Pauillac

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 Pichon Baron is stellar. It is another wine in this lineup that impresses with its finesse and nobility. Dark and enveloping, with terrific freshness, this Grand Vin is so expressive. TheThe 2023 Pichon Baron is stellar. It is another wine in this lineup that impresses with its finesse and nobility. Dark and enveloping, with terrific freshness, this Grand Vin is so expressive. The 2023 is an understated, wonderfully refined Pichon Baron. Dark fruit, violet and mocha build into the resonant finish. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

A terrific second wine, the 2023 Resèrve de la Comtesse wafts from the glass with a pure bouquet of blackcurrants, dark berries, lilac and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety,A terrific second wine, the 2023 Resèrve de la Comtesse wafts from the glass with a pure bouquet of blackcurrants, dark berries, lilac and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's sensual and vibrant, with melting tannins and a deep core of cool fruit framed by polished but present tannins. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc marks the 50th anniversary of this second wine's production. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

The 2023 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande was picked from September 6 until 29, with some rain on September 20 in the middle of Cabernet picking. But, Nicolas Glumineau remarked that theThe 2023 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande was picked from September 6 until 29, with some rain on September 20 in the middle of Cabernet picking. But, Nicolas Glumineau remarked that the vineyard/fruit was in good condition; one day of rain did not affect the quality. The 2023 has a quintessential Comtesse bouquet, displaying pure and expressive black fruit laced with violet and graphite, delivered with impressive delineation. The palate is very refined on the entry. This is armed with beguiling symmetry—poised yet intense on the finish. It doesn’t exert huge grip because it knows it doesn't need to, and it fans out gloriously. Outstanding. Drinking range: 2029 - 2060 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.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

This takes 58% of the crop, and the blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, with a yield of 48 hl/ha. The picking here started on September 11th, a few days later than many, finishing on theThis takes 58% of the crop, and the blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, with a yield of 48 hl/ha. The picking here started on September 11th, a few days later than many, finishing on the 28th. Adorable aromatics here, with dark fruit wrapped in powdery and cedary oak, with layers of blackcurrant and damson, a much darker profile than I expected, touched with white peach and mint. This translates onto a palate of wild bramble, with a rich core of high-quality and powdery tannins which provide a charming grip, and with the fresh acidity of the vintage provides a fine layer of support for the fruit. Charming, with a relaxed medium-bodied texture, with a fine grip of tight, polished, velvety tannins, I can see this evolving well. It finishes long, with that deliciously ripe tannin gripping the finish, and a core of slowly fading fruit. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 13.2%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Haut-Bages Libéral was picked at 53hL/ha between September 12 and 30, matured for 16 months in 40% new oak. The nose was quite backward when I tasted it, though Claire Villars-LurtonThe 2023 Haut-Bages Libéral was picked at 53hL/ha between September 12 and 30, matured for 16 months in 40% new oak. The nose was quite backward when I tasted it, though Claire Villars-Lurton commented that it had just closed down the week that I visited. It will be more open once in bottle. The palate is more indicative: clean, fresh, linear and nicely focused, with more grip than the Ferrière. Touches of graphite linger on the finish. This is very classically styled, and there is nothing wrong with that–a wine for Pauillac purists and those seeking wines with less sulfites. Drinking range: 2028 - 2046 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

This is mainly young-vine fruit, and a higher proportion of Merlot at 55% of the total, reflecting a handsome Merlot yield, with 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. An immediately appealingThis is mainly young-vine fruit, and a higher proportion of Merlot at 55% of the total, reflecting a handsome Merlot yield, with 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. An immediately appealing nose, of black cherry, currant, blackcurrant ripple, toast and dark chocolate. This all comes across very well on the palate, which has an immediately pleasing texture, supple and polished, and is riven with tightly grained but certainly firm tannins. A juicy style but with lovely fruit and a touch of density, and the fresh acidity of the vintage, this is another smart second wine from the team at Lynch-Bages. I suspect it will need a year or three after the élevage to show its best. The alcohol is 13.6% on analysis. Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (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

High Cabernet, as is the story of the vintage on the Left Bank. A wine that also continues the new story of Armailhac following serious investment in vineyards and cellar, and technical directorHigh Cabernet, as is the story of the vintage on the Left Bank. A wine that also continues the new story of Armailhac following serious investment in vineyards and cellar, and technical director Lucie Lauilhé. Bright and vivid from the first moment, layered cassis, crushed mint, liqourice root, crushed rocks, an excellently precise, structed and textured Armailhac. Love it. Harvest September 7 to 30. 80ha in production, 50% new oak barrels for ageing. Drinking range: 2030 - 2046 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

The 2023 Clerc Milon was picked from September 7 to 29 and is matured in 55% new oak. It has much more fruit concentration on the nose than the Pastorelle—quite precocious, with blackberry and cassisThe 2023 Clerc Milon was picked from September 7 to 29 and is matured in 55% new oak. It has much more fruit concentration on the nose than the Pastorelle—quite precocious, with blackberry and cassis fruit. It's floral and more flamboyant than the d'Armailhac. The palate is very well balanced with a slightly creamy texture and a lovely mouthfeel. Its concentration is neatly counterbalanced by the acidity, and it feels very harmonious and long on the finish. Superb. If Mouton-Rothschild is beyond your budget—yes, I am familiar with that feeling—then this is where you should look. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (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

Lynch Moussas is classically one of the lighter-styled Pauillac classifieds, and its intensity in both colour and tannic architecture in this vintage reflects just how well this appellation has faredLynch Moussas is classically one of the lighter-styled Pauillac classifieds, and its intensity in both colour and tannic architecture in this vintage reflects just how well this appellation has fared in 2023. There is balance to the blackberry fruits set against tobacco leaf and liqourice, although the levels of ripeness are not as fully in evidence as with Batailley. But honestly, this small group of wines, under the ownership of Philippe Casteja, can be relied up for offering typicity and great quality at still-reasonable prices. 49hl/h yield. 58% new oak for ageing, 50% 1st wine. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 93-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite,This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined with around 15% press wine. Not the concentration of 2022, but in many ways showcasing the essence of Lafite more squarely, and this will delight anyone lucky enough to own it in future years. 45hl/h yield, highest since 2015, harvest September 7 to 29. 100% new oak. New cellar underway, due for completion in 2027. I am giving it 10 years to begin entering its opening window, a little less than usual but it will make no difference to how long you can cellar it. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 98-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Duhart-Milon is seriously impressive. Dark, virile and brooding in its intensity, the 2023 screams with Cabernet Sauvignon character. Plum, blackberry, incense, leather, grilled herbs andThe 2023 Duhart-Milon is seriously impressive. Dark, virile and brooding in its intensity, the 2023 screams with Cabernet Sauvignon character. Plum, blackberry, incense, leather, grilled herbs and licorice lend notable textural resonance and pure power. There's a good bit of tannin, so patience is a must. A virile, authoritative wine, Duhart-Milon is hugely promising in this edition. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Drinking range: 2031 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Carruades de Lafite is a very pretty, sensual wine that very much captures the personality of the Grand Vin, naturally in a more approachable style. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon andThe 2023 Carruades de Lafite is a very pretty, sensual wine that very much captures the personality of the Grand Vin, naturally in a more approachable style. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, with no Franc or Petit Verdot. I have to say, there is something very direct about the 2023—something frank that is really evident. I admire its purity. Succulent red plum, spice, cedar, tobacco and a lifting touch of white pepper open first, while beautifully persistent saline undertones extend the finish. Drinking range: 2028 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

With the 2023 vintage, this estate has crafted a wine of unprecedented aromatic intensity and precision that marks a significant evolution. Revealing an elegant, fresh bouquet of mulberries andWith the 2023 vintage, this estate has crafted a wine of unprecedented aromatic intensity and precision that marks a significant evolution. Revealing an elegant, fresh bouquet of mulberries and cassis mingled with notions of violets, gentian and menthol, the 2023 Pontet-Canet is medium to full-bodied, seamless and multidimensional, with a pure and precise core of fruit that's framed by ultra-refined tannins and a powerful but controlled profile, concluding with long, mineral, licorice-inflected finish. It's the result of more daring harvest decisions than in previous years: By picking the Merlot earlier to highlight fresh, fruity notes rather than baked, sun-kissed flavors and simultaneously delaying the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest until after September 28 to refine tannins, the 2023 Pontet-Canet marks a significant evolution at this renowned estate. At this early stage, its élevage appears to be more discreet, too. This wine, which I'd be delighted to own, is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, matured in 50% new oak barrels, 35% amphorae and 15% once-used barrels. Drinking range: 2025 - 2055 Rating: 96-98 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.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)

71 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot: 65% new oak for 16 months: 13.2% alc: 3.69 pH: 87 IPT Haut-Batailley continues its new lease of life under Cazes (Lynch-Bages) ownership,71 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot: 65% new oak for 16 months: 13.2% alc: 3.69 pH: 87 IPT Haut-Batailley continues its new lease of life under Cazes (Lynch-Bages) ownership, and this is a highly polished, extraordinarily exuberant and marvellously glossy wine.  Deeply fruited, with a core of chocolate and black plums, this modern style has fine-grained tannins and a long, spicy finish with masses of traction coming from both fruit and oak.  Haut-Batailley has never looked so eye-catching and glamorous. Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Beautiful Pibran with very creamy tannins that are polished and integrated. Medium body. Refined and polished texture. Made mostly from vineyards in limestone soils. 54% cabernet sauvignon and 46%Beautiful Pibran with very creamy tannins that are polished and integrated. Medium body. Refined and polished texture. Made mostly from vineyards in limestone soils. 54% cabernet sauvignon and 46% merlot. Better than 2022. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)