Pauillac

Release date: 4/6/2024

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 2023 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a terrific effort from this estate, unwinding in the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, dark berries, pencilA blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 2023 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a terrific effort from this estate, unwinding in the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, dark berries, pencil shavings, cigar wrapper, violets and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, it's deep and concentrated, with sweet structuring tannins and a long, resonant finish. The charm and vibrancy of the vintage lends this considerable appeal, without effacing Pichon Baron's more serious, Cabernet-driven personality. Pichon Baron these days has more in common stylistically with the depth and structure of Latour than it does with the perfumed sensuality of its sibling, Pichon Lalande, and in quality, it's clearly one of contemporary Bordeaux's greatest wines. The 2023 vintage is a terrific success at this address: the team harvested block by block, trying to combine lots with a similar tannin profile in vat, and extracting gently. The result is a classical Pichon, but with enough charm to offer a broader-than-usual drinking window. Rating: 95-97 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this being the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, with reflects a program ofThis is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this being the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, with reflects a program of replanting Cabernet Sauvignon instead of Merlot in the vineyard. This takes 55% of the crop, a little more than usual. The nose is beautifully expressive, with blackcurrant and dark chocolate, with dried cherry skins. This purity and honesty comes through on the palate, which is medium-bodied, with chocolate, violets and griottes, underpinned by tightly framed tannins and fresh rather zippy acidity. Beautifully succulent, dark, savoury, with a rich core of polished, tightly knit tannins, which sit in harmony in the finish with threads of dark chocolate. If there were a competition for best second wine in this vintage, this would surely be in the running. Tasted twice. The alcohol here is 13.07%. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

Wow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incrediblyWow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incredibly seamless. Like silk in texture. A top Pichon Lalande. From organic and biodynamically grown grapes. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The 2023 Lacoste-Borie is a soft, supple second wine to drink on release, while its fruity, open-knit personality is on display. Succulent red cherry, spice and rose petal are nicely pushed forward.The 2023 Lacoste-Borie is a soft, supple second wine to drink on release, while its fruity, open-knit personality is on display. Succulent red cherry, spice and rose petal are nicely pushed forward. Lovely aromatics from the Franc linger. Drinking range: 2025 - 2033 Rating: 88-90 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

We are in classic Grand Puy Lacoste territory here, great balance, good freshness, Pauillac typicity, less concentration than 2022, showing instead bright cassis and blackberry fruits, salted crackerWe are in classic Grand Puy Lacoste territory here, great balance, good freshness, Pauillac typicity, less concentration than 2022, showing instead bright cassis and blackberry fruits, salted cracker edge, liquorice, graphite, spiced cocoa beans, and flashes of fresher redcurrants on the close of play. Great quality, and you can see the fine ageing potential stretching ahead. 75% new oak, rest one year old, around 60% of production in this 1st wine (this is similar each year, as here the vineyard footprint has not changed since 1855). Harvest September 11 to 28. Drinking range: 2030 - 2046 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

A very pure and beautiful HBL with blackcurrant and mineral notes, like crushed stones, as well as a vivid freshness. Purity and brightness in the center-palate, with essence of cassis and a crunchyA very pure and beautiful HBL with blackcurrant and mineral notes, like crushed stones, as well as a vivid freshness. Purity and brightness in the center-palate, with essence of cassis and a crunchy minerality from part of the vineyard in limestone. 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

Aromas of cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak introduce the 2023 Echo de Lynch-Bages, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine with a succulent core of fruit framed by youthfully chewyAromas of cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak introduce the 2023 Echo de Lynch-Bages, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine with a succulent core of fruit framed by youthfully chewy tannins. Rating: 89-90 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

The 2023 Lynch-Bages is a dark, brooding wine. In so many vintages, Lynch-Bages is a wine of sensuality, but in 2023, it is quite the powerhouse. Formidable tannins wrap around a core of black fruit,The 2023 Lynch-Bages is a dark, brooding wine. In so many vintages, Lynch-Bages is a wine of sensuality, but in 2023, it is quite the powerhouse. Formidable tannins wrap around a core of black fruit, spice, menthol, licorice and gravel. This is a somber, introspective Lynch-Bages with a ton of Cabernet Sauvignon character. I can't wait to taste this from bottle. Drinking range: 2033 - 2073 Rating: 94-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 7/5/2024

Vibrant violet reflections, great definition on the palate, with a streak of freshness from beginning to end, sculpted cassis and bilberry, crayon and graphite. Pedesclaux going from strength toVibrant violet reflections, great definition on the palate, with a streak of freshness from beginning to end, sculpted cassis and bilberry, crayon and graphite. Pedesclaux going from strength to strength under the new regime. Second vintage certified organic, 17 days of harvesting from September 13 through to October 4, 65% new oak for aging. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 94-100 L&S (May 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

The blend here is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The picking started on the 7th September, a common start date for many in Pauillac, finishing theThe blend here is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The picking started on the 7th September, a common start date for many in Pauillac, finishing the 30th. A savoury nose, dark and smoked, with notes of toasted oak, moss and cigar box, over some dark and savoury fruits reminiscent of dried cherry and even a touch of cranberry. An appealing palate, showing a juicy and coherent start to the fruit, with undercurrents of rich and ripe tannin, with a finely knit and powdery substance, along with fresh acidity, giving it the lift that defines the 2023 vintage, with layers of perfumed berries and cherries laid over the top. Charming, tense, with acid freshness but good balance, and it is grippy, this culminating in a core balanced fruit, grip and acids. Tasted twice, as usual the sample tasted at Mouton was the superior. Tasted twice. The alcohol is about 13.5%. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

Revealing aromas of red berries, cherries and blackcurrants mingled with hints of pencil shavings and new oak, the 2023 Clerc Milon is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a layered core ofRevealing aromas of red berries, cherries and blackcurrants mingled with hints of pencil shavings and new oak, the 2023 Clerc Milon is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, sweet velvety tannins and a seamless, succulent profile. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc and the balance Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

Lots of flesh and density in this excellent Petit-Mouton. Much of the Cabernet was picked in late September, giving it maximum maturity and black cherry freshness. Very elegant and everything inLots of flesh and density in this excellent Petit-Mouton. Much of the Cabernet was picked in late September, giving it maximum maturity and black cherry freshness. Very elegant and everything in harmony here. Terrific length too.L&S (May 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

A beautifully structured, toned Mouton. Very fine tannins and layers of soft black fruit. A really lovely 1st Growth, very correct and demonstrative of how their Cabernet has performed for them inA beautifully structured, toned Mouton. Very fine tannins and layers of soft black fruit. A really lovely 1st Growth, very correct and demonstrative of how their Cabernet has performed for them in 2023. L&S (May 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

This really takes off at the end. It’s medium-bodied with excellent tannins that run the length of the wine. Very solid. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot.This really takes off at the end. It’s medium-bodied with excellent tannins that run the length of the wine. Very solid. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Lafite-Rothschild races out of the glass with notable textural intensity. Explosive and deep, with striking balance, Lafite dazzles in this vintage. The 2023 is a somber, virile LafiteThe 2023 Lafite-Rothschild races out of the glass with notable textural intensity. Explosive and deep, with striking balance, Lafite dazzles in this vintage. The 2023 is a somber, virile Lafite endowed with remarkable depth and tons of sheer character. Plum, blackberry, gravel, pencil shavings, graphite, mocha and lavender build into the intense, palate-staining finish. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Drinking range: 2023 - 2073 Rating: 95-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yetThe 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yet tightly coiled graphite-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins that belie the backbone of this Pauillac. That graphite element is accentuated in the mouth and controls the classic finish that could only come from this appellation. This is excellent, but patience is required. Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

Medium intensity ruby, fairly austere right now, structured, with the same mint leaf and ink quality as Lafite. The sweet brambled black fruits only come in through the mid palate, this is wellMedium intensity ruby, fairly austere right now, structured, with the same mint leaf and ink quality as Lafite. The sweet brambled black fruits only come in through the mid palate, this is well paced, unrolls slowly, a serious and concentrated Carruades that has its eye on the future. 12% pres wine, harvest September 7 to 29, unusually only using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Drinking range: 2029 - 2044 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

This is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, with picking from September 7th for the Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on the 20thThis is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, with picking from September 7th for the Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on the 20th and Cs on the 28th. No declaration on the yield here, Alfred Tesseron choosing to keep this figure to his chest, which only makes me wonder if the vines really suffered with the mildew here. There is no second wine here, although Alfred tells me some (volume not disclosed) was sold off in bulk. A sample on which the cork was popped as I arrived, before Alfred showed off his new bottle, 300 g lighter (starting with the 2022 vintage in fact). The 2023 Pontet-Canet starts with a nose of dark fruits, certainly in a pointed style, also a little high-toned and dusty; the élevage in those cement amphorae coming through? It carries the sinewy and juicy style of the vintage on the start of the palate, with a modest midpalate, restrained and fresh, with a rich undercurrent of dense, ripe and taut tannins. Draped over this are the smoked and high-toned fruits of the vintage, before it finishes with a sense of harmony, with a powdery, tobacco-infused grip. Very much a wine in the style of the vintage, with plenty of ripe tannic grip evident, the lighter texture of 2023 perhaps allowing it to show through. The alcohol this year is about 13.5%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

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)

The 2023 Haut Batailley was picked from 14 September and matured in 65% new oak. It has a harmonious and focused bouquet with blackberry, graphite and iris flower scents. The oak here is neatlyThe 2023 Haut Batailley was picked from 14 September and matured in 65% new oak. It has a harmonious and focused bouquet with blackberry, graphite and iris flower scents. The oak here is neatly integrated. It's actually stylistically not dissimilar to the Mouton Rothschild! The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins—quite rounded in the mouth, but there is backbone here. A subtle white pepper note mixes with pencil shavings on the classically styled finish, completing this refined Pauillac. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Pibran includes fully 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, as restructured parcels start to come into production and contribute to the blend. Offering up aromas of plums, red berries and pencil shavings,The 2023 Pibran includes fully 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, as restructured parcels start to come into production and contribute to the blend. Offering up aromas of plums, red berries and pencil shavings, it's medium-bodied, fleshy and supple, with a pretty core of fruit framed by powdery tannins. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)