Cellar Fillers
When it comes to finding exceptional claret for your money, look no further than our cellar fillers page. 2023 is a fantastic vintage to populate your collection with sub-£200 cases. Buy these in quantity in magnums for future parties.
It is no secret that wineries with ‘lesser terroirs’ suffered in 2023. In the face of the various climactic pressures, some of the more affordable Châteaux had limited means to combat the issues of disease, so selection is key. However, the great news is that the ones who were successful, have created something quite spectacular.
Many of the second wines of many of the top properties were some of the very best we have tasted, and, in true Lea & Sandeman style, we have gone to great lengths to tease out those rare cases where you can pay very little and get an awful lot.
Please note that we can source wines in any format if offered by the Château. Just indicate which size you would like in your wishlist order form or email us with a specific request. Bottling charges do apply so please see our Terms for more details.
L&S Recommendations
L&S 'best buy' recommendations are marked with this symbol .
2023 DAME DE MONTROSE Saint Estèphe Château Montrose
Release date: 12/6/2024
Another strong performance from this bottling, which dependably numbers among Bordeaux's top three or four second wines, the 2023 La Dame de Montrose reveals aromas of cassis, pencil shavings andAnother strong performance from this bottling, which dependably numbers among Bordeaux's top three or four second wines, the 2023 La Dame de Montrose reveals aromas of cassis, pencil shavings and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and dense palate that's polished, pure and layered, with sweet tannins, lively acids and a saline finish. It's a blend of 61% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 FIEFS DE LAGRANGE Saint Julien
Release date: 23/5/2024
This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. WillThis is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and lusicous mouthwatering signoff. 51hl/ha yield. Drinking range: 2027 - 2037 Rating: 89 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU MANGOT Grand Cru Saint Emilion
Release date: 15/5/2024
The 2023 Mangot is a heady, extroverted wine. Soaring Cabernet aromatics meld into a core of red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, menthol and cinnamon. The 2023 offers an attractive combination ofThe 2023 Mangot is a heady, extroverted wine. Soaring Cabernet aromatics meld into a core of red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, menthol and cinnamon. The 2023 offers an attractive combination of aromatic presence and textural creaminess. It's a big wine, to be sure. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2027 - 2035 Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU MOULIN SAINT GEORGES Grand Cru Saint Emilion
Release date: 15/5/2024
From a 7 Hectare slope in front of Chateau Ausone - the Moulin Saint-Georges is a real winner in 2023. More broad and powerful in feel than some years - this remains an absolute charmer, but aFrom a 7 Hectare slope in front of Chateau Ausone - the Moulin Saint-Georges is a real winner in 2023. More broad and powerful in feel than some years - this remains an absolute charmer, but a charmer with some serious intent. A wonderful mulch of blue and deep-red berries is lifted by floral hits of pink blossom and even a whiff of violets. Imposing but with lovely layers and nuance. Owned by the Vauthier family from Ausone since 1921, this remains a real steal for Grand Cru Saint Emilion with such pedigree and heritage.L&S (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU LABÉGORCE Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Margaux
Release date: 13/5/2024
The 2023 Labégorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with veryThe 2023 Labégorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth. Drinking range: 2027 - 2049 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU MAUVESIN BARTON Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Moulis-en-Médoc
Release date: 13/5/2024
This is firm and chewy with a medium to full body, yet it shows succulent fruit underneath. Outstanding depth as well as a crunchy sense to this, with blackberry and graphite. Profound limestoneThis is firm and chewy with a medium to full body, yet it shows succulent fruit underneath. Outstanding depth as well as a crunchy sense to this, with blackberry and graphite. Profound limestone character is giving this real depth and solidity. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CLOS MANOU Médoc
Release date: 6/5/2024
Yet again Stephane Dief has knocked it out of the park this year. This jewel of a property with its wealth of very old vines has created a masterful 2023. Chiselled and poised - this is upright,Yet again Stephane Dief has knocked it out of the park this year. This jewel of a property with its wealth of very old vines has created a masterful 2023. Chiselled and poised - this is upright, pretty and sophisticated. The fruit concentration is pitch perfect here - with that gentle soft ripeness in tune with the freshness of the year. Beautifully judged and this year with just 35% new oak and a proportion of the juice aged in amphorae the purity is wonderful. Very serious Bordeaux from this (still!) under the radar producer we have been championing for more than a decade. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Petit VerdotL&S (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU SÉNÉJAC Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Haut Médoc
Release date: 3/5/2024
This shows structure and finesse with a dusty texture to the tannins. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit and a creamy aftertaste. A little light at the end.This shows structure and finesse with a dusty texture to the tannins. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit and a creamy aftertaste. A little light at the end. Rating: 89-90 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU LE CROCK Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Saint Estèphe
Release date: 2/5/2024
Sappy and cheerful, bright ruby red fruit, well balanced with chewy tannins that give plenty of expectation. Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in theory, although the new classification, that will confirmSappy and cheerful, bright ruby red fruit, well balanced with chewy tannins that give plenty of expectation. Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in theory, although the new classification, that will confirm for 2023, is coming in January 2024. 25% new oak, final year of organic converstion, and 52hl/h yields, so a particularly good crop. Harvest September 8 to 29. Drinking range: 2025 - 2032 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU POTENSAC Cru Bourgeois Médoc
Release date: 30/4/2024
The 2023 Potensac is a seriously beautiful wine that shows just how complex and nuanced wines from this property can be. Crushed flowers, spice, red/purplish fruit, rose petal and mint are some ofThe 2023 Potensac is a seriously beautiful wine that shows just how complex and nuanced wines from this property can be. Crushed flowers, spice, red/purplish fruit, rose petal and mint are some of the notes that lift from the glass. Bright saline tones underpin the mid-palate and finish. This is one of the most complete young Potensacs I can recall tasting. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Saint Estèphe
Release date: 29/4/2024
2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the Lorenzetti family's first move into the Medoc. Now owners of Pedesclaux, Lafon Rochet and a considerable stake in Chateau d'Issan, Lilian Ladouys may no longer2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the Lorenzetti family's first move into the Medoc. Now owners of Pedesclaux, Lafon Rochet and a considerable stake in Chateau d'Issan, Lilian Ladouys may no longer be there most prestigious estate but it is certainly a real passion project. Run by Manon Lorenzetti, with help from Pedesclaux's winemaker Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen - this estate gets better every year. Now into their third year of organic conversion and benefitting in 2023 from having more parcels on-stream - they have made a beauty. There's a sophisticated and classic Saint Estephe freshness to the crunchy black fruit. For the first time ever Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead on the blend with 57% only reinforcing the upright, pure feel. This has great lines a delicious, ripe mid-palate and all the finesse you could ask for in Saint Estephe. Proper Bordeaux and so well priced. At 12.9% it really does feel like a very classic Claret. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet franc L&S (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac
Release date: 29/4/2024
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Good classical frame here. Upright and smartly 'claretty'. The nose is awash with deep plum, dark cherry flesh and intriguing scent of a fine79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Good classical frame here. Upright and smartly 'claretty'. The nose is awash with deep plum, dark cherry flesh and intriguing scent of a fine church. Subtly toasty wood. The palate follows - with density and a firmish feel to the cool dark berry fruit. This will need more time than some - but its all here for the future. Classical, pure and long. 57% new barrels, 43% in second-fill barrels.L&S (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 LA MITOTE Côtes de Castillon
A 1.67 hectare plot of pure Merlot on the limestone plateau - average vine age of 55 years. Picked by hand on the 4th of October after a severe selection to drop any unsatisfactory grapes. TheA 1.67 hectare plot of pure Merlot on the limestone plateau - average vine age of 55 years. Picked by hand on the 4th of October after a severe selection to drop any unsatisfactory grapes. The destemmed grapes are fermented in wooden vats with temperature control (max 23C), and the malolactic fermentation and élevage take place in 500 litre barrels, of which 31% are new. 6000 bottles will be produced.Winemaker's notes (May 2024)
In Bond
In Bond