THE 2024 BORDEAUX VINTAGE
The 2024 Bordeaux vintage presents a unique challenge, with producers navigating a series of hurdles throughout the growing season. While many wines may not reach the heights of previous years, a select few estates have crafted commendable offerings that highlight resilience and adaptability. This vintage showcases the creativity of winemakers who pushed the boundaries to achieve quality in the face of adversity.
Despite the ups and downs, the year underscores the importance of terroir and the skill of growers. While some wines exhibit lighter profiles and herbaceous notes, they also reflect a refreshing character that speaks to the season's challenges and the innovative approaches taken by producers.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather in 2024 began with a warm, wet winter that set an intriguing stage for the growing season.
Budbreak occurred slightly later than in 2023, followed by cool and rainy conditions that fostered a heightened awareness of vineyard management. March to May experienced significant rainfall, making it one of the most dynamic springs recorded.
Flowering was protracted, leading to varied ripeness within grape bunches, yet this also created opportunities for attentive growers to fine-tune their harvest strategies. By June, while some vineyards faced mildew challenges, others thrived, showcasing the adaptability of well-situated estates.
July brought more favorable weather, with below-average rainfall and temperatures returning to typical levels. Veraison commenced in late July, and as growers adjusted their approaches, many found moments of optimism. In September, although rain and cooler temperatures posed additional considerations, many producers made thoughtful decisions about harvest timing, particularly for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Overall, the varied weather conditions throughout the season contributed to a distinctive vintage, highlighting the significance of ripeness and the innovative spirit of Bordeaux's winemakers.
BOTTLING Prices are for standard 750ml bottles. Wines can be bottled in half bottles, magnums, or other formats for an additional charge. Please provide special bottling instructions before 31 August 2025.
STORAGE There will be storage charges if we do not receive any shipping instructions before 31 May 2027. The charge will be HK$300 per annum per case or per large format bottle (9L-case). Cellarage invoices will be raised on 1 July 2027. If you wish to collect your wine early, we will refund you the remaining full month(s) storage fee on a pro-rata basis.
SHIPPING COST HK$180 per case inclusive of insurance. Please instruct us in advance for special shipping arrangements.
OFFER Please note that the following wines are offered ex-cellars Bordeaux. And they are available in units of 6 or 12 bottles per case. The minimum order will be 12 bottles (750ml) per wine. They will be available for delivery in Spring/Summer 2027. Payment upon receipt of invoice.
St. Estephe
| Château Cos d'Estournel 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 16.5+, JS 96-97, Vin 95-98, NM 93-95] |
€99.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Cos d'Estournel is shaping up beautifully. Offering up aromas of sweet cassis, plums, pencil shavings and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and suave, reflecting this estate's pivot to a more harmonious, less aggressively extracted style. With a layered, seamless core of fruit framed by plenty of sweet, powdery tannin, it's a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot that checks in at 12.7% alcohol. Cos is an early-ripening terroir, and that clearly played to the relative strengths of the vintage. Harvest here began with the estate's old-vine Merlot on gravel on September 23, concluding with the last Cabernet Sauvignon on October 7.
JR 16.5+...Purple-black hue. Reserved nose but good concentration. Tight and firm on the palate with layered extract. Mid-palate presence and a certain power but tough and chewy on the finish and just a little austere for now
JS 96-97...There is huge depth and lots of intensity from this year's Cos. Quite powerful, deeply colored and dense, but there is freshness. Concentrated and tight-grained, with a full body and a pretty lengthy finish. Quite unique for its broadness and density, with lots of blackberries in the finish
VIN 95-98...The 2024 Cos d'Estournel could very well be one of the wines of the vintage. Bright and vibrant in the glass, with tons of energy, the 2024 impresses with its vertical structure, depth and overall balance. Blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, lavender and mocha are beautifully delineated throughout. The 2024 is super-classic. The modest 12.8% alcohol is notable, especially because that also means there is less extraction of wood. Cos is one of my early favorites in 2024
NM 93-95...The 2024 Cos d'Estournel was picked from September 23 to October 7 and matured in 50% new oak. This has an atypically powerful bouquet, revealing black fruit laced with graphite and gravelly scents. The palate has a Pauillac-like entry that's fresh but certainly intense. There's plenty of grip in this Cos d'Estournel that's a little sweeter and reassuringly persistent on the finish compared to its peers. It does not deliver the mineralité of a top-flight Cos d'Estournel, though there's certainly much more fruit intensity than you would expect given the growing season. I observed more classicism during my second record, which suggests that the depth of fruit may become more prominent during barrel maturation. |
| Château Cos d'Estournel Blanc 2024 [JR 16.5, JS 97-98, Vin 93-95, NM 92-94] |
€127.00 |
| JR 16.5...The 2024 Cos d'Estournel Blanc is one of the best editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Rich and ample, the 2024 possesses notable textural richness but also a good bit of moderating vibrancy. The balance here is simply superb. Lemon confit, almond, white flowers and chalk build into the layered, resonant finish.
JS 97-98...A full-bodied white that’s 60% sauvignon blanc and 40% semillon. Very bright acidity with creamy wood influence. Intense kiwis, green stone fruit and guavas. Long, intense, textured and so vibrant, with a lasting, mouthwatering finish.
VIN 93-95...The 2024 Cos d'Estournel could very well be one of the wines of the vintage. Bright and vibrant in the glass, with tons of energy, the 2024 impresses with its vertical structure, depth and overall balance. Blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, lavender and mocha are beautifully delineated throughout. The 2024 is super-classic. The modest 12.8% alcohol is notable, especially because that also means there is less extraction of wood. Cos is one of my early favorites in 2024
NM 92-94...The 2024 Cos d'Estournel was picked from September 23 to October 7 and matured in 50% new oak. This has an atypically powerful bouquet, revealing black fruit laced with graphite and gravelly scents. The palate has a Pauillac-like entry that's fresh but certainly intense. There's plenty of grip in this Cos d'Estournel that's a little sweeter and reassuringly persistent on the finish compared to its peers. It does not deliver the mineralité of a top-flight Cos d'Estournel, though there's certainly much more fruit intensity than you would expect given the growing season. I observed more classicism during my second record, which suggests that the depth of fruit may become more prominent during barrel maturation. |
| Château Calon Ségur 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 16.5, JS 96-97, Vin 93-95, NM 91-93] |
€71.40 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Calon-Ségur is a terrific effort. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon (picked late, between October 2 and October 9), 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, it unwinds in the glass with notes of plums, cassis and iris mingled with hints of burning embers and incense. Medium to full-bodied, supple and layered, it's suave and seamless, with good depth at the core, powdery tannins and beautifully integrated acids. At pH 3.50 and 13.1% alcohol, it's also one of the most classically proportioned vintages this estate has produced over the last decade.
JR 16.5...Open nose with Cabernet-cassis notes and minty freshness. Quite sapid on the palate, the acidity present. Firmly structured but the oak a touch invasive at present. Needs to settle.
JS 96-97...A fruity wine that’s approachable but still serious and complex, with cocoa, currants, paprika and berries. Medium- to full-bodied. The tannins are taut, chalky, caressing and superbly knit with the fruit. Really juicy and long, and there aren't any hard edges. 82% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Calon Ségur is shaping up very nicely. Dark and ample, with terrific balance, the 2024 is another strong wine from the team led by Technical Director Vincent Millet. Readers will find a Calon Ségur of inner strength, its deceptively mid-weight structure notwithstanding. The 2024 is a wine of restraint and class more than power, never a bad thing at this property. The 100% new oak is very nicely balanced, even in the early going. This has great potential.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Calon Ségur was picked from September 23 until October 9 at 45 hl/ha with no breaks between those dates. It then matured in 100% new oak, as usual, for 20 months. This has a well-defined bouquet, with more prominent wood than previous recent vintages, which consequently obscures the property's DNA. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit tinged with black olive. It's quite lively, with a liberal sprinkling of white pepper and thyme. I admire the freshness of this Saint-Estèphe and there is decent length on the finish. This is not a top-ranking Calon-Ségur, but it should still provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure.
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| Château Montrose 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17.5, JS 96-97, Vin 94-96, NM 94-96] |
€98.00 |
| WA 93-95...A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Montrose is a serious, muscular effort that numbers among the wines of the vintage. Unwinding in the glass with notes of cassis, burning embers, cigar wrapper and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, with a lively spine of acidity, rich structuring tannins and a long, penetrating finish. With both the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon recorded at Montrose and a rather low pH of 3.55, it will surely number among the longest lived 2024 Bordeaux.
JR 17.5...Dark fruit with a hint of spice but more reserved than Terrasse III. Quite assertive and sculptured with plenty of drive. Tannins have a certain depth and power so plenty of potential.
JS 96-97...This shows finesse and elegance as well as plenty of subtle red currant and blackcurrant character. Medium-bodied with refinement and length. Tender, vivid and pure. Extremely well done in a difficult year. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.
Vin 94-96...Tightly wound today, the 2024 impresses with its energy and focus. There's a bit less mid-palate and overall heft than most years, as well as a brighter fruit profile. Floral, spice and mineral overtones lend brightness throughout. The 2024 is a super-classic, nervy Montrose that will need a number of years to be at its most expressive. Aging is projected to be 18 months, with 60% new oak.
NM 94-96...The 2024 Montrose, well-defined and very able nose demonstrates classicism, fine delineation and a little more florality than the Terrasse III. The palate is medium-bodied with very finely chiselled tannins and a keen line of acidity. This symmetrical Saint-Estèphe is blessed with an elegant, sapid and reassuringly precise finish that the estate seems to have honed in the last few years. It does not have the unbridled ambition of, say, the 2020 Montrose, but it is exceptionally well crafted and will become a fine Saint-Estèphe. |
Pauillac
| Château Pontet-Canet 2024 [WA 94-96, JR 16.5, JS 95-96, Vin 94-96, NM 93-95] |
€70.00 |
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WA 94-96...The 2024 Pontet-Canet underlines the fact that daring to harvest late paid dividends in this challenging vintage, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, black raspberries and plums mingled with accents of rose petals, licorice and exotic spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and integrated, with mid-palate density that's all too rare this year, it's layered, suave and seamless, concluding with a long, sapid finish.
JR 16.5...Deep purple colour. Purity and depth of fruit on the nose. Cherry and fruit frais notes. Some sweetness on the palate. Firm tannins but wrapped in generous fruit. A certain power but not overcharged.
JS 95-96...A light but juicy wine that's fresh and fluid, with good depth of blue fruit and violets, a medium body and nicely reactive tannins. Crunchy, with a delicate mid-palate and firm, chalky tannins. Long, balanced and pristine finish. This will show early appeal. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pontet-Canet is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted here in some time, as in a long time. Brisk acids and beams of tannin shape a mid-weight, classically built Pontet-Canet unlike any I have tasted. The 2024 is not an obvious wine, it does not have the opulence of most recent years, rather it is a wine that impresses with its energy, tension and class. Floral, spice and mineral notes stain the palate in this vibrant, beautifully sculpted Pontet-Canet.
NM 93-95...The 2024 Pontet Canet It has a very pure bouquet with black cherry, wild strawberry, cassis and light violet scents vying for attention. This is not quite as complex as the '22 I tasted a few months earlier. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, a keen line of acidity and veins of blue fruit commingling with black pepper and light graphite notes. Cohesive on the finish, there is an attractive linearity to this Pontet Canet, with satisfying sustain that delivers about as much precision as anyone could hope for in this vintage. |
| Le Blanc de Duhart Milon 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16+, JS 93-94, Vin 90-92, NM 92-94] |
€58.80 |
| WA 90-92...The 2024 Le Blanc de Duhart-Milon opens with lifted aromas of boxwood, pear and white peach, intertwined with delicate floral nuances. Medium-bodied, lively and tense, it is driven by tangy acidity and a juicy core of fruit, likely enhanced by the malolactic fermentation undergone by 50% of the production. This is a blend of 62% Sémillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Sauvignon Gris.
JR 16+...Limpid colour. Aromatically explosive on the nose with citrus, tropical fruit and vanilla notes. Palate long and linear but more low key than the nose. Plenty of tension. Could improve if it fills out in bottle.
JS 93-94...Bright and zesty, with fine cream, green guavas and gooseberries. Bright, sharp and crisp, with a medium body and a long, expressive finish. A hint of salinity comes through with creaminess at the end. 62% semillon, 35% sauvignon blanc and 3% sauvignon gris.
Vin 90-92...The 2024 Le Blanc du Duhart is a very pretty Sémillon-driven white. Orchard fruit, slate, mint, chalk and white pepper lend a good deal of energy throughout.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Le Blanc du Duhart It has a clean and precise bouquet, with Anjou pear commingling with lime, nettle and hints of peach skin emerging with time. The palate is fresh and tensile, more than any previous vintages. This is not long, yet it is armed with plenty of energy. |
| Château Duhart Milon 2024 [WA 90-93, JR 16, JS 93-94, Vin 91-93, NM 92-94] |
€53.20 |
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WA 92-94… A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, the 2024 Duhart-Milon was cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare, and it was here that the Lafite team concluded the harvest. Offering up aromas of cassis and red berries mingled with hints of violets, pen ink, licorice and toasty oak, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a round, integrated, charming profile, concluding with a moderately persistent finish.
JR 16…Aromatic and fresh with red-berry aromas but a little lean, the acidity present. Light but fine tannins. A little strict on the finish and unusually forward.
JS 93-94…A lighter vintage that highlights finesse rather than power or concentration. Fresh blue fruit with a medium body and fine-grained tannins. Fresh but supple in a refined, medium-long finish. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot.
Vin 91-93…The 2024 Duhart-Milon opens with strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections. Blue-toned fruit, lavender, spice and dried herbs open first, all framed by brisk acids and supporting tannins that lend shape. The 2024 includes 14% press wines, about the norm here. This is a very promising Duhart.
NM 92-94…The aromatics take their time to coalesce. It's a little herbaceous at first although that ebbs away to reveal quite pure blackcurrant, raspberry and Morello scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit and a dab of licorice toward the finish that just tapers slightly. Overall, this is a decent Pauillac in an old-school style that I approve of. |
| Château Lafite-Rothschild 2024 [WA 91-94, JR 17+, JS 96-97, Vin 94-96, NM 95-97] |
€336.00 |
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WA 91-94...A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2024 Lafite Rothschild offers up aromas of minty blackcurrants, violets, incense, loamy soil and cigar box, followed by a medium-bodied, pillowy and open-knit palate built around tangy acids and powdery tannins, concluding with a discreetly herbal finish. Harvest began on September 24 and concluded on October 4, delivering a Lafite in something of a throwback style, nodding to the wines made here in the 1970s.
JR 17+...Discreet nose with a dark-fruit nuance and typical Lafite elegance. Suave attack, the tannins smooth and refined. Lots of freshness. Very digeste with innate drinkability but clearly well within itself as well. Touch of oak on the finish. Early days.
JS 96-97...A more Burgundian vintage for Lafite, with cedar, graphite, paprika, white pepper and fresh red fruit. Nuanced and refined, with a medium body and understated fruit. Intensity and concentration. It shows the Lafite hallmark of elegance, with more fluidity and crunch this year. Very long and delicate. 96% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 1% petit verdot
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Lafite-Rothschild is a sensual, elegant wine very much in the style of the year. Plush and enveloping, with lovely forward fruit, the 2024 is very Lafite, perhaps a bit reticent, but super-expressive just the same. Black cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and a kiss of espresso all build in the glass, framed by quintessentially finessed Lafite tannins.
NM 95-97...The blend includes 16% vin de presse. It has an understated and typical Lafite nose with crushed stone infusing the black fruit, black olive tapenade and marine scents. It comes across as statesmanlike, which is just how you want your First Growth, even in a tricky vintage like this. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh saline notes on the entry. Tensile from the start, this has very impressive focus and is a tad more peppery than previous vintages. This is an assured Lafite-Rothschild with a very seaweed/Japanese wakame-tinged finish. Very promising and one of the very few "cerebral" Left Bank wines in 2024. |
| Château Mouton Rothschild 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 17.5, JS 97-98, Vin 93-95, NM 94-96] |
€298.00 |
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WA 91-93...Harvested between September 23 and October 5, the 2024 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot that attained 12.9% alcohol. Offering up aromas of crème de cassis, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, with a muscular, monolithic style built around austere, chalky tannins. Somewhat reminiscent of the estate's 2001 vintage (which is just coming around today at age 24), this structured, youthfully angular Mouton will require patience.
JR 17.5...Deep purple hue. Purity on the nose with notes of dark fruit and spice. Rich and full for the vintage with a fine grain of tannin. Structured and long. Good potential.
JS 97-98...This shows plenty of drive with dusty and creamy tannins that run the length of the wine and builds at the end. It’s medium-bodied showing a focus and energy. Dark currants and flowers flavor. This really has length and it has the depth to improve with age. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Mouton Rothschild is embryonic. Dark, powerful and imposing, the 2024 is deeply intriguing, but also a wine that is going to need time to be at its best, the wine's mid-weight structure notwithstanding.
NM 94-96...This has an understated bouquet with blackberry, cedar and graphite scents that take their time to unfold. The nose possesses very fine delineation though the oak is a little more prominent at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied and quite linear in style with fine tannins. A less flamboyant Mouton Rothschild in keeping with the style of the vintage, the 2024 discretely gains depth towards the finish and reveals a dash of white pepper on the aftertaste. Classy, very classy.
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| Château Lynch Bages 2024 [JR 17+, JS 94-95, Vin 93-95, NM 91-93] |
€70.00 |
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JR 17+...Deep crimson hue. Zesty and spicy on the nose. Generous on attack, the fruit supple and fresh. Covers the palate. Then firmness and drive on the finish. Assertive frame and structure. Definite potential.
JS 94-95...A brooding nose, showing pulpy blackberries, ripe mulberries, peppercorns and violet extract. The signature Lynch-Bages tannin structure with good concentration of fruit helps deliver an almost full-bodied, structured red and a long, fruity finish. Wait and see. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Lynch-Bages is packed. Cedar, scorched earth, licorice, incense and pipe tobacco weave through a core of dark, sepia-toned fruit. I especially admire the long, polished finish and overall balance here. The 2024 is a virile Lynch Bages with a bright future.
NM 91-93...Very pure blackberry and blueberry fruit emerges with hints of melted tar and graphite, and iodine eventually lends more complexity. The palate is medium-bodied and quite focused with grippy tannins that are impressive for their fineness. The 2024 possesses palpable mineralité and a poised finish. |
| Château d'Armailhac 2024 [JR 16, JS 93-94, Vin 90-92, NM 90-92] |
€32.50 |
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JR 16...Lively and fresh on the nose. Bright and digeste. A little light on the mid palate but has structure and form.
JS 93-94...A fragrant, floral nose with fresh red cherries, berries and touches of cocoa powder and graphite. Bright and poised, this has medium body, vibrant acidity and an expressive finish. No sweetness. Juicier and more classic this year, though not as concentrated. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.
VIN 90-92...The 2024 d'Armailhac is a very beautiful wine. Dark, layered and intensely aromatic, the 2024 is so expressive. The percentage of Cabernet Franc from 60+ year-old vines is high in this vintage, and that very much comes through in the wine's perfume and saline intensity. All the elements are so well integrated. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and new leather explode on the finish.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Château d'Armailhac was picked from September 25 to October 8. It has a slightly distant nose at first that demands coaxing from the glass. This is not its usual outgoing self, though that said, it is well-defined with black fruit and light damp loam scents. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a peppery entry. This lingers nicely in the mouth with fine grip and a pleasant roundness that emerges toward the graphite-tinged finish. |
| Château Grand Puy Lacoste 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16+, JS 95-96, Vin 91-93, NM 91-93] |
€42.00 |
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WA 89-91...A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, maturing in 70% new barriques, the 2024 Grand-Puy-Lacoste offers up notes of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, iris and oak, followed by a medium-bodied, pretty palate built around a delicate core of fruit and lively acids, its powdery structuring tannins asserting themselves with gentle grip on the finish.
JR 16+...Fresh fruit and floral notes. Fine tannins but the oak not fully integrated yet. Powdery note on the finish. Should improve
JS 95-96...A very classic Grand-Puy-Lacoste that’s really clear, firm and linear. Mineral, delicate, perfumed and bright, it shows scented red berries and a touch of white pepper. The medium body is rounded by fine, dusty tannins and a long, very juicy finish. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot.
Vin 91-93...Plump and juicy, the 2024 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is pure charm. This is an especially soft, fruity Grand-Puy-Lacoste with good aromatic presence and fine freshness, if not quite the depth or complexity of the very best years. Floral overtones lift the finish effortlessly. This is a delicate, understated Pauillac that will drink well with minimal cellaring. The balance between the 13% alcohol and 70% new oak is sublime. I won't be surprised if the 2024 turns out to be even better from bottle, especially if it gains a bit of mid-palate pliancy in barrel.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a light bouquet for this estate, primarily revealing fresh black fruit laced with tobacco and light smoky scents. It is simple but exhibits impressive delineation. You get the feeling that the aromatics are holding something back. The palate is medium-bodied and classic Pauillac in style with all that graphite-tinged black fruit and edgy tannins. This is not a complex Grand-Puy-Lacoste per se, but I admire its balance, charm and gentle grip on the finish. This is classy in an unpretentious way.
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| Château Pichon Longueville Baron 2024 [WA 90-93, JR 17, JS 95-96, Vin 94-96, NM 92-94] |
€95.20 |
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WA 95-97...The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Baron opens in the glass with aromas of cassis, blackberries, cigar wrappers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a dense core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is a serious young Pauillac that will demand patience.
JR 17...The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Baron opens in the glass with aromas of cassis, blackberries, cigar wrappers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a dense core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is a serious young Pauillac that will demand patience.
JS 95-96...A dense wine with good richness and concentration. Slightly chewy, with an almost full body and a tight-grained finish. Long, structured and powerful. Not a lighter year for Pichon Baron, thanks to the low yield of just around 20 hectoliters per hectare. 87% cabernet sauvignon and 13% merlot.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Baron opens in the glass with aromas of cassis, blackberries, cigar wrappers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a dense core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is a serious young Pauillac that will demand patience.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Baron opens in the glass with aromas of cassis, blackberries, cigar wrappers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a dense core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is a serious young Pauillac that will demand patience.
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| Château Pichon Lalande 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 16.5+, JS 95-96, Vin 94-96, NM 92-94] |
€105.00 |
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WA 91-93...The 2024 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande offers up attractive aromas of cassis, burning embers, tobacco leaf and fresh mint, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and polished palate that's seamless and suave, concluding with a moderately persistent finish. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.7% alcohol, it's a charming effort that will offer a broad drinking window.
JR 16.5+...Bright and fresh on the nose. Refined texture and tannins. Juicy fruit with adequate freshness. Firm and long on the finish. Structured, if a little light on the mid palate.
JS 95-96...The length and linear nature of this wine make it outstanding. Medium-bodied with polished and refined tannins that caress the palate. Extremely well done. The length and finesse are impressive.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is plush, sensual and inviting. Succulent dark-toned fruit, sweet spice, new leather, mocha, chocolate and lavender build nicely. Here, too, the tannins are so polished, so refined. The 2024 is an especially elegant Pichon-Comtesse. It's also very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Bravo. Tasted four times.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is clearly driven by Cabernet Sauvignon on the nose. Predominantly black fruit, freshly rolled tobacco and light cedar scents unfold in the glass, resolutely classic in style, strict yet focused and defined. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, evidencing the much lighter extraction exacted by Nicolas Glumineau. This results in an impressively balanced Pichon-Comtesse, lightly spiced with hints of cracked black pepper towards the finish, dare I say, cut in a "Lafite" style. Though without the ambition of the '22, this keeps within the limitations set by the growing season. I can imagine this Pauillac slipping down the throat with ease in its flush of youth.
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| Carruades de Lafite 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16+, JS 93-94, Vin 91-93, NM 90-92] |
€140.00 |
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WA 89-91…The 2024 Carruades de Lafite is a blend of 47% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet France and 2% Petit Verdot. Unwinding in the glass to reveal aromas of dark berries, plums, lilac and tobacco leaf, it's medium-bodied, lively and open-knit, with a moderately persistent finish.
JR 16+…Flattering fruit on the palate, the Merlot adding a little more weight. Acidity present all the same so there is freshness. Firm structure, the tannins punchy.
JS 93-94…A juicy and fruity Carruade that's driven by merlot this year. Fresh red berry and cherry fruit, with a medium body and a light, composed framework of tannins. Fresh, crunchy and elegant, with a delicate, nuanced finish. 47% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.
JR 91-93…The 2024 Carruades de Lafite is plush, sensual and inviting right out of the gate. Soft contours wrap around a core of plum, black cherry, gravel, incense, licorice and baking spice. This is a rare Carruades that is Merlot-driven. It's a balance that works quite well.
NM 90-92…The 2024 Carruades de Lafite It has fine purity on the nose, black cherries mixed with cassis and pencil box aromas. Impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh and focused entry. The 2024 is very well balanced with gentle grip, plenty of tension and a hint of black truffle on the finish. |
| Château Clerc Milon 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 15.5+, JS 94-95, Vin 91-93, NM 91-93] |
€53.70 |
|
WA 89-91...Notes of sweet cassis, pencil shavings and creamy new oak introduce the 2024 Clerc Milon, a medium-bodied, taut and lively wine built around chalky tannins.
JR 15.5+...Reticent nose. Firm, dry extract with quite a bit of extraction. Chewy and firm on the finish. Lacks a little juice. Not quite together yet.
JS 94-95...Very well-made, showing warm bread and graphite to the darker fruit. Not quite dense, this is balanced, juicy and supple in the center, showing a mix of black and red berries and cedar in the finish. Medium- to full-bodied, focused and nicely structured. It has fine, firm tannins and a long, nuanced finish. Classic Bordeaux without any sweetness.
Vin 91-93...The 2024 Clerc Milon is packed with blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, dried flowers and mocha. Juicy and forward, Clerc Milon has a lot to recommend it. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon savoriness to complement the wine's mid-weight structure. Lovely.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Clerc Milon It has a fragrant bouquet with blackberry, briar and light iodine scents that unfold nicely in the glass, though it's not as vigorous as the top vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with finely cut tannins. It has moderate weight and density, with a pleasing sweetness of fruit that comes through on the finish. |
| Le Petit Mouton 2024 [JR 16.5, JS 95-96, Vin 90-92, NM 91-93] |
€155.00 |
|
JR 16.5...Expressive nose with blueberry and toasted notes. Lovely fruit on the palate. Fresh and zesty as well but not aggressive. Tender tannins. A certain charm.
JS 95-96...Excellent depth. Though there is not much density, this exhibits outstanding cabernet character with paprika, tapenade, dark tobacco and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with fine-etched tannins. Great poise and elegance. Light on its feet but doesn’t need any more richness. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.
Vin 90-92...The 2024 Le Petit-Mouton is a dark, brooding wine. Dark red fruit, pomegranate, gravel, incense, leather and scorched earth contribute to a feeling of somber gravitas. Low yields, as measured by bunches per shoot, come through in the wine's density and power. The 13% alcohol is super-classic. The 2024 is shaping up to be a very serious wine.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Le Petit-Mouton is being matured in 50% new oak for a planned 18 months. It has an attractive, understated bouquet with pencil shavings and cedar-tinged black fruit-not as complex as the 2022, but refined. The palate is medium-bodied and harmonious with crisp acidity on the entry, dashes of spice and black pepper on the back-palate and moderate length on the linear finish. |
St. Julien
| Château Branaire Ducru 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16+, JS 93-94, Vin 92-94, NM 92-94] |
€31.00 |
WA 90-92...The 2024 Branaire-Ducru offers up a pretty and precise bouquet of cassis, violets and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, supple and suave, with polished tannins and tangy acids, it's a fine-boned, delicate wine from Branaire that was harvested between 20 September and 9 October. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that attained 12.8% alcohol, and it's being raised in a touch less new oak than usual.
JR 16+...Brambly, savoury nose. Supple fruit and finely integrated tannins. Touch of oak but clean and fresh on the finish. Well made. Blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot.
JS 93-94...This crunchy Branaire-Ducru is full of fruit, flowers, citrus, stones and fine herbs. Medium-bodied on the palate, showing fresh berries and cherries. Al dente with a juicy, linear finish.
Vin92-94...2024 is defined by its lifted aromatics and silky, polished tannins. The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is especially high in 2024, a sign that the fruit harvested on the later side benefited from better conditions, namely a lack of rain. The 2024 possesses lovely purity and exquisite balance. Floral top notes and a burst of red-toned fruit reappear on the finish to round things out in style.
NM 92-94...2024 Branaire Ducru It has a delightful bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry and light violet scents percolating through with time. There's just a touch of iodine in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, pretty black fruit laced with cassis and touches of white pepper. There is an elegant framework on the finish so that this Saint-Julien slips down the throat with ease, as I am sure it will once in bottle. |
| Château Beychevelle 2024 [JR 16.5, JS 94-95, Vin 95-97, NM 91-93] |
€68.00 |
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JR 16.5...55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, Aromatically expressive. Red- and dark-berry fruit to the fore. Palate fresh and harmonious with integrated tannins. Structured. Classic in style.
JS 94-95...Good depth and complexity here from this light, acid-driven vintage. Violets, fresh herbs, blackcurrants, berries and a touch of paprika and white pepper. Bright and succulent on the palate with firm, crunchy tannins and a structured finish.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 Beychevelle might very well be the wine of the vintage in Saint-Julien. It is certainly among the very best I tasted on the Left Bank. Plush, inky and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2024 is so silky and inviting. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha and spice are some of the many notes that stain the palate. The sustained, resonant finish is a thing of beauty.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Beychevelle was picked from September 24 until October 9 and will mature in 70% new oak. This has a nicely composed, warm and sensual bouquet with plush blackberry, cassis and touches of violet. The 42% Merlot is very expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with, again, quite luxuriant tannins that lend this Beychevelle more comeliness than you would anticipate given the growing season. Perhaps it just misses a little sustain on the finish, but otherwise, this is a fine Saint-Julien. 13.3% alcohol. |
| Château Léoville Poyferré 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16.5+, JS 94-95, Vin 89-92 NM 91-93] |
€56.00 |
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WA 89-91...Offering up aromas of jammy berries and toasty oak, the 2024 Léoville Poyferré is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium-bodied, dense and blocky, it's firm, tannic and chewy, with some green characteristics vying with its creamy patina of new wood. Harvest took place between 24 September and 10 October, and some lots saw some reverse osmosis.
JR 16.5+...Deep crimson hue. Dark fruit with spice and vanilla notes. Ample and plush on attack, the fruit generous. Firm, integrated tannins. Persistence on the finish but just a little chewy and dry at the end.
JS 94-95...A bit closed and almost steely at the moment. At the same time, there is depth and huge structure, showing black cherries, mulberries, fine spices and violets. Full-bodied, this has heaps of very small-grained, dusty tannins on the palate and a long finish. A concentrated wine. Wait and see.
Vin 89-92...The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré offers notable brightness to match its mid-weight personality. Floral and spice notes open into a core of dark red- and black-toned fruit. Medium in body, with good persistence, the 2024 is an understated Léoville-Poyferré. Today, it feels a bit compact, which also attenuates the fruit to some degree.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré was picked from September 24 to October 10 at 26.42 hl/ha. There was some reverse osmosis on the Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties. Quasi-Pauillac in style, it offers quite backward black fruit, hints of melted tar and graphite on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and quite succulent with fleshy ripe tannins, tobacco-laced black fruit, brown spices and light undergrowth. With a fine supple landing on the finish in typical "LP" fashion, this constitutes a delicious, early-drinking Poyferré that will be more approachable than other vintages.
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| Château Talbot 2024 [WA 88-90, JR 16.5, JS 93-94, Vin 90-92, NM 90-92] |
€37.80 |
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WA 88-90...The 2024 Talbot is a blend 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Offering up aromas of minty cherries, cassis, burning embers and new oak, it's medium-bodied, taut and youthfully angular.
JR 16.5...Dark fruit with a minty note. Cabernet-cassis nuance. Layered fruit on the palate. Adequate juice and freshness. Firm, dry but not drying finish. Should make attractive drinking.
JS 93-94...Focused, dense and creamy with berries and chocolate on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Chalky, with crunchy berries and a flavorful finish
Vin 90-92...The 2024 Talbot is an attractive, understated Saint-Julien. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, mocha, dried herbs and incense lend notable aromatic presence. The 2024 is pleasant but also a bit light texturally.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Talbot was picked between September 18 and October 7 at a respectable 39 hl/ha for the vintage. It will be matured in 70% new oak from 12 cooperages with various toastings. The wine has a light bouquet at first that upholds the Talbot style, mainly featuring red berry fruit intermixed with mocha and light cedar scents. It shows fine delineation but is certainly not a powerful wine. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. I like the brightness and vivacity of this Saint-Julien. It's cohesive with a discrete, peppery finish that gently fans out. |
| Château Lagrange 2024 [WA89-91, JS 94-95, Vin 90-93, NM 90-92] |
€32.30 |
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WA 89-91...Notes of minty cassis, blackberries and pencil shavings introduce the 2024 Lagrange, a medium-bodied, dense wine with a sweet core of fruit framed by somewhat firm and assertive tannins.
JS 94-95...A wonderful Lagrange from this challenging vintage. This has excellent depth and complexity, showing vivid berry fruit, blackcurrants, tapenade, spices and minerals. Crunchy and succulent with medium to full body and a long, succulent finish. Real poise.
Vin 90-93...The 2024 Lagrange is quite promising. Deep and vibrant in the glass, with terrific energy, Lagrange offers fine depth and plenty of harmony to match. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, tobacco and incense resonate on the layered finish.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Lagrange consists of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon (the second highest ever), 10% Merlot (the lowest ever) and the remainder Petit Verdot, with 11% vin de presse. Matured in 55% new oak, this has a tightly-wound bouquet that demands a little more coaxing than the Les Fiefs, though this was on a day when, for some reason, some Saint-Julien samples required it. The palate is medium-bodied and obviously driven by the dominant Cabernet, with grainy tannins and black fruit laced with graphite and cedar. Cohesive on the finish with just the right amount of sapidity, this is obviously not in the league of the benchmark 2022, but it constitutes a successful wine for the vintage.
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| Château Léoville Barton 2024 [WA 92-94, JR 17+, JS 95-96, Vin 93-95, NM 91-93] |
€57.00 |
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WA 92-94...A serious wine that will delight patient purists, but which also showcases the new levels of purity and precision that this estate has been attaining since completion of the new winery, the 2024 Léoville Barton is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Unwinding in the glass with notes of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, with a taut but nicely integrated profile, concluding with a pure, penetrating finish.
JR 17+...Dark fruit with minty freshness. Juicy fruit with plenty of substance. Lots of freshness. Tannins firm but refined. Hint of oak. Persistence on the finish. All the components present for a complete wine.
JS 95-96...A classic Bordeaux that shows finesse and poise. This is understated, with a medium body, lovely texture and acidity, freshness and brightness. It shows firm tannins that aren't chewy. Very long and honest, with pure fruit. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 6% merlot and 2% cabernet franc.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Léoville Barton is a very beautiful wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, new leather, graphite, crushed rocks, mocha and spice all meld together. A wine of classical build, Léoville Barton is also wonderfully deep and expressive. Today, all of its energy is directed inwards, but there is a lot of wine here. I can't wait to taste this from bottle. Tasted two times.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Léoville Barton was picked from September 24 to October 5 and contains just a little more Cabernet Sauvignon than previous vintages. Matured in 60% new oak, this has an open bouquet with black fruit, potpourri and light sous-bois scents-quintessentially Barton. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and sapid in style with slightly powdery tannins on the entry and a little sinew on the finish that should be abraded during barrel maturation. This is a finely crafted Léoville Barton that should age with grace. |
| Château Langoa Barton 2024 [WA 92-94, JR 16.5, JS 96, Vin 91-93, NM 89-91] |
€31.00 |
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WA 92-94...The 2024 Langoa Barton is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet blackberries and plums mingled with notions of licorice, pencil shavings and lilac. Medium to full-bodied, with lively acids and good depth and density, it's pure and refined. This is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, picked between 24 September and 5 October.
JR 16.5...Lively and fresh on the nose. Juicy fruit on the palate. Tannins present but well integrated. Persistence on the finish. Harmonious and in tune with the vintage. Won’t disappoint
JS 96...Quite a classic wine for this hot and dry year. Excellent depth but also freshness, with convincing ripeness and a very long finish. Just medium to full body, with gritty tannins at the end. The fruit sweetness here is restrained. 60% new oak.
Vin 91-93...The 2024 Langoa-Barton is such a pretty wine. Floral and bright, with lovely mid-weight structure, Langoa is a total charmer. Rose petal, crushed red berry fruit, spice, orange peel and mint are beautifully lifted. Bright saline undertones extend the finish. The 2024 is a promising Langoa.
NM 89-91...The 2024 Langoa Barton was picked from September 29 to October 5 and matured in 60% new oak. This is quite closed on the nose-indeed, General Manager Damien Barton had forewarned that for whatever reason, the samples had aromatically clammed up on a sunny day! The palate is medium-bodied with black plummy fruit, touches of graphite and cracked black pepper and nice grip on the mid-palate. The 2024 is not as complex as, say, the 2022, but it has an appealing, linear finish.
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| Château Léoville Las Cases 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17, JS 97-98, Vin 94-96, NM 93-95] |
€112.90 |
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WA 94-96...One of the wines of the vintage, and certainly one that's likely to number among the longest-lived, is the 2024 Léoville Las Cases, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot that attained 13.1% alcohol. Unwinding in the glass with a pure, intense bouquet of cassis, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, with terrific mid-palate density and concentration but also a seamless integration of tannin and acidity that's especially rare this year, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Jean-Hubert Delon observes that the 2024 shares "the aromas and flavors of the 1986," defined by Cabernet Sauvignon ripened at the end of the growing season, though of course the 2024, lacking the huge power and structure of that vintage, is much more amiable than the 1986.
JR 17...Deep crimson. Fragrant nose and palate with dark-fruit, graphite and floral notes. Fairly solid structure, the tannins long and finely edged. Acidity as well so ‘classic’ and digeste. Powerful within the context of the vintage.
JS 97-98...Complex, refined and truly mineral, this has natural vibrancy and freshness as well as excellent depth. Light midpalate concentration but also no sweetness at all. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky, stony tannins and a long, very tense finish. A vintage of delicacy and finesse. If you seek less alcohol and less power, this will be a great year to buy. 84% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc and 5% merlot.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Léoville Las-Cases is gorgeous. All the Las-Cases signatures are present, just dialed down a touch. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, grilled herbs, graphite and menthol are all beautifully delineated. The 2024 is distinguished by its precision and total class. Time in the glass brings out the wine's intensely floral, spice-inflected aromatics. Brisk acids and bracing mineral notes wrap it all together in style. I can't wait to taste this from bottle.
NM 93-95...The 2024 Léoville Las Cases was picked between September 30 and October 9 at 31 hl/ha (compare that to 11 hl/ha next door at Latour!). It is aged for 18 months in 75% new oak barrels with 6.3% pressed wine. It has a backward, almost surly bouquet with introverted black fruit, cedar, touches of cumin and light sea spray scents. Superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with less structure than the last two vintages, yet it upholds wonderful balance with lace-like tannins. With crisp black fruit and beautifully assimilated new oak, this fans out towards the finish. It is paradoxically a more conservative Las Cases in keeping with the limitations of the growing season, but I suspect it will gain weight and sustain with time in barrel.
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| Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2024 [WA 91-93, JS 96-97, Vin 94-96, NM92-94] |
€105.00 |
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WA 91-93...The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is showing well at this stage, unfurling in the glass with a perfumed bouquet of dark berries, flowers, gentian and fresh licorice, interwoven with delicate spicy nuances. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and seamless, it is lively and refined, with somewhat firm tannins leading to a gently grippy finish. This was harvested between September 30 and October 15.
JS 96-97...Excellent depth with very good concentration. Lots of dusty, small-grained tannins. Densely packed, with nervy minerals, blackberries, dark chocolate, violets and cassis. Full-bodied and very fresh, with a lengthy finish. Structured and tightly framed. Shows good potential. 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky tannins give the 2024 its distinctly mid-weight, lithe personality. Readers will find a gracious Ducru built more on persistence and nervy tension than size or opulence. Blue/black fruits, lavender, cloves, menthol and chocolate open over time. It will be fascinating to see how this ages.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou matured entirely in new oak, as usual. The 100% new wood slightly impedes on the aromatics at the moment, masking some of the attractive blackberry and cassis scents tucked underneath. The palate is medium-bodied and, again, the oak is very vocal at the moment. Quite marine-influenced on the finish, this Ducru-Beaucaillou has impressive sapidity, although the key question is how that wood will assimilate in bottle. Only time will tell.
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Margaux
| Alter Ego de Palmer 2024 [WA 90-93, JR 16, JS 93-94, Vin 92-94, NM 90-92] |
€54.60 |
WA 90-93...The 2024 Alter Ego de Palmer is a lovely wine, bursting with aromas of blackcurrants, plums, rose petals and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and lively, with a sweet core of fruit, ripe tannins and impressive richness for the vintage, it's a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot.
JR 16...Fresh and floral with some mid-palate fruit and tension. Structured, the tannins just a touch grainy on the finish.
JS 93-94...Good depth here for the vintage, showing rich dark cherries, mulberries, violets and mussel shells. A hint of dried fruit too. Medium- to full-bodied with some nicely chewy tannins and a tight, juicy finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot and 6% petit verdot.
Vin 92-94...The 2024 Alter Ego is a very sexy, polished wine. Silky contours wrap around a core of dark red-toned fruit. Floral and spice overtones lend brightness to a mid-weight, supple Alter Ego that will drink well right out of the gate. Pliant and inviting, with no hard edges, the 2024 is an absolute delight. Hints of cedar, tobacco, incense and white pepper linger on the brilliant, sculpted finish.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Alter Ego is first aged in barrel with 20% new oak and then transferred into 3,000-liter foudres. It has a very pure bouquet, focused and more concentrated than expected with blackcurrant, raspberry, incense and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with crisp tannins and hints of black olive and fennel. This Alter Ego is leaner and more linear than in warmer seasons. Crisp and taut on the finish, the 2024 will deserve a couple of years in bottle. Very fine.
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| Château Palmer 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17 JS 95-96, Vin 94-97, NM 94-96] |
€189.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Palmer is shaping up beautifully and stands out as one of the wines of the vintage in the Médoc. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, plums, cigar wrapper and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with good depth at the core, sweet structuring tannins and a long, precise finish. Uniting charm with seriousness, this blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot is the quintessential Palmer. Yields after sorting worked out at 22 hectoliters per hectare.
JR 17...Ripe but restrained aromatically with just a hint of dark fruit and chocolate. Full and round on attack and on the mid palate then focused with lift and line on the finish. Fine, enrobed tannins with tension and freshness as well. Should evolve positively.
JS 95-96...Excellent depth and good purity of fruit, showing lots of blackcurrants, dark minerals and violet extract. Full-bodied, this has plenty of fine-grained tannins and a hallmark Palmer tannin structure and framework. Quite tight and juicy at the end with a lasting finish and lots of volume.
Vin 94-97...The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux.
NM 94-96...The 2024 Palmer is aged in 50% new oak for the first few months before it is transferred into 3,000-liter foudres. There is quite a stylistic difference between the Palmer and the Alter Ego on the nose: this is more sensual and displays more fruit concentration. Blackberry, blueberry, slate and light graphite scents unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and less voluptuous than recent vintages with an uncommon sense of symmetry, finely chiselled tannins and impressive tension on the slightly peppery finish. Excellent.
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| Château Giscours 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 16.5, JS 94-95, Vin 93-95, NM 91-93] |
€42.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Giscours has turned out very well indeed. Offering up incipiently complex aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with orange zest, licorice, violets and burning embers, it's medium to full-bodied, with good density and richness, with a layered, rather muscular palate and a long, expansive finish. The 2024 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The estate retained cover crops to amplify the dry conditions in July and August, accelerating ripening, and once again picked by vine age within blocks, bringing in the younger-vine fruit earlier before it could rot. Merlot came in between 19 and 28 September, and the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked very late, between 1 and 11 October.
JR 16.5...Dark- and red-berry aromas. Layered fruit on the palate, the tannins present but integrated. Reasonable depth and freshness. Persistence on the finish. Well executed.
JS 94-95...A fresh and vivid red, showing blackcurrants, herbs and hints of needles and dried flowers. Medium-bodied. Nicely chewy tannins extend to the medium-long finish, which is bright, firm and linear. A Giscours that shows the elegance and balance of the vintage. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Giscours is impressive. Elegant and sleek, with fine balance, Giscours is all class. The bouquet alone is so enticing. Small red berry fruit, spice, tobacco, mint and cedar are all finely sketched in a mid-weight, nervy Giscours that is quite showy right out of the gate. There is a bit of edginess in the tannins, but that's not anything that can't be addressed with élevage. A closing burst of aromatics leaves a long-lasting impression. Tasted three times.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Giscours was picked from September 19 to October 11 and matured in 50% new oak. It has a forward and generous bouquet with ripe red cherry, kirsch and cassis scents, with a touch of pencil shavings in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm and grainy tannins that frame mainly black fruit. Overall, this is a Giscours cut in a classical style, although the finish needs to cohere and muster more precision during its barrel maturation. An enjoyable Giscours for sure, even if it does not reach the heights of recent vintages. This was tasted three times.
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| Château d'Issan 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16, JS 94-95, Vin 92-94, NM 90-92] |
€36.40 |
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WA 88-91...The 2024 D'Issan wafts from the glass with attractive aromas of cassis, burning embers, pipe tobacco and violets. Medium-bodied, pillowy and lively, with a sweet core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, it's an elegant, fine-boned Margaux that will offer a broad drinking window.
JR 16...Reticent nose. Palate clean and structured. Serious but overall misses some elegance and charm. Slightly chewy finish.
JS 94-95...This vintage shows lovely minerality and excellent red currants, red cherries and stones. Such vibrancy, youthfulness and energy. Not a wine of immense depth, but I like the chalky tannins that provide vibration and length. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with merlot, malbec and petit verdot.
Vin 92-94...The 2024 d'lssan is pretty closed in on itself. Issan is usually a showier wine at this stage, but the 2024 is decidedly virile, almost somber in feel. Floral, spice and earthy notes open with some coaxing, and yet the Grand Vin is only showing a fraction of what it has to offer. I do admire its strong character, however. The 2024 will be a fascinating Issan to follow.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Château d'Issan is a classic blend picked between September 26 and October 8, matured in 50% new oak. This has a quintessential Margaux nose with crushed violet permeating the black fruit, fine delineation, focus and satisfying vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with a surprisingly sweet entry and decent grip. Blueberry infuses the mid-palate and a dash of white pepper and a little graphite emerge toward the finish. This d'Issan probably has the legs to mature in bottle for up to 20 years, though its lack of substance means that I would be more inclined to drink this in its flush of youth.
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| Château Margaux 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17.5, JS 97-98, Vin 93-95, NM 94-96] |
€322.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Château Margaux has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, violets, cigar box and iris. Medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with excellent density and concentration for the vintage, it's lively and layered, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. This is a serious, youthfully tightly wound blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc that attained 12.8% alcohol.
JR 17.5...Fragrant but more complex and subtle than Pavillon Rouge. Smooth texture with plenty of tension and abundant, forceful but refined tannins. Long and explosive on the finish. Super-elegant and delicious to boot.
JS 97-98...Really impressive depth, concentration and perfume this year, with fine tannins. Lots of violets, red flowers, black cherries and currants. Full-bodied and seriously structured, with impeccable freshness and a very long finish. Dense and powerful for the vintage, with tension, vibrations, good concentration and a tannin framework. 93% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Château Margaux is quite soft and delicate. It shows fine delineation in its aromatics and on the palate, but it's distinctly on the lighter side, even for Château Margaux. The mid-palate and finish are a touch compact, while there is a bit of edginess in the tannins that needs time to resolve. Bright acids and the lack of fruit pliancy expose the tannins at this stage. Élevage will be everything. Château Margaux is a bit of a question mark.
NM 94-96...Representing 46% of the total crop (a little higher than recent years due to higher yields in the best Cabernet blocks), the 2024 Château Margaux contains slightly less Merlot (5%). It has a sophisticated bouquet in the context of the growing season, with black fruit, pressed violet and hints of pencil box that almost lend a Pauillac-like allure. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth. This is clearly a leaner Château Margaux compared to, say, the 2020 or 2022, but it is razor-sharp with superb tension and mineralité. Unapologetically classic in style with modest length, this noble First Growth will benefit from four to five years in bottle.
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| Pavillon Rouge de Margaux 2024 [WA 90-93, JR 16.5, JS 95-96, Vin 89-91, NM 89-91] |
€105.00 |
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WA 92-94...Incorporating more Cabernet Franc (as recent plantings mature) and more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2024 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet cassis, red berries, vanilla pod and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and lively palate with good density, powdery tannins and lively acids. It checks in at 12.9% alcohol.
JR 16.5...Fragrant and refined on the nose. Ripe and zesty as well. Plentiful fine-grained tannins so lovely texture. Some tension but not aggressive. Fine-boned and harmonious.
JS 95-96..Good, pure fruit with scented violets, black cherries and some currants. Full-bodied and richer than most from the vintage, with lots of fresh, dusty tannins and impressive concentration. Fresh, pure, compact and long. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.
Vin 89-91... The 2024 Pavillon Rouge is a very pretty wine that represents 28% of the château's production. Intensely floral and medium in body, the 2024 is quite gracious. Spice, crushed flowers and bright red-toned fruit are nicely delineated in a mid-weight, classy Pavillon. The blend is very much Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, as the Merlot suffered more.
NM 89-91... The 2024 Pavillon Rouge contains less Merlot and more Cabernet Franc this year due to more plantings in the vineyard, and represents 28% of the total production. Raised in 50% new oak, it has a pretty nose with blackberry, blueberry, crushed stone and light oyster shell aromas that gain a little intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with brisk tannins. This is a very linear and structured Pavillon Rouge that does not possess the flesh or sensuality of warmer vintages, as you would expect with less Merlot in the blend. Quite saline on the finish, this will require two or three years in bottle.
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| Château Brane Cantenac 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 17, JS 94-95, Vin 90-92] |
€42.00 |
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WA 89-91...A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Brane-Cantenac exhibits aromas of sweet berries, vanilla pod and toasty new oak, followed by a medium-bodied, fleshy and youthfully tannic palate that's lent a creamy, lactic quality by its malolactic fermentation in new barrels.
JR 17...Deep crimson hue. Refined nose with a spicy top note. Lovely fragrance to the palate, the tannins ripe and refined. Freshness and persistence on the finish. Lots of charm.
JS 94-95...A linear and focused wine with blackcurrants, cherries and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with polished tannins. Classy finish.
Vin 90-92...The 2024 Baron de Brane is aromatic and brisk in its first impression. Strong floral and savory notes lead into a core of dark blue/purplish fruit. Lavender, spice, dried herbs and menthol open with a bit of time in the glass. In 2024, the Baron is gracious and inviting. Production will be down by about 50% because of selection, with many of the lots going into Margaux de Brane, the château's third wine.
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| Château Lascombes 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 17, JS 95-96, Vin 94-96, NM 91-93] |
€49.00 |
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WA 89-91...Aromas of cassis, lilac and nicely integrated creamy new oak introduce the 2024 Lascombes, a medium to full-bodied, dense and youthfully structured young wine underpinned by a bright spine of acidity and concluding with gently chewy tannins. This was cropped at 38 hectoliters per hectare and saw a combination of tank bleeds and reverse osmosis to amp up its concentration. Maturation is in 60% new oak, with lighter toasts than was formerly the case at this address.
JR 17...Reserved aromatically but fresh and appealing. Supple fruit and finely integrated tannins. Firm and persistent on the finish with marked length. Vertical in expression. Should age.
JS 95-96...A touch of warm bread, graphite and fresh blackberries with a touch of black pepper. Richer and more concentrated than many from this vintage, this has excellent depth, full body and very complete, fine-grained tannins. Long, broad and juicy. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc and petit verdot combined. Around 60% new oak with lighter toast now.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Lascombes represents another important step for Lascombes under its current leadership. Silky and elegant, with notable depth, the Grand Vin impresses with its textural resonance and persistence. New leather, licorice, lavender and incense weave through a core of dark-toned fruit. Lascombes is shaping up to be one of the sleepers of 2024. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. Impressive. Tasted three times.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Lascombes was picked between September 23 and October 9 according to ripeness levels in parcels at 38 hl/ha. This vintage is aged in barrels with less heavy toasting (60% new), 80hl foudres and amphora. The wine is usually finished in the last two or three months in those foudres, though Axel Heinz said that might be omitted this year. It has an elegant and pure bouquet with bright black cherry and cassis fruit. There is remarkable underlying mineralité in this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite crisp and linear like many other Margaux wines. Light on its feet and very fresh with impressive precision on the finish, the 2024 is a "nimble" Lascombes that you would never have seen in the 1990s or 2000s. This is a very commendable, classically-styled wine that will give pleasure after three or four years.
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| Château Rauzan Segla 2024 [WA 89-92, JR 16.5, JS 93-94, Vin 95-98, NM 91-93] |
€56.00 |
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WA 89-92...A blend of 63.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Rauzan-Ségla offers up aromas of minty cassis, pencil shavings and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium-bodied, soft and pillowy palate that's supple and open-knit, concluding with a melting, discreetly herbal finish.
JR 16.5...Fresh and floral with juicy fruit on the palate. A little low key but mid-palate fruit, fine tannins and everything in balance. Elegance and drinkability.
JS 93-94...A juicy, fruity wine with lovely berry and cherry aromas. Bright and vibrant, with a medium body and lightly chewy tannins. Supple in the middle, with a firm, medium-long finish. 63.5% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 2% petit verdot and 0.5% cabernet franc.
Vin 95-98...The 2024 Rauzan-Ségla is magnificent. One of the top wines of the Left Bank, Rauzan-Ségla possesses tremendous textural density and mind-blowing balance. Dark fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and new leather are all dialed up in a potent, layered Margaux that offers stunning harmony and incredible purity. At this stage, Rauzan-Ségla is one of the wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Elegant yet powerful, the 2024 is simply magnificent. Tasted four times.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Rauzan Ségla, picked between September 23 and October 11, was aged for 18 months in 50% new oak barrels. It has a fuller bouquet than the Deuxième Vin, with pure black fruit, a hint of violet and a splash of India ink-refined rather than powerful. The palate is medium-bodied and tensile, with lighter tannins than the '20 or '22, poised and quite linear in style. A dash of black pepper and graphite emerges towards the liquorice-tinged finish. Clearly, this is a more approachable Rauzan-Ségla that should provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure. |
| Pavillon Blanc de Margaux 2024 [WA 93-94, JR 17+, JS 98-99, Vin 94-96, NM 91-93] |
€280.00 |
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WA 93-94...Entirely crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 Pavillon Blanc reveals a delicate bouquet of confit citrus, boxwood, pear and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's built around bright acids and a lively mid-palate that segues into a fresh and herb-inflected finish. This is a slightly more opulent and expressive rendition compared to the more restrained 2021 and 2017 vintages.
JR 17+...Fragrant with subtle citrus, pineapple and vanilla notes. Generous fruit on the palate with plenty of freshness and tension. Lovely length – really stays and finishes with a saline note.
JS 98-99...Really pure and precise, with a fascinating mineral drive to the fruit. Bright but textured on the palate, with a medium to full body. There is a subtle saline twist but it’s refreshing and driven, with excellent weight and length. The acidity really brightens it.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked between September 2 and 8. Airy, crisp and bright, the 2024 dazzles with its mineral-drenched tension and cut. Orchard fruit, citrus peel, white pepper, mint and slate lend notable brightness. The 2024 is distinguished by a compelling interplay of vibrancy and a feeling of textural richness that is so complementary.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked September 2 to 8 and cropped at 30 hl/ha. A pure Sauvignon Blanc as usual, it represents 40% of the total production and has a little higher pH than in recent years at 3.2. It has a delectable bouquet of lime flower, hints of peach skin and passion fruit with lovely delineation. The palate is fresh on the entry, quite vibrant and focused with a keen line of acidity and a twist of sour lemon on the finish. This is a superb Pavillon Blanc.
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St. Emilion
| Château Pavie Macquin 2024 [WA 88-90, JR 16.5, JS 96-97, AG 94-96, NM 92-94] |
€42.00 |
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WA 88-90...The 2024 Pavie Macquin offers up attractive aromas of raspberries, violets, rose petals and spices, framed by a discreet 45% new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pure, it's built around a tangy, somewhat assertive spine of acidity that lends this wine an angular, edgy profile. Of course, that may integrate with additional élevage.
JR 16.5...Spicy notes. Backward but seems to have plenty of substance. Firm tannins with tension on the palate. Persistent. Needs to come together but the potential is there.
JS 96-97...What a bright, racy wine showing beautiful chalky tannins and mid-palate fruit of good density. Minerally, with blue and red fruit. Taut on the palate, with a medium to full body supported by tense, chalky tannins. The long and really succulent finish goes on for a while. Precise. 84% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pavie Macquin is positively gorgeous. Silky, layered and voluptuous, the 2024 is so impressive right out of the gate. Plush contours wrap around a core of purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, spice, menthol and chocolate. All the signatures of this site come through loud and clear. Savory and floral notes supported by clean veins of salinity extend the persistent finish. Pavie Macquin shows what was possible in 2024. The choice to harvest everything in October (from the 3rd to the 8th) paid off big time. Aging is in French oak, with about 15% in larger 500-liter barrels, 45% new wood overall. Tasted three times.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Pavie Macquin has an impressive bouquet for the vintage, quite composed and delineated with brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light rose petal scents. The palate is medium-bodied and nicely chiselled compared to its peers, with pliant tannins and a fresh, saline finish. It does not have the persistence of other vintages that fire on all cylinders, but this is a success for 2024.
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| Château Clos Fourtet 2024 [JS 94-95, Vin 93-95, NM 92-94] |
€60.20 |
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JS 94-95...A pretty and crunchy wine with a chalky sensation that gives it a polished texture and a fresh finish. Medium-bodied. Shows potential.
VIN 93-95...The 2024 Clos Fourtet is a gorgeous, elegant wine. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and notable purity, Clos Fourtet impresses with its balance more than anything else. Dark blue fruits, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and dried herbs open first, all framed by bright chalky notes that lend freshness. In 2024, Clos Fourtet is built more on persistence than overt textural richness, as has been the case in some recent vintages.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Clos Fourtet was picked between September 25 to October 11 at 30 hl/ha. It matured in 40% new oak for a planned 14 to 18 months. This is clearly a level-up from Le Closerie with pure, well-defined and focused blueberry, raspberry, and blood orange scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is quite linear, keeping with the style of the vintage, so this doesn't have a peacock's tail like the 2022. Yet this feels tensile and the limestone terroir shapes the mineral-driven finish. This is a well-crafted and delicious Clos Fourtet, a success given the challenges of the vintage.
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| Château Bélair Monange 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 16+, JS 95-96, Vin 93-96, NM 92-94] |
€98.00 |
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WA 91-93...Notes of sweet cherries, berries, crushed mint and potpourri introduce the 2024 Belair Monange, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and suave wine that's pure, precise and harmonious, with lively acids and creditable persistence on the finish.
JR16+...Round, supple and broad across the palate. Some sweetness on attack backed by light but fine tannins. Fresh and approachable.
JS 95-96...Balanced and refined, showing blackberries, dark chocolate and dark plums that follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a savory finish. Real elegance and subtle length. A blend of 98% merlot and 2% cabernet franc.
Vin...The 2024 Bélair-Monange is all sensuality. Soft and racy, with lovely forward fruit, the 2024 is impeccably balanced from start to finish. Espresso, dried herbs, rose petal, blood orange and pomegranate confer an exotic flair.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Bélair-Monange offers raspberry and wild strawberry scents on the nose that is defined but clearly not as complex as the bravura aromatics of the 2022. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant, juicy tannins and attractive blackberry and boysenberry scents with a little fig and allspice mixed in toward the harmonious finish. |
| Château Cheval Blanc 2024 [WA 94-96, JR 17, JS 96-97, Vin 92-94, NM 93-95] |
€325.00 |
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WA 94-96…A blend of 48% Cabernet Franc, 48% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Château Cheval Blanc is one of the stars of the vintage. Unwinding in the glass with notes of minty berries and plums mingled with violets, cigar wrapper and rose petals, it's medium-bodied, suave and complete, with a cool, layered core of fruit, beautifully integrated tannins and a long, aromatic finish.
JR 17…Flattering fruit on the palate, the Merlot adding a little more weight. Acidity present all the same so there is freshness. Firm structure, the tannins punchy.
JS 96-97…So succulent and long on the compacted palate, this shows just enough clean ripe berries as well as cedar and chocolate. This has polished, energizing tannins with a lovely and thoughtful drive, the light austerity giving the wine a push in the finish. Only 12.8% alcohol. A blend of 46% merlot, 48% cabernet franc and 6% cabernet sauvignon
Vin 92-94…The 2024 Cheval Blanc is a blend taken from 37 of the 45 parcels on the property. Dried flowers, mocha, rose petal and blood orange open nicely in the bouquet, leading to an understated mid-palate and a subtly persistent finish. Understated and nuanced, the 2024 offers lovely forward fruit in a soft, accessible style with no hard edges or awkward contours. All the elements are nicely put together, and yet there is no denying the fact that the 2024 is very light.
NM 93-95…The purity on the nose is the first facet that you notice with perfumed black cherry, blackcurrant, wild strawberry and touches of potpourri and crushed stone. There is certainly some mineralité here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly brittle tannins. Very well balanced, this is clearly a Cheval Blanc built in a more elegant, sapid, linear style with a residual pepperiness that lingers in the mouth. |
| Château La Gaffelière 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16.5, JS 91-92, Vin 94-96, NM 93-95] |
€41.50 |
WA 90-92…Unwinding in the glass with a gently oaky bouquet of dark berries, spices, mulberries and licorice, the 2024 La Gaffelière is medium to full-bodied, lively and tense. Its incisive mid-palate is framed by brittle tannins that assert themselves in a short, chalky finish. Time will likely tame its slight rusticity.
JR 16.5…Aromatically appealing. Floral and red-berry notes. Layered fruit on the palate with finely integrated tannins. Juicy and digeste then firm and persistent on the finish. Some ageing potential.
JS 91-92…This shows brooding, sour dark cherries with mulberries and a fleshy yet structured palate. Some chewy tannins linger in the flavorful finish.
Vin 94-96…The 2024 La Gaffelière confirms its place as one of the top properties in Saint-Émilion in this challenging vintage. Bright and dynamic in the glass, with terrific persistence, the 2024 sizzles with tension. Crushed flowers, mint, lavender and crushed rocks open in the glass. The finesse of the tannins is impossible to miss. The 2024 is not a huge wine, but its finesse is evident. Blue/purplish fruit, slate and clean mineral overtones extend the long, sculpted finish.
NM 93-95…The 2024 La Gaffelière was picked from September 24 to October 8 at 42 hl/ha, aged in 60% new oak including 10% in 500-liter casks. This has a very seductive bouquet with black cherries, boysenberry and light Indian ink scents unfolding in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with succulent tannins, impressive mid-weight density and a crisp, mineral finish. La Gaffelière has been on a run of form recently and the 2024 overcomes the challenges of the vintage with style.
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| Château Ausone 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 17+, JS 97-98, Vin 93-95, NM 93-96] |
€365.00 |
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WA 91-93...Aromas of dark berries, toasty oak and rich espresso roast mingle with hints of petals and spices, introducing the 2024 Ausone, a medium to full-bodied, lively and sapid wine that's a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. The tannins are nicely ripe, with some structuring oak tannin already lending a supporting presence on the finish.
JR 17+...Fragrant and floral with a stony terroir note behind. Lovely purity of fruit on the palate with fine, elegant tannins. Very long finish. Really quite refined.
JA 97-98...A really classic Ausone, reminiscent of the great ones of the 1980s. Medium-bodied, it has such clarity and brightness and length. Purity and precision with drive and focus from superb viticulture and winemaking. A blend of 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Ausone is pure sensuality. Intensely perfumed, pliant and silky on the palate, Ausone is haunting in its beauty. All the elements are so well balanced. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, espresso and exotic spice overtones all take shape in the glass. A wine of understated depth, the 2024 is impressive. Even in the early going, the 100% new oak is not at all evident, suggesting a wine with superior balance. The blend is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot.
NM 93-96...The 2024 Ausone was picked between September 30 and October 5. It aged for 20 months in new French oak from 5 cooperages with malo in barrel as usual. There is slightly less Merlot in the blend due to mildew and coulure during the season. It has a very pure nose with black cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of cracked black pepper in the background.
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| Château La Mondotte 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 16, JS 95-96, Vin 93-95, NM 91-93] |
€98.00 |
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WA 91-93...With a gentle oaky, spicy profile, the 2024 La Mondotte reveals aromas of dark berries, pepper and licorice mingled with mulberry notes. Medium-bodied, chewy and structured, it's layered with elegant tannins and a lively mid-palate that segues into an oaky, firm finish.
JR 16...Bright crimson hue. Red fruit with a chalky, terroir nuance. Tannins ripe and fine but there’s quite a bit of tension. Fresh and digeste but could do with a little more fruit. Dry finish.
JS 95-96...This has a crunchy, al dente character, showing sliced cherries, oranges and hints of iodine. Medium-bodied with a lovely drive and length. Compacted and serious. Nicely knit-together already. From organically grown grapes. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 La Mondotte is punchy and energetic, but it also needs to be approached with an open mind and palate. At 13% alcohol, the lowest I can remember here, La Mondotte is driven by strong limestone inflections and brisk acids more than anything else. Élevage will be everything. The combination of the growing season along with a move towards more freshness in the wines here yielded a Mondotte unlike any I can recall tasting. For readers who appreciate technical data, the super low 3.35pH is more typical of a white wine than a red!
NM 91-93...The 2024 La Mondotte was picked from September 23 to October 5 at 40 hl/ha and aged in 30% new oak. This has the best aromatics amongst the cuvées in the Van Neipperg stable, with redcurrant and wild strawberry fruit, rose petal and light incense aromas. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a bit more weight on the mid-palate than the preceding Canon-la-Gaffelière, just a bit of piquancy and a tender raspberry finish. Enjoy over 12 to 15 years.
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| Château Chapelle d'Ausone 2024 [WA 90-91, JR 16, JS 93-94, Vin 90-92, NM 90-92] |
€119.00 |
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WA 90-91...Due to poor flowering in the estate's Merlot holdings, the 2024 Chapelle d'Ausone is all-Cabernet this year. Offering up notes of sweet dark berries, mint, rose petals and spices, it's nicely integrated, with a medium-bodied, supple palate underpinned by a tangy spine of acidity.
JR 16...Crimson with a lighter rim. Not a drop of Merlot. Floral and dark-fruit notes. Structured with fine tannins but a rather cutting acidity as well. A bit wayward. Could improve if the mid palate fills out.
JS 93-94...This is unique for the second wine of Ausone with no merlot this year. Medium-bodied, it builds on the palate, showing a volcanic-salt undertone and white-pepper character. Lightly chewy with some red tile. Spicy. A blend of 85% cabernet franc and 15% cabernet sauvignon.
Vin 90-92...The 2024 Chapelle d'Ausone is a very pretty second wine. Floral aromatics, bright red-toned fruit and refined tannins convey an impression of finesse in a mid-weight, nuanced Chapelle. In 2024, Chapelle is 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, as all the Merlot went into the Grand Vin (as was the case in 2021). Today, the 2024 is a bit quiet. I won't be at all surprised it is even better from bottle.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Chapelle d'Ausone, like the 2021, contains no Merlot. This is a blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 20 months in new oak barrels. It has an intense bouquet with brambly red berry fruit, blueberry and light violet scents. This is finely delineated, although the 2022 was more complex. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth entry, a linear style and more black fruit compared to say, La Clotte.
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| Château Canon La Gaffelière 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16, JS 93-94, Vin 93-96, NM 89-91] |
€47.60 |
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WA 89-91...A blend of 43% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Canon la Gaffelière is a bit dark and brooding, revealing aromas of iris, flowers, gentian and oak mingled with a delicate reduction. Moderately weighted, chewy and compact, it has a lively mid-palate, brittle tannins and a spicy, licorice-inflected finish.
JR 16...Dark- and red-berry fruit. Blackberry notes to the fore. Slightly robust on the palate but there’s energy and character here.
JS 93-94...A polished CLG with berries and medium body, this is very fine and linear in the finish. Citrus and crushed-stone undertones. White pepper. From organically grown grapes.
Vin 93-96...The 2024 Canon-La-Gaffelière is all class. Delicate and pliant, the 2024 is another fine offering in this range from Stephan von Neipperg. Dark red-toned fruit, pomegranate, spice, blood orange, new leather and pipe tobacco build in the glass. Like all the wines here, Canon-La-Gaffelière is on the lighter side, but it very much retains all of its signatures. Exquisite.
NM89-91...The 2024 Canon La Gaffelière was picked from September 25 to October 5 and aged in 30% new oak. This has a light and airy bouquet with tertiary red fruit and touches of tobacco coming through slowly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a tiny bit of greenness on the entry, although I feel it will assimilate with time. This just needs more density and grip on the finish, so it is a Canon-la-Gaffelière that I would broach in the medium term.
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| Château Angelus 2024 [WA 90-93, JR 17.5, JS 97-98, Vin 93-95, NM 91-93] |
€210.00 |
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WA 90-93...A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, cropped at a very honorable 40 hectoliters per hectare, the 2024 Angélus has turned out well, offering up aromas of dark berries, minty plums and violet, framed by a deft touch of toasty oak. Medium-bodied, ample and suave, it's polished and textural, with sweet but present tannins and creditable persistence on the finish.
JR 17.5...eep, bright, purple colour. Fragrant nose with blueberry and floral notes. Real depth through the mid palate with plentiful but finely honed tannins. Length on the finish, the fruit flavour lingering. Structured and elegant with no hard edges.
JS 97-98...Very classy, the transparency of this Angelus giving brilliance to the pure fruit in such a difficult growing season. Medium-bodied, it has a compacted palate and creamy, polished tannins. Very melted and harmonized. Dark cherries, raspberries and orange peel come through beautifully with some stones. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc
Vin 93-95...The 2024 Angelus is very fine. It is the first vintage I have tasted that captures the newer approach at Angelus, one where the wines are not as extracted as in the past. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol fill out the layers effortlessly. Here, too, the wine shows superb balance and real textural presence. The Merlot being raised in 80% new oak and 20% once-filled barrels, and the Cabernet Franc in equal parts foudres and new smaller French oak barrels. The 2024 is mid-weight, classy and polished.
NM 91-93...The 2024 is certainly a more linear Angélus, saline with a liberal sprinkling of black pepper. It gains modest depth on the graphite-tinged and Cabernet-driven finish, which is drier than previous vintages (as expected in this vintage). There is fine salinity with a shorter aftertaste than you would find in a warm vintage. This is well-crafted and just needs more flesh on the slender finish. |
| Le Carillon d’Angelus 2024 [WA 88-90, JR 16, JS 94-95, Vin 91-93, NM 90-92] |
€63.00 |
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WA 88-90...The 2024 Le Carillon d'Angélus offers up notes of dark berries, minty cherries and toasty oak, followed by a medium-bodied, softer and rounder palate.
JR 16...Red-berry fragrance with a slight charry note. Round and ample on the palate. Tension again but less aggressive than No 3, the acidity and tannins providing length and structure.
JS 94-95...The purity of fruit is impressive with sliced cherries, strawberries and hints of walnuts and chestnuts. Medium-bodied, this has a creamy, integrated tannin structure and a fine, fresh finish. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
Vin 91-93...Creamy and resonant on the palate, the 2024 Carillon is laced with dark cherry/plum fruit, new leather, spice, menthol, espresso and a kiss of French oak. There's terrific textural depth and resonance here. I especially like the way the 2024 explodes on the back end. This is beautifully done.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Le Carillon Angélus is aged in around 50% new oak. The remainder remained in stainless steel with some of the Cabernet Franc in old wooden vats that belong to Angélus. It has a perfumed, finely delineated and focused bouquet with violet-tinged black and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Tensile with touches of orange rind and Asian spices, there is decent concentration on the mineral-driven finish.
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| Château Pavie 2024 [JR 17, JS 95-96, Vin 92-94, NM 91-93] |
€161.00 |
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JR 17...Purple-black hue. Lift and complexity on the nose with dark-fruit, spice and citrus notes. Firmly structured with present but well-honed tannins. Has the natural power of Pavie so potential. Slightly hard, chalky finish
JS 95-96…A very precise Pavie, this has a compacted palate of blue fruit as well as raspberries and hints of sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a tight, linear finish. Racy and fresh at the end. A blend of 51% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 17% cabernet sauvignon.
VIN 92-94… The 2024 Pavie is potent and explosive to the core. Blackberry, espresso, licorice, cloves and leather are dialed up to the maximum. The 2024 is an imposing, brawny Pavie that is likely to need a bit of time to be at its most expressive. Today, the 2024 is quite the bruiser, especially in terms of its tannin profile. Like so many wines in 2024, the balance here is on the razor's edge, suggesting that élevage will be critical, especially in terms of preserving the wine's fruit. Aging is 65% new oak and 35% once-used barrels, in other words, on the lower side in terms of new oak at this address. Tasted two times.
NM 91-93…The 2024 Pavie was cropped at 24 hl/ha from September 27 to October 9, and 65% was matured in new barrels. This has an attractive bouquet of black cherries, bilberry, cassis and light violet scents-not as complex as some vintages of Pavie but, unlike the Monbousquet or Clos des Lunelles, its oak is proportionate to its fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins to frame its layered black fruit as graphite inflections emanate from the Cabernet components. The 2024 is fresh with pleasing linearity, even if it just lacks a bit of amplitude on the finish. Give this Saint-Émilion three or four years in bottle. |
| Aromes De Pavie 2023 [JR 16, JS 92-93, Vin 91-93, NM 88-90] |
€49.00 |
| JR 16… Attractive fruit with dark- and red-berry notes. Firm tannins and a certain tension so some persistence but the finish is a little hard and austere.
JS 92-93…This has a pretty density with blueberries, black cherries and orange peel. Medium body, creamy tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Lovely texture. Second wine of Pavie, made from particular parcels. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc.
Vin 91-93…The 2024 Arômes de Pavie offers an attractive mix of deep, layered fruit and strong mineral character. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, spice, mocha, leather and cloves infuse the 2024 with impressive depth. Time in the glass brings out enticing floral overtones. This is a very serious second wine, if that term is even applicable at this point. Tasted two times.
NM 88-90…The 2024 Arômes de Pavie is an equal blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc this year, cropped at 22.24 hl/ha and matured in 50% new oak. I actually prefer the aromatics here over the Clos Lunelles and Monbousquet, more pure without the distracting chocolatey aroma. The palate is grippy on the entry and quite structured for a Deuxième Vin, with nice sapidity and a slightly chalky finish. Give this a couple of years in bottle.
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| Château Figeac 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17, JS 94-95, Vin 93-96, NM 93-95] |
€112.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Figeac is a lovely classic, wafting from the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, minty berries, licorice and pencil shavings, deftly framed by new oak. Medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety, with good depth at the core, powdery tannins and a suave, seamless profile, it's a blend of 33% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon that attained 12.7% alcohol. Figeac was one of those estates that took the risk of waiting to harvest, rejecting just over 20% of the crop in the sorting process to produce a compelling wine despite the challenging conditions.
JR 17...Spicy nose with a touch of vanilla oak. Lots of freshness. Sweet middle then structure and length, so confirmed Figeac character. Less depth but lovely touch of tannin. Should age and improve given the percentage of Cabernet.
JS 94-95...This is very refined with lovely tannins and freshness. Medium-bodied, it has a savory, juicy undertone and a satisfying finish. Some chocolate. A blend of 39% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot and 28% cabernet franc.
Vin 93-96...Silky and aromatic, with velvety tannins, the 2024 Figeac is sublime. Floral and savory aromatics meld into a core of blue/purplish fruit, spice, licorice, lavender and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. The blend is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, with 8% press wines. Not surprisingly, the 2024 is a very Cabernet-driven Figeac. Production is 60,000 bottles, or 50% of normal, because of low yields and further selection in the cellar. Tasted two times
NM 93-95...The 2024 Figeac was picked September 20 to October 5 at 31 hl/ha after sorting, as the natural yield was 36 hl/ha. The château sacrificed 21% of the crop (which I witnessed first-hand when I called in during harvest and toured the reception) and it matured entirely in new oak with 8% vin de presse. That wood is neatly assimilated on the nose with blackberry, raspberry and light pine resin scents, all fashioned with wonderful delineation. Later, a hint of wilted rose petal emerges from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a keen line of acidity. This is very elegant and classical Figeac in style. There is a little more linearity, but this feels quite effortless overall. Its buvabilité is perhaps higher than other vintages, even if the likes of the 2020 or 2022 might have longer legs. This becomes spicier with aeration, which seems to prolong the finish, especially on my second visit toward the end of my tastings.
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| Château Troplong Mondot 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 16.5, JS 94-95, Vin 95-97, NM 93-95] |
€84.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Troplong Mondot is a beauty, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries and licorice mingled with hints of violet and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, dense and deep, it's one of the more layered and muscular wines of the vintage, a quality this terroir seems to invariably deliver, with sweet tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, expansive finish.
JR 16.5...Deep colour. Lots of fruit on the nose and palate. Really quite gourmand. Suave tannins that provide texture and length. Freshness but not biting. Chalky terroir finish.
JS 94-95...A crunchy and vivid red with blackberry, black olive and walnut character. It’s medium- to full-bodied with medium-round tannins and a creamy, textured finish. I like the citrus and chalk undertones. 85% merlot, 13% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 Troplong Mondot was matured in 55% new oak, 26% in 20-hectolitre foudres and 19% in used barrels. It offers minerally, tightly wound black fruit, blueberry and light chalky scents. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant yet tensile tannins. Like the Mondot, it is peppery in style, pretty and sapid towards the finish. Not a huge amount of persistence, yet this is still a serious Saint-Émilion that could well end up at the top of my banded score.
NM 93-95...The 2024 Troplong Mondot is a total stunner. As has been the case for some years now, the Grand Vin is blended before being barreled down, which means at the time of tasting en primeur, the wine has seen less wood than the vast majority of its peers. That lends this wine a certain raw energy that is impossible to miss. The purity and intensity of the flavors are simply remarkable. Troplong Mondot is one of the standouts of 2024. Even in this vintage, Troplong Mondot possesses remarkable textural presence, but that richness is matched by notable freshness and linear drive. It was deeply impressive on the two occasions I tasted it. Élevage is planned to be 55% in new oak, 26% in 20HL barrels and 19% in once-used barrels.
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| Château Canon 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 16.5, JS 95-96, Vin 95-97, NM 91-93] |
€84.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Canon is shaping up brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet cherries, blackberries and raspberries mingled with notions of rose petals and spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with tangy acids (the pH is a very low 3.35) and ultrarefined tannins, it concludes with a long, mineral finish. A blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, it's the estate's first year of organic certification.
JR 16.5...Nose more restrained but hints at a certain depth. Palate more aromatic. Supple fruit with integrated tannins. Fine-edged and elegant but not quite top-drawer this year.
JS 95-96...Structured, balanced and textured, it has aromas of red berries and pine needles. It’s medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Rather seamless. Long, juicy finish with salty limestone undertones.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 Canon was picked from September 19 to October 9, a harvest that I witnessed firsthand while joining the pickers on one afternoon. It aged in 49% new oak and 6% casks for between 16 and 18 months. The bouquet is well defined with pure black cherry, raspberry and a subtle marine influence that develops in the glass, though I find the Troplong Mondot tasted alongside has more amplitude. The palate is medium-bodied and pliant with fine tannins and finesse. One bottle at the château had more weight on the finish than others that feel attenuated and missing a bit of substance.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Canon is superb. One of the standouts of the vintage, the 2024 possesses striking mid-palate depth to match its vertical personality. Chalk, white pepper, mint, lavender, rose petal, slate and blue/purplish fruit all stain the palate. There's gorgeous depth and density here, and yet the 2024 remains a super-classic wine from the property. This is a real stunner. That's all there is to it. Tasted four times.
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Pomerol
| L'Evangile 2024 [WA 92-94, JR 16.5, JS 98-99, Vin 91-93, NM 93-95] |
€112.00 |
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WA 92-94...The 2024 L'Evangile has turned out beautifully, reflecting this estate's recent evolution (refining barrel choices and integrating foudre into the cellar) and its comparatively young vineyard's propensity to perform well in years with minimal hydric stress. Offering up aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of violets and black tea, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a velvety attack, good depth at the core and a persistent finish. This blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon attained 13.5% alcohol.
JR 16.5...Aromatically reticent but lovely texture, the tannins silky and fine. Fresh without exaggeration. Finishes with length and persistence.
JS 98-99...This is really something for the vintage. Such a long finish, while being subtle and sophisticated with wonderfully silky tannins that are so fine and very long. It's medium-bodied with a beautiful, compact palate from the beginning to the end, including the mid-palate. The finish shows walnut, hazelnut and dark-chocolate character. Exceptional. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.
Vin 91-93...The 2024 L'Évangile offers good up-front intensity but then loses some of its depth on the mid-palate and finish. Black fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves and mocha confer an impression of gravitas. Élevage is 50% new oak, 25% foudre, 8% amphora and the rest in once-used barrels. Something about the oak profile does not feel optimal, as if the oak is mismatched to the wine. Élevage will be critical here, as the 2024 is quite forbidding at this stage. Even so, this is strong showing in a challenging year for a vineyard with relatively young vines that was largely replanted between 2002 and 2010.
NM 93-95...The 2024 L'Évangile was picked from September 18 to October 2. This has a "cool" bouquet with blackberry and bilberry scents and a little marine influence with a hint of oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied with expressive Cabernet that imparts subtle graphite and tobacco notes. Again, this is fresh, quite structured, not long and perhaps a little tannic on the finish, but it will flesh out during its élevage in 50% new oak.
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| Château La Conseillante 2024 [WA 94-96, JS 95-96, Vin 95-98, NM 92-94] |
€140.00 |
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WA 94-96...The 2024 La Conseillante is one of the wines of the vintage this year, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries and violets mingled with hints of pipe tobacco, vine smoke and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with beautifully refined, integrated tannins, impressive intensity of flavor and a long, penetrating finish, this suave, sensual Pomerol represents the quintessential Conseillante. It's a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that produced 22 hectoliters per hectare after extensive sorting.
JS 95-96...A really refined Conseillante. Medium-bodied with very fine, high-quality tannins that run the length of the wine, giving a subtle drive and energy. You almost want to drink it now. Pretty is the word. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.
Vin 95-98...The 2024 La Conseillante is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Vertical and explosive, with spectacular depth, the 2024 is an eye-opening wine, with regard to both the potential of the property and the vintage. In 2024, La Conseillante separates itself from the pack by a wide margin. It may ultimately not merit the very highest of scores, but it will almost certainly come close. Dark blue fruit, violet, spice, new leather, menthol and licorice stain the palate all the way through the creamy finish. Conseillante is a very serious wine. Technical Director Marielle Cazaux made all the right choices in a very challenging year in which yields were reduced by 50% in the field and then through strict selection in the cellar. Tasted two times.
NM 95-96...The 2024 La Conseillante was picked over six days at 22 hl/ha between September 20 and October 4. This has a clean and focused bouquet, with quite pure scents of blackberry, boysenberry and light blueberry. This is clearly without the flamboyance of a warming vintage, yet with ample freshness and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced, with slightly grainy yet fine tannins. This is a La Conseillante that wisely stays within its means. Quite strict on the finish, it's a nimble Pomerol that will drink earlier than say, the 2020, 2022 or 2023. |
| L'Eglise Clinet 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 17+, JS 97-98, Vin 95-97, NM 94-96] |
€210.00 |
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WA 90-92...The 2024 L'Eglise Clinet reveals a dark, brooding, gently reductive bouquet of incense, dark berries, smoke and oak mingled with floral accents of iris. Medium-bodied, layered and firm, it's built around tangy acids, with a lively mid-palate framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the spicy, youthfully chewy finish. This blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc will mature in 85% new oak.
JR 17+...Rich and complex with the impression of old-vine concentration. Plentiful, fine tannins cushioned by the fruit. Long and persistent. Beguiling and with good potential.
JS 97-98...Really impressive concentration for the vintage with dusty tannins that give density and intensity. Medium-bodied, this shows dark fruit and chocolate plus walnut and hazelnut undertones. Juicy and flavorful but always in reserve. Winemaker Noemie Durantou Reilhac likens it to the 2015 but with finesse. 90% merlot and the rest cabernet franc.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet is brilliant and intensely aromatic in its first impression. Vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and rose petal soar from the glass. Readers will find a vertical, explosive L'Eglise-Clinet that impresses with its poise and balance. The 2024 deftly marries finesse and power to a degree I have seldom seen here in the past. Superb.
NM 94-96...The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked on September 21, 23 and 24 apropos the Merlot and September 23, 24 and 28 for the Cabernet Franc, which constitutes 10% of the blend. It matured in 85% new oak (90% Darnajou and 10% Taransaud). This takes time to unfurl generous black cherry, mint and cassis aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with chiseled tannins that frame the mineral-driven black fruit. It's not the most powerful L'Eglise-Clinet I have ever tasted at this stage, but you have to admire the manner in which this just builds toward the finish whilst retaining poise and tension. The 2024 is a wonderful Pomerol that will age effortlessly in bottle. |
| Vieux Chateau Certan 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 17, JS 97-98, Vin 93-96, NM 95-97] |
€140.00 |
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WA 94-96...A blend of 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Vieux Château Certan opens in the glass with brooding aromas of dark berries, cedar, cigar wrapper, crushed mint and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, with good density for the vintage and sweet structuring tannins, it concludes with a sapid, slightly earthy finish. Yields after annual sorting came in at 30 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine is being matured in two-thirds new barriques.
JR 17...Fragrant and floral. Some sweetness on attack then persistent line and length. Less flesh than some years but juicy, fine and balanced. Very pure.
JS 97-98...A really classic VCC with such delicious, crunchy fruit, showing blackberries, blueberries, violets and dried spices. Medium-bodied, vivid and lively, it has very fine tannins as well as energy and brilliance. So balanced and harmonious. A blend of 71% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 9% cabernet sauvignon.
Vin 93-96...The 2024 Vieux Château Certan is a delicate, elegant wine driven by its strong floral component from the significant presence of Cabernets in the blend this year. Silky tannins add to an impression of restraint. I can't remember tasting a young VCC with this equilibrium, one that approaches a Burgundian textural feel, for lack of a better word. The 2024 opens with a bit of time in the glass, but it is a decidedly understated, calm VCC. I can't wait to see how it ages.
NM 95-97...The 2024 Vieux Château Certan contains a higher proportion of Cabernet this year (23% Sauvignon and Franc combined) that was picked at 30 hl/ha between September 20 to October 2. That Cabernet is articulated on the nose: graphite and light tobacco scents percolating through the mainly black fruit. This has plenty of freshness and more fruit than some other Pomerol cuvées. The palate is medium-bodied, but there is much more weight and density on the back palate than nearly all of its peers. Distinctly peppery and quite spicy in style, this is one of the few to transcend the strict limitations of the growing season. In some ways, it is an uncompromising VCC that does not have the finesse of the greatest vintages | have tasted over the years, yet there is flavour and substance packed inside this nascent wine. Deeply impressive. This is one of the very few '24s that will oblige bottle age.
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| Château Clinet 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16.5, JS 95-96, Vin 92-94, NM91-93] |
€52.50 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Clinet, incorporating a significant percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of the denser, more muscular wines of the vintage, offering up aromas of blackberries, vanilla pod and creamy oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and extracted, it's tannic and lactic, with a chewy, Bourbon-inflected finish.
JR 16.5...Dark crimson hue. Expressive nose and palate with dark- and red-fruit notes. Light to medium weight but the fruit bright and zesty. Tannins present behind, the finish firm and persistent. Balanced.
JS 95-96...A full-bodied young red with blackberries, lemons, chewy tannins and a fresh finish. There’s an earthy, terroir-drive vibe at the end. Solid. Well done.
Vin 92-94...The 2024 Clinet is a dark, stylish wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, licorice and blue-toned fruit are beautifully delineated. Dark and vibrant in the glass, with terrific depth, Clinet is super-expressive in 2024. Ronan Laborde bled the musts to bring the wine into the rich, textured style he seeks here. Clinet is a rare Pomerol that is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Cabernet very much in evidence.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Clinet was picked from September 23 to October 4 at 38 hl/ha and matured in 60% new oak. The bouquet opens with red and black fruit, pencil shavings from the Cabernet and light tertiary scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. The oak is neatly integrated and benefits from slightly less new wood, which allows the terroir to show through. Cohesive toward the finish with decent length, this is a thoughtfully produced Clinet that will age well in bottle.
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| Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 16.5, JS 95-96, Vin 92-94, NM 91-93] |
€125.00 |
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WA 94-96...Aromas of creamy dark berries, fruitcake and chocolate introduce the 2024 La Fleur-Pétrus, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple wine that's rich and creamy, with good depth at the core and soft structuring tannins.
JR 16.5...Leafy, berry aromas with a touch of cassis. Good definition on the mid palate, the fruit supple and the tannins ripe and firm. Persistence on the finish.
JS 95-96...Shows solid ripeness for the vintage with plums, cherries and some orange peel as well as hazelnuts and cedar on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, this has creamy tannins, a juicy finish and a bit of fresh acidity at the end. Pretty length. A blend of 99.5% merlot and 0.5% petit verdot.
Vin 92-94...The 2024 La Fleur-Pétrus is such a gorgeous wine. Sensual and inviting, the 2024 is impressive from the very first taste. Floral and spice aromatics resonate on the palate, where the wine is layered and delicate without sacrificing depth. The 2024 really builds from the mid-palate and into the finish, showing terrific persistence and fine overall harmony.
NM 91-93...The 2024 La Fleur-Pétrus the palate is medium-bodied and lightly spiced, with supple tannins and a dash of black pepper and tobacco. The finish demonstrates decent weight and character for the vintage. I appreciate the aftertaste here that lingers in the mouth.
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| Château Trotanoy 2024 [WA 91-93, JR 17+, JS 96-97, Vin 92-94, NM 95-97] |
€143.00 |
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WA 91-93...The 2024 Trotanoy is rich and muscular by the standards of the vintage, offering up aromas of minty blackberries, cherries and spices followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with a dense core of fruit and plenty of structuring tannin that asserts itself on the youthfully chewy finish.
JR 17+...Deep crimson hue. A depth and presence not often found this year. Complexity of aroma on the nose and palate. Mid-palate fruit and plentiful but refined tannins. Firmness on the finish and impressive length.
JS 96-97...A fruit-forward red, showing blackberries, dark chocolate, walnuts and nutmeg with some coffee character. Medium- to full-bodied, this has round, juicy tannins and a savory finish. Builds at the end. A blend of 99.5% merlot and 0.5% cabernet franc.
Vin 92-94...The 2024 Trotanoy is super-classic. Vertical in build, the 2024 stains the palate with copious dark-toned fruit, graphite, licorice, dried herbs and lavender. It's a beautifully proportioned wine from start to finish. All the Trotanoy signatures are present.
NM 95-97...The 2024 Trotanoy has an intense bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone and delicate violet scents that unfold in the glass. the terroir shows through. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins framing the mineral-rich black fruit. There is a symmetry about this Pomerol that keeps drawing you back, gaining weight and depth on the finish. |
| Château Latour à Pomerol 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16+, JS 91-92, Vin 93-96, NM 90-92] |
€52.00 |
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WA 90-92...Offering up aromas of dark berries, cherries, petals and violets, the 2024 Latour à Pomerol is medium to full-bodied, velvety and suave, with a layered, fleshy core of fruit, supple tannins and a pure, moderately persistent finish.
JR 16+...Pretty consistent given the context of the vintage. Leafy, berry-fruit notes. Manages a creaminess to the fruit on the palate, the tannins offering respectable depth and structure.
JS 91-92...A firm, somewhat lean red with dark-berry, crushed-stone and dark-plum character. Medium-bodied, this has slightly austere tannins and a medium finish. Pure merlot.
Vin 93-96...The 2024 Latour à Pomerol is plush, fruity and very easy to like. A blast of dark cherry, plum, cedar, spice and tobacco makes a strong opening statement. Racy and forward, with terrific presence, Latour à Pomerol is terrific. It's a wine that perfectly captures what was possible in 2024, without trying to be too much. Commendable.
NM 90-92...The palate is medium-bodied and a little oaky on the entry, but there is decent fruit concentration on the mid-palate and smoothness towards the finish. The question is whether there is sufficient fruit here to absorb the wood. |
Pessac Léognan
| Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 17, JS 95-96, Vin 92-94, NM 91-93] |
€37.45 |
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WA 90-92...A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Domaine de Chevalier reveals a spicy, brooding bouquet of oak, dark berries and gentian. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and round, it's firm and has an assertive tannic frame, concluding with a somewhat chewy finish. Despite a respectable yield and a clear stylistic shift toward less oak influence, the estate’s sandy terroirs struggled to achieve full ripeness in this delicate vintage.
JR 17...Fine, aromatic nose with spice, red fruit and vanilla notes. Fine, silky tannins. Mid-palate presence. Clean, fresh finish. Harmonious. A good reflection of the vintage.
JS 95-96...Fine cocoa powder, cedar, minerals, currants and blue fruit. Juicy and medium- to full-bodied with fresh, firm tannins and a long, crunchy finish. It lingers well. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% petit verdot.
Vin 92-94...The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier is soft, fruity and relatively simple, given its typical personality. Plum, black cherry, licorice, chocolate and sweet oak are pushed forward in this open-knit, easygoing Pessac-Léognan. There may be more here than meets the eye. We will see. Today, the 2024 is on the light side.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier was cropped at 48 hl/ha between September 20 and October 8. This is almost Burgundian in style, with a fragrant bouquet revealing pure blueberry and blackcurrant aromas alongside crushed violet and iris flower scents emerging with aeration. It is very comely and alluring. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. It's very harmonious and already in this prenatal stage, seductive. With finely chiseled tannins and more mineralité compared to the L'Esprit, this seems to glide on the finish. Just a lovely Pessac-Léognan for the vintage, though this year it must accept the silver medal as Olivier Bernard's white takes the gold.
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| Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2023 [WA 92-94, JR 17+, JS 96-97, Vin 95-97, NM 94-96] |
€82.60 |
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WA 92-94...A blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon, the 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc reveals aromas of crisp stone fruit, confit citrus and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, it's sappy and bright with a gently oaky frame and a long, ethereal finish.
JR 17+...Aromatically a little reserved. Citrus notes as it opens. Palate dense and structured, the fruit full and precise with plenty of tension behind. Lots of lift and length. Should age as well.
JS 96-97...Beautiful perfumed aromas of fine cream, meringue, ripe guava and spices. Bright and acid-driven with medium to full body and a long, scented finish. Bone-dry and textured. Not a year of huge concentration, but a lot of freshness, length and energy make this a wine to consider seriously. 75% sauvignon blanc and 25% semillon.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has it all. Powerful yet elegant, deep yet light on its feet, the 2024 is a wine of contrasts and harmony that will thrill readers for many years to come. Nothing in particular stands out, rather it is the wine's balance that carries the day. Chamomile, crushed flowers, chalk and a hint of new oak run through a core of citrus-tinged fruit. The long, sustained finish is remarkable.
NM 94-96...The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was cropped between September 4 and 16 at 48 hl/ha, with just a tad more Sauvignon in the blend this year. There is impressive intensity on the nose with scents of apple blossom, orange cordial and hints of yellow flowers. It unfolds wonderfully in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a winsome, slightly resinous texture, notes of ginger-infused orange pith and wild peach flavours. Very harmonious and tensile on the finish, this is gearing up to be a superb Domaine de Chevalier Blanc that could well end up at the upper end of my banded score.
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| Château Haut Brion 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17, JS 97-98, Vin 94-96, NM 93-95] |
€280.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 Haut-Brion is more perfumed than La Mission Haut-Brion, unfurling in the glass with aromas of raspberries, cassis, dark berries and spices mingled with elegantly floral touches. Medium to full-bodied, layered and sappy, it has a firm texture and powdery tannins, leading to a long, spicy and lead pencil-inflected finish. Composed of 47.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37.5% Merlot and 15.3% Cabernet Franc, this vintage features one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Franc in recent years—comparable to vintages such as 1993, 2004, 2010, 2011 and 2020—and should gain harmony with the élevage. In the context of the vintage, this is a notable success, owing in large part to Haut-Brion’s intramural position in Pessac, where the estate’s terroir benefits from slightly warmer average temperatures than properties located outside the city, contributing to more complete ripening of the grapes.
JR 17...Floral aromas. A touch more fruit than La Mission. Middling intensity but firmly structured with plenty of drive. Misses some of the characteristic opulence but there’s a serious structure for ageing.
JS 97-98...This year, the style of Haut Brion shows through with transparency, beautiful balance and precision. Fine austerity, with excellent minerality, dark olives and red and dark berries. Structured on the mid-palate. Beautiful depth for the vintage, with really fine-grained tannins and a lengthy finish that lingers. So much vibrancy and finesse. A classic vintage.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Haut-Brion is dark and brooding in demeanor, but obviously not as tannic or forbidding as it can be in the early going. All the Haut-Brion signatures are very much present, but they're portrayed in a decidedly understated style that speaks to the personality of the year. Black fruit, scorched earth, spice, tobacco and leather build with time in the glass. The 2024 is a super-classy Haut-Brion. There's gorgeous substance here.
NM 93-95...The 2024 Haut-Brion, which contains more Cabernet Franc this year from a high-performing vat, has an altogether more polished, powerful and fruit-driven bouquet than La Mission at the moment. Black and blue fruit, black olive and subtle sea spray scents emerge with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant and focused, with fine tannins and an engaging underlying sapidity coming through with more weight and sustain on the finish. This is a very capable Haut-Brion that will not kowtow to the challenges of the 2024 season-rather, it seems to relish them.
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| Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16, JS 94-95, Vin 91-93, NM 89-91] |
€98.00 |
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WA 90-92...Fresh and perfumed with elegant notes of dark berries, spices, licorice and lead pencil, the 2024 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion possesses a medium-bodied, firm and slightly introverted palate with firm tannins and a long, mulberries-inflected finish. The blend—45.7% Merlot, 32.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Cabernet Franc—features one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Franc since 2006.
JR 16...Darker hue than Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion and a bit more weight, then finish longer. Otherwise, round and supple with fine tannins. Acidity less aggressive.
JS 94-95...Dark fruit, dark olives and minerals, with a good tannin structure on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy fruit in a nicely austere style. Composed, firm and long, without any fruit sweetness. Classic and intellectual in style. Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.
Vin 91-93...The 2024 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a very beautiful second wine. Dark and pliant, with terrific nuance, the 2024 is a delight. Cabernet Franc is quite high in this vintage. It's a style that works so well. All the elements are impeccably balanced. Time in the glass brings out notable aromatic presence and body.
NM 89-91...The 2024 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a tad more cohesion and nuance compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission at the moment, with bright blackberry and bilberry scents laced with oyster shells. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins, satisfying fluidity and a minerally finish. This will do nicely.
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| Château Haut Brion Blanc 2024 [WA 93-94, JR 17+, JS 98-99, Vin 95-97, NM 95-97] |
€630.00 |
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WA 93-94...A blend of 56.1% Sémillon and 43.9% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 Haut-Brion Blanc reveals a complex, dense bouquet of smoke, iodine, white fruits and flowers mingled with delicate notes of citrus zest. Medium to full-bodied, it has a sappy and layered palate that's perfectly integrated, with a long, saline and ethereal finish. This vintage beautifully reconciles the intrinsic power of the terroir with the slow ripening of the growing season, resulting in a wine of remarkable finesse and vibrant white-fruited energy.
JR 17+...Pale, translucent colour. Discreet nose veering towards citrus. Fuller and rounder on the palate than La Mission but still plenty of tension. Long finish. Harmonious.
JS 98-99...Minerally and understated nose, but it’s so pure and bright, showing lots of purity and precision this year. Subtle aromas of seashells, green kiwis, wet stones and meringue follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate. Lots of texture and energy, yet it remains dry and really long. 56.1% semillon and 43.9% sauvignon blanc.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 Haut-Brion Blanc is seamless and textured in the glass. Silky and creamy in feel, with fabulous balance, Haut-Brion Blanc is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Marzipan, chamomile, spice, lemon confit and a kiss of French oak are all beautifully woven together. The long, sustained finish is a thing of beauty.
NM 95-97...The 2024 Haut-Brion Blanc also has a reserved bouquet like the La Mission Blanc and demands more encouragement than usual. Eventually, there are lime, gooseberry, crushed stone and mirabelle scents that start to gain intensity after ten minutes. The palate is very well balanced with a slightly more pithy texture. It is quite peppery, with fine grip and hints of green olive toward the persistent finish. This is excellent.
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| Château Pape Clément Rouge 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 16+, JS 94-95, Vin 94-96, NM 90-92] |
€61.11 |
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WA 89-91...A smoky, oaky bouquet of spices, incense and dark berries prefaces the 2024 Pape Clément, a moderately weighted, supple and open-knit palate built around tangy acids and brittle tannins.
JR 16+...Ample and fruity, the Merlot perceptible. Broad across the palate then firm and structured on the finish. Extraction within reason for the vintage.
JS 94-95...A rich wine for this vintage, showing roasted spices and some dark chocolate to the blackcurrants, pine cones and berries. Sour cherries with sharp acidity and nicely chewy tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Good structure and length.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pape Clément is unusual in that Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend. That is evident in the wine's strong savory profile and overall structural feel. A reduction in the oak imprint emphasizes fruit and overall vibrancy. The 2024 is not as showy or easy to taste as most vintages, but the style here has also undergone a pretty radical transformation. It was vinified in oak, steel and concrete. A significant portion of the wine saw malolactic fermentation in tank rather than oak, as had been the case in the past. That adds up to a vibrant, nervy Pape Clément that represents a new era here.
NM 90-92...The 2024 Pape Clément now only comes from the original terroir in Pessac. It underwent a rigorous sorting such that 30% was deselected and the Grand Vin comprises half of the remainder. It is aged 70% in barrel (two-thirds new), 15% in foudres and 15% in concrete and stainless-steel/sandstone vessels. It has an elegant bouquet, certainly more restrained than recent vintages with crisp black fruit and veins of blueberry and iris flower. The palate is medium-bodied and powdery in texture with sappy blackberry and bilberry fruit, but the tannins just feel a bit sharp on the finish at the moment. Tasted four or five times, the 2024 is a Pape-Clément with good intentions but doesn't deliver on its promise. The same approach in a benevolent vintage would yield a far better wine.
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| Château Pape Clément Blanc 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16.5+, JS 94-95, Vin 94-96, NM 91-93] |
€105.00 |
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WA 90-92...The 2024 Pape Clément Blanc emerges from the glass with aromas of pear, confit citrus, lime and herbs, followed by a moderately weighted, supple and lively palate built around tangy acids that culminate in a fresh, fruity finish.
JR 16.5+...Reserved nose, the Sauvignon component coming through as it opens. Full and generous on the palate, the fruit ripe but with balancing acidity. Clean, fresh finish. Oak more discreet than in the past.
JS 94-95...Spiced guava, lemon zest and meringue. Bright and lightly saline on the palate with medium body and a long, nicely phenolic finish. Bone-dry but flavorful.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 Pape Clément Blanc is stellar. Rich and deep, the 2024 stands out because of its textural density and almost phenolic feel. The 2024 is being raised in 50% oak (one-third new), 40% foudre and 10% a mix of ceramic, cement and stainless steel. Citrus confit, dried herbs, white pepper and chalk build as this imposing, structured white shows off its distinctive personality. Tasted four times.
NM 91-93...The 2024 Pape Clément Blanc has a seductive nose with wild peach, citrus peel, tangerine and light white flower scents opening in the glass. The palate is fresh on the entry and a little pithier than its peers, suggesting more solids "in the mix." As a consequence, there is a tad more weight on the finish. Though it perhaps lacks a little complexity overall, I am intrigued to see how this will age in bottle.
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| Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2024 [WA 90-92, JR 16.5, JS 96-97, Vin 91-94, NM 92-94] |
€ 72.80 |
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WA 90-92... Notes of spices, oak, dark berries and gentian preface the 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte, a medium-bodied, firm and structured wine with an assertive tannic frame that leads to a compact, gentian-inflected finish. This blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 60% new oak, is somewhat introverted and linear, making it a chewy Smith Haut Lafitte that will need time to unwind.
JR 16.5...Spicy and appealing on the nose. Adequate mid-palate fruit. Tannins firm but refined. Oak sits in a little at present (so drying finish) but should integrate.
JS 96-97...A fresh, complex and deep nose of spiced blue fruit, waxberries, blue flowers, minerals, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied and really fine-grained, with tight, chalky tannins and a long, structured finish. Very juicy and complete, with excellent fruit definition and an al dente texture. More reactive tannins this year. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
Vin 91-94...The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte is raw and not fully formed. Today the tannins are imposing. There's good energy and depth in the glass, but the 2024 is very backward. Floral and spice notes emerge with air, but for the time being, Smith Haut Lafitte is a bit of a mystery.
NM 92-94...The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked from September 18 to October 9 and matured in 60% new oak. It has an understated bouquet that I appreciate, with scents of blackberry, raspberry, light rose petal and India ink that gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, extremely well balanced and very refined, with a linear and correct finish. This is a classy Smith Haut Lafitte that will provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure. |
| Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2024 [WA 92-94, JR 17+, JS 97-98, Vin 95-97, NM 94-96] |
€126.00 |
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WA 92-94...Floral and complex, the 2024 Blanc from Smith Haut Lafitte offers up aromas of white peach, apricot, spices and spring blossoms. Medium-bodied, round and layered, it's sappy and seamless with an incisive mid-palate and a long, ethereal and refreshing finish. Matured in 50% new oak, this blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris represents a strong effort.
JR 17+...Aromatically subtle and refined with a handsome depth of fruit. Beautiful texture, the fruit ripe and dense. Needs a little coaxing but the fruit is plush and zesty. Clean, long finish.
JS 97-98...Minerals, smoke, tarragon and bright lemons on the nose. An almost full-bodied, textured white that delivers lots of freshness, weight and brightness on the palate. There is attractive salinity at the end before a long yet broad finish. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon and 5% sauvignon gris.
Vin 95-97...The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is complex, dynamic and an absolute delight. Everything about the 2024 speaks to class. Brisk acids drive through a core of citrus fruit, almond, mint, chamomile and white pepper. More than anything else, I admire the wine's tension and energy. Clean saline notes extend the dry, bracing finish.
NM 94-96...The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon, matured in 50% new oak. It needed a bit of aeration in the glass, eventually revealing scents of Anjou pear, gooseberry, white flowers and light flinty aromas. The palate is well balanced with lilting nectarine, pear and stem ginger notes. Fine weight and depth, with a judicious touch of spice towards the finish. The sapidity and linearity of this impressive Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc mean it should repay cellaring. |
| Château Haut-Bailly 2024 [JR 16.5, JS 93-94, Vin 92-94, NM 93-95] |
€67.20 |
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JR 16.5...58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 31 hl/ha. 40% of the production. Ripe, round and tender with supple fruit and fine, integrated tannins. Freshness as well. More charm than power this year. Corresponds to the vintage. Approachable earlier.
JS 93-94...A soft, light Haut-Bailly from this challenging year, with lots of red cherries, red berries, red bell peppers and fresh herbs. Quite approachable, with a medium body and soft-grained tannins. Well-judged soft extraction makes this likely approachable right after release. Not ambitious, but well balanced, juicy and refined. Brambly and lively. Early harvest? 58% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot and 2% cabernet franc.
Vin 92-94...58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 31 hl/ha. 40% of the production. Ripe, round and tender with supple fruit and fine, integrated tannins. Freshness as well. More charm than power this year. Corresponds to the vintage. Approachable earlier.
NM 93-95...The 2024 Haut-Bailly was picked from September 25 to October 4 and matured in 50% new oak, possibly with a shorter élevage. As usual, it deserves patience at this stage as it gradually opens and coheres with aeration. This has a perfumed bouquet built around redcurrant, cranberry and wild strawberry fruit. It's quite floral in style with finely delineated touches of freshly-rolled tobacco and wilted rose petal. The palate is creamy on the entry and velvety in texture, with finely chiseled, lace-like tannins. It is very well balanced with one of the few sensual vintages that you will find from this year. This will be much earlier drinking than other vintages, but that does not detract from what will be one of the most pleasurable 2024s to drink. |
| Château La Mission Haut Brion 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 16.5, JS 96-97, Vin 93-95, NM 93-95] |
€168.00 |
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WA 93-95...Notes of dark berries, spices, mulberries and discreet hints of new oak preface the 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, dense and attractively seamless wine for the vintage, with a textural mid-palate that's underpinned by a firm chassis of tannins, concluding with a long, broad and rather ripe finish. Slightly austere at this stage, it is likely to flesh out with élevage, developing into a structured and serious La Mission with promising aging potential. Like its sibling Haut-Brion, the estate benefited from its intramural location in Pessac, which allowed for more complete ripening in a year that posed greater challenges for some other Pessac-Léognan properties.
JR 16.5...Relatively forward for La Mission. Fresh with a slight stony nuance on the nose. Round on attack then tightens with drive on the finish but overall, less power than usual.
JS 96-97...A precise, classic vintage showing depth of fruit, but with beautiful austerity and minerals. Mostly red fruit, with touches of dark cherries and currants. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine-etched tannins and lots of brightness. So long and refined in the finish, showing restraint. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 46.5% merlot and 2.5% cabernet franc.
Vin 93-95...The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion is such a classy wine. Strong floral and savory notes meld into a core of plum, blackberry, gravel, spice, leather, tobacco and incense. Medium in body, with no hard edges, the 2024 is a delight. It offers lovely freshness and energy throughout. There is a bit of graininess in the tannin, a reminder of the challenges of the growing season.
NM 93-95...The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion has a beautifully defined bouquet with pure, mineral-led black fruit, hints of blueberry and a subtle sea spray influence. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins. Fresh and vibrant, this La Mission feels very cohesive and sophisticated. No, there is not the depth and persistence of a top-drawer vintage, but its noticeable complexity is a cut above.
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| Château La Mission Haut Brion Blanc 2024 [WA 93-95, JR 17, JS 97-98, Vin 94-96, NM 96-98] |
€505.00 |
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WA 93-95...The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc reveals a gently reductive bouquet of pear, white peach, confit citrus and verbena mingled with exotic anise touches that emerge with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's bright and enveloping with an elegantly phenolic mid-palate and a mouthwateringly mordant finish. This is a blend of 59% Sémillon and 41% Sauvignon Blanc.
JR 17...Pale, translucent colour. Subtle citrus notes. Precise and persistent. Lots of lift and tension. Potential for greater complexity with a bit of bottle age.
JS 97-98...The quality of the fruit is great, with beautiful depth and clarity. The acidity is quite bright, and there is enough substance and beautiful texture on the palate to keep it balanced. Long and subtle at this stage, but the potential is huge, with a style that's really minerally and classic. 59% semillon and 41% sauvignon blanc.
Vin 94-96...The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is powerful and very deep, despite its understated personality. Orchard fruit, lemon peel, slate, mint, white pepper and chalk all grace the palate. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. This is an especially brisk style that is so attractive.
NM 96-98...The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, which has more Sémillon in the blend, was reticent on the nose and demanded more coaxing than usual, (reluctantly) offering scents of red apple, lime flower and crushed stone. The palate is more expressive with impressive weight and density. The 2024 is fresh and vibrant with palpable tension, revealing a tingle of lemongrass and stem ginger towards its sustained finish. When I returned to my glass after 20 minutes, the aromatics had burst open and shown their true colours, with hints of chai and popcorn and wonderful mineralité. This might turn out to be one of the best white La Missions in recent years.
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| La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion 2024 [WA 89-91, JR 15.5, JS 94-95, Vin 90-92, NM 88-90] |
€44.00 |
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WA 89-91...A blend of 56.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29.2% Merlot and 14.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is fresh and perfumed, offering up aromas of peonies, dark berries and green bell pepper. Moderately weighted and sappy, it's layered and youthfully introverted, underpinned by somewhat brittle tannins and concluding with a fresh, elegant finish.
JR 15.5...Open and expressive. Soft and round. Fresh but the acidity a little excessive. Light- to medium-bodied for earlier drinking.
JS 94-95...A light and very juicy wine with solid, fine-grained tannins. Red plums and cherries with touches of cedar, minerals and graphite. Fine tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Firm, succulent and linear. Refined and bright in the finish. 56.3% cabernet sauvignon, 29.2% merlot and 14.5% cabernet franc.
Vin 90-92...The 2024 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion is soft, open-knit and juicy, all qualities that will make it a fine choice for drinking on release. Unusually, Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead in 2024. It's a style that works quite well. Macerated cherry, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all build nicely in the glass.
NM 88-90...The 2024 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has a reserved bouquet of tertiary black fruit with touches of smoke and cigar box. The palate is medium-bodied and quite sapid in the mouth with grainy tannins and a seaweed note on the aftertaste. The 2024 is a little taut at the moment, but if it gains a little flesh it should turn out fine.
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| Château Les Carmes Haut Brion 2024 [WA 93-96, JR 16.5+, JS 97-98, Vin 95-97, NM 94-96] |
€70.40 |
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WA 93-96...One of the most impressive wines of the vintage, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a striking effort that sets itself apart with seamless integration, even at this early stage, and a strong sense of identity. Poised, precise and unmistakably singular, it opens in the glass with a perfumed bouquet of iris, violet, dark berries, cherries, vine smoke and gentian. Medium to full-bodied, supple and notably fleshy for the vintage, it’s layered and textural, with a sappy, enveloping core of pure, vibrant fruit framed by finely grained, velvety tannins, culminating in a long, precise and gently stemmy finish. This is one of the rare wines of the vintage where sappiness is expressed with such finesse and charm, thanks in no small part to meticulous vineyard work and severe sorting in the winery. The blend is composed of 48% Cabernet Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, and it's maturing in a combination of 70% new oak, 19% foudres and 11% amphorae.
JR 16.5+...Deep purple-black colour. Dark-fruit (cherry) and floral notes to the fore. Generous fruit on the palate with a touch of sweetness. Tannins enrobed in the fruit but the finish is slightly powdery and dry.
JS 97-98...This is always an idiosyncratic wine. This year it’s stunning, with a unique floral aspect and excellent depth of pure blue fruit, mulberries, dried herbs and white pepper. So juicy and mouthwatering on the palate, with a medium to full body and fine tannins. There is a crystalized mouthfeel, but the tannins are fresh and well knit. This is already delicious, which indicates its superb balance. 48% cabernet franc, 29% cabernet sauvignon and 23% merlot.
Vin 95-97...Seamless and silky in the glass, with superb balance, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of the wines of the vintage. All the elements are so well balanced, always a sign of a superior vintage at this address. Floral notes, spice, leather and mocha run through a core of layered, beautifully persistent dark red fruit. Harvest took place between September 17 and 25, during one of the rare windows with little rain.New oak is already very nicely integrated, another sign of a superb vintage. The 2024 is a brilliant effort by the team led by Technical Director Olivier Pouthier.
NM 94-96...The 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion contains more Cabernet Franc at 48% of the blend. Picked between September 17 and 27 using 52% whole bunch, this is aged in 70% new barrels, 19% new foudres and 11% amphora. This has impressive fruit concentration on the nose with redcurrant and blackberry fruit, hints of cassis and a dab of dark chocolate. Fine delineation. After time, there is something that nods to the Northern Rhône without losing typicité. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with fine tannins, a subtle pepperiness imparted by the whole bunches and a tingle of pain d'épices towards the finish. Very harmonious and very delicious. |
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