but one that I find well made." - Neal Martin Wine Spectator 87-90: "Lively, with a brambly feel throughout, while modest plum, black cherry, savory and warm stone notes run through. A touch rustic in feel." - JM

 
Monbousquet Blanc 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 92-93: "Dense and fruity with lots of sliced-melon and -lemon character. Full-bodied and flavorful. Beautiful lemon-curd and cooked-apple undertones." Wine Spectator 89-92: "Pretty peach and heather notes glide through in this white, with a whiff of straw and brioche flavors, and a lingering hint of orange blossom. A flattering style, with the freshness for balance." -JM Vinous 87-89: "The 2017 Monbousquet Blanc is matured in 50% new oak for just six months. It offers uncomplicated lime flower and green apple scents on the nose, a touch of Conference pear developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, nicely balanced if missing a little complexity towards the slightly saline finish. Drink two or three years after bottling." - Neal Martin

 
Monbousquet Rouge 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 92-93: "Tight and linear with dark berries and hints of toasted oak. Medium-to full-bodied, chewy and long." Wine Spectator 89-92: "Bright and fresh, featuring floral lift, a bright savory streak and light tobacco and cedar hints mixed with a core of cassis and cherry preserves. Easy to approach, with crunchy acidity. Shows the textbook profile of the vintage." - JM Vinous 88-91: "The 2017 Monbousquet is promising. Dense and concentrated in the glass, the 2017 has a lovely streak of freshness to pay off the racy fruit. Super ripe dark cherry, blueberry, grave, smoke and mocha are laced into the powerful, explosive finish in this super-expressive Monbousquet." - Antonio Galloni

 
Montagne St Emilion - Clos de Bouard

Wine Advocate 87-89: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos de Bouärd delivers pronounced notions of wild blueberries, mulberries and Black Forest cake with touches of fragrant earth and wild sage. Full-bodied, it has a rock-solid frame of chewy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. The blend here is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon."

 
Montagne St Emilion - Dame de Bouard

Wine Advocate 88-90: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 La Dame de Bouärd features notes of crushed red and black plums, wild blueberries and black cherries with touches of violets, star anise and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely poise, with soft tannins and background freshness supporting the black and red fruit to a perfumed finish. The blend here is 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon."

 
Montrose 2017 - St Estephe

Wine Advocate 96-99: "The 2017 Montrose is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep purple-black in color, the nose is a little closed at first, but with coaxing, it opens to reveal remarkable earth and exotic spice notes of crushed rocks, black truffles, star anise, cassia and fenugreek over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, violets and blueberry pie with touches of cigar box, charcuterie and black soil. Medium-bodied with a rock-solid frame and an exquisitely ripe, very fine-grained texture, it has wonderful freshness with electric energy and a very long, minerally finish. Possessing great poise and intensity, this is one of the greatest Montrose's I have tasted!" James Suckling 96-97: "This is pure and tight with gorgeous cabernet sauvignon character of blackcurrants, blueberries and crushed stones. Full-bodied, yet compacted and polished. It shows a long and beautiful tannin texture at the end. Just rolls off the palate." Vinous 94-96: "The 2017 Montrose represents 37% of the total production this year and it was cropped at around 45hl/ha. It has a little more volume and intensity compared to the Cos d’Estournel that was tasted immediately prior to my visit. Blackberry, raspberry, cedar and pressed flowers bloom in the glass, though there is a noticeable change with aeration after 20 minutes – hints of juniper and bay leaf, rendering a more nuanced and complex array of aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannin and it feels a little chalky in the mouth, yet also tensile and certainly extremely focused. There is already a palpable sense of energy in situ, well structured and vivid, though not as complex or as nuanced as the 2016 Montrose on the finish since the growing season forbade that. I appreciate the pastille-like purity on the aftertaste and the potent tang of cracked black pepper and graphite that hang around for 45 seconds after the wine has departed. It is a fine, very classic Montrose and I suspect more approachable than those of yesteryear. Tasted twice at the château." - Neal Martin

 
Moulin Haut Laroque 2017 - Fronsac

James Suckling 88-89: "Very solid palate here of pretty fruit with mineral and limestone character. Firm and chewy tannins. Fresh finish." Wine Advocate87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Moulin Haut-Laroque opens with blackberry preserves and black plums notions with hints of Sichuan pepper and yeast extract. The palate is medium-bodied with a well-sustained mid-palate and nicely balanced frame, finishing on a savory note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Moulis - Mauvesin Barton

James Suckling 92-93: "There is serious depth of fruit in the center palate. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a lovely finish. Shows brightness and minerality."

 
Moulis - Maucaillou

Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Maucaillou bursts from the glass with notions of plum preserves, baked blueberries and blackcurrant cordial with underlying violets and licorice scents plus a touch of forest floor. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, it is packed with earth-laced muscular fruit and finishes just a little firm."

 
Moulis - Poujeaux

Wine Advocate 86-88: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose of the 2018 Poujeaux is a little reticent to begin, offering glimpses at smoked meats and tar over a core of warm red and black currants plus a waft of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers plenty of earth-laced black fruit and a firm, chewy texture, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
Moulis - Chasse Spleen

 
Moulis - Maucaillou

 
Mouton 2017 - Pauillac

Wine Advocate 97-99: "The 2017 Mouton Rothschild has one of the highest percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon ever at 90%, with 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose is already singing of crushed black currants, warm blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of violets, star anise, cinnamon stick and cloves plus wafts of pencil lead and unsmoked cigars. Medium-bodied, wonderfully delicate yet intense in the mouth (gaining some richness in the mid-palate on my second taste two and a half weeks later), it has super fine-grained, smooth tannins and incredible freshness, finishing very long with tons of tightly wound layers. Wow. This vintage is going to be very long-lived in the cellar!" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 97-98: "This is a very shy and tight Mouton with blackberries, blackcurrants and hints of terracotta. Full body and very integrated tannins that are extremely polished and beautiful. Spicy and white-pepper finish. Sexy and exciting. So long and refined." Vinous 94-96: "The 2017 Mouton-Rothschild was picked from 7 to 29 September and matured in 100% new oak. This First Growth is driven by the Cabernet Sauvignon, as you would expect given the high percentage, expressive pencil lead and cedar that infuse the slightly introspective black fruit. Dare I say that it actually reminds me of Latour in style? The palate is medium-bodied, finely tuned and precise, a more masculine Mouton-Rothschild compared to the last three vintages, fresh with a sustained, lightly spiced finish that lingers in the mouth. That backbone is accentuated more during my second visit in mid-April. It is a cliche but this Mouton-Rothschild is unashamedly “classic” in style, perchance “le petit frère” of the 2010 Mouton-Rothschild that also contained a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon (though before you search the archives, yes, the 2011 and 2012 contained the same proportion!) Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin

 
Nein 2017 - Pomerol

James Suckling 93-94: "A creamy wine with a solid core of fruit and firm and silky tannins. Lots mineral and crushed-stone character. Full-bodied, rich and structured. Orange rind on the aftertaste. Less than 50% of the normal production. Solid finish." Vinous 90-93+: "The 2017 Nenin is terrific. Brilliant, focused aromatics and finely chiseled fruit give the wine vivacity and energy to burn. Pliant and succulent in the glass, with striking fruit purity, the 2017 Nenin has so much to offer. Because of the frost, the 2017 contains more Cabernet Franc in the Grand Vin than is typical, which gives the wine its very distinct red toned flavor profile and structural feel. Frost losses were much more severe (70%) in the plots dedicated to the second wine Fugue de Nenin, which was produced, but will not be sold en primeur. In 2017, Nenin is a winner." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 90-93: "Round, polished and fleshy in feel, with good underlying acidity that lets the cassis, plum sauce and raspberry fruit play out. Light anise and singed vanilla shadings show on the finish, with a little latent grip." - JM

 
Olivier 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 90-91: "This is very well done for the vintage with a delightful core of firm yet inviting tannins, plenty of fresh acidity and a taut finish." Wine Spectator 89-92: "Fresh, offering silky textured plum and blackberry fruit infused with light savory and black tea notes. Features a graceful finish, with fresh acidity helping this linger." - JM Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 Olivier, which has a pH of 3.75, has a slightly floral, wilted violet scented bouquet that takes a while to open up. The oak feels nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm, rather rigid tannin. It has a suggestion of chewy black fruit laced with graphite, not long in the mouth but there appears to be sufficient freshness. It just needs to show a little more personality once in bottle." - Neal Martin

 
Pagodes de Cos 2017 - St Estephe

wberry notes laced with white pepper and a subtle graphite seam. It has good sustain in the mouth with a “Pauillac” inspired finish in terms of discrete austerity and tannic backbone. I admire the focus here and even though there is not huge length this should age well. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 90-92: "This is the second label of Cos d’Estournel, which accounted for about 55% of production in 2017. A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Les Pagodes de Cos has a deep garnet-purple color and exuberant notes of crushed blackberries, red currants and cassis with touches of charcuterie, black soil and garrigue plus a waft of lavender. Medium-bodied and very fine-grained, it has great intensity and vibrancy with a good long, fruity finish."

 
Palmer 2017 - Margaux

Wine Advocate 96-98: "The 2017 Palmer, a blend of 54% Merlot with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, is very deep purple-black in color and leaps from the glass with freshly macerated blue and black fruits: wild blueberries, blackberries and black cherries plus hints of licorice, rose hips, tilled soil and oolong tea with a waft of truffles. Medium-bodied, very finely crafted with exquisitely ripe and smooth yet firm tannins and sporting great mid-palate intensity and wonderful freshness, it finishes long and minerally." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 92-93: "This shows excellent body and depth of fruit. Rich and very deep. Layered and flavorful. Solid and chewy. Serious second wine." Wine Spectator 92-95: "This is solidly ripe, with juicy energy adding extra lift to the mix of plum, cherry and blackberry fruit. A super-fresh iron streak checks in, along with mouthwatering bay and savory notes. This stands out from the pack. "

 
Parde de Haut-Bailly 2017 - Pessac Leognan

James Suckling 90-91: "Currant and light herb character underlines the medium body and firm tannins here. Bright and pretty." Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 La Parde Haut-Bailly is showing beautifully today. Pliant and engaging, La Parde is a terrific second wine. The dark red cherry, plum, licorice, spice and new leather are all nicely amped up in this super-expressive, generous wine. Soft contours make La Parde quite accessible young, but there is more than enough freshness to support 20+ years of very fine drinking. The blend is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a little more Merlot than usual." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2017 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with 35% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it's scented of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and pencil lead with touches of garrigue, bay leaves and dusty soil. The palate is medium-bodied, finely crafted and refreshing with lively red and black fruits in the mouth and an herbal lift on the finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Pauillac - La Fleur Peyrabon

 
Pauillac - Haut Bages Liberal

 
Pauillac - Croizet Bages

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Croizet Bages gives up vibrant notes of crushed red and black currants, Morello cherries and baked raspberries with touches of tobacco, dried herbs and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with generous red and black fruit preserves, supported by firm, grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift."

 
Pauillac - Fonbadet

Wine Advocate 89-91+: "This 20-hectare vineyard in Saint-Lambert (currently 17.33 hectares are in production) is planted to a density of 10,000 vines per hectare with an average age in 2018 of 60 years. The wine is aging in 50% new barrels and 50% second year barrels. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Fonbadet reveals intense notions of freshly crushed blackcurrants, kirsch and blackberry coulis with touches of truffles, crushed rocks, black pepper and unsmoked cigars. Medium-bodied and laden with ripe, juicy fruit, it has a soft, plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing earthy."

 
Pauillac - Lynch Moussas

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Lynch Moussas is deep garnet-purple colored and begins with cedary scents giving way to cassis, warm plums and raspberry coulis with hints of oolong tea, Marmite toast, sautéed herbs and charcuterie. The full-bodied palate gives a good core of muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory."

 
Pauillac - Haut Batailley

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Blended of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot aging in 60% new barriques, the 2018 Haut Batailley is very deep purple-black in color and takes some coaxing to reveal profound notes of dark chocolate, crème de cassis, blueberry pie and anise with waves of raspberry pie, lavender and Indian spices. Full, very tightly would and jam-packed with layers of crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long with a mineral hint coming through."

 
Pauillac - Armailhac

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 D'Armailhac (14.5% alcohol) is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested September 12 to October 3. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals a very fruity nose of crushed blackberries, warm black cherries and mulberries plus hints of potpourri, spice cake and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the decadent palate delivers loads of black berry layers and a firm, grainy frame with underlying freshness and an earthy finish. Wonderfully opulent D’Armailhac!"

 
Pauillac - Clerc Milon

Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Clerc Milon is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère. Grapes were harvested a bit later here than at Mouton, from September 17 to October 10. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold scents of warm cassis, blackberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of Morello cherries, baking spices and dried roses plus a waft of underbrush. It has a wonderfully rich, confidently sensuous palate with plenty of spicy layers and a velvety texture, finishing long and perfumed. This should age incredibly."

 
Pauillac - Duhart Milon

Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Duhart-Milon is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 25 to October 4 and the Merlot harvested September 17-25, and it has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive—the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!"

 
Pauillac - Clerc Milon

 
Pauillac - D'Armailhac

 
Pauillac - Echo de Lynch Bages

 
Pauillac - Lynch Bages

 
Pauillac - Grand Puy Ducasse

 
Pauillac - Croizet Bages

 
Pauillac - Haut Bages Liberal

 
Pauillac - Mouton

 
Pauillac - Petit Mouton

 
Pauillac - Lafite

 
Pauillac - Carruades de Lafite

 
Pauillac - Duhart Milon

 
Pauillac - Lynch Moussas

 
Pauillac - Pedesclaux

 
Pavie 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 97-99: "There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation, and grapes were harvested September 25 through October 3. Composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, the very deep purple-black colored 2017 Pavie has a profound nose of crushed blackcurrants, warm black plums and black forest cake with nuances of licorice, espresso, Chinese five spice and violets plus wafts of smoked meats and garrigue. Full-bodied, rich, firm, velvety and packed solid with black and blue fruit layers accented by sparks of exotic spices and floral scents, it finishes very long and incredibly layered. This is a very unique expression of this vintage." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 95-96: "This is very compacted and tight with firm and silky tannins. A focused and intense center palate with excellent dark fruit and a long finish. Tightly wound." Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 Pavie is very good, but it is also a bit somber in this vintage, almost as if the lack of sun during the summer speaks through the wine. Wild cherry, blueberry jam, leather and spice add to an impression of darkness. The 2017 finishes with real density and power to round things out. I can't wait to see how the 2017 develops over the next year." - Antonio Galloni

 
Pavie Decesse 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 95-97: "There was no frost in this vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. One-hundred percent of the fruit comes from the limestone plateau. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and sporting a very deep purple-black color, the 2017 Pavie Decesse has a drop-dead gorgeous nose of crushed blackcurrants, red roses, black plums and blueberries with touches of tapenade, cigar box and wood smoke plus a hint of cast iron pan. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and incredibly structured with grainy tannins and a lively line supporting the tightly wound fruit, finishing on a lingering mineral note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 95-96: "This is very compacted and tight with firm and silky tannins. A focused and intense center palate with excellent dark fruit and a long finish. Tightly wound." Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Pavie-Decesse is sensual and alluring. Crme de cassis, inky purplish fruit, licorice, lavender and sweet spice infuse this unctuous, super-expressive Saint-emilion. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 retains gorgeous freshness and aromatic lift. Hints of jasmine, mint and lavender add attractive top notes to this undeniably racy, sexy Saint-emilion." - Antonio Galloni

 
Pavie Macquin 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2017 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple in color and opens with flamboyant notes of warm black and red plums, black cherries and tilled soil with delicate touches of cloves, star anise, red roses and forest floor. Medium-bodied with a firm backbone of very finely grained, very ripe tannins and tons of freshness, it has wonderfully elegant yet intense fruit layers and a long, minerally finish. Just beautiful." Vinous 93-96: "A sexy, racy wine, the 2017 Pavie Macquin is full of personality. A rush of sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal, mint and blood orange infuses this sumptuous, racy Saint-emilion. A wine of striking purity and total class, Pavie Macquin dazzles. As always, Pavie Macquin is marked by stunning fruit purity, red fruit, soft contours and silky, voluptuous tannins. In 2017, the blend has a bit more Cabernet Franc than in the past, now that younger vineyards have come online." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 94-95: "Very solid center palate of fruit and firm, silky tannins. Linear and bright with a focused and pretty finish. Full-bodied, tight and precise. Very clear and bright."

 
Pedesclaux 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 93-94: "This is tannic for the year with blueberry, blackberry and salt character. Sea shells too. Full body, powerful finish. Pure blackcurrants at the finish. Some flowers too. Impressive. Driven, tight finish." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 Pedesclaux contains 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the first time that all four grapes are in the final blend. It was cropped at 47hl/ha and contains 13.25 alcohol. It has a very harmonious bouquet, quite mineral driven with pencil lead and crushed stone infusing the black fruit that is one of the most precise that I have encountered in recent years. The palate is medium-boiled with fine grain tannin, quite precise and poised, the 50% new oak is nicely integrated with a finish that is fleet of foot. Very fine. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Pedesclaux is scented of crushed blueberries, warm black cherries and cigar box with touches of garrigue and cinnamon toast. Medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and just enough vibrant fruit, it has a nice long vivacious finish. The tentative blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Pessac Leognan - Couhins Lurton

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Couhins-Lurton has stern, serious scents of black soil, truffles and tar over a core of baked plums and crème de cassis plus a waft of sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied with good concentration and framed by fine-grained tannins, it has lovely freshness and a crunchy fruit finish."

 
Pessac Leognan - La Louviere

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 la Louviere flaunts a bold, brash nose of baked cherries, crème de cassis and blueberry pie with hints of woodsmoke, cedar chest, balsamic, black olives and menthol. Full-bodied and richly fruited, it has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a lingering minty lift."

 
Pessac Leognan - Fieuzal Rouge

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 de Fieuzal rocks up with gregarious scents of baked plums, stewed cherries and dried mulberries plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, unsmoked cigars and sautéed herbs. The rich, full-bodied palate has loads of exotic spice and raisin cake layers with a firm, chewy frame, finishing just a little hard."

 
Pessac Leognan - Fieuzal Blanc

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The de Fieuzal 2018 Blanc bursts from the glass with gregarious green mango, guava and fresh limes scents followed by green apples and pineapple plus a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with topical and citrus layers, with a satiny texture and bold freshness, finishing savory."

 
Pessac Leognan - Lespault Martillac Rouge

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Lespault-Martillac is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of warm black cherries, red and black plums and fragrant earth with wild sage nuances. The palate is medium to full-bodied and lively with muscular fruit and grainy tannins, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
Pessac Leognan - Haut Bergey Rouge

Wine Advocate 90-92: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Haut Bergey reveals pronounced notes of crème de cassis, stewed plums and baked blackberries with hints of spice cake, mincemeat pie and bay leaves. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, the palate delivers a great concentration of berry preserves layers, finishing savory."

 
Pessac Leognan - Haut Bergey Blanc

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The Haut Bergey 2018 Blanc slips effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant lemon juice, yuzu zest and green guava scents with touches of crushed rocks and coriander seed. Medium-bodied with elegant citrus and mineral layers, it has a racy line of freshness and good length."

 
Pessac Leognan - Malartic Lagraviere Rouge

Wine Advocate 92-94: "This is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, to be aged for 18-22 months in oak barriques, 70% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Malartic Lagraviere gives scents of baked red and black cherries, warm blackcurrants and balsamic with touches of underbrush, moss-covered bark and tobacco. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, it packs in the berry preserves with some pepper and spice sparks coming through on the long finish."

 
Pessac Leognan - Malartic Lagraviere Blanc

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Fermented in 55% new barrels and blended of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, the 2018 Malartic Lagraviere 2018 Blanc is a little closed to start, soon opening on the nose to reveal ripe apples, Bosc pears and warm peach scents with hints of wet pebbles and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with apple and pear flavors with just enough freshness and an oily texture, finishing long and spicy."

 
Pessac Leognan - Brown Rouge

Wine Advocate 86-88: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Brown features crème de cassis and baked plums aromas with hints of fried herbs and tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied and very chewy with an earthy finish."

 
Pessac Leognan - Brown Blanc

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The Brown 2018 Blanc has an open-knit, expressive nose of lemon tart, key lime pie and warm grapefruit plus hints of crushed stones and mandarin peel. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers great intensity with layers of citrus and mineral notions and a long, lively finish."

 
Pessac Leognan - Carmes Haut Brion

Wine Advocate 94-96: "The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot. It was made using 52% whole cluster and has 13.75% alcohol. It is anticipated to age 18-24 months in 75% new oak barriques, 16% foudres and 9% amphorae. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is slightly broody and reduced to begin, slowly growing to reveal notions of charcoal, smoked meats, truffles and tilled soil over a core of black raspberries, warm black cherries, blackberry coulis and redcurrant jelly plus wafts of Provence herbs and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular, tense with latent energy, offering a rock-solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the bright, vibrant fruit, finishing long and mineral laced."

 
Pessac Leognan - Pape Clement

Wine Advocate 96-98: "This wine is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc to be aged for approximately 18 months in oak barriques, 60% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pape Clement is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant earth, crushed rocks, iron ore and tobacco notions over a core of crushed red and black currants plus kirsch, red roses and Ceylon tea. Full-bodied and wonderfully vivacious, it offers a solid line of firm and fine-grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced."

 
Pessac Leognan - Pape Clement Blanc

Wine Advocate 94-96: "The Pape Clement 2018 Blanc slips languidly from the glass with tropical notes of warm pineapples, fresh mango and green guava plus hints of nutmeg, orange blossoms, lanolin and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it is absolutely laden with tropical fruit and spice layers, with a racy line to support and long, opulent finish. The blend is 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sémillon and 4% Muscadelle. Anticipated aging regimen is 14 months in 55% new and 45% second-fill French oak barrels."

 
Pessac Leognan - Clementin de Pape Clement Blanc

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement Blanc has gregarious lime juice, lemon meringue pie and ripe peach scents with hints of crushed rocks, wet slate and dill seed. Medium to full-bodied, it has a pleasant oiliness to the texture and oodles of freshness supporting the generous citrus fruit, finishing long."

 
Pessac Leognan - Clementin de Pape Clement

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement offers seductive scents of warm black plums, blackcurrant cordial and Black Forest cake with hints of mocha, Indian spices and violets. Full-bodied, rich and velvety textured, it fills the mouth with black fruit preserves and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed."

 
Pessac Leognan - Larrivet Haut Brion

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion offers up notes of baked plums, stewed cherries and warm cassis with hints of wilted roses, bouquet garni and raisin cake. Medium-bodied with a good amount of spicy baked berries flavors, the palate has a clever structure of soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
Pessac Leognan - Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The Larrivet Haut-Brion 2018 Blanc sashays out of the glass with seductive tropical notes of lychees, mango and passion fruit plus hints of rose hip tea and crushed rocks with a waft of ginger. Medium to full-bodied, rich and oily in the mouth, it has a lovely line of freshness to lift the exotic fruits to a long finish."

 
Pessac Leognan - Clos Marsalette Blanc

 
Pessac Leognan - Clos Marsalette Rouge

 
Pessac Leognan - Olivier Rouge

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Olivier has a wonderfully fragrant nose of black cherries, black raspberries, fresh blackcurrants and kirsch with suggestions of lilacs, cinnamon stick, cloves and camphor. Full-bodied, the palate is beautifully poised with loads of crunchy, bright, energetic fruit and a firm, finely grained texture with loads of freshness and a long, perfumed finish. Stunning!"

 
Pessac Leognan - Olivier Blanc

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The Olivier 2018 Blanc is a little reticent to begin, opening to give notions of fresh limes, lemon peel, white grapefruit and wet slate with a touch of coriander seed. Medium-bodied, the palate is tight, with great tension and loads of citrusy layers, finishing long and minerally."

 
Pessac Leognan - Latour Martillac Blanc

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The Latour Martillac 2018 Blanc has an expressive nose of fresh grapefruit, white peaches and lemon juice with hints of lime leaves and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers great intensity with loads of minerally sparks and a long, zesty finish."

 
Pessac Leognan - Latour Martillac Rouge

Wine Advocate 93-95: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Latour Martillac bursts from the glass with bold cassis, chocolate-covered cherries and plum preserves scents followed up by smoked meats, violets and aniseed hints plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied, firm and fine-grained in the mouth, the palate is laden with juicy fruit and savory layers, finishing long and fragrant."

 
Pessac Leognan - Larrivet Haut Brion

 
Pessac Leognan - Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc

 
Pessac Leognan - Domaine de Chevalier Rouge

 
Pessac Leognan - Domaine de Chevalier Blanc

 
Pessac Leognan - Fieuzal Blanc

 
Pessac Leognan - Fieuzal Rouge

 
Pessac Leognan - Haut Bergey

 
Pessac Leognan - Haut Bergey Blanc

 
Petit Figeac 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 89: "Some fresh black plums, cherries and cassis with cedar notes on the nose. Medium to full body, fresh acidity, refined yet firm tannins and a medium, fruity finish. Citrus and chalk undertones. Second wine of Figeac. Drink in 2017."

 
Petit Lion 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 92-93: "The blackberry and blueberry character is very pretty here with orange and lemon undertones. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a juicy finish." Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 Le Petit Lion is a very serious second wine with real potential to surprise somewhere down the line. Creamy, silky and beautifully expressive, but with plenty of supporting structure, the Petit Lion is terrific. The blend this year includes a tank of old-vine Merlot that at times has gone into the Grand Vin. This potent, structured Petit Lion captures the essence of the chateau nicely. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni

 
Petit Village 2017 - Pomerol

James Suckling 94-95: "This is layered and very poised with plum and chocolate character. Full body and chewy tannins that are polished and focused. Very long and serious." Wine Spectator 91-94: "Very fresh, with a bright floral-infused core of raspberry, cherry and cassis flavors. Silky but persistent tannins let this linger nicely. There's some sneaky depth here too." Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 Petit-Village is a very pretty and promising mid-weight Pomerol. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc comes through in the wine's distinctly floral/savory profile that brings lift to the bright, red-toned fruit. Technical Director Diana Berrouet Garcia opted for shortish macerations of around 20 days because the skins were fragile and the wines extracted easily. The blend is 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon." - Antonio Galloni

 
Petite Eglise 2017 - Pomerol

Vinous 90-93: "The 2017 La Petite Eglise is wonderfully aromatic and dense. Charcoal embers, game, smoke, licorice and raspberry jam all develop in the glass, but it is the wine's structural feel that stands out most. The 2017 is silky, nuanced and exceptionally beautiful. La Petite Eglise is of course the second wine of L'Eglise Clinet, but if it were taken out of that context, it would compete quite favorably with many Grand Vins." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 90-92: "100% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Petite Eglise comes charging out of the glass with exuberant notes of crushed wild blueberries, vibrant cassis and violets with touches of fertile loam, garrigue and bay leaves. Medium-bodied with a wonderful energy of perfumed black fruits, it has a racy line and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and fragrant." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 90-91: "An elegant second wine of L’Eglise Clinet with dark berries, spices and stones. Medium body and silky and polished tannins."

 
Pichon Baron 2017 - Pauillac

Wine Advocate 95-97: "The grand vin represents 50% of production this year. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2017 Pichon-Longueville Baron is deep garnet-purple in color and simply sings of vibrant blackcurrants, black cherries and rose hip notes with nuances of potpourri, incense, licorice and pencil shavings plus touches of cigar box and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, super intense and possessing stunning poise, it has very firm, fine-grained tannins and a beautifully silken texture, with bags of freshness and a very long, perfumed finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 95-96: "This is very centered and focused on the mid-palate with beautiful currant, coffee and walnut character. Full-bodied and superfine. Strong tannins and a long and bright finish. Lots of blackcurrants and blackberries in the end." Vinous 93-95: "Pichon Baron is one of the sexiest Pauillacs I tasted in 2017. Silky, nuanced and finessed to the core, the 2017 hits all the right notes. In the glass, the 2017 possesses striking aromatic presence, vivid flavors, silky tannins and exceptional balance. In 2017, Pichon Baron is a wine of incomparable elegance and total finesse. I loved it." - Antonio Galloni

 
Pichon Lalande 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 95-96: "This is a really fascinating young Pichon Lalande with a dense center palate of currants, crushed stones, salt and seashells. Really long and intense. Wonderful energy. Showing character of some of the top years of the 1980s." Wine Advocate 94-96: "This barrel sample is 100% new oak, whereas the final blend will be only 60% new oak. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is very deep garnet-purple in color with an incredibly fragrant nose of roses, lavender and baking spices over a core of crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries and fresh plums plus touches of iron ore and underbrush. Medium-bodied and elegant with firm, grainy tannins, it's quite taut and muscular, with lots of perfumed and mineral layers and a long finish with lingering cinnamon and anise notes." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown Vinous 93-95: "The 2017 Pichon-Lalande was picked from 7 September to 2 October and underwent a 23 day cuvaison period. It is intense on the nose, the new oak coming through a little strongly since the sample came from a new barrel, the final blend consisting of 60% new wood. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, the Cabernet Sauvignon driving this alone with layers of black fruit laced with cedar and graphite. It is a very “Pauillac” Pichon Lalande, less opulent and giving than recent vintages and more in the style of say, the 1996 or 2010. There is very good persistence on the saline finish but it is clearly a wine that is going to require more cellaring than its peers. Tasted four times in total, each time this gained more substance and density." - Neal Martin

 
Pomerol - Maillet

James Suckling 93-94: "Yum. This shows a beautifully crafted tannin texture with dark-berry, walnut, lavender and sandalwood character. Long and silky-textured."

 
Pomerol - Sacre Coeur

 
Pomerol - Des Sales

 
Pomerol - Taillefer

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Taillefer has a profound licorice and Black Forest cake-scented nose with a core of plum preserves, baked blueberries and mocha. Full-bodied and generously fruited in the mouth, it has a solid, plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing with great length."

 
Pomerol - Ferrand

 
Pomerol - Clos Grangeneuve

 
Pomerol - Bellegrave

Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Bellegrave (Pomerol) gives up notions of raisin cake, prunes and spice box with hints of dried leaves and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a chewy texture and savory finish."

 
Pomerol - Clinet

Wine Advocate 94-96: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clinet begins a little coy and then, with coaxing, opens out to vibrant black cherries, kirsch, baked plums and cinnamon stick scents with hints of cloves and anise plus earthy truffles and fungi wafts. Full-bodied and chock-full of bright, energetic fruit, it has a firm, finely grained structure and long, fragrant finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is anticipated to last for 16 months in French oak barriques, 75% new."

 
Pomerol - Mazeyres

Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Mazeyres (66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) offers up bright redcurrant jelly and kirsch scents over a core of preserved plums, blackberry pie and mincemeat plus a touch of woodsmoke. Full-bodied with a velvety texture supporting the generous black fruit preserves, it has loads of spicy sparks on the finish."

 
Pomerol - Gazin

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Gazin (composed of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc) has quite an earthy/broody nose to begin, with subtle black soil, tar and chargrill notes giving way to a core of prunes, baked blueberries and sautéed herbs. Full, muscular and chewy in the mouth, it has loads of earthy layers and a dried herbs lift on the finish."

 
Pomerol - Cabanne

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Cabanne (composed of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc) opens with some cedar/oaky overtones, giving way to a fragrant core of warm black cherries, fresh black plums and blueberry preserves with sparks of spearmint, powdered cinnamon, dried roses and redcurrant jelly. Full-bodied with taut, muscular black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy."

 
Pomerol - Vieux Maillet

Wine Advocate 88-90: "A blend of 73% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Vieux Maillet rolls out of the glass with vibrant scents of crushed blueberries, warm black cherries and raspberry pie with a plum preserves undercurrent and wafts of red roses, tobacco and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and plenty of freshness backing up the muscular black fruits, finishing on a stewed tea note."

 
Pomerol - Tailhas

 
Pomerol - Clos Du Clocher

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Clos du Clocher slips sensuously out of the glass with kirsch, black cherry compote and preserved plums scents with hints of Chinese five spice, candied violets and Ceylon tea. Full-bodied, rich and laden with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, it has a soft texture and just a spark of mid-palate freshness, finishing long and opulent."

 
Pomerol - La Pointe

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 La Pointe has a deep garnet-purple color and quite a cedary nose to begin over a core of warm black cherries, blackberry pie and spice cake plus nuances of mossy bark, pencil shavings and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and soft freshness enveloping the muscular, savory layers, finishing a little drying."

 
Pomerol - Bon Pasteur

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Bon Pasteur offers up expressive notions of baked red and black cherries, mulberries and warm blueberries with hints of licorice, chocolate box and menthol. The full-bodied palate has great freshness with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and bags of juicy fruit, finishing long with a minty kick."

 
Pomerol - Le Caillou

 
Pomerol - Vray Croix de Gay

 
Pomerol - Rouget

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Rouget sports quite a lot of oak at this stage, opening out to lively red and black plums notes and notions of baked cherries, blueberry compote and dried mulberries plus wafts of raisin cake, tree bark and bouquet garni. Full and concentrated, with a firm, fine-grained frame, it fills the palate with berry preserves and offers plenty of spicy and earthy nuances on the long finish."

 
Pomerol - Croix St Georges

 
Pomerol - II de Saint Pierre

 
Pomerol - St Pierre

Wine Advocate: "This 1.05-hectare vineyard in Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens is planted to a density of 6,600 vines per hectare, and the average vine age in 2018 was 39 years. It has a sandy-gravel topsoil over a deep, gravelly subsoil in Saint-Émilion. It is aging for a projected 15 months in 40% new and 60% second year barrels. From the lieu-dit Magnan, the 2018 Pierre de Lune is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and has 13.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant black raspberries, baked blueberries and blackberry preserves notes with touches of chargrill, tar, Chinese five spice and prunes. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully spicy and juicy with a soft texture and fruity finish. 1,400 potential bottles will be made."

 
Pomerol - Nenin

Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Nenin is made up of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. Yields were 33.8 hectoliters per hectare, and grapes were harvested between September 13 and October 12. The wine is to be aged in barriques, 45% new, and the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep purple-black in color, it sings of Morello cherries, Black Forest cake, licorice and lavender with a core of plum preserves, unsmoked tobacco and warm blackberries plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied and concentrated yet bursting with energy, it has a solid backbone of firm, rounded tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long."

 
Pomerol - Fugue de Nenin

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Fugue de Nenin is composed of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, with 14.4% alcohol. Grapes were harvested September 13 to October 12, with yields of 33.8 hectoliter per hectare. The wine is to be aged in barriques, 25% new—the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with gregarious black cherries, redcurrant jelly and warm plums scents with nuances of dark chocolate, cloves and anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers lovely rounded tannins and a lively line of freshness supporting the crunchy red and black fruits, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
Pomerol - Gazin

 
Pomerol - L'Evangile

 
Pontet Canet 2017 - Pauillac

Wine Advocte 96-98: "Blended of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pontet-Canet opens with vibrant wild blueberries, black raspberries and crushed plums with notions of cinnamon stick, violets, unsmoked cigars and pencil lead plus wafts of roses, lavender and tilled black soil. Medium-bodied with very fine, incredibly plush tannins, it is deliciously savory in the mouth, with wonderful freshness and spectacular energy delivering many layers, resulting in a very long, mineral-laced finish." James Suckling 96-97: "This is incredibly transparent and refined with blackcurrant, blueberry and mineral character. Full-bodied, layered and ethereal. Tannins have a crushed-stone character. Long and persistent." Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Pontet-Canet showed progressively better on each of the three occasions I tasted it. Deep, pliant and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2017 exudes class. Dark red cherry, plum, pomegranate, licorice and rose petal infuse this super-expressive and highly nuanced wine from proprietor Alfred Tesseron and technical director Jean-Michel Comme. Harvest ran from September 18 through October 4. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and is aging in 50% new oak, 35% amphora and 15% one year old oak. Tasted three times." - Antonio Galloni

 
Potensac 2017 - Medoc

James Suckling 91-92: "A bright and vivid young red with currant, berry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, tight and concentrated. Fine tannins." Wine Spectator88-91: "A bright, high-pitched style, featuring cherry and pomegranate fruit laced with floral and chalk hints. On the leaner side, with the mineral edge holding sway on the finish, but this remains fresh and pure." Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2017 Potensac is a blend of 47% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it gives lovely red and black plums notes with touches of red currants, pencil shavings and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied with great freshness and well-judged, chewy tannins, finishing with a lively herbal lift." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Poujeaux 2017 - Moulis

James Suckling 91-92: "This is very pretty for the vintage with berries, currants and hints of nutmeg. Medium to full body. Savory finish already." Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Poujeaux is soft, fruity and forward, all qualities that are best enjoyed over the near and medium term. Super-ripe red berry, spice and floral notes are all fused together in this racy, open-knit Moulis. Above all else, the 2017 is beautifully persistent, deep and long. Frost took out some of the lower lying parcels. As a result, the wine is heavier on Cabernet Sauvignon and emerges from the core parcels on the estate. In 2017, Poujeaux is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, which is more Cabernet than in the past, a result of frost damage. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni"

 
Prieure Lichine 2017 - Margaux

James Suckling 93-94: "This is really fresh and layered with currant, berry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied, integrated and polished. Beautiful. Very focused. More cabernet in the blend than normal. Possibly at the same level as 2016." Vinous 91-94: "The 2017 Prieure-Lichine is another in a series of utterly gorgeous wines that have emerged from this chteau in recent years. The construction of a new cellar a few years ago seems to have made a huge difference in the precision of the wine. Soft, supple and gracious, with gentle contours and silky tannins, the 2017 is pure class. Succulent red berry, plum, rose petal and mint infuse this gracious Margaux. The blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of a desire to gradually build the wine on a core of Cabernet rather than a response solely to the conditions of the year. Stephane Derenoncourt and his team continue to do a brilliant work at Prieure-Lichine. Tasted two times." - Antonio Galloni Wine Spectator 89-92: "Bright and fresh, with a mix of raspberry, pomegranate and plum notes guided by light floral and spice notes. Shows a brambly edge on the finish. On the lighter side but offers good energy." - JM

 
Quintus 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 93-95: "A blend of 54.4% Merlot and 45.6% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Quintus has a slightly closed nose with aromas of crushed blueberries, fresh black and red currants and black raspberries with touches of black pepper, cinnamon stick, anise and tilled soil plus a waft of lavender. The palate is medium to full-bodied with great intensity and energy, displaying vibrant red and black fruits with wonderful acidity and ripe, rounded tannins, finishing long and lively." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 93-94: "Very fine and polished with blackberry and blueberry character. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a focused finish. Almost Burgundian." Vinous 89-92: "The 2017 Quintus is an attractive, fragrant Saint-emilion. In this tasting, the two wines off the estate are not as markedly different as I had hoped. It will be interesting to see how the wines develop over time. Bright red cherry fruit and lifted floral notes open up nicely, with a touch of Franc character that informs the finish." - Antonio Galloni

 
Rauzan Segla 2017 - Margaux

Wine Advocate 94-96: "Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot and sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2017 Rauzan-Segla (Rausan-Segla) has a profound nose of cassis, warm blackberries and black plums with touches of baking spices, violets, mocha and smoke plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied with a great core of sustained, energetic black fruit, a frame of fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, it finishes with great length." James Suckling 94-95: "This is tight and focused with a super precise palate of blackberries, blackcurrants and hints of flowers. Full body, linear tannins and a long finish." Vinous 92-94: "The 2017 Rauzan-Segla is matured in 50% new oak with 14% vin de presse, which was apparently from the high quality Cabernet this year. It has a fascinating bouquet with pure blackberry, iris, crushed stone and a light estuarine influence that becomes stronger with aeration, just a faint touch of oyster shell developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, crisp acidity, very elegant and refined, possibly the most feminine Rauzan-Segla in recent years with a silky smooth finish. It is not the instant showstopper like the 2015 – this is more understated and needs time for its quality to be fully appreciated. Tasted on three occasions." - Neal Martin

 
Reserve de la Comtesse 2017 - Pauillac

James Suckling 92-93: "A beautiful second wine with blackberry and blackcurrant character and hints of green tea. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse, which is matured in 30% new oak and 70% one-year old, has a really quite beautiful bouquet with perfumed blackberry, blueberry and subtle vanilla scents. The palate is medium-bodied with just a little sinew on the entry. There is certainly good weight and backbone here, quite saline compared to its peers with a slightly chalky finish with a touch of charcoal. Very fine. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 88-90: "Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse is very deep garnet-purple colored and opens with expressive cassis, dark chocolate, violets and Sichuan pepper notions with hints of black olives and hoisin. Medium-bodied, it's elegant, fresh and chewy in the mouth with a long, earthy finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Rouget 2017 - Pomerol

Vinous 92-95: "The 2017 Rouget is gorgeous. Bright, aromatically lifted and pliant, with tremendous depth and intensity, the 2017 hits all the right notes. Bright red cherry, plum and pomegranate are pushed forward. In 2017, Rouget has an extra level of aromatic intensity and overall finesse that makes it compelling. Tasted three times." - Antonio Galloni

 
Saint Georges Cote Pavie 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Medium-bodied, firm and a little reticent, it delivers nice harmony if the fruit isn’t quite singing just yet." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Sarget de Gruaud Larose 2017 - St Julien

Vinous 88-90: "The 2017 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a pretty second wine built on floral aromatics and silky red/purplish berry fruit. Given its mid-weight structure, I would prefer to drink the Sarget on the early side." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 88-89: "A deep and juicy red with currant and fresh herbs. Medium to full body, round tannins and a flavorful finish. Very good second wine."

 
Sauternes - Lafaurie Peyraguey

James Suckling 96-97: "You can really see the wild botrytis character in this wine with lots of spice and dried-mushroom character. Full-bodied and intensely sweet palate, yet there’s bright acidity and a spicy finish."

 
Sauternes - Rabaud Promis

 
Sauternes - Tour Blanche

James Suckling 90-91: "A Sauternes with pretty richness and a very sweet palate. Some spice at the end. Wait and see."

 
Sauternes - Rayne Vigneau

 
Sauternes - Sigalas Rabaud

 
Sauternes - Lamothe Guignard

James Suckling 92-93: "Shows some pretty spiciness and density here with a medium to full body, solid sweetness and dried mushroom and spice on the finish."

 
Sauternes - De Malle

Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 De Malleret delivers pronounced notes of baked plums, blackcurrant cordial and Black Forest cake with touches of garrigue, lavender, camphor and black olives. Full-bodied and chock-full of black fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and soft freshness, finishing peppery."

 
Sauternes - Filhot

James Suckling 86-87: "Flat and rather uninteresting with a medium body, sweet palate and a caramelized finish."

 
Sauternes - De Myrat

James Suckling 87-88: "This is very light and easy with pleasant sweetness and freshness, but lacks concentration."

 
Sauternes - Doisy Vedrines

James Suckling 89-90: "A little syrupy, but some attractive sweetness and it’s a little spicy. Full-bodied. Oily texture at the end."

 
Sauternes - Liot

 
Sauternes - Suduiraut

 
Sauternes - D'arche

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Pale lemon-gold, the 2018 D'Arche is delicately scented of lemon curd, lime leaves, fresh hay and nutmeg with a core of apricots and fresh pineapple. The palate reveals great freshness and purity with a lovely satiny texture and zesty lift to the finish."

 
Sauternes - Suduiraut

 
Sauternes - Rayne Vigneau

 
Sauternes - Guiraud

 
Sauternes - Clos Haut Peyraguey

 
Sauternes - L'Extravagant de Doisy Daene

 
Smith Haut Lafitte blanc 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Wine Advocate 96-98+: "A blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc with 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon, the Smith Haut Lafitte 2017 Blanc offers up gorgeous, super-intense scents of pink grapefruit, white peaches, kumquats and ginger with wafts of under-ripe pineapple, lime blossoms and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, it's very polished, sophisticated and wonderfully electric in the mouth, with sparks of citrus fruits, tropical notions and floral perfume exploding on the palate, finishing with epic persistence." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 96-97: "This shows serious density and beauty with fantastic complexity and dimension. Full-bodied yet so fresh and beautiful. Layered and tight at the same time. Exciting to follow this one." Vinous 93-96: "The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is magnificent. In the glass, the 2017 reminds me of the superb 2013, but with less austerity and more depth. Jasmine, lemon confit, white flowers and mint are finely cut. Above all else, the 2017 Blanc is a wine of energy and pure pedigree. I loved it. The blend is 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris." - Antonio Galloni

 
Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2017 - Pessac Leognan

Vinous 94-97: "The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte is easily one of the highlights of the vintage. Dense, unctuous and impeccably balanced, the 2017 exudes depth from start to finish. Charcoal embers, graphite, menthol, licorice and sage add myriad shades of nuance to the plush, unctuous dark raspberry jam fruit. This is a super impressive showing from Smith Haut Lafitte. I tasted the 2017 two times. On both occasions, the wine showed tremendous aromatic and flavor depth." - Antonio Galloni James Suckling 95-96: "This is a solid Smith for the vintage with blackberry and blackcurrant character. Full to medium body, firm and silky tannins and a lingering finish. Excellent potential here." Wine Advocate 94-96: "A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte opens slowly to reveal complex notes of crushed black cherries, black currants and wild blueberries with touches of lavender, pencil lead, cast iron pan and a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied and elegant with great freshness and quiet intensity, it has firm, grainy tannins and a sustained yet ethereal mid-palate, with a long, energetic, mineral-laced finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
St Emilion - Angelus

Wine Advocate 97-100: “This year we have slightly less Cabernet Franc in the blend because we are only using the oldest vines, planted by my grandfather, as a tribute,” Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal said. “These are 60- to 80-year-old Cabernet Franc vines.” From 2018, 10% of the entire Angélus crop will be aged in large oak foudres. “These produce tighter, more perfumed, brighter wines from less oxygen exposure,” Stéphanie commented. The 2018 Angélus is blended of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, to be aged 18-22 months in barriques, 100% new, plus two new foudres. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with beautiful black raspberries, kirsch, warm plums and red roses scents, building in intensity to reveal chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry coulis, black tea, woodsmoke and powdered cinnamon notions with a waft of black olives and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a wonderfully profound, multilayered, seamless experience of red and black fruits intertwined with earth, spice and floral notions and framed by exquisitely ripe, satiny tannins, finishing with amazing freshness and length. Incredibly, finely, expertly, seamlessly knit. Stunning."

 
St Emilion - Carillon d'Angelus

Wine Advocate 92-94: "A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Carillon d'Angélus comes bounding out of the glass with bold notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and wild blueberries plus hints of spice box, damp soil, smoked meats and fallen leaves plus a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and blue fruits with firm, rounded tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and earthy."

 
St Emilion - Couvent Des Jacobins

Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Couvent des Jacobins is made up of 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it features baked blueberries, stewed plums and redcurrant jelly with hints of cumin seed, cinnamon and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and densely laden with black fruits, it has a velvety texture and plenty of freshness supporting the long, spicy finish."

 
St Emilion - Laroze

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Laroze bursts from the glass with warm plums, baked cherries and mulberries with hints of chocolate box, tapenade and camphor. Full, rich and opulent with bags of black fruit preserves and spicy sparks framed by velvety tannins, it finishes with a peppery lift."

 
St Emilion - La Couspaude

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Couspaude is slightly reduced to begin, giving way to compelling notions of Christmas cake, warm black plums and boysenberries with touches of chocolate box, licorice and truffles. Full, concentrated and laden with black fruit preserves and spicy layers, it has a solid, velvety frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy."

 
St Emilion - Trianon

James Suckling 92-93: "A very fine-grained and beautiful red with dark-berry and chocolate character, medium body and a juicy finish. Nicely integrated."

 
St Emilion - Croix de Labrie

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Axelle and Pierre Courdurié's 50-year-old, 3.79-hectare vineyard consists of a mix of clay and limestone soils, a portion of which are in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes and another portion of which are located at the foot of the Pavie slope in Saint-Émilion. 2018 yields were just 24 hectoliters per hectare after selection. Aging is to occur in 100% new oak barrels for an anticipated 18 months. The blend is 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc and the wine has 14% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Croix de Labrie gives up expressive baked black cherries, warm mulberries and plum preserves with kirsch and raspberry tart sparks plus hints of smoked meats, tar and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and a chewy texture with bags of bright red and black fruit, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
St Emilion - Fonbel

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Made up of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carménère, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Fonbel gives up spicy notes of Sichuan pepper, cinnamon stick, cloves and fenugreek with a core of warm red and black cherries, mulberries and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has wonderful freshness and a soft, creamy texture supporting the vibrant red and black fruit preserves flavors, finishing with a peppery lift."

 
St Emilion - Moulin St Georges

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Moulin Saint-Georges is deep purple-black colored and opens slowly to display notions of sautéed herbs, menthol and pencil shavings over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, baked plums and cedar plus a waft of potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly played with lively, juicy fruit framed by plush tannins and finishes with a floral skip in its step."

 
St Emilion - Badette

Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Badette comes from the lieu-dit Badette in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The Blend is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine is aging in 50% new and 50% second year oak barrels and the estimated aging regimen will run 18 months. With 14% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, it sings of crushed blueberries, warm plums and chocolate-covered cherries with a cedar-kissed undercurrent and loads of exotic spice sparks—cassis, fenugreek and star anise—plus a waft of forest floor. Full-bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, it has a wonderful line of freshness, with finely grained tannins and a long, mineral-tinged finish."

 
St Emilion - La Clotte

Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 La Clotte is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious scents of crushed blueberries, Morello cherries and black raspberries with touches of oolong tea, violets, mocha and cigar box plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied with a solid frame of fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is packed with vibrant black and blue fruits layers, finishing long with great purity."

 
St Emilion - Franc Mayne

Wine Advocate 90-92: "Made of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Franc-Mayne gives up notions of baked plums, warm black and red cherries and blueberry compote with touches of cedar chest, bay leaves and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has plenty of juicy fruit in the mouth with a rounded tannin texture and fantastic freshness, finishing earthy."

 
St Emilion - Chauvin

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Chauvin is a little shy to begin, revealing pretty scents of wild blueberries, kirsch and warm black cherries followed by hints of violets and star anise. Full, wonderfully intense and concentrated, there is a lot of bright, crunchy fruit here with firm, rounded tannins and a refreshing lift to the long finish. Nicely done!"

 
St Emilion - Laroque

Wine Advocate 95-97: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Laroque is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant black cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry preserves scents with hints of crushed rocks, underbrush and violets plus a waft of Marmite toast. Full-bodied and jam-packed with bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc."

 
St Emilion - Larmande

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Larmande is blended of 81% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals wild blueberries, black raspberries and kirsch scents followed by Chinese five spice and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with vibrant black fruits plus loads of spicy sparks and a velvety frame, finishing with great freshness."

 
St Emilion - De Ferrand

Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 de Ferrand offers notions of plum preserves, spice cake and mincemeat pie with hints of kirsch, fried herbs and garrigue. The full-bodied palate delivers loads of dried berries flavors with herbal sparks and a chewy texture, finishing on a savory note."

 
St Emilion - Pierre 1er

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pierre 1er gives expressive blackberries, black cherries and warm plums scents with touches of cloves, mocha and sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained texture and appealing freshness with a savory finish."

 
St Emilion - Rol Valentin

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Rol Valentin is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up baked plums, warm cherries and mulberries scents with touches of spice box, forest floor and cigar box plus a waft of black olives. Full-bodied, rich and packed with berry preserves, it has a chewy frame and nice freshness, finishing spicy."

 
St Emilion - Faugeres

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Faugères, which was harvested beginning September 25, is composed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slips sensuously from the glass with notions of blackberry compote, wild blueberries and redcurrant jelly with hints of cardamom, cigar box and dusty soil plus a waft of star anise. Full-bodied and built like a brick house, it has a firm backbone of rounded tannins with bold freshness and loads of black fruit preserves layers, finishing long and spicy."

 
St Emilion - Lassegue

 
St Emilion - Fonroque

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonroque (82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc) gives up notions of preserved plums, baked blackberries and dried herbs with hints of raspberry pie, underbrush and black tea. Full-bodied and laden with black fruit, it has loads of red fruit brightness in the mouth with soft, rounded tannins and a refreshing finish."

 
St Emilion - Quinault L'Enclos

Wine Advocate 92-94: "This a very gravelly soil with great drainage, but not a lot of water during dry periods. Adeptly produced by the team of Cheval Blanc (who purchased the estate in 2008), the wine nonetheless maintained its poise under the dry, warm ripening conditions of 2018, coming in at a respectable pH of 3.67 and relatively moderate alcohol of 14.1%. The 2018 Quinault l'Enclos is blended of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc with 50% new oak and the rest in one-year-old barrels—but only 500-liter and foudres. Deep purple-black in color, it slips seductively out of the glass with notions of warm plums, blueberry preserves and mulberries with touches of spice box, tilled soil, black olives and licorice plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with muscular black fruit and licorice sparks, framed by rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery kick."

 
St Emilion - Grand Mayne

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Grand Mayne is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up a nose of baked blackberries, prunes and raisin cake with touches of dusty soil, sautéed herbs and fungi. Full and concentrated, with a firm, chewy texture, it delivers a spicy finish."

 
St Emilion - Sansonnet

Wine Advocate 92-94: "This 35-year-old, 6.96-hectare vineyard is planted to 6,000 vines per hectare on thin clay and limestone soils atop the Saint-Émilion plateau, just across the road from Trottevieille. It comes from the Sansonnet lieu-dit and is blended of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. With 15% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Sansonnet is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notions of stewed plums, warm cassis, blackberry coulis and fruitcake with hints of grilled meats and fried herbs. Big, rich, full and laden with massive black fruit preserves layers, it has a plush texture and spicy finish."

 
St Emilion - Valandraud

Wine Advocate 95-97: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Valandraud develops slowly from a base of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and preserved plums with a perfume of sandalwood, Indian spices, lavender, wilted roses, mocha and fruitcake plus wafts of woodsmoke and camphor. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, ripe and flamboyant with tons of opulent black and blue fruit layers, wonderfully curtailed by a firm frame of velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and very seductive."

 
St Emilion - Virginie de Valandraud

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Virginie de Valandraud opens a little broody with notes of damp soil, truffles and chargrill, opening up to display stewed plums, blackberry tart and plum preserves plus nuances of espresso, Marmite toast, tapenade and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness lifting the rich, decadent fruit to a long finish."

 
St Emilion - Clos Des Jacobins

 
St Emilion - Tour du Pin Figeac

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Tour du Pin Figeac (Moueix) leaps from the glass with baked blackberries, plum preserves and kirsch notes plus hints of tilled soil and Marmite toast. The full-bodied palate is quite spicy with a firm backbone of rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long."

 
St Emilion - Croque Michotte

Wine Advocate 86-88: "Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Croque Michotte gives up notes of cedar, balsamic and fried Indian spices over a core of prunes and Morello cherries plus a hint of tar. The full-bodied palate is wearing a lot of oak with a chewy frame and tons of ripe, rich fruit, finishing a little chewy."

 
St Emilion - Grand Corbin

 
St Emilion - Mangot Todeschini

 
St Emilion - Fombrauge

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fombrauge gives up expressive scents of Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and Morello cherries with touches of plum preserves, spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety texture and plenty of freshness, all that rich, black fruit delivers a long, spice-sparked finish."

 
St Emilion - Magrez Fombrauge

 
St Emilion - Magrez Fombrauge Blanc

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Magrez Fombrauge Blanc is a little subdued on first sniff, opening out to apple tart, ripe pears and nectarine notions plus wafts of coriander seed and waxed lemons. Medium-bodied, the palate has bags of zippy stone fruit and apple layers with a spicy undercurrent and long, refreshing finish."

 
St Emilion - Pavie Macquin

Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2018 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple colored and a little closed to begin, slowly revealing subtle notions of dark chocolate, candied violets and rose hip tea over a core of plum preserves, blueberry compote and cherry coulis plus wafts of woodsmoke and crushed stones. Full-bodied, the palate has a seriously impressive structure of ripe, firm, velvety tannins and bold freshness carrying off all that rich black fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced."

 
St Emilion - Poesia

Wine Advocate 94-96: "This is a final blend composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot harvested October 3-8 and the Cabernet Franc harvested on October 9. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Poesia opens with notes of baked black cherries, mocha, spice cake, redcurrant jelly and black raspberries with nuances of dried roses, aniseed, candied violets and Christmas cake plus a waft of molten licorice. Full-bodied, rich and packed with red and black fruit layers, it has a solid structure of firm, finely grained tannins and compelling freshness, finishing very long and layered."

 
St Emilion - Barde Haut

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Barde-Haut is a final blend composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sashays sensuously out of the glass with effortless baked blackberries, preserved plums and blueberry pie notes plus hints of incense, powdered cinnamon, cigar box and star anise. Full-bodied and packed with spicy black and blue fruits, it is beautifully textured with firm, velvety tannins and just enough background freshness, finishing very long and seductive."

 
St Emilion - Les Gravieres

Wine Advocate 94-96: "Made from 100% Merlot, the 2018 Les Gravieres is deep garnet-purple and rocks up with gregarious blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries and plum preserves scents with nuances of violets, spice cake and mocha. Big, full and decadently fruited, it has a firm frame of super ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and layered."

 
St Emilion - Grand Pontet

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Grand-Pontet has a deep purple-black color and begins a bit cedary with underlying mulberries, warm plums and cherry preserves plus wafts of dusty soil, garrigue and dried herbs. Full-bodied and laden with earth-sparked black fruit, it has a chewy frame and finishes a little firm."

 
St Emilion - Cote Baleau

 
St Emilion - Grand Corbin Despagne

Wine Advocate 93-95: "A blend of 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Grand Corbin-Despagne is deep garnet-purple colored and features baked black cherries, mulberries and plum preserves with touches of rose hips, Marmite toast and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, the voluptuous fruit is well framed by firm, rounded tannins and great freshness, finishing long."

 
St Emilion - Tour Figeac

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Tour Figeac starts off a little shy, giving way to bright, vibrant scents of crushed black and red cherries, warm plums and wild blueberries with hints of violets, licorice, woodsmoke and garrigue. Full-bodied, it has a good amount of understated blue and black fruit in the mouth with rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with red fruit sparks."

 
St Emilion - Clos de L'Oratoire

 
St Emilion - Beau Sejour Becot

Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2018 Beau-Sejour Becot is composed of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot was harvested on September 12-25, and the Cabernet varieties were harvested on October 4, 5 and 10. Yields were 46 hectoliters per hectare, and it is anticipated that the wine will age for 16 months. Sixty-five percent of the wine will be matured in new barriques, while 35% will be aged in vats, amphorae and large oak casks of 20-hectoliter capacity. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold, expressive notions of stewed plums, blackberry pie and Black Forest cake with nuances of menthol, mocha, molten licorice and wild sage plus a waft of lavender. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with latent energy, offering slow-releasing glimpses at dark, seductive berry preserves layers and vibrant earthy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced."

 
St Emilion - Lucia

Wine Advocate 92-94: "This 3.07-hectare vineyard includes one hectare that was planted in 1901 on clay and limestone soils. Two other 49-year-old plots are situated on the same plain near Monbousquet, with clay and siliceous soil. Two-thirds of the grapes come from Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens and one-third from the Saint-Émilion plateau. Maturation is to take place in 50% new and 50% second year barrels for 12 to 18 months. With 14.5% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Lucia strides confidently out of the glass with bold notes of warm blackberries, black plum preserves and Black Forest cake with hints of wild sage, tilled soil and charcuterie. Full-bodied, opulent and wonderfully earthy in the mouth, it has a velvety texture and herbal lift to the finish."

 
St Emilion - Jean Faure

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Jean Faure is deep garnet-purple in color and opens with tar, new leather and scorched earth notes giving way to baked black plums, blackberry pie and mocha scents. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grippy texture and plenty of freshness lifting the savory flavors to a long finish."

 
St Emilion - Le Prieure

 
St Emilion - Corbin

Wine Advocate 91-93: "This 13-hectare vineyard is situated northwest of the town of Saint-Émilion. The vines are an average of 30 years old and are planted to a mix of sand and clay-based soils. The wines are being aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and it has 15% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Corbin opens with seductive notions of warm plums, Christmas cake and blueberry compote with fragrant earth, yeast extract and cedary undertones. Full, rich and spicy in mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, plush tannins and a long, earthy finish."

 
St Emilion - Larcis Ducasse

Wine Advocate 96-98: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larcis Ducasse features wonderfully expressive scents of baked black and red plums, kirsch, rose hip tea and cigar box with hints of pencil shavings, baked redcurrants and truffles plus a waft of licorice. Full-bodied and beautifully nuanced on the palate, it has layer upon layer of red and black fruit preserves with beautiful, velvety tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed."

 
St Emilion - Confession

 
St Emilion - Gracia

Wine Advocate 93-95: "Michel Gracia's tiny 1.83-hectare vineyard in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes is planted at a density of 5,500 vines per hectare in rich clay and limestone soils. Vines in 2018 had an average age of 47 years, and yields were 22 hectoliters per hectare. It is aging in 100% new oak for an estimated 16-18 months. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the Les Grandes Landes lieu-dit and with 14% alcohol, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Gracia comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and stewed plums with nuances of Indian spices, tilled soil and fruitcake plus a touch of chocolate box. Full, concentrated and decadently fruited, it delivers bold, mouth-coating flavors and a velvety texture, finishing on an earthy note."

 
St Emilion - Gaffeliere

Wine Advocate 94-96: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Gaffeliere reveals classically sophisticated scents of ripe black plums, warm blackberries and cigar box with touches of star anise, dried Provence herbs, chocolate mint and truffles. Full-bodied, it has a solid backbone of ripe, rounded tannins and lovely freshness lifting the densely layered fruit to a long finish."

 
St Emilion - Clos La Gaffeliere

 
St Emilion - Aromes de Pavie

Wine Advocate 92-94+:"The 2018 Arômes de Pavie is made up of 65% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested September 27 to October 8 with yields of 42 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has a 3.56 pH and 14.42% alcohol. Very deep purple-black in color, it is a little shy to begin, opening out to give scents of baked black and red cherries, mulberries and blackberry tart with suggestions of licorice, mocha, tilled soil, smoked meats and lilacs with a touch of oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with ripe, rich black fruit, framed by firm, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory. This is a very serious second wine that bears more than a passing resemblance to Château Pavie."

 
St Emilion - Monbousquet

Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Monbousquet is composed of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested September 27 to October 9 with yields of 39 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has a pH of 3.78 and 14.38% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it sashays out of the glass with beautiful, flamboyant red roses, chocolate box and molten licorice scents over a core of crème de cassis, plum preserves and Morello cherries plus fragrant wafts of underbrush, lavender and cloves. Full-bodied, rich and wonderfully elegant, the palate delivers layers of black fruits and spices, wrapped in a cashmere shawl of tannins, finishing very long and incredibly perfumed."

 
St Emilion - Monbousquet Blanc

Wine Advocate: "The Monbousquet 2018 Blanc is blended of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Sémillon and 5% Muscadelle. Grapes were harvested August 28-29 with yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare, 13.75% alcohol and a 3.37 pH. It leaps from the glass with frisky notes of fresh pineapple, white peaches, grapefruit and lemon curd with hints of lime leaves and spearmint. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with bags of vibrant, exotic fruits and zesty layers, led by a racy line of acid and finishing long and chalky."

 
St Emilion - Bellevue Mondotte

Wine Advocate 95-97: "Grapes for this wine come from the plateau and were harvested October 3, with yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with a 3.5 pH and 14.56% alcohol, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Bellevue Mondotte opens with alluring scents of Christmas cake, blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries and hoisin with nuances of Chinese five spice, iron ore, rose hip tea and cracked black pepper. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and totally decadent in the mouth, the palate has a plush texture and maintains that incredible freshness that defines these beautiful wines on the terrace—finishing with tons of spicy fireworks.

 
St Emilion - St Georges Cote Pavie

Wine Advocate 93-95: "This comes from the limestone slope between La Gaffelière and Pavie. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Côte Pavie comes skipping out of the glass with bright, cheery scents of warm raspberries, black cherries and ripe blackberries plus hints of red roses, menthol, dark chocolate and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling fresh, crunchy fruit with beautifully ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Impressive!"

 
St Emilion - Pavie Decesse

Wine Advocate 96-98: "Grapes for this wine come from the plateau and were harvested October 3 with yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with a pH of 3.57 and 14.52% alcohol, the 2018 Pavie Decesse is deep purple-black in color and strides confidently out of the glass with a very serious nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums, mulberries and cassis plus touches of camphor, lavender, black olives and crushed rocks with a waft of woodsmoke. Full-bodied and laden with taut, muscular black fruit and loads of mineral accents, it has a firm structure of super ripe, finely grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and very layered."

 
St Emilion - Monbousquet Blanc

 
St Emilion - Monbousquet

 
St Emilion - Aromes de Pavie

 
St Emilion - Belleve Mondotte

 
St Emilion - Pavie Decesse

 
St Emilion - Pavie

 
St Emilion - La Tour Figeac

 
St Emilion - Quinault L'Enclos

 
St Emilion - Petit Cheval

 
St Emilion - Cheval Blanc

 
St Emilion - Carillon D'Angelus

 
St Emilion - Angelus

 
St Emilion - Valandraud

 
St Emilion - Fleur De Lisse

 
St Emilion - Fleur Cardinale

 
St Emilion - L'Etampe

 
St Emilion - Croix de Labrie

 
St Emilion - Lucia

 
St Emilion - Trottevieille

 
St Emilion - Laroque

 
St Emilion - Croque Michotte

 
St Emilion - Fombrauge

 
St Emilion - Mauriane

 
St Estephe - Tour Des Termes

 
St Estephe - Bernard Magrez

James Suckling 92-93: "This is a very beautiful St.-Estèphe with spice, dark-berry and hazelnut character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows focus and tension."

 
St Estephe - Petit Bocq

 
St Estephe - Capbern

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Capbern is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and comes in at 14.6% alcohol. It's anticipated to age for 16 months in barriques, 60% new. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with vibrant scents of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh blackcurrants with nuances of cedar chest, pencil lead and forest floor plus a waft of lavender. Full-bodied, rich and packed with juicy fruit, it has a firm line of grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
St Estephe - Tour De Pez

 
St Estephe - Le Boscq

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 le Boscq features expressive notes of baked blackcurrants, blackberry pie and stewed plums with wafts of Provence herbs, cigar box and black pepper. Full, concentrated and supported by firm, chewy tannins, it has soft acid and an herbal lift on the finish."

 
St Estephe - De Pez

Wine Advocate 91-93: "Composed of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 de Pez rocks up with bold notes of crushed black and red currants, warm plums and mulberries with hints of unsmoked cigars, bay leaves and black pepper plus a touch of black olives. Medium to full-bodied with an approachable, fine-grained frame, it has just enough freshness and a lively lift on the finish."

 
St Estephe - Ormes De Pez

Wine Advocate 90-92: "Composed of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and aging in 45% new barriques, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Ormes de Pez leaps from the glass with vibrant blackberries, black cherries and mulberries scents plus touches of garrigue, tree bark and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with bags of muscular fruit, it has a firm, grainy texture and great freshness, finishing on an herbal lift."

 
St Estephe - Haut Marbuzet

Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet is deep garnet-purple colored, giving up spices, florals and chocolate with baked berries, plum preserves and cassis. The palate is full-bodied, firm, rich and spicy, finishing long."

 
St Estephe - Marquis de Calon Segur

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is a blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon (14.9% alcohol). It is anticipated to age for 17 months in barriques, 30% new. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up opulent scents of Indian spices, menthol and plum preserves with a core of crème de cassis, baked cherries and raspberry pie plus a hint of sandalwood. Big, rich, full-bodied and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it has bags of black fruit preserves and exotic spices with a firm, plush frame, finishing long with a minty lift. Definitely one for the hedonists!"

 
St Estephe - Cos Labory

Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cos Labory is a little reduced to start, unfurling to display notions of baked blackcurrants, blackberry preserves and boysenberries with touches of sautéed herbs, smoked meats and tar. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained frame and background freshness supporting the elegant black fruit and savory layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note."

 
St Estephe - Meyney

Wine Advocate 89-91: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Meyney gives up blackcurrants, black berries and plums on the nose with earth and spices plus fried herbs and lots of oak. The big, full-bodied palate has some promising fruit but is a bit hard and oaky."

 
St Estephe - Segur de Cabanac

 
St Estephe - Lilian Ladouys

Wine Advocate 90-92: "In 2018, the Lorenzetti family purchased two neighbor estates, Château Clauzet and Château Tour de Pez, adding these to the Lilian Ladouys vineyard to almost double its planted area to 77 hectares. These additional vineyards are composed of gravelly soils of the same level as the best blocks of Lilian Ladouys. Soils are a typically Saint-Estèphe mix of sandy-gravel and clay with some limestone deposits. It is planted at 8,500-10,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of 35 years in 2018. The wine will see 12 months aging in 35% new and 65% two-year-old barriques. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, and it has 14.41% alcohol. From the lieu-dit Blanquet and with a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Lilian Ladouys gives up wonderfully spicy black fruit preserves notions: plum preserves, crème de cassis and blueberry with hints of exotic spices, menthol and violets. Medium to full-bodied, firm and fine-grained in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of rich, spicy black fruits with a lift to the finish.'

 
St Estephe - Lafon Rochet

Wine Advocate 90-92: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet is scented of cassis, blackberries, herbs and soil with tar and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy with herb sparks and an earthy finish."

 
St Estephe - Haut Marbuzet

 
St Estephe - Pagodes de Cos

 
St Estephe - Pagodes de Cos Blanc

 
St Estephe - Cos D'Estournel Blanc

 
St Estephe - Cos D'Estournel

 
St Estephe - Lilian Ladouys

 
St Estephe - Bernard Magrez

 
St Estephe - Laffitte Carcasset

 
St Julien - Lalande

James Suckling 92-93: "An appealing red with plum, chocolate and hazelnut flavors that are long and delicious already. Firm and polished tannins."

 
St Julien - Branaire Ducru

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Branaire-Ducru begins just a tad reduced with broody tar, rubber and fried herbs scents giving way to a fragrant core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry coulis with touches of smoked meats and tobacco. Full-bodied, firm and rugged in the mouth with brawny, muscular fruit and a sturdy frame of grainy tannins, it finishes long and savory."

 
St Julien - Langoa Barton

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Langoa Barton is slightly shy at this nascent stage, revealing wonderfully pure, warm red and black currant scents with nuances of blueberry preserves, chocolate mint, smoked meat and a waft of bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and sporting a lot of vibrant, juicy fruit in the mouth, it has firm, rounded tannins and a lively backbone lifting the fruit to a good, long finish."

 
St Julien - Du Glana

Wine Advocate 87-89: "The 2018 du Glana is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of black cherries, cassis, dusty soil and dried sage. The palate is full-bodied with a firm, chewy texture and a low level of acidity, finishing with an herbal lift."

 
St Julien - Pavillon du Glana

 
St Julien - Clos Du Marquis

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Clos du Marquis is composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, with 13% press wine added back to the blend. Grapes were harvested September 18 to October 10, with yields of 35.5 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine has 14.5% alcohol. It will be aged in barriques, 55% new. The finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep purple-black in color, it displays flamboyant scents of kirsch, crushed black cherries and warm cassis with hints of cinnamon stick, underbrush and chocolate box plus a waft of sandalwood. Full-bodied and built like a brick house with firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular fruit, it finishes long and spicy."

 
St Julien - Petite Marquis du Clos Du Marquis

 
St Julien - Beychevelle

Wine Advocate 94-96: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Beychevelle wafts sensuously from the glass with fragrant Black Forest cake, potpourri, star anise and black tea scents over a core of black raspberries, warm blackcurrants and kirsch with touches of fallen leaves and lavender. Full-bodied and packed with fragrant red and black fruit layers, it has a firm, velvety texture and fantastic freshness lifting the very long, perfumed finish. Beautiful! Anticipated time in barrel is 18 months, 60% new and 40% second fill. The tentative blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc."

 
St Julien - Moulin de La Rose

 
St Julien - Croix de Beaucaillou

Wine Advocate 91-93: "This is not a second wine as such, because it comes from a dedicated part of the vineyard, located on the south bank of La Mouline. The 2018 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, to be aged 12 months in 60% new barriques. It has a pH of 3.75, 15% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 96. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is a little closed and broody to begin, offering subtle notions of fertile loam, tobacco, truffles and cast iron pan with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry compote and boysenberries with hints of underbrush and bay leaves. Full, rich and seductive in the mouth, it has firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness to lift the dense fruit to a long finish."

 
St Julien - Lalande Borie

Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2018 Lalande-Borie is composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pH of 3.77 and 14.5% alcohol. It is to be aged 12 months in barriques, 30% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up gregarious notions of baked black cherries, warm blackberries and cassis with hints of pencil lead, camphor and underbrush plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied with bags of black fruit, it has a plush frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy."

 
St Julien - Gloria

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Gloria is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up expressive notions of warm red and black currants, black cherries and boysenberries with hints of spice cake, cedar chest, pencil lead and menthol. Full-bodied with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins, it has a lively line cutting through the dense, savory layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The blend is currently 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated aging is for 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new."

 
St Julien - St Pierre

Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pierre 1er gives expressive blackberries, black cherries and warm plums scents with touches of cloves, mocha and sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained texture and appealing freshness with a savory finish."

 
St Julien - Gloria

Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Gloria is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up expressive notions of warm red and black currants, black cherries and boysenberries with hints of spice cake, cedar chest, pencil lead and menthol. Full-bodied with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins, it has a lively line cutting through the dense, savory layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The blend is currently 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated aging is for 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new."

 
St Julien - Fiefs de Lagrange

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Les Fiefs de Lagrange is deep garnet-purple colored with earthy, mushroomy notions and savory meats over a cassis and plums core plus herbs hints. The full-bodied palate is rich and packed with fruit, with firm, grainy tannins and a long finish."

 
St Julien - Lagrange

WineAdvocate 93-95: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lagrange opens a little closed and broody, slowly revealing cedar chest, tar, pencil shavings, camphor and fragrant earth scents with a baked plums and warm cassis core plus a hint of yeast extract. Full-bodied and jam-packed with black fruits and earthy accents, it has a solid frame of firm, chunky tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a persistent mineral note."

 
St Julien - Beychevelle

 
St Julien - Branaire Ducru

 
St Julien - La Bridane

 
Talbot 2017 - St Julien

James Suckling 90-93: "This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in." Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 Talbot was picked from 18 to 4 October using manual and optical sorting, matured in 50% new oak. It has a relatively light but well-defined, floral bouquet, pressed flower filtering through that blackberry and boysenberry scents, a little clove and bay leaf lending complexity as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannin that frame the slightly savory black fruit, just a little earthiness developing towards the finish. It is a classic Talbot really, exactly what you would expect for the vintage." - Neal Martin Wine Advocate 87-89: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Talbot is a little closed on the nose with subtle plums and blackberries notes plus hints of underbrush, black olives and wood smoke. Medium-bodied with a firm frame of chewy tannins, it has lovely freshness and a savory finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Tour de Pez 2017 - Saint-Estephe

Vinous 89-91: "The 2017 Tour de Pez has a refined and quite pure bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry and cassis fruit that feels cohesive and nicely entwined with the new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, attractive graphite-infused black fruit and all that is really lacking some length towards the finish." - Neal Martin

 
Troplong Mondot 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Vinous 95-98: "The 2017 Troplong Mondot is easily one of the wines of the vintage. New CEO Aymeric de Gironde (formerly of Cos d’Estournel) and consulting oenologist Thomas Duclos are masterminding a remarkable new chapter in the life of Troplong Mondot. A major stylistic shift in the direction of freshness and energy has resulted in a positively stunning Troplong Mondot endowed with tremendous depth and vibrant. A rush of black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather and spice builds as this gorgeous Saint-emilion shows off its breeding and total class. The blend is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc ." - Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 95-97: "Troplong Mondot saw hardly any frost—less than 10%. The 2017 Troplong Mondot is blended of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Very deep purple-black in color, it offers up a cedar chest, cinnamon stick and cloves-laced nose with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry compote and preserved plums plus wafts of licorice, violets and sandalwood. Full-bodied, concentrated and sporting a firm frame of velvety tannins, it has a lively line lifting the densely packed fruit, finishing long and on a compelling savory note." James Suckling 95-96: "A bright and vivid red with dark-berry and plum character. Floral and bright. Medium to full body. Intense and crystal-clear. Ultra-fine tannins with a long and beautiful. Wonderful balance and harmony." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Trottevieille 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 94-95: "This shows wonderful depth and tannin quality with incredible elegance and completeness. Medium to full body and racy tannins. Strength, too. It’s the acid that drives the the tannins and keeps them serious and fine.'" Vinous 90-92: "The 2017 TrotteVieille was impacted by the frost, more the Merlot than the Cabernet Franc according to Frederic Castèja. It was picked between 21 and 26 September. It has a tightly wound bouquet with black cherries, cedar, juniper and a light seawater aroma. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, quite structured in the mouth with plenty of tobacco-infused, black peppery dark fruit towards the finish with quite a long peppery aftertaste thanks to the Cabernet Franc." - Neal Martin

 
Valandraud 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

James Suckling 94-95: "Lots of beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruits here. Medium to full body, round and very polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Wet-earth undertones. Velvety mouthfeel at the end." Wine Spectator 93-96: "Gorgeous blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry compote flavors flow out from the core, enveloping the apple wood, anise and black tea frame as they move. Offers a gorgeous feel, ample depth, lovely polish and fine underlying acidity throughout." Wine Advocate 93-95: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Valandraud gives up crushed blackcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and espresso on the nose with hints of licorice, tar and smoked meats. The palate is medium-bodied with a solid frame of ripe, sweet tannins and just enough freshness to contain the bombastic fruit, finishing long and berry-laced." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

 
Virginie de Valandraud 2017 - St Emilion Grand Cru

Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2017 Virginie de Valandraud is deep garnet-purple in color and offers up aromas of crushed blackberries, warm black cherries and violets with scents of cedar chest and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied with ripe, plush tannins and great freshness, it delivers a lovely core of pure black fruit and a floral finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown James Suckling 89-90: "A firm and focused second wine from Valandraud. Medium body, firm tannins and a medium finish."

 
Introduction
En Primeur is sold when the wines is still in barrel, undergoing maturation. Buying “En Primeur” is like buying a property under construction. The customer gets a lower price as the building is still under construction. Similarly, investors get lower pricing on En Primeur because the wines have not been fully maturated. Money is paid upfront; and wines will only be delivered 18-24 months later.

 
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