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

The grand vin here is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, picked at a yield of 42 hl/ha, and it takes about 35% of the crop. The aromatics are delightful, withThe grand vin here is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, picked at a yield of 42 hl/ha, and it takes about 35% of the crop. The aromatics are delightful, with blackcurrants, griottes, violets and currants. There is a succulent and sinewy texture immediately apparent on the palate, which sits draped over a core of richly extracted but finely knit tannins, and it carries blackcurrant, violet and black plum notes. It has a modest texture, but it holds together well, through to the finish which is coated in the delicious velvety and integrated grip. A smart grand vin which has good potential. One to revisit after the élevage. The alcohol is 12.62% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

Bright fruits, slate tannins, peony florals, black tea, tobacco and tons of St Julien finesse. Cabernet dominant in aroamtics and fruit character, a delicious Branaire. 53hl/ha yields.Bright fruits, slate tannins, peony florals, black tea, tobacco and tons of St Julien finesse. Cabernet dominant in aroamtics and fruit character, a delicious Branaire. 53hl/ha yields. Drinking range: 2029 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The 2023 Lagrange contains no Petit Verdot this year. Matured in 60% new oak, the aromatics demand a bit of coaxing in the glass, eventually revealing blackberry and cedar aromas and just a touch ofThe 2023 Lagrange contains no Petit Verdot this year. Matured in 60% new oak, the aromatics demand a bit of coaxing in the glass, eventually revealing blackberry and cedar aromas and just a touch of graphite, quite strict and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins on the entry, ensuring that this will be an approachable Lagrange. Pure-fruited and gently grippy, there is admirable depth to this Saint-Julien, revealing just a hint of brine toward the saline finish. This is a "solid" wine, if perhaps without the flair of the 2022. It will require four or five years in bottle but should drink well for the next 20 years or more. Drinking range: 2028 - 2048 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Perky plum and raspberry character, attractive aromatics, this is enoyable, with charm and lift. A little short on the finish.Perky plum and raspberry character, attractive aromatics, this is enoyable, with charm and lift. A little short on the finish. Drinking range: 2027 - 2037 Rating: 89 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The blend of the 2023 from Léoville-Poyferré is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, picked at a yield of 52.78 hl/ha (this is the figure across all theThe blend of the 2023 from Léoville-Poyferré is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, picked at a yield of 52.78 hl/ha (this is the figure across all the Cuvelier’s St Julien vineyards) from September 14th, nearly a week later than some, to October 5th. A very dark hue, the aromatics here are delightful, with seams of dark and fragrant fruits, roses, violets and dark chocolate, the cohesion and delineation putting this streets ahead of Pavillon, Moulin Riche and Le Crock, all tasted alongside. The palate is fresh, pure and bright, with beautifully dark and savoury fruits, blackcurrants, olives, blackberries, dark chocolate and roses, underneath which there is a wealth of ripe, polished, richly knit tannins, which support the sinewy and bright structure of the palate, as well as the fresh black fruits. A delicious St Julien, with a long and gripped finish, and fine potential. Tasted three times. The alcohol on analysis is 13.1%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

Pure fruit to this, with blueberries, hazelnuts, walnut and blackcurrants. Just like eating grapes at this stage. It has a full body, juicy tannins and a savory finish. Remains vivid and energetic.Pure fruit to this, with blueberries, hazelnuts, walnut and blackcurrants. Just like eating grapes at this stage. It has a full body, juicy tannins and a savory finish. Remains vivid and energetic. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

Very nicely creamed fruit on the nose, all currant, dark cherry, wild berries with a little white chocolate suggestion. This translates into a quite bright and beautiful structure on the palate, withVery nicely creamed fruit on the nose, all currant, dark cherry, wild berries with a little white chocolate suggestion. This translates into a quite bright and beautiful structure on the palate, with a rather juicy layer of fruit, draped over finely grained tannins. Sweet, peppery, convincing, with perfumed fruits, this is taut, linear and very attractive. It concludes with a flourish of firm and grippy tannins in the finish, which persist long thereafter, adding a huge, toasted grip to the length. A good result in the 2023 vintage, this is going to need time. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The 2023 Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in 100% new oak for a planned 18 months, has a less forceful bouquet than the 2022 last year and, consequently, shows more refinement and poise. The scents don'tThe 2023 Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in 100% new oak for a planned 18 months, has a less forceful bouquet than the 2022 last year and, consequently, shows more refinement and poise. The scents don't come barging out of the blocks, but they creep up on you. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh entry. Showing moderate depth, it’s quite linear in style and grippy. A faint touch of bell pepper emerges on the classically styled finish that reminds me of some of the old vintages of Ducru-Beaucaillou. This is the strictest vintage I have encountered in some time. Drinking range: 2030 - 2065 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou marries sophistication with the textural richness that is such a signature here. All the elements are so well balanced. Jammy dark red fruit, pomegranate, bloodThe 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou marries sophistication with the textural richness that is such a signature here. All the elements are so well balanced. Jammy dark red fruit, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and mocha infuse the 2023 with tons of nuance. Supple tannins wrap it all together. This Saint-Julien screams with character. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

Plush and fragrant opening to Le Petit Ducru in this vintage, the deep black pepper, capsicum and turmeric spice that is a signature of the vintage, with gorgeous fresh slate and graphite set againstPlush and fragrant opening to Le Petit Ducru in this vintage, the deep black pepper, capsicum and turmeric spice that is a signature of the vintage, with gorgeous fresh slate and graphite set against cassis fruits. 30% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 90 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

50 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 10 Petit Verdot, 5 Cabernet Franc Strangely, this is my favourite Gloria to date, and it even deserves a half point higher than last year’s juicy 2022. The recipe50 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 10 Petit Verdot, 5 Cabernet Franc Strangely, this is my favourite Gloria to date, and it even deserves a half point higher than last year’s juicy 2022. The recipe in this 2023 vintage wine sees only a 1% deviation from last year’s blend, with one percentage point more Petit Verdot taking this hundredth from Cabernet Franc, but it tastes like an entirely different wine. I have never used the word glorious about Gloria, but it is deserved. The engine in the centre of this flavour is fantastic and the tannins are fit and clean. Good work, Gloria; you will make a lot of new fans in 2023. Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Léoville Barton was picked from September 12 to October 2 and aged in 60% new oak. This takes a long time to settle in the glass, unfolding with black fruit, wild mint and a subtle seaweedThe 2023 Léoville Barton was picked from September 12 to October 2 and aged in 60% new oak. This takes a long time to settle in the glass, unfolding with black fruit, wild mint and a subtle seaweed scent. This Saint-Julien gains cohesion with aeration—a bit of pep. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A touch of dark chocolate infuses the black fruit, harmonious with a patina of new oak that will integrate with time. This is classic Léoville Barton from tip to toe, and whilst it does not match the imperious 2022, it is a very impressive follow-up due to its interwoven elegance. Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Langoa is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, picked from September 12th onwards, finishing October 2nd. A nose of concentrated and darkly perfumed fruit, with tenseThe 2023 Langoa is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, picked from September 12th onwards, finishing October 2nd. A nose of concentrated and darkly perfumed fruit, with tense black cherry and blackberry, rose petal and violet, touched with white peach and black pepper. This starts off with a modestly convincing texture on the palate, with a core of sinewy dark plum, currant and black cherry, nuanced with violets and olive, lending it a fragrant and perfumed edge. A very attractive composition, with a tannic structure which feels lightly worked, just wrapping up the palate in a gentle and powdery substance, as well as a little oak. Overall though, this is charming and bright, and it concludes with a little flourish of soft grip. A rather low-key Langoa this year, but perhaps a success in this challenging vintage. Tasted three times. The alcohol level is about 13%. Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

The second wine of Talbot presents a nose of crystalline red cherry and raspberry, pomegranate and currant leaf. This light and herby nose is matched by a palate showing a sweet and herby core ofThe second wine of Talbot presents a nose of crystalline red cherry and raspberry, pomegranate and currant leaf. This light and herby nose is matched by a palate showing a sweet and herby core of redcurrant and red cherry fruits, and a lick of leather, with softly extracted and powdery tannins adding a light touch of grip, before it all fades away very quickly in the finish. A rather light and herby second wine which will make unfussy drinking. Rating: 86-88 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (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

Aromas of dark berries, cassis, orange zest and toasty oak introduce the 2023 Moulin Riche, a medium to full-bodied, layered and textural wine that's rich and concentrated, with a dense core of fruitAromas of dark berries, cassis, orange zest and toasty oak introduce the 2023 Moulin Riche, a medium to full-bodied, layered and textural wine that's rich and concentrated, with a dense core of fruit and good integration at this early stage. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full ofThis offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023? Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and only 4% Merlot, the 2023 Léoville Las Cases is one of the more serious, structured wines of the vintage, reminiscent of a modern-day versionA blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and only 4% Merlot, the 2023 Léoville Las Cases is one of the more serious, structured wines of the vintage, reminiscent of a modern-day version of the estate's excellent 2001. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, cassis and plums mingled with hints of licorice, mint and creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a taut core of fruit, lively acids and plenty of fine, youthfully firm tannins. It will require and reward patience. Rating: 94-96 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)