Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 13/6/2024

The 2023 Figeac is gorgeous. Seamless and vibrant, with captivating elegance, this is an absolute beauty. What I admire most is its exceptional balance. Everything is in the right place. Time in theThe 2023 Figeac is gorgeous. Seamless and vibrant, with captivating elegance, this is an absolute beauty. What I admire most is its exceptional balance. Everything is in the right place. Time in the glass brings out hints of gravel, dried herbs, licorice, tobacco and cedar that add dimension. Although it is early, Figeac is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drinking range: 2033 - 2073 Rating: 95-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 12/6/2024

Joséphine Duffau Lagarrosse's third vintage at this terrific hillside terroir is her most impressive to date. The 2023 Beauséjour (Duffau Lagarrosse) offers up aromas of black raspberries,Joséphine Duffau Lagarrosse's third vintage at this terrific hillside terroir is her most impressive to date. The 2023 Beauséjour (Duffau Lagarrosse) offers up aromas of black raspberries, mulberries, violets, spices and incense, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered palate that's seamless, suave and concentrated, with lively acids, beautiful purity of fruit and a long, mineral, gently balsamic finish. It's a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, picked on nine days between September 13 and October 3. Duffau Lagarrosse's work on oak selection (she favors Burgundy's cooperage Cadus, among others) has delivered much more seamless integration at this early stage, and her attentive approach to extraction is already bearing fruit in the form of tannins that are more polished and refined than was formerly the case at this address. It's a brilliant effort from a property with almost limitless potential. Rating: 96-98 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 11/6/2024

Inky plum, vibrant violet edges, shows the intensity that is signature to Troplong, combining velvety texture with a lightness of touch, tomato leaf and peony aromatics. Fresh blueberry andInky plum, vibrant violet edges, shows the intensity that is signature to Troplong, combining velvety texture with a lightness of touch, tomato leaf and peony aromatics. Fresh blueberry and blackberry fruits with plenty of grilled spices and sandalwood oak effortlessly integrated even at this early stage. High Cabernet Franc in the blend, and three tanks fermented with stems (which they consider as an alternative to press). 22% aged in large scale foudres, and 18% in one year old barrels, rest 60% in new oak. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 10/6/2024

The 2023 Larcis Ducasse is elegant, powerful and wonderfully expressive. In other words, classic Larcis. Plum, blood orange, spice, menthol, mocha and gravel infuse the 2023 with layers of dimensionThe 2023 Larcis Ducasse is elegant, powerful and wonderfully expressive. In other words, classic Larcis. Plum, blood orange, spice, menthol, mocha and gravel infuse the 2023 with layers of dimension that only grow with time in the glass. This will need some time to shed its considerable baby fat. Superb. Tasted four times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 10/6/2024

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 L'If sashays out of the glass with flamboyant notes of kirsch, juicy plums, and mulberries followed by hints of rosebud tea, underbrush, dark chocolate, andDeep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 L'If sashays out of the glass with flamboyant notes of kirsch, juicy plums, and mulberries followed by hints of rosebud tea, underbrush, dark chocolate, and aniseed. The medium to full-bodied palate is coated with red and black berry flavors, framed by firm fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing long and fragrant. This is beautiful! The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Drinking range: 2029 - 2050 Rating: 94-96 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2024)

Release date: 7/6/2024

Ruby red, glass staining, peony and violet flowers on the aromatics, plush velvety tannins that cushion plump damson and pomegranate fruits through to a juicy salinity on the finish. Estate identityRuby red, glass staining, peony and violet flowers on the aromatics, plush velvety tannins that cushion plump damson and pomegranate fruits through to a juicy salinity on the finish. Estate identity in full effect here, shot through with the sheer pleasure of limestone, harvest September 7 to 28 for the Merlot, with Cabernet Franc through to October 4. 39hl/h yield. 55% new oak for ageing. First year in the new cellar, Jean de Cournuaud technical director. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

Heavy black pepper spice, good lift through the palate, powerful drive and energy, with sculpted blue and black fruits and a pumice stone scrape. Harvest September 13 to October 5, 45hl/ha yield.Heavy black pepper spice, good lift through the palate, powerful drive and energy, with sculpted blue and black fruits and a pumice stone scrape. Harvest September 13 to October 5, 45hl/ha yield. 45hl/ha yield, in organic conversion. Tasted twice. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

This is 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, picked at a yield of 45 hl/ha. The picking started September 6th, then the Cabernets after the 20th, finishing October 4th. A rather elegant nose, of floralThis is 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, picked at a yield of 45 hl/ha. The picking started September 6th, then the Cabernets after the 20th, finishing October 4th. A rather elegant nose, of floral redcurrants, leather and red cherry, with a rather lifted sense of freshness. It feels very quietly spoken at first, while the palate shows a correspondingly elegant restraint, with leaves of red cherry, tobacco, currant and toast, infused with tightly knit and toasted tannins, which build through the midpalate and finish to create a rather gripped and firm finish. This has sinewy texture, including through the middle, essential in this vintage, although the second sample I tasted showed a touch more conviction in this regard than the first. A rather firm, restrained, structured style of Canon, which concludes with a long and tightly wound grip that seems to carry the limestone of the plateau directly onto my palate. A good Canon in the end, although the profile fits the style of the vintage, tense and linear. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 14%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

The 2023 Pavie Macquin was picked from September 18, finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 3, cropped at 48hl/ha. The nose offers a mélange of red and black fruit with light wilted roseThe 2023 Pavie Macquin was picked from September 18, finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 3, cropped at 48hl/ha. The nose offers a mélange of red and black fruit with light wilted rose petal and iris scents. The Cabernet Franc (17% of the blend) imparts loamy aromas. The palate is very svelte and creamy on the entry, but there is real depth and freshness here. Harmonious and poised, it fans out beautifully on the finish. This is more elegant and complex than the 2022, and my score reflects this. Superb. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

This includes, since the 2022 vintage, all the fruit from Pavie-Decesse and Bellevue-Mondotte, none of which went into Arômes de Pavie. The blend is 51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 17% CabernetThis includes, since the 2022 vintage, all the fruit from Pavie-Decesse and Bellevue-Mondotte, none of which went into Arômes de Pavie. The blend is 51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked at 32.76 hl/ha. The picking was from September 18th to October 5th, at the later end for the vintage. Sweet and perfumed fruit on the nose, concentrated but floral and delineated, with violets, cedar, pencil shavings, gorse flower and dark chocolate spice with black pepper. The palate follows this up with a perfect sense of harmony, showing elegantly polished fruit with a fine-boned frame of tannins simmering beneath it, which leads to a finish rich in grip. It is firm, structured, imposing, but it feels appropriate for the vintage and the estate’s standing. An impressive composition, with fine potential. Long and gripped. The élevage will be in 72% new oak, not out of the ordinary for this property. The alcohol on analysis is 14.25%, partly because the Cabernet Sauvignon registers a lower alcohol than Cabernet Franc. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 Saintayme, 100% Merlot, is a deep, serious wine. There's a real core of inner strength here. Dark red fruit, cedar, spice and dried flowers open with some coaxing, but the 2023 impressesThe 2023 Saintayme, 100% Merlot, is a deep, serious wine. There's a real core of inner strength here. Dark red fruit, cedar, spice and dried flowers open with some coaxing, but the 2023 impresses most with its overall poise. Pretty floral overtones add brightness. The 2023 is a very fine Saintayme. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

This is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was picked from September 10th for the Merlot, but mainly from the 18th, then followed by the Cabernet Franc starting onThis is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was picked from September 10th for the Merlot, but mainly from the 18th, then followed by the Cabernet Franc starting on September 20th and the Cabernet Sauvignon on September 30th. This is richer in Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, as it includes fruit from a parcel planted in 2021 for the first time. A beautifully pure and convincing nose here, expressive and bright, with a strong Cabernet expression of gorse flowers, orange peel, sweet blackcurrants and griottes. The palate is just as convincing as the nose, with a modest medium-bodied texture but a silky blanket of fruit draped over a firm grip of tannins. This one is going to need time, but it has all that it needs to get there. The alcohol is 14.5% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

The 2023 Fleur Cardinale is gorgeous. Vivid, heady and explosive, the 2023 has a ton to offer. I especially admire its energy and overall drive. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, spice, chocolate andThe 2023 Fleur Cardinale is gorgeous. Vivid, heady and explosive, the 2023 has a ton to offer. I especially admire its energy and overall drive. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, spice, chocolate and menthol all blossom in this explosive, full-throttle Saint-Émilion. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2028 - 2053 Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/5/2024

A really charming, bright and well-defined fruit profile on the nose of the 2023 from Château de Ferrand, with fresh and ripe raspberry and red cherry, swirled with softening layers of vanilla, toastA really charming, bright and well-defined fruit profile on the nose of the 2023 from Château de Ferrand, with fresh and ripe raspberry and red cherry, swirled with softening layers of vanilla, toast and dark chocolate. This is followed by a quite delicious style on the palate, harmonious and pure, with a sinewy and mouth-watering substance, balanced by an understated frame of sappy and well-knit tannins, leading to a modestly gripped finish. Fresh and perfumed, with an elegant poise but plenty of structure and the fresh acidity of the vintage, this is a restrained style which should evolve well. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 28/5/2024

Bright ruby red, vivid depths to the body of the wine, well balanced, kick of eucalyptus and mint, hint of grilled cloves, with clear juice and limestone grip running through the black cherry andBright ruby red, vivid depths to the body of the wine, well balanced, kick of eucalyptus and mint, hint of grilled cloves, with clear juice and limestone grip running through the black cherry and damson fruit. The Nony family has produced another exceptional vintage here. 50% new. 49hl/ha yield. Possible upscore in bottle. Drinking range: 2030 - 2044 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 24/5/2024

This is full and substantial, with firm tannins and a crunchy finish. Lots of blue fruit, blackberry, crushed-stone and mineral character. Very structured. 99% merlot and 1% cabernet franc.This is full and substantial, with firm tannins and a crunchy finish. Lots of blue fruit, blackberry, crushed-stone and mineral character. Very structured. 99% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with sweet and crunchy fruits, tense blackcurrant, currant, dark chocolate and crushed gravel. A nice presence at the start of the palate, with aThe blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with sweet and crunchy fruits, tense blackcurrant, currant, dark chocolate and crushed gravel. A nice presence at the start of the palate, with a sinewy substance, with a nicely buried core of dark and integrated tannins, the fruit profile savoury and dark, and it has the bright acidity of the vintage. This has concentration, freshness and grip, with a deliciously bright and perfumed fruit, and smoky structure. It finishes with harmony, the curtain of fruit parting to reveal a lingering frame of rich tannin. A promising Barde-Haut here, but as always let’s see how it looks after the élevage. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Love the bright fruit here, bright, zesty, real orange peel and tar, heavy spice but plenty of love. 45hl/ha, harvest September 7 to 29. 50% new oak, rest in stainless steel.Love the bright fruit here, bright, zesty, real orange peel and tar, heavy spice but plenty of love. 45hl/ha, harvest September 7 to 29. 50% new oak, rest in stainless steel. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The 2023 La Gaffelière is a dense, powerful wine. As has been the case since 2018, La Gaffelière has a strong Franc component—40% in 2023. Usually, the aromatics are quite lifted, but this wine isThe 2023 La Gaffelière is a dense, powerful wine. As has been the case since 2018, La Gaffelière has a strong Franc component—40% in 2023. Usually, the aromatics are quite lifted, but this wine is rather dense. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are impeccably balanced. This will need time to be at its best, but it shows promise. The introduction of 500-liter barrels and a reduction of new oak closes the wine a bit, but there's a ton of raw energy here and a good bit of tannin, too. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 93-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2023 Corbin shows very well today. All the elements are so well balanced. Hints of chocolate, licorice, spice and leather meld into a core of dark-fleshed fruit.Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2023 Corbin shows very well today. All the elements are so well balanced. Hints of chocolate, licorice, spice and leather meld into a core of dark-fleshed fruit. There's so much to like here. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 Clos Fourtet is pure class. Elegant and soaring, the 2023 offers up an exciting mélange of dark-toned fruit, leather, incense, dried herbs, pencil shavings and crushed rocks. Beams ofThe 2023 Clos Fourtet is pure class. Elegant and soaring, the 2023 offers up an exciting mélange of dark-toned fruit, leather, incense, dried herbs, pencil shavings and crushed rocks. Beams of supporting limestone-infused tannin and acid give Clos Fourtet is super-distinctive feel. The long, enduring finish is a thing of beauty. Clos Fourtet remains a benchmark example of wines from Saint-Émilion's famed limestone plateau. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2063 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, picked September 6th to the 27th. The yield was 30 hl/ha, a lower yield for the Neipperg portfolio which hints at more problems with mildew here. BrightA blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, picked September 6th to the 27th. The yield was 30 hl/ha, a lower yield for the Neipperg portfolio which hints at more problems with mildew here. Bright red cherry and raspberry on the nose, smoky with a little matchsticky reductive note which enhances the sweet purity of the fruit. The palate starts with a quite open and juicy style, with a touch of infused minerality to it, draped gently over a rich core of powdery yet firm tannins. This holds together well, although it carries a lot of grip, which persists into the finish. A good result in a challenging vintage. The alcohol is around 14%. Rating: 89-91 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 La Mondotte is fabulous. In fact, the 2023 is one of the best Mondottes I can remember tasting. A wine of vertical, explosive energy, La Mondotte dazzles from the very first taste. Inky darkThe 2023 La Mondotte is fabulous. In fact, the 2023 is one of the best Mondottes I can remember tasting. A wine of vertical, explosive energy, La Mondotte dazzles from the very first taste. Inky dark fruit, mocha, lavender, new leather, spice and dried herbs build as this dynamic, complex Saint-Émilion shows off its compelling personality. Superb. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Showing al-dente fruit with raspberries, orange peel and other hints of bitter citrus. Medium-bodied with creamy and medium, round tannins leading to a salty finish. Cabernet franc really showingShowing al-dente fruit with raspberries, orange peel and other hints of bitter citrus. Medium-bodied with creamy and medium, round tannins leading to a salty finish. Cabernet franc really showing through. A blend of 45% cabernet franc, 35% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon. May be better than 2022. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

This is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, picked September 21st to the 25th, and the yield was 44 hl/ha. A sweet style of fruit on the nose here, with ripe red cherry, damson and driedThis is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, picked September 21st to the 25th, and the yield was 44 hl/ha. A sweet style of fruit on the nose here, with ripe red cherry, damson and dried raspberry notes, with little elements of honeyed toast coming from the oak. This feels coherent and fresh on the palate, showing rather juicy red fruits, red cherry, raspberry and currants, with twists of tobacco and toast, as well as a rich wrapping of modesty grained tannins which add a drying note to the finish. A modern fruit profile here, the juicy body of the vintage, and a rather firm, dry, old-school tannic structure. I suspect this will develop well if it can soak up those tannins. The alcohol is around 13.5%. Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

Vibrant ruby plum, rich in texture, as are all of these St Emilion Grand Crus Classés in in the vintage, with a swirl of black chocolate and capsicum, highly charged, plenty of impact, good liftVibrant ruby plum, rich in texture, as are all of these St Emilion Grand Crus Classés in in the vintage, with a swirl of black chocolate and capsicum, highly charged, plenty of impact, good lift through the palate, flash of heat. Great quality, skilful winemaking, one to admire but not sink into. A brilliant location, this has the potential for a far greater score, 70% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2029 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne is stellar. Soaring floral notes from the Cabernet Franc give Grand Corbin Despagne its distinctive personality. Pliant and inviting, the 2023 has so much to offer.The 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne is stellar. Soaring floral notes from the Cabernet Franc give Grand Corbin Despagne its distinctive personality. Pliant and inviting, the 2023 has so much to offer. Black cherry, lavender, spice, new leather and sweet pipe tobacco are beautifully delineated. Sweet floral accents reappear on the finish. The 2023 is impeccable, not to mention wonderfully individual. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a potent, backward wine. Dark-toned fruit and huge, sweeping tannins make a strong first impression. The 2023 is a somber, brooding Tertre-Rôteboeuf that will need atThe 2023 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a potent, backward wine. Dark-toned fruit and huge, sweeping tannins make a strong first impression. The 2023 is a somber, brooding Tertre-Rôteboeuf that will need at least a few years to come into its own. It's difficult to say whether the searing tannins will ever fully soften; I would say that is a 50/50 proposition at this stage. En primeur at Tertre-Rôteboeuf is more akin to Burgundy than Bordeaux; wines are tasted straight from barrel rather than from prepared samples, so there is always a bit of variability. I observed this in the two barrels I tasted. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 91-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 16/5/2024

The 2023 Bellefont Belcier demonstrates this property's continuing renaissance, exhibiting more density and seriousness as the team starts to get the best out of their holdings on the plateau ofThe 2023 Bellefont Belcier demonstrates this property's continuing renaissance, exhibiting more density and seriousness as the team starts to get the best out of their holdings on the plateau of Saint-Émilion overlooking the slopes that surround the château. Offering up aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of burning embers and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, powdery structuring tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2024)

Release date: 16/5/2024

Deep ruby, blackberry and raspberry fruits, cocoa bean, espresso, juicy and intensely spice, needs more nuance to throw into relief the grilled oak.Deep ruby, blackberry and raspberry fruits, cocoa bean, espresso, juicy and intensely spice, needs more nuance to throw into relief the grilled oak. Drinking range: 2029 - 2042 Rating: 90 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The density of fruit grabs your attention, showing fullness and richness with blue fruit and a hazelnut undertone. Chewy at the end of the polished and solid palate. Structured young wine.The density of fruit grabs your attention, showing fullness and richness with blue fruit and a hazelnut undertone. Chewy at the end of the polished and solid palate. Structured young wine. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The 2023 Chapelle d’Ausone is fabulous, as it often is. Succulent, ripe tannins give the 2023 tons of pure charm. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha all run throughThe 2023 Chapelle d’Ausone is fabulous, as it often is. Succulent, ripe tannins give the 2023 tons of pure charm. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha all run through this sumptuous yet structured Saint-Émilion. This will be stellar in another few years time. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The blend is 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, picked September 14th and 19th for the Merlot, picking a week later than much of the left bank and a little later than a number of right-bank peers,The blend is 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, picked September 14th and 19th for the Merlot, picking a week later than much of the left bank and a little later than a number of right-bank peers, finishing with the Cabernet Franc on September 25th, 28th and 29th. The vines ere aged 55 years on average, and the yield was 38 hl/ha after a saignée of 4 hl/ha. The aromatics here are divine, high-class and finely polished, with rose petals, currants, dark griottes, toast and spiced dark chocolate. This translates into a palate that starts with silk before moving to a more velvety style, with such seamless upper layers, and great harmony, a little underpinning of ripe and tightly knit tannin, and fresh acidity. Dense and compact in the finish, coherent with a firmer tannic backbone but the fruit substance and texture to cope, so it feels confident, long and balanced. Beautifully styled, so approachable and bright, majoring on elegance and precision more than power, with undeniable potential. What a stunner; an Ausone to bring back memories of vintages past, for sure. Rating: 95-97 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The reworking of La Clotte under the Vauthier family continues to impress, and this is one to look out for. The terroir was always there, and the precise vineyard work is now fully accentuating theThe reworking of La Clotte under the Vauthier family continues to impress, and this is one to look out for. The terroir was always there, and the precise vineyard work is now fully accentuating the iris and lily floral aromatics, the arresting slate and pumice stone texture, where autumnal fruits are sweet and ripe, cassis pastille and raspberry puree, but they take second place to the fennel, annis, cold ash, rhubarb, lavender. One of my wines to watch in this vintage, demands attention. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

From a 7 Hectare slope in front of Chateau Ausone - the Moulin Saint-Georges is a real winner in 2023. More broad and powerful in feel than some years - this remains an absolute charmer, but aFrom a 7 Hectare slope in front of Chateau Ausone - the Moulin Saint-Georges is a real winner in 2023. More broad and powerful in feel than some years - this remains an absolute charmer, but a charmer with some serious intent. A wonderful mulch of blue and deep-red berries is lifted by floral hits of pink blossom and even a whiff of violets. Imposing but with lovely layers and nuance. Owned by the Vauthier family from Ausone since 1921, this remains a real steal for Grand Cru Saint Emilion with such pedigree and heritage.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

Very pretty with pure cassis and sliced orange character. Medium body, fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced and fresh. Some stone and salty undertones. 64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon andVery pretty with pure cassis and sliced orange character. Medium body, fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced and fresh. Some stone and salty undertones. 64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 8% carmenere. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

The 2023 Dragon de Quintus is a real success this year, revealing aromas of cassis, mulberries, dark wild berries and flowers. Moderately weighted and elegant, the wine on the palate is fleshy, roundThe 2023 Dragon de Quintus is a real success this year, revealing aromas of cassis, mulberries, dark wild berries and flowers. Moderately weighted and elegant, the wine on the palate is fleshy, round and seamless with a structuring, long finish. This is a blend of 71.6% Merlot and 28.4% Cabernet Franc. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 90-92 L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

This year, the 2023 Quintus is a well-performing wine, possessing a dense, complex bouquet of smoke, dark wild berries and licorice intertwined with a delicate, oaky frame. Fleshy and ample, mediumThis year, the 2023 Quintus is a well-performing wine, possessing a dense, complex bouquet of smoke, dark wild berries and licorice intertwined with a delicate, oaky frame. Fleshy and ample, medium to full-bodied, it’s perfectly balanced with a delicate, lively core of fruit and a long, ethereal and chalky finish. The influence of the Grand Pontet limestone plateau lends additional straightness and precision to this wine, a blend of 78.3% Merlot and 21.7% Cabernet Franc. Drinking range: 2025 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

52 Merlot, 46 Cabernet Franc, 2 Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% new oak (seven coopers, with a focus on medium toast, for 16-18 months) I have been talking about the human interventions that made this52 Merlot, 46 Cabernet Franc, 2 Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% new oak (seven coopers, with a focus on medium toast, for 16-18 months) I have been talking about the human interventions that made this vintage such a success for the best protagonists, and Cheval Blanc and Le Petit Cheval are perfect cases in point. Floral ignition was simply stunning here, with every flower and every fruit exploding into life. In June, the viti-teams had to fight hard - they sprayed 11 times to combat mildew, and in July, everything dried out, and three careful green harvests took place. The term green harvest sounds somewhat brutal because the teams practised ‘cleaning’, ‘aerating’ and ‘taking weight out of bunches’ to balance the vines with precisely the correct crop load for each vine. In some cases, they dropped one bunch in two to give every vine, including the vigorous young vines, a chance of being eligible for the Grand Vin! It is always a joy to taste with Arnaud de Laforcade, Commercial & Financial Director at Cheval Blanc because he comes out with truly passionate one-liners that frame the wines perfectly. “We love our young vines”, he said wistfully. “If you left them in this vintage, they would make 70hl/ha, so we must harmonise the ripening.” He explained that this critical pruning was delegated to subcontracted crews because the “home team” hates cutting off fruit because they are so inextricably linked to their vines. This says a lot about the ethos at Cheval Blanc. August’s sprinklings of rain, interspersed with sunny weather, particularly in the second half, meant that conditions were perfect. This brought on complete ripeness, particularly in Cabernet Franc – the vital member of the team in both first and second wines. They started picking on the 6th of September with the younger Merlot vines and then cherry-picked for one whole month, ending on the 3rd of October. Even the ‘downpour’ in mid-September that was predicted to be a slightly worrying 60mm managed only 20mm, and like so many experienced crews, they ‘played the game’, and this prompted Cabernet Franc to hit a perfect picking window four days after this mini storm. In fact, Arnaud described picking as “serene”. It was a luxury to pick precisely what you wanted when you wanted, and the results are simply jaw-dropping. While this famous château has been flying high the last couple of years in my notes and scores with stunning wines with different characters and dimensions, I think that 2023 Cheval Blanc has one of the most attractive perfumes I can remember. It is like walking in the most extraordinary florist imaginable when the rare and exotic flowers have their stems trimmed, ready for display. The mix of pungent florals and electrifying keen, green hints is captivating. This is a thrillingly detailed wine, and I have not yet moved onto the palate. It must be impressed on all comers that this is a medium-weight, high-tensile Cheval Blanc that derives its scale of flavour by summoning up beguiling intensity without any apparent weight. It focuses its efforts firmly on a complex red spectrum of fruit, which goes against the grain of the three-dimensional red and black peacock tails found over the fence in Pomerol. This is a devastating Cheval Blanc with operatic high and deeply resonant low notes, and at every step of the way, there is luxury perfectly offset by freshness. It is one of a handful of wines in 2023 that could never have been so utterly dreamy without the timely interventions of humans. In fact, it inspired the title of this entire report. 20+/20 Rating: 20+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 7/5/2024

The transparency of fruit and the finesse is really something here. There’s depth and beauty to the pristine, fresh fruit. Full-bodied and muscular with wonderful tannins that provide tension andThe transparency of fruit and the finesse is really something here. There’s depth and beauty to the pristine, fresh fruit. Full-bodied and muscular with wonderful tannins that provide tension and form. Subtle and weightless, this is a thought-provoking young wine. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

The 2023 Couvent des Jacobins is an elegant, silky Saint-Émilion. Crushed flowers, spice, lavender and mint are some of the many notes that flesh out. Succulent contours and lifted, floral overtonesThe 2023 Couvent des Jacobins is an elegant, silky Saint-Émilion. Crushed flowers, spice, lavender and mint are some of the many notes that flesh out. Succulent contours and lifted, floral overtones wrap it all together. This stylish Saint-Émilion is all charm. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

A single block, just less than 1 hectare. La Grande Cote is a rugged, steep vineyard that is planted with a mix of 75 year old old vines. Its always hard to tell the exact blend as this is a trueA single block, just less than 1 hectare. La Grande Cote is a rugged, steep vineyard that is planted with a mix of 75 year old old vines. Its always hard to tell the exact blend as this is a true field blend, with Pierre harvesting it all at the same time and the grapes are co-fermented. Approximately 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2023 is just the second time this prized parcel has been separated from the La Mauriane blend - and it really does deliver something different. A powerful, tight core of deep red fruit. This has real drive and focus. Wonderful concentration of smashed red berries, some sophisticated floral aromatics and a sloosh of juicy concentration. Fascinating wine a real delight to taste - but the Grande Cote will take some time. The 2022 remains in barrel - as Pierre only bottles by the moon and when this coincides with a cool stretch of weather.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Trotte Vieille is a seriously impressive wine. Dark, resonant and explosive, the 2023 packs a huge punch. A blast of dark fruit, herbs, menthol, spice and licorice saturates the palate, withThe 2023 Trotte Vieille is a seriously impressive wine. Dark, resonant and explosive, the 2023 packs a huge punch. A blast of dark fruit, herbs, menthol, spice and licorice saturates the palate, with pretty floral and savory notes that play off all that richness. Superb. Drinking range: 2030 - 2053 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

84 Merlot, 8 Cabernet Franc, 8 Cabernet Sauvignon 100% new oak 15% alc 3.5 pH 35000 bottles produced You always know what you are getting yourself into when you taste Valandraud,84 Merlot, 8 Cabernet Franc, 8 Cabernet Sauvignon 100% new oak 15% alc 3.5 pH 35000 bottles produced You always know what you are getting yourself into when you taste Valandraud, and I feel myself starting a (mental) run-up as I approach this wine.  Yes, the statistics are pretty unnerving, and there is always a lot of wine to wrestle onto your palate and then try to make sense of its dimensions without the help of a team of helpers, but I must admit, this 2023 is a much more civilised wine than many.  Proud, full, swaggering and showy, while there is a lot of action and no expense spared on the CGI fruit notes, there is also terrific balance here in the form of dynamic acidity and profound minerality.  The oak seems to sit back and allow the purity and freshness to dictate the direction of this wine.  Hats off!  There was even a skip in my step as I moved away from this wine’s powerful tractor beam and onto my next victim! Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

A 1.67 hectare plot of pure Merlot on the limestone plateau - average vine age of 55 years. Picked by hand on the 4th of October after a severe selection to drop any unsatisfactory grapes. TheA 1.67 hectare plot of pure Merlot on the limestone plateau - average vine age of 55 years. Picked by hand on the 4th of October after a severe selection to drop any unsatisfactory grapes. The destemmed grapes are fermented in wooden vats with temperature control (max 23C), and the malolactic fermentation and élevage take place in 500 litre barrels, of which 31% are new. 6000 bottles will be produced.Winemaker's notes (May 2024)

Exhibiting aromas of raspberries, sweet cherries, baking spices and licorice, the 2023 Franc-Mayne is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with good depth at the core, a suave, seamless profileExhibiting aromas of raspberries, sweet cherries, baking spices and licorice, the 2023 Franc-Mayne is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with good depth at the core, a suave, seamless profile and a mineral, mouthwatering finish. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Violets and gunsmoke swirl upwards out of the glass, setting the scene for a sterling vintage at Jean Faure. Delicately boned, sappy blue fruit, this seduces slowly but surely, fantastic balance andViolets and gunsmoke swirl upwards out of the glass, setting the scene for a sterling vintage at Jean Faure. Delicately boned, sappy blue fruit, this seduces slowly but surely, fantastic balance and fully showcasing the potential of Cabernet Franc in the vintage. Often this wine is austere and needs time when tasting En Primeur, but the fragrance and the finesse is already on full display. Brilliant stuff. 30% new oak for ageing, along with 25% oak casks, 15% concrete eggs; 30% one year old oak barrels. Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Mouthwatering from the first moments, showcasing vibrant dark berry fruits shot through with fennel, red saffran, smoked earth, aniseed, gooseberry. One of my favourite wines of the vintage in StMouthwatering from the first moments, showcasing vibrant dark berry fruits shot through with fennel, red saffran, smoked earth, aniseed, gooseberry. One of my favourite wines of the vintage in St Emilion, just so full of pleasure, will easily last for decades but not need to wait too long before starting to enjoy. 50% in new oak barrels. harvest September 18 to 28. Highest amount of Cabernet Franc in this wine to date, at 50% of the total blend, 3.67ph. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 96-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Bitter black chocolate on the opening beats, along with espresso and rosemary. There are juicy ruby fruits alongside, and estate signature. Gravelley soils with sandy and sandy clay, most impacted byBitter black chocolate on the opening beats, along with espresso and rosemary. There are juicy ruby fruits alongside, and estate signature. Gravelley soils with sandy and sandy clay, most impacted by the heat spikes of the vintage of all the Pavie wines this year, harvest september 13 to 23. 50% new oak, with the rest on one year. Drinking range: 2029 - 2040 Rating: 89 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Crunchy and pretty fruit with orange-peel, currant, earth and bark character. It's medium-bodied with racy tannins and a fresh finish. Vivid.Crunchy and pretty fruit with orange-peel, currant, earth and bark character. It's medium-bodied with racy tannins and a fresh finish. Vivid. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)