Margaux

Release date: 7/6/2024

This is the first time for many years that we have listed Lascombes en primeur, and it's all down to the arrival here of Axel Heinz in March 2023. Heinz, having been the inspiration behindThis is the first time for many years that we have listed Lascombes en primeur, and it's all down to the arrival here of Axel Heinz in March 2023. Heinz, having been the inspiration behind Ornellaia and Masseto since 2006, was a huge catch for the new owners of the estate. Heinz has turned the whole ethos upside down and we can expect this 2nd growth to begin to regain its rightful place - the 2023 is hopefully just the first step, but it's a big one.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

The 2023 Château Margaux, which contains 15% vin de presse, is quintessential Château Margaux. It immediately blossoms in the glass with irresistible crushed violets on the nose, instantly demandingThe 2023 Château Margaux, which contains 15% vin de presse, is quintessential Château Margaux. It immediately blossoms in the glass with irresistible crushed violets on the nose, instantly demanding attention—you will gladly give it. Exquisitely defined and very focused with supremely well integrated oak, this is blessed with laser-like precision. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, perhaps a little feistier than expected thanks to a liberal sprinkling of black pepper. Quite structured (like the Pavillon Rouge) and gentle, you can almost overlook its grip. It finishes with a concentrated, graphite-tinged finish that lingers long in the mouth. This First Growth will require ten years in bottle to really show what it is capable of. Drinking range: 2033 - 2070 Rating: 97-99 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

This takes 30% of the crop, and the blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, principally because Merlot volumes were lower, so it appears less in bothThis takes 30% of the crop, and the blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, principally because Merlot volumes were lower, so it appears less in both cuvées. The sample was drawn from three barrels, and it is worth noting that they use different barrels each week, so the sample changes throughout the primeurs tasting period. The aromatics suggest a beautiful purity which calls to mind crushed chalk and pencil shavings, and not for the first time in this appellation I find an aromatic profile which reminds me very much of the 2016 vintage. It has a lovely cherry, raspberry and peony purity, which translates into a seamless and composed palate, with layers of griottes, raspberry, dark chocolate, violets and toast, with a very polished substance and a fine grip of tannins. Delicious vigour, purity and freshness here; this is a great Pavillon Rouge in the making. One for the cellar. Preferably my cellar. The alcohol on analysis is 13.3%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

The 2023 Rauzan-Ségla shows considerable promise, unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, dark berries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied,The 2023 Rauzan-Ségla shows considerable promise, unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, dark berries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and fleshy, with terrific purity of fruit, supple tannins and a long, resonant finish. This classic in the making is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot and 1.5% Petit Verdot. Rating: 94-96 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 Giscours is the very best wine I have ever tasted here. Giscours has been knocking on the door of Bordeaux's elite for a few years now. Two thousand twenty-three is the year in whichThe 2023 Giscours is the very best wine I have ever tasted here. Giscours has been knocking on the door of Bordeaux's elite for a few years now. Two thousand twenty-three is the year in which Giscours joins the region's big boys and girls. A towering, majestic Margaux, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. What a wine! Drinking range: 2030 - 2063 Rating: 96-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

More reserved and understated than the Alter Ego on the first nose, with touch of gumoke reduction, but it doesn't take long to understand that this Palmer is full of coiled energy and lift. A ton ofMore reserved and understated than the Alter Ego on the first nose, with touch of gumoke reduction, but it doesn't take long to understand that this Palmer is full of coiled energy and lift. A ton of graphite, crushed rocks, crushed roses and peonies come in waves of aromatics through the palate, along with clearly defined and sculpted blue and red fruits. There is spice too, and a sense of momentum. 32hl/h yield, 55% new oak for ageing during the first year; with the wine then moving in moves into 3000l oak casks for the second year. Drinking range: 2032 - 2048 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

Vivid ruby plum colour, great depth of flavour, balancing spiced plum, fennel, rosemary and anis with juicy blackberry and damson fruit, all delivered with a caress of floral aromatics and well-pacedVivid ruby plum colour, great depth of flavour, balancing spiced plum, fennel, rosemary and anis with juicy blackberry and damson fruit, all delivered with a caress of floral aromatics and well-paced momentum. The August and early September heat waves meant lost yield but higher concentration, and this is a structured Alter Ego that stretches out through the palate, with a kick on the finish. September 11 harvest through to October 5, 25% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Fresh, crunchy-fruit character here, with red and dark berries and floral nuances. Some citrus peel, too. It’s medium-bodied with lively tannins that are polished and firm. Bright and juicy finish.Fresh, crunchy-fruit character here, with red and dark berries and floral nuances. Some citrus peel, too. It’s medium-bodied with lively tannins that are polished and firm. Bright and juicy finish. Rating: 91-92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

First year in the new 100% gravity-fed cellar for this superb estate that is increasingly making its presence felt - helped not just by the new eco-concious winery but by the extra 10ha of excellentFirst year in the new 100% gravity-fed cellar for this superb estate that is increasingly making its presence felt - helped not just by the new eco-concious winery but by the extra 10ha of excellent Margaux terroir, complete with old vine Cabernet Sauvignon on fine gravel, bought in 2020. It's a clear success in 2023, and you'll find plenty of vibrant fruit, majoring on spiced plum and cassis, sinewy tannins, liqourice bud, tobacco, mint and campfire smoke. Conveys coiled energy and will age well. An excellent example of a 94 point 'buy' signal. José Sanfins director. Drinking range: 2030 - 2044 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 4 to October 2 at 45.7hL/ha with the highest IPT (Indice de Polyphénols Totaux, a measurement of tannin) ever with respect to the Merlot, whichThe 2023 Brane-Cantenac was picked from September 4 to October 2 at 45.7hL/ha with the highest IPT (Indice de Polyphénols Totaux, a measurement of tannin) ever with respect to the Merlot, which underwent some saignée in tank. Matured entirely in new oak, it has wonderful delineation on the nose, quite floral with pressed violets infusing the lifted black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky-smooth entry and a silver bead of acidity. Pure black fruit infused with graphite lends this Pauillac-like attributes, sustained on the finish, as usual. This is a very classical Brane-Cantenac— a worthy follow-up to the 2022. Drinking range: 2029 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Baron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm atannins andBaron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm atannins and concentrated black fruits. 20% new oak. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Lovely young wine here with a pretty core of berry fruit and bark undertones. Medium body. Crisp, fine and lightly chewy tannins at the end. Quite seamless.Lovely young wine here with a pretty core of berry fruit and bark undertones. Medium body. Crisp, fine and lightly chewy tannins at the end. Quite seamless. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and fully 13% Petit Verdot, the 2023 La Gurgue exhibits aromas of dark berries, licorice and boot polish, followed by a medium-bodied, fleshy palateA blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and fully 13% Petit Verdot, the 2023 La Gurgue exhibits aromas of dark berries, licorice and boot polish, followed by a medium-bodied, fleshy palate built around powdery tannins. Rating: 88-90 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

This is one of the best Ferrieres for years, with waves of blackberry, cassis, fennel, anis, liqourice root, all sweet and pure and intense, with velvety tannins. Great stuff. 40hl/h yield, 3.79ph,This is one of the best Ferrieres for years, with waves of blackberry, cassis, fennel, anis, liqourice root, all sweet and pure and intense, with velvety tannins. Great stuff. 40hl/h yield, 3.79ph, harvest Septemboer 13 to october 2, highest yields for for 12 years, 40% new oak for ageing overall, along with concrete eggs, touch of amphoras. Drinking range: 2030 - 2044 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Durfort Vivens is once again dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which represents 92% of the blend. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of minty cassis, plums and berries mingled with hints ofThe 2023 Durfort Vivens is once again dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which represents 92% of the blend. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of minty cassis, plums and berries mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with good concentration, sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish. With a pH of 3.66 and 13.7% alcohol, it's a resounding success. Rating: 94-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

As this estate's extensive restructuring begins to come to fruition, the 2023 du Tertre contains fully 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, as replanted parcels begin to be included in the grand vin, complementedAs this estate's extensive restructuring begins to come to fruition, the 2023 du Tertre contains fully 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, as replanted parcels begin to be included in the grand vin, complemented by 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot. Offering up aromas of dark berries, licorice, lilac and mint, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with a notably concentrated, serious core by this estate's typically charming standards, revealing sweet structuring tannins and a succulent, seamless profile. In short, du Tertre's renaissance continues. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 16/5/2024

The purity of the fruit is really wonderful here, with blackcurrants, orange peel and raspberries. Aromatic. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. But it remains linear and vivid. The qualityThe purity of the fruit is really wonderful here, with blackcurrants, orange peel and raspberries. Aromatic. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. But it remains linear and vivid. The quality of the tannins and the powdery texture are really alluring. Silky. And so precise. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 2.5% cabernet franc and 2.5% petit verdot. 13.83% alcohol. 3.66 pH. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

One of the most suave, classy vintages from this estate in some years, the 2023 Malescot St. Exupery is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Wafting from the glass withOne of the most suave, classy vintages from this estate in some years, the 2023 Malescot St. Exupery is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, berries, licorice and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and a harmonious, integrated profile. Part of the blend is maturing in foudre. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The 2023 Prieuré-Lichine offers up copious red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint. This is very nicely perfumed. Silky tannins add to an impression of finesse. There is just a touch ofThe 2023 Prieuré-Lichine offers up copious red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint. This is very nicely perfumed. Silky tannins add to an impression of finesse. There is just a touch of dryness on the finish, which is the only real question mark here. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

A rather tense but richly expressed style of fruit on the nose, with smoky bramble fruits, toast and dusty rose petal notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, this shows a rather tense, silky but alsoA rather tense but richly expressed style of fruit on the nose, with smoky bramble fruits, toast and dusty rose petal notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, this shows a rather tense, silky but also charming texture, supporting a core of peppery wild berries, rose petals and creamed raspberry. A modest but rather taut composition, textured but fresh with plenty of enlivening acidity, this finishes with a flourish of dry and well-knit tannic grip which dominates the end of the palate. A confident showing from both samples, with texture and ripe depth,. Surely this is going places. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Labégorce is a bold, authoritative wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, mocha and leather infuse the 2023 with tons of character. An exuberant, flashy Margaux, Labegorce has plentyThe 2023 Labégorce is a bold, authoritative wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, mocha and leather infuse the 2023 with tons of character. An exuberant, flashy Margaux, Labegorce has plenty to offer in 2023. Drinking range: 2027 - 2038 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

Cloves, grilled sandalwood and cedar, with lift and kick, fennel and cola, espresso and sage, savoury, cassis bud, fine tannins. Great balance and finesse, with appellation character.Cloves, grilled sandalwood and cedar, with lift and kick, fennel and cola, espresso and sage, savoury, cassis bud, fine tannins. Great balance and finesse, with appellation character. Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)