Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 13/6/2024

The density and finesse to this is terrific, offering blackberry, dark chocolate, walnut and hazelnut, as well as currant and sandalwood. Orange peel, too. Full-bodied and compact with a superb coreThe density and finesse to this is terrific, offering blackberry, dark chocolate, walnut and hazelnut, as well as currant and sandalwood. Orange peel, too. Full-bodied and compact with a superb core of thick, velvet-textured tannins and a juicy finish. Extremely long. 41% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 27% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 12/6/2024

Somehow manages to feel understated and yet hard to ignore, with its vivid aromatic spirals of peonies and crushed rose petals, set against raspberry and brambled autumnal fruits. The mid palate isSomehow manages to feel understated and yet hard to ignore, with its vivid aromatic spirals of peonies and crushed rose petals, set against raspberry and brambled autumnal fruits. The mid palate is what really grips you here, with a flashy but extremely pure shot of liquorice root, liquorice bud, aniseed and fennel. Slows things down through the palate with pumice stone grainy tannins, and contrasts the concentration of 2022 at this estate with balance and finesse. Harvest September 13 to October 3, Axel Marchal and Julien Viaud consultants. There will be a new wine cellar ready for the harvest of 2024, more concrete vats (from 9 currently - up to 15). Camille de Vigneau the technical director with Josephine Duffau Lagarrosse. Brilliant winemaking, one of the wines of the vintage. 60% new oak. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 11/6/2024

The fruit was picked and cooled overnight, then treated to a cold maceration for over a week, before the fermentation. The blend is 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. TheThe fruit was picked and cooled overnight, then treated to a cold maceration for over a week, before the fermentation. The blend is 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. The picking started on September 5th, until October 9th, an early start in this vintage. Aromatically this is tense and exciting, with dried red cherry and red plum, with a firm and floral character, lifted by notes of crushed chalk, sandalwood and violets. The palate is similarly tense and correct, with modestly textured and powdery fruit, with fine and tight-knit tannins, with plenty of fresh acidity and a fresh saline bite which comes from the limestone. This has a slightly juicy style this year, with great tension and a granularity to the structure, and it finishes with a clamping down of all that limestone grip. A very restrained and coolly composed style of Troplong-Mondot. The alcohol is 14.1%. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 10/6/2024

The 2023 Larcis Ducasse was picked from September 14 to 25 at 43hL/ha. The nose is quite open with brambly red fruit, briar and subtle incense aromas. It's not as intense as the previous vintage,The 2023 Larcis Ducasse was picked from September 14 to 25 at 43hL/ha. The nose is quite open with brambly red fruit, briar and subtle incense aromas. It's not as intense as the previous vintage, though I appreciate the definition and charm. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry that frame the layered black fruit, struck through with light flinty elements. Blind, I might have said there is Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend thanks to the graphite finish. It is a classically-styled Larcis Ducasse that should drink well for 20+ years. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 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

The 2023 Beau-Séjour Bécot is fabulous. Rich, opulent and explosive to the core, the 2023 offers up a heady mélange of dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, rose petal, blood orange and brightThe 2023 Beau-Séjour Bécot is fabulous. Rich, opulent and explosive to the core, the 2023 offers up a heady mélange of dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, rose petal, blood orange and bright saline notes. As always, Cabernet Franc plays an important role in shaping the aromatic and flavor profile. The 2023 is an absolute stunner. It’s the first vintage made in the new cellar. That's of course not enough of a track record to make any definitive assessments, but in the 2023, I see a wine with more aromatic presence, greater precision and more refined tannins than any recent vintage I can recall. In a word: magnificent. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2031 - 2053 Rating: 95-98 Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate (May 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

The blend of the 2023 Berliquet is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the vineyard, and the yield was 42 hl/ha. This was the first harvest coming into the newly renovated cuverie,The blend of the 2023 Berliquet is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the vineyard, and the yield was 42 hl/ha. This was the first harvest coming into the newly renovated cuverie, replacing ten old vats with 24 smaller cuves, allowing for more precision. A rather dry and savoury nose here, perhaps even a little reticent, with lightly degraded cherry fruits, a little crystalline, with seams of smoke, leather, fragrant freesias and redcurrant. The palate is as finely honed as the nose suggested, with a very savoury flavour profile, with delicate red cherry, leather and tobacco, set in a modest and rather juicy frame, with a rich and confident frame of tannins. The first sample felt a little austere, but tasted at the château this was more coherent, with polished leather-tinged fruits, set in a modest texture, with all the acidity of the vintage and limestone tension of the plateau. A coherent finish. Tasted three times. The alcohol here is about 14%. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

Finesse and saline limestone character on full display, spiced plum, textural as ever, with finely boned architecture, in the line of great Canon vintages, with density to the black fruits and theFinesse and saline limestone character on full display, spiced plum, textural as ever, with finely boned architecture, in the line of great Canon vintages, with density to the black fruits and the mouthwateringly precise tannic grip and oyster shell salinity. 50% new oak for ageing, harvest September 6 through to October 4 (with Merlot going right through until the end, unlike many places, here they really waited). 45hl/ha yield, in organic conversion. Tasted twice. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

Aromas of sweet raspberries, cherries and plums mingle with notions of licorice and creamy new oak, introducing the 2023 Pavie Macquin, a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated wine with aAromas of sweet raspberries, cherries and plums mingle with notions of licorice and creamy new oak, introducing the 2023 Pavie Macquin, a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated wine with a deep core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins. As higher density plantings on the plateau with superior vine genetics start to enter into production, and as the south of the property is restructured, this estate's tannins are becoming more refined, even if the very low pH of 3.35 still tends to foreground the wine's structure. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The depth and intensity is really out of this world. The richness is there, but it's all in balance and has an almost weightless feel to it. It's medium- to full-bodied with purity and definition,The depth and intensity is really out of this world. The richness is there, but it's all in balance and has an almost weightless feel to it. It's medium- to full-bodied with purity and definition, and the magic of limestone soils keeps the pH low, giving energy, bright acidity and verve. Terrific young red. 51% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 17% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 99-100 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

A 100% Merlot, the 2023 Saintayme evokes aromas of dark wild berries, mulberries, licorice and pencil lead, followed by a round, supple and juicy palate with a fleshy core of fruit and dense, richA 100% Merlot, the 2023 Saintayme evokes aromas of dark wild berries, mulberries, licorice and pencil lead, followed by a round, supple and juicy palate with a fleshy core of fruit and dense, rich tannins that assert themselves with a structured finish. Rating: 88-90 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 Montlandrie sees a change in composition, as a plot of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that Noëmie Durantou planted in 2021 enters the blend for the first time. She found theThe 2023 Montlandrie sees a change in composition, as a plot of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that Noëmie Durantou planted in 2021 enters the blend for the first time. She found the first-pressed wine for the Cabernet Sauvignon impressive, so she also added that to the blend. The result is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked between September 18 and 30 and matured in 50% new oak. This new makeup certainly gives it a different aromatic profile than previous vintages: black cherries, cedar and pencil shavings, very focused, more Left-Bank-meets-Right-Bank in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It’s beautifully structured and judiciously spiced with gentle grip on the finish. Together with Les Cruzelles, these wines represent outstanding value for money. This will certainly age well in bottle. Drinking range: 2027 - 2047 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

This 2023 from the Decosters is an interesting blend of 56% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it was cropped at a yield of just 15 hl/ha. Both the blend and the yield suggestThis 2023 from the Decosters is an interesting blend of 56% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it was cropped at a yield of just 15 hl/ha. Both the blend and the yield suggest problems dealing with the mildew on this property which is in the conversion period to organic viticulture. The aromatics feel pure and bright though, with sweet dark plum, violet cream, black pepper and liquorice. This is followed by a quite delicious palate, showing beautiful harmony, melding layers of dark fruit in a polished and elegant texture, with a fine lacelike frame of tannins, and fresh acidity. Truly excellent work here, one of the best in its category; I suspect the low yields brought extra concentration, which helps in this vintage. Tasted twice. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/5/2024

The 2023 Château de Ferrand has a succinct bouquet, understated at first pour, but it opens nicely in the glass with wild strawberry, raspberry and light floral scents. A subtle estuarine elementThe 2023 Château de Ferrand has a succinct bouquet, understated at first pour, but it opens nicely in the glass with wild strawberry, raspberry and light floral scents. A subtle estuarine element lurks underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red fruit and fine grip, granular in texture with a twist of sour cherry on the finish that just needs a little more persistence. I feel this should gain a bit more corpulence during its barrel-aging. Drinking range: 2028 - 2044 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 28/5/2024

A heady, exotic Saint-Émilion, the 2023 Grand-Mayne makes a strong opening statement. Readers will find a wine of dimension and textural resonance. Blackberry, chocolate, licorice, spice and driedA heady, exotic Saint-Émilion, the 2023 Grand-Mayne makes a strong opening statement. Readers will find a wine of dimension and textural resonance. Blackberry, chocolate, licorice, spice and dried herbs are all beautifully amplified. This is impressive. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 24/5/2024

A good yield at 46 hl/ha, of which 48% went into the grand vin, and the blend is the usual 99% Merlot with just 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 50% new oak, and the sample is drawn from aboutA good yield at 46 hl/ha, of which 48% went into the grand vin, and the blend is the usual 99% Merlot with just 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 50% new oak, and the sample is drawn from about fifteen barrels, respecting the percentage of new oak. Beautifully fresh and lively aromatics on the nose here, with divinely mature and expressive dark red cherry and raspberry, with a little touch of cherry stone, orange peel, violets, crushed chalk and cedar from the barrels. A gently polished style follows on the palate, elegant, silky and serene, modest but holding up in the middle, with braids of cherry and blackcurrant fruit, cedar and tobacco, with finely grained tannins and fresh acidity. Precise and charged with energy in the finish, with lingering tannic grip. this is beautiful, treading a fine line between concentration and classicism. Tasted three times. The alcohol is 14.5%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

A linear wine with fine tannins, red and black currants and minerals. Medium body. Salty, with tight fruit concentration and a pretty finish. Beautifully structured. 3.4 pH and 14% alcohol. 80%A linear wine with fine tannins, red and black currants and minerals. Medium body. Salty, with tight fruit concentration and a pretty finish. Beautifully structured. 3.4 pH and 14% alcohol. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. One of the best I have had from this chateau. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.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 Gaffeliere is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with fragrant scents of boysenberries, fresh juicy plums, and black raspberries opening out to hints of lilacs,The 2023 La Gaffeliere is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with fragrant scents of boysenberries, fresh juicy plums, and black raspberries opening out to hints of lilacs, Sichuan pepper, fragrant soil, and cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is exquisitely knit with filigree layers of black and red berries and floral accents, supported by plush tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long and perfumed. Wow! The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.50 Rating: 96-98 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (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

Close to the traditional blend here, with 87% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. The yield was 46 hl/ha, the highest since 2016 here. The picking started on September 14th,Close to the traditional blend here, with 87% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. The yield was 46 hl/ha, the highest since 2016 here. The picking started on September 14th, finishing October 3rd, picking a few parcels before the rain, but most afterwards. Fermented with whole berries, with pigeage to obtain a soft extraction. A lightly desiccated fruit character on the nose, with perfumed red cherry and sweet raspberry, with threads of red pepper, mint and violets. A very tense, charming start to the palate, with a supple and sinewy upper layer of fruits, which reveals a core of firm tannins, tightly knit, giving the midpalate a rich and lightly drying, limestone grip. It finishes with an infusion of this same grippy but nicely integrated structure, which dominates the length. This is a firm and tense example of Clos Fourtet, carried along in part by its acidity, and it should develop well. Tasted twice. The alcohol is about 14%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 d’Aiguilhe is packed with blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice. Bright saline notes lend freshness and verve. The vibrancy of the flavors is really quite striking.The 2023 d’Aiguilhe is packed with blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice. Bright saline notes lend freshness and verve. The vibrancy of the flavors is really quite striking. Drinking range: 2025 - 2038 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

A dense yet agile wine with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and citrus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that spread across the palate, running the length of the wine and helpingA dense yet agile wine with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and citrus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that spread across the palate, running the length of the wine and helping it to last for minutes on the finish. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 Canon la Gaffelière offers up aromas of minty berries, plums, pencil shavings, dried herbs and bay leaf, followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and crunchy palate underpinned by tangyThe 2023 Canon la Gaffelière offers up aromas of minty berries, plums, pencil shavings, dried herbs and bay leaf, followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and crunchy palate underpinned by tangy acids and chalky tannins. It's a blend of 35% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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 has a bouquet of ripe red cherry, blueberry and violet that becomes more delineated as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tanninsThe 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne has a bouquet of ripe red cherry, blueberry and violet that becomes more delineated as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins and gentle grip, showing some sinew toward the finish. It’s not bad at all, though I just seek more complexity and terroir expression. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 88-90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The juice, the salinity, the plump fruits and the pleasure bursting out of this glass are off the scale. Expect waves of fleshy red cherry, raspberry, squid ink, tar and smoked grilled caramel,The juice, the salinity, the plump fruits and the pleasure bursting out of this glass are off the scale. Expect waves of fleshy red cherry, raspberry, squid ink, tar and smoked grilled caramel, tannins full of sinew. All picked in one day, Henri Mitjavile winemaker alongside his father François Mitjavile. 100% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2028 - 2042 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.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

The 2023 Fombrauge is terrific. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2023 packs a serious punch. There's plenty of the textural richness Bernard Magrez loves, but it’s just a bit tempered compared toThe 2023 Fombrauge is terrific. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2023 packs a serious punch. There's plenty of the textural richness Bernard Magrez loves, but it’s just a bit tempered compared to previous years. Succulent red cherry, plum, rose petal, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha infuse the 2023 with notable depth. Bright acids refresh the palate nicely. Tasted four times. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

Another beautiful wine from this perpetually improving property, the 2023 Château Mangot delivers aromas of blackberries and mulberries mingled with hints of licorice, pencil shavings, bay leaf andAnother beautiful wine from this perpetually improving property, the 2023 Château Mangot delivers aromas of blackberries and mulberries mingled with hints of licorice, pencil shavings, bay leaf and violets. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a seamless, complete profile and impressive mid-palate density, it's a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with élevage combining, as usual, new oak, used barriques, foudre and amphorae. The style emphasizes precision and purity of fruit without any obtrusive winemaking signatures. On a qualitative roll, Mangot is one of the best values in contemporary Bordeaux, and the 2023 vintage is another strong effort. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

60 Cabernet France, 35 Merlot, 5 Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% new oak for 20 months: Certified organic: Firm, slightly bitter and uncommonly imposing, this is a challenging wine with a sudden impact on60 Cabernet France, 35 Merlot, 5 Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% new oak for 20 months: Certified organic: Firm, slightly bitter and uncommonly imposing, this is a challenging wine with a sudden impact on the palate that somewhat takes the breath away. There is profound fruit depth, yet it seems a little raw and elemental, and while I do not doubt that this wine has summoned up massive power from the limestone in the soils, it seems to lack the composure of its parent wine. In need of at least a decade of quiet repose, this is a challenging, complex mini-Ausone, and it will surely appeal to die-hard fans of this unique property. 17.5+/20 Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.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 2023 La Clotte was picked September 11 to 28 and aged for 18 months in new oak barrels. This has a little more precision and mineralité on the nose compared to the Moulin Saint-Georges, quiteThe 2023 La Clotte was picked September 11 to 28 and aged for 18 months in new oak barrels. This has a little more precision and mineralité on the nose compared to the Moulin Saint-Georges, quite vibrant with shucked oyster shell in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, with svelte tannins that lend a satin-like texture. It’s very harmonious though not deep, and maybe it misses a bit of grip. That said, more extraction probably would have thrown off the balance here. Very seductive. Drinking range: 2028 - 2046 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 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

A slightly reduced, elegant bouquet of iris, gentian, licorice and spices intermixed with exuberant notes of violet preface the 2023 Fonbel, a medium to full-bodied, elegant and tense wine with aA slightly reduced, elegant bouquet of iris, gentian, licorice and spices intermixed with exuberant notes of violet preface the 2023 Fonbel, a medium to full-bodied, elegant and tense wine with a juicy core of fruit and a long, ethereal finish characterized by vertical energy. This is a blend of 64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Carmenère. It’s a great bottle in the making. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 89-91 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.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

The purity of the fruit here is so impressive, with raspberry, lead pencil, cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full body with very fine and intense tannins that run the length of the wine. Mineral.The purity of the fruit here is so impressive, with raspberry, lead pencil, cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full body with very fine and intense tannins that run the length of the wine. Mineral. Tensioned. Beautifully integrated and sophisticated at the end. Lightly salty. 78.3% merlot and 21.7% cabernet franc. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

One of the most profound wines of the vintage is the 2023 Cheval Blanc, a striking wine that stands out for its strong sense of identity and seamless integration at such an early stage in its life.One of the most profound wines of the vintage is the 2023 Cheval Blanc, a striking wine that stands out for its strong sense of identity and seamless integration at such an early stage in its life. Wafting from the glass with notes of mulberries, lilac, dark fruits, iris root and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with a gourmand core of cool, vibrant fruit that entirely conceals its sweet structuring tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed finish. It's a blend of 52% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, drawing on fully 46 of the blocks that make up Cheval Blanc, and it attained 13.8% alcohol. Rating: 98-100 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 7/5/2024

This is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, pretty much reflecting what is in the vineyard. This feels focused and perfumed, with remarkably floral fruits, violets and peonies, beneath which there areThis is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, pretty much reflecting what is in the vineyard. This feels focused and perfumed, with remarkably floral fruits, violets and peonies, beneath which there are layers of griottes, white peach, blood orange and blackcurrants. The palate opens with a density and focused sinewy tension, building a controlled texture from the outset, with a supple and tightly controlled midpalate, underpinned by delicious tannins, tight knit and finely drawn. The fruit has the tense definition of the vintage, holding on to that floral perfume seen on the nose, adding a layer of interest to the fruit, before a finish which is clamped down with tightly drawn tannins. An impressive Angélus, very long and structured, in the style of the vintage. This will age well and should develop brilliant complexity from those Cabernets. Rating: 95-97 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

The fruit character on the nose here is dark and concentrated, with a slightly smudged soft-focus definition. There is a touch of violet perfume to it though, which appeals, as well as some barrelThe fruit character on the nose here is dark and concentrated, with a slightly smudged soft-focus definition. There is a touch of violet perfume to it though, which appeals, as well as some barrel lactones. This is followed by a palate with a welcoming and gently polished substance, showing a little more presence through the middle than many of its peers, with a core of dark berry and bramble fruits dressed with dark chocolate. A nice grip to it in the end, and the tannins throughout feel ripe and completely integrated with the wine, with just a chalky polish to the end. This is really charming, the aromatic definition a trade off for the texture and quality of tannin. I suspect it will come out very well in the end. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 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

This is 53% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Merlot, the picking finishing with the Cabernets on October 4th, quite late for Trotte Vieille. Beautifully dark and fresh currant andThis is 53% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Merlot, the picking finishing with the Cabernets on October 4th, quite late for Trotte Vieille. Beautifully dark and fresh currant and sandalwood notes on the nose, with veins of mint, blood orange and white rose. A very tense start to the palate, fresh and bright with controlled texture, then showing a touch more velvet and weight through the middle, with veins of dark fruits, currants, blackcurrants, olives and toast, supported by a rather powdery backbone of tannins. Bright and fresh, lifted by the acidity of the vintage, but with polished structure, this is very convincing. Long and gripped, this powdery tannins lingering long. Clearly made with my cellar in mind. Tasted twice. The alcohol is about 15%, but it certainly does not show on the palate at all. Rating: 95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.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)

The aromatics here are perfumed with bright red cherry, peony and dark chocolate, and there is a fairly firm wrapping of oak here as well. The palate shows a charming texture, lightly juicy, open andThe aromatics here are perfumed with bright red cherry, peony and dark chocolate, and there is a fairly firm wrapping of oak here as well. The palate shows a charming texture, lightly juicy, open and expressive, with perfumed notes of peony and toast, but also a lot of spirity new oak on the first sample I tasted. Happily, less so on the second sample. Indeed, the second sample showed quite differently, as I found a lot domineering tannin clamping down on the finish on the first, and it felt overworked and richly oaked. The second sample presented the same rather juicy and crystalline fruits, with plenty of more tightly knit tannins, but without the same oak domination in the middle or end. A third sample was back to the oak again. A little difficult to judge with this much variation, but I have done what I can. Tasted three times. Rating: 89-91 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (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)

Pierre Seillan is taking Lassègue in a completely new direction, and it shows. Tired of trying to balance phenolic maturity and alcohol levels in Merlot, he is moving the blend towards CabernetPierre Seillan is taking Lassègue in a completely new direction, and it shows. Tired of trying to balance phenolic maturity and alcohol levels in Merlot, he is moving the blend towards Cabernet Franc, using his experience at Vérité in California and in Tuscany. The blend is 50% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot, the first time Cabernet Franc has dominated. The harvest was relatively late, from September 18th to the 28th. The nose is clearly led by the Cabernet Franc, all dark fruit with liquorice, slightly stemmy red pepper, green peppercorn and menthol, with nuances of toasted oak and praline. It is very distinctive, and very different to previous vintages. The palate is supple and polished, showing a much riper sense of cohesion than the nose suggested, with texture, spice and a core of sinewy fruit. It still has the red pepper and mint, but it plays nicely with the toast, tobacco and vanilla notes, before it culminates in a dry grip at the end of the palate. A distinctive wine which may develop more appeal as the aromatics evolve, but for the moment this is one for committed Cabernet Franc fans only. The alcohol is 14% Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

The freshness is very present, together with richness and minerality, black fruits and black olives. Hint of salt, too. Medium to full body with layers of ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Well done.The freshness is very present, together with richness and minerality, black fruits and black olives. Hint of salt, too. Medium to full body with layers of ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Well done. Lightly salty. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 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)