Saint Julien

Release date: 6/6/2024

The 2023 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a pretty serious second wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice and mocha are all front and center. The presence of the fruit here is alluring. Soft,The 2023 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a pretty serious second wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice and mocha are all front and center. The presence of the fruit here is alluring. Soft, plush contours wrap it all together in style. I very much like the depth here. Drinking range: 2025 - 2038 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

Vibrant colour that speaks of a great En Primeur wine, with the bright acidities that seem typical in these appellations of 2023. More subdued than some sibling St Juliens, this has a serious feel,Vibrant colour that speaks of a great En Primeur wine, with the bright acidities that seem typical in these appellations of 2023. More subdued than some sibling St Juliens, this has a serious feel, with the Cabernets very much on the savoury, stately side, sinewy and with touches of raspberry leaf and peony, fragrant and floral. Plenty of ageing capacity ahead, but don't feel that you will have to wait too long to begin drinking. Old school and delicous. The Cabernet levels are above 80% as has been true for the last few years, a result of the vines coming in to the right age after extensive replanting. Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

A smoky nose, sweet with wild berries, dark chocolate, black pepper and smoke. A tight and light style to the palate that follows, with a gentle and modest silky texture, supporting fresh fruit notesA smoky nose, sweet with wild berries, dark chocolate, black pepper and smoke. A tight and light style to the palate that follows, with a gentle and modest silky texture, supporting fresh fruit notes of wild berries, crystalline cherries and griottes, all underpinned by a core of rich, finely grained yet firm tannins. Charming, but riven with structure and fresh acidity, as per the vintage, as well as perfumed oak. This has charm and it should age well on that grip and acidity. One to revisit. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, the 2023 Lagrange offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied,A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, the 2023 Lagrange offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with good depth, supple tannins and a suave, vibrant profile, it's attractively seamless and complete. In 2023, Bordes and his team waited for the Cabernet Sauvignon on the plateau to attain full maturity after the rains and have been rewarded by a fine classic for this estate. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Some 52% of the estate's production was consecrated to the 2023 Les Fiefs de Lagrange, an attractive, medium to full-bodied wine redolent of cassis, licorice and plums. With good depth at the coreSome 52% of the estate's production was consecrated to the 2023 Les Fiefs de Lagrange, an attractive, medium to full-bodied wine redolent of cassis, licorice and plums. With good depth at the core and sweet, powdery tannins, it's a vibrant Saint-Julien that will age with grace. A further 6% of Lagrange's output was bulked out to maintain the quality of this cuvée, and that shows. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 Léoville-Poyferré was picked from September 14 until October 5 at 52.78hL/ha and aged in slightly less new oak than usual, simply because of the large volume. In fact, some of the lotsThe 2023 Léoville-Poyferré was picked from September 14 until October 5 at 52.78hL/ha and aged in slightly less new oak than usual, simply because of the large volume. In fact, some of the lots commenced their malolactic fermentation in vat rather than barrel. This has an intense bouquet with black cherries and iodine, becoming more floral with aeration. The palate opens with a medium body and pliant tannins, fleshy and ripe, dovetailing into a dense and multi-tiered mid-palate. Typical Poyferré in style, blood orange and light graphite notes are embroidered into the ripe black fruit, and there is noticeable glycerol on the finish. It is perhaps the most opulent of the three Léovilles, and yet it arrives with a modest 13.1% alcohol. This is a contender for the best Saint-Julien in show. Drinking range: 2027 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 from Beychevelle offers some appealing fruit on the nose, with creamed summer berries, vanilla and a little raspberry leaf freshness. The palate follows with a modestly textured substance,The 2023 from Beychevelle offers some appealing fruit on the nose, with creamed summer berries, vanilla and a little raspberry leaf freshness. The palate follows with a modestly textured substance, fresh and bright, medium-bodied, with a rather loosely composed midpalate, with firm but nicely melded tannins. A gentle texture here, with juicy fruit, laid over a firm structure, this leads into a sappy and tannin-rich finish. Rather fresh and bright, with good grip, I could see this developing well. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

The 2023 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is packed with blackberry jam, gravel, lavender, dried herbs, spice and crushed rocks. There’s a ton of character here. Incisive tannins and bright acids pull itThe 2023 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is packed with blackberry jam, gravel, lavender, dried herbs, spice and crushed rocks. There’s a ton of character here. Incisive tannins and bright acids pull it all together in style. Give this at least a few years to soften. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The 2023 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a heady, sumptuous Saint-Julien. The aromatics alone are captivating. Truffle, rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate, spice and menthol build in a creamy, lavish Ducru.The 2023 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a heady, sumptuous Saint-Julien. The aromatics alone are captivating. Truffle, rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate, spice and menthol build in a creamy, lavish Ducru. The 2023 is a classic Bruno Borie wine that emphasizes textural opulence. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous floral and spice-driven top notes. The balance of opulence and vibrancy is compelling. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

58 Merlot, 40 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 Petit Verdot: 13.5% alc: 3.71 pH: 91 IPT: Harvested from 8 September - 3 October While Le Petit has some unpolished wildness due to its chunky Merlot content, it58 Merlot, 40 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 Petit Verdot: 13.5% alc: 3.71 pH: 91 IPT: Harvested from 8 September - 3 October While Le Petit has some unpolished wildness due to its chunky Merlot content, it is still an impressive wine. But when this wine hits the glass, it is clear there is a big step up to La Croix on both the nose and palate. The fruit is adroit, upright and thrilling, and the tannins made me grin from ear to ear. There is trademark Ducru exoticism here, and it is delivered with aplomb. A chiselled jawline and confident stance make ’23 La Croix seem slightly more civilised and self-assured than the imposing 2022. This is a more athletic wine than I expected. It has a rangy, loping gait and a fair amount of swagger - there is much to admire. A slightly odd equilibrium is found mid-way along the palate when the intense fruit notes encounter sublime freshness coming in the other direction. This is shocking and pleasing in equal measure. La Croix is a superb wine, and while it gains the same score as the 2022, in many ways, I prefer it. It again shows that human intervention and decision-making made the wines of Ducru truly impressive in 2023. 18+/20 Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

72 Merlot, 24 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 Petit Verdot: 13.7% alc: 3.73 pH: 89 IPT: Harvested between 8 September – 3 October Gosh, there is some clear DNA in this wine trickling down from the Grand Vin72 Merlot, 24 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 Petit Verdot: 13.7% alc: 3.73 pH: 89 IPT: Harvested between 8 September – 3 October Gosh, there is some clear DNA in this wine trickling down from the Grand Vin and La Croix here, and while this is a third wine, and it sits lowest on the ladder, it lacks nothing in flair and deliciousness. There is admirable complexity and a long, even finish, and the tannins are well-drilled and respectful. Granted, you can crack on after three or four years and have some classic Ducru fun, but it has an engine to live until 2035 with ease, making this Petit an authentic candidate for this moniker and the finest Little Ducru to date. 17+/20 Rating: 17+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

Blackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. CouldBlackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. Could move up a notch. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Léoville-Barton marries the classicism the château is so well-known for with an extra kick of textural intensity from the heat of the year. It’s powerful, dark and serious, with compellingThe 2023 Léoville-Barton marries the classicism the château is so well-known for with an extra kick of textural intensity from the heat of the year. It’s powerful, dark and serious, with compelling notes of black cherry, lavender, spice and blackberry. This is an especially dense, somber Léoville-Barton endowed with tremendous presence. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the first time Franc has appeared in the blend. This will need time to soften, as the tannins are imposing. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2063 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

60 Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 Merlot, 3 Cabernet Franc: 60% new oak: 13% alc Langoa has nearly caught up with Léoville Barton in the last couple of vintages. While it doesn’t have as robust a core of60 Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 Merlot, 3 Cabernet Franc: 60% new oak: 13% alc Langoa has nearly caught up with Léoville Barton in the last couple of vintages. While it doesn’t have as robust a core of Cabernet as its stablemate, which is critical for superstardom on the Left Bank in 2023, it is only a nudge behind. It will drink significantly earlier, so there is no reason to favour one wine over the other. The answer to your unasked question is to buy both and let Langoa lead where Léoville will follow. This is a generous wine with ripe, smooth and open fruit (aided by 37% Merlot), and it is the first time I have written the word ‘exotic’ about this oft-quietly formal wine. These quietly lavish moments suit this vintage because these floral curlicues and discreet fruit indulgences significantly add to Langoa’s appeal, making it a cunning purchase for those seeking wines with a little more immediacy without sacrificing elegance and balance. 18+/20 Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

A strong effort, the 2023 Connetable de Talbot reveals aromas of plums, berries, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and mouth-filling palate. It will offer aA strong effort, the 2023 Connetable de Talbot reveals aromas of plums, berries, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and mouth-filling palate. It will offer a broad and satisfying drinking window. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

Jean-Michel Laporte has tweaked the blend this year to give the best vintage expression he could - with about half the usual Petit Verdot quota and Chateau Talbot's highest ever amount of CabernetJean-Michel Laporte has tweaked the blend this year to give the best vintage expression he could - with about half the usual Petit Verdot quota and Chateau Talbot's highest ever amount of Cabernet Sauvignon making up 77% of the blend. This makes perfect sense when you taste, as the Cabernet is just of such a high quality. This is super, with a classic feel and fresh impact early on. Crunch to the dark berries and then a supple depth in the mid-palate where the fruit becomes brighter and more red-centric, with violets and a fresh minty herb note. Really elegant yet - satisfyingly dense feel to the middle. The lovely poised fruit is firm and deep. Lively too with a juicy fresh line to the finish. 13% alcohol. Jean-Michel has really found his stride here now and this Talbot is a great testament to that and a reminder of why the estate's reputation is so strong. A wine that should be in your cellar. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Moulin Riche has a more intense nose than the Le Crock and the Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré, with black cherries commingling with iodine and subtle marine scents. The palate is wellThe 2023 Moulin Riche has a more intense nose than the Le Crock and the Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré, with black cherries commingling with iodine and subtle marine scents. The palate is well structured with fine backbone, displaying very pure black plum and raspberry fruit laced with white pepper. I think this will be open for business soon after bottling, but it has the substance to give a decade or more of drinking pleasure. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

Squid ink, cassis, bilberry, roses, love the intensity and gorgeous salinity of this wine. Captures the sense of energy and florality in the best Cabernets of 2023, although retains the austeritySquid ink, cassis, bilberry, roses, love the intensity and gorgeous salinity of this wine. Captures the sense of energy and florality in the best Cabernets of 2023, although retains the austerity that you expect from this site in its early years. First vintage in the new cellars, moving from 40 vats to 80 vats, with 30 microvinification vats. Harvest September 6 to October 5, 50% new oak for ageing, 44hl/h yields. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 94-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

Exceptional quality of cabernet comes through here, with a lot of graphite, lead pencil, crushed stone, walnut and currant fruit. It grows and expands on the palate, remaining in focus at the sameExceptional quality of cabernet comes through here, with a lot of graphite, lead pencil, crushed stone, walnut and currant fruit. It grows and expands on the palate, remaining in focus at the same time. Refined and seamless with beautiful tannins that show power and intensity. It rolls across the palate with verve. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 4% merlot. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)