Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 13/6/2024

The blend is 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, as the berries were small says Frédéric Faye, and higher percentages did not work in the blend. Then there is 32% Cabernet Franc, leaving 41% Merlot. The grandThe blend is 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, as the berries were small says Frédéric Faye, and higher percentages did not work in the blend. Then there is 32% Cabernet Franc, leaving 41% Merlot. The grand vin takes 66% of the crop, within the usual limits, and the blend already includes 5% press wine. The harvest ran from September 6th to October 5th. The élevage is in oak barrels using 100% new wood. The nose is full of fresh expression, with raspberries and griottes washed with menthol and violets. The elegant stance presented on the nose comes across just as well on the palate, although here the juicy substance is complemented by layers of sinewy texture and dark veins of fruit, with a silky wrapping, along with some savoury dark fruit and liquorice notes, salted currants and tar. This has purity but also substance and style, with a sense of vigour and balance that comes with the vintage, but also sinew and a charming texture that is not universal in 2023. A super Figeac which will be delicious ten years from now. The alcohol on analysis is 13.6%, with 13.5% on the label. Rating: 95-97 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 12/6/2024

The 2023 Beauséjour-Duffau is a powerful, resonant wine. In this early tasting, it does not feel totally put-together, but this sample shows good depth and plenty of potential. The 2023 is 70% MerlotThe 2023 Beauséjour-Duffau is a powerful, resonant wine. In this early tasting, it does not feel totally put-together, but this sample shows good depth and plenty of potential. The 2023 is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, more Franc than in the past. That choice lends gorgeous aromatic presence, but also more structure. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow. Drinking range: 2030 - 2053 Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 11/6/2024

The 2023 Troplong Mondot is simply stunning. It's one of the best wines yet made under the direction of Aymeric de Gironde. Towering and statuesque, the 2023 explodes out of the glass with tons ofThe 2023 Troplong Mondot is simply stunning. It's one of the best wines yet made under the direction of Aymeric de Gironde. Towering and statuesque, the 2023 explodes out of the glass with tons of vertical energy. Dark red-toned fruit, licorice, spice, lavender, mocha and pencil shavings are some of the many notes that infuse the 2023 with character. The combination of soaring aromatics, chiseled fruit and a limestone-infused finish is nothing less than captivating. What a wine. Aging is in 60% new oak, 22% 20hL foudre and 18% once-used oak. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 95-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.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

The 2023 L'If, crafted by Cyrille Thiepont and originating from vines owned by Jacques Thienpont, unveils a dark bouquet of licorice, dark wild berries, pencil lead, coniferous forest, spices andThe 2023 L'If, crafted by Cyrille Thiepont and originating from vines owned by Jacques Thienpont, unveils a dark bouquet of licorice, dark wild berries, pencil lead, coniferous forest, spices and oak. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and unctuous, it’s rich and concentrated with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, culminating in a long, mineral, chalky finish. This is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Drinking range: 2025 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 7/6/2024

A blend of 77% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Beau-Sejour Becot has a pH of 3.5. It is ageing in 55% new oak barriques, 20% one-year-old barrels, and 25% in a mix ofA blend of 77% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Beau-Sejour Becot has a pH of 3.5. It is ageing in 55% new oak barriques, 20% one-year-old barrels, and 25% in a mix of amphorae and 20 hl oak casks. It has a deep garnet-purple color and comes galloping out of the glass with notes of crushed plums, black raspberries, and Morello cherries, opening out to a delicate undercurrent of garrigue, crushed rocks, violets, cranberry sauce, and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is breathtakingly elegant and racy, with intense red and black berry layers and a fine-grained texture, finishing with energetic mineral sparks. Drinking range: 2029 - 2050 Rating: 95-97+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 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

The 2023 Canon was picked from around 6 September to 6 October at 45hL/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with pure black cherries and touches of cassis and violet. The oak isThe 2023 Canon was picked from around 6 September to 6 October at 45hL/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with pure black cherries and touches of cassis and violet. The oak is beautifully integrated. Perhaps if I have to quibble, it is not quite as complex as the very best recent vintages, but that's a high bar nowadays. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black cherry fruit laced with iodine, and veins of blue fruit. There is a sorbet-like freshness embroidered throughout this Canon, and it delivers a lovely cracked black pepper note on the finish. Excellent. Again. Drinking range: 2029 - 2060 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

This is a twitchy, lively red with brambleberry, black olive and a real sense of limestone. The tannins are very well integrated. Lots of energy. Medium body. Extremely long. Very cool, fine wineThis is a twitchy, lively red with brambleberry, black olive and a real sense of limestone. The tannins are very well integrated. Lots of energy. Medium body. Extremely long. Very cool, fine wine from this estate in this year. 3.35 pH. 14.2% alcohol. 82% merlot, 17% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Best ever? Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

Plus damson and black cherry fruits, rich and ripe but balanced by tomato leaf, pumice stone. This is intense and concentrated, skilfully constructed showing fragrant cumin and turmeric spice thatPlus damson and black cherry fruits, rich and ripe but balanced by tomato leaf, pumice stone. This is intense and concentrated, skilfully constructed showing fragrant cumin and turmeric spice that lifts through the palate, opening to show black tea, blood orange, cocoa bean, mint leaf, totally delicious and speaks clearly of its limestone soils. Feels at the top of its game. Harvest September 18 to October 5, 72% new oak for ageing, Gerard Perse owner. Drinking range: 2033 - 2048 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

Medium intensity ruby, austere tannins on the opening, this has lemongrass and slate, juicy raspberry and grilled spice notes, slow and steady unrolling through the palate. Plenty to love.Medium intensity ruby, austere tannins on the opening, this has lemongrass and slate, juicy raspberry and grilled spice notes, slow and steady unrolling through the palate. Plenty to love. Drinking range: 2027 - 2038 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

This is a serious Montlandrie, has far more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, and shows a gorgeously savoury ethereal quality, with slow burn release of black fruits, oyster shell salinity, raspberryThis is a serious Montlandrie, has far more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, and shows a gorgeously savoury ethereal quality, with slow burn release of black fruits, oyster shell salinity, raspberry leaf and peony aromatics, precise, a slow burn, enjoyable. 36hl/h yield. Noëmie Durantou winemaker. Drinking range: 2027 - 2038 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

Vibrant plum colour, this is silky with sweet damson fruit, showing a real sense of personality and lift, beautifully measured progression through the palate, this has cocoa bean, liqourice, blackVibrant plum colour, this is silky with sweet damson fruit, showing a real sense of personality and lift, beautifully measured progression through the palate, this has cocoa bean, liqourice, black tea, pomegranate, a ton of energy and concentration, well judged grilled oak. 3.6ph. 45% new oak, plus amhoras, foudfres, demui muids,15hl/h yield, so extremely low, making the skilful assembly of the wine even more impressive. Decoster family. Drinking range: 2030 - 2044 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.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

The aromatics here are all sweetly toasted plum and black plum, with a fresh lift reminiscent of perfumed freesia with a touch of bay leaf and sage. The palate is bright and fresh at the start,The aromatics here are all sweetly toasted plum and black plum, with a fresh lift reminiscent of perfumed freesia with a touch of bay leaf and sage. The palate is bright and fresh at the start, showing perfumed freesia and peony notes in the middle, set in a plump presence of fruit draped over a core of ripe tannin, which dominates the finish. I like the tannic structure here, which feels tight-knit and cohesive, while the fruit is perfumed and fresh. It all feels very solid and unyielding at the moment, but given time this will come good. Tasted twice. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 24/5/2024

The 2023 Laroque might be the best wine David Suire has made since taking over here a few years ago. What I admire most about Laroque is its classicism—there is plenty of that on display here. BrightThe 2023 Laroque might be the best wine David Suire has made since taking over here a few years ago. What I admire most about Laroque is its classicism—there is plenty of that on display here. Bright acids and persistent beams of supporting tannin frame dark-toned fruit, lavender, rose petal, graphite and sweet spice in a Saint-Émilion that impresses with its vibrancy and delineation. Superb. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2053 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 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

A rather perfumed style of fruit on the nose, with smoked loganberry, fragrant red plum, fine leather and toast. The palate is fresh and polished, sinewy but carrying a nice intensity of fruit, aA rather perfumed style of fruit on the nose, with smoked loganberry, fragrant red plum, fine leather and toast. The palate is fresh and polished, sinewy but carrying a nice intensity of fruit, a blanket of red plum, peony, freesia and white peach. This is draped over a tightly delineated core of close-knit but very firm tannins, which are taut and defined. There is a firm and elegantly polished style to the texture, carrying through into the finish, where these tannins persist, showing a rich, toasted and lightly grained style. An attractive, rather pointed style of St Emilion from the recently declassified La Gaffelière, which certainly has potential. Tasted three times. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Round and fleshy, the 2023 Corbin offers up aromas of dark cherries and mulberries mingled with mint and spices, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and fleshy palate that's charming and enveloping.Round and fleshy, the 2023 Corbin offers up aromas of dark cherries and mulberries mingled with mint and spices, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and fleshy palate that's charming and enveloping. This will offer a broad drinking window. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Starts right out of the gate with fragrant white flowers, lime zest freshness, scraping pumice stone limestone feel, strong Clos Fourtet character coming through, with cassis and black cherry fruits,Starts right out of the gate with fragrant white flowers, lime zest freshness, scraping pumice stone limestone feel, strong Clos Fourtet character coming through, with cassis and black cherry fruits, a whirl of peony and iris flowers, inching forward step by step through the palate. Aged in 2% amphora, 45% new oak, with berries destemmed but uncrushed befpre fermenting. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 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

I typically have a weakness for Canon-la-Gaffelière in the von Niepperg portfolio, but this year it's the 2023 La Mondotte, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, that stands out as theI typically have a weakness for Canon-la-Gaffelière in the von Niepperg portfolio, but this year it's the 2023 La Mondotte, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, that stands out as the highlight of the range. Revealing aromas of dark berries, licorice and petals, framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and harmonious, with good depth at the core, supple tannin and a penetrating finish. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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

Aromas of cherries, dark chocolate, spices and violets introduce the 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine that's charming and harmonious on the attack, displayingAromas of cherries, dark chocolate, spices and violets introduce the 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine that's charming and harmonious on the attack, displaying a touch of youthfully grippy tannin on the finish. The blend contains fully 25% Cabernet Franc. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

This is a blend of 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. An intense nose suggesting some concentration, with dark berry fruits richly dressed with layers of dark chocolate, coffeeThis is a blend of 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. An intense nose suggesting some concentration, with dark berry fruits richly dressed with layers of dark chocolate, coffee bean, leather and toast. The palate is gently polished, lightly velvety, with a rich core of very dark fruits, all currant, dark chocolate, coffee bean and tar, which comes with a rich seam of grippy tannins, adding a firm frame to the structure of the wine. Dense, richly built, even while it still carries the sinewy and bright DNA of the vintage, the tannins are firm and well knit, and they seem to suit the palate. Long and wrapped in a grip of ripe tannins and scented oak at the end. It will take some time to come around, this one, but it certainly has potential. Tasted three times. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 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 Le Tertre Roteboeuf offers up aromas of crème de cassis, blueberry liqueur, kirsch, espresso roast and creamy new oak, followed by a full-bodied, rich and layered palate that's sweet, denseThe 2023 Le Tertre Roteboeuf offers up aromas of crème de cassis, blueberry liqueur, kirsch, espresso roast and creamy new oak, followed by a full-bodied, rich and layered palate that's sweet, dense and concentrated, somewhat reminiscent of François Mitjaville's 2011. When I tasted it, the wine had only been in barrel for a matter of weeks, as the 2023 took an unusually long time to ferment to dryness. Rating: 92-96 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 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 2023 Mangot is a heady, extroverted wine. Soaring Cabernet aromatics meld into a core of red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, menthol and cinnamon. The 2023 offers an attractive combination ofThe 2023 Mangot is a heady, extroverted wine. Soaring Cabernet aromatics meld into a core of red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, menthol and cinnamon. The 2023 offers an attractive combination of aromatic presence and textural creaminess. It's a big wine, to be sure. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2027 - 2035 Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (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

60 Cabernet Franc, 40 Merlot: 100% new oak for 20 months in underground quarries: The Merlot was harvested on 14 & 19 September and the Cabernet Franc was harvested on 25, 28 & 30 September Ausone60 Cabernet Franc, 40 Merlot: 100% new oak for 20 months in underground quarries: The Merlot was harvested on 14 & 19 September and the Cabernet Franc was harvested on 25, 28 & 30 September Ausone has made the flip to Cabernet Franc dominance work perfectly, and the nose sings of this variety with beautiful wild blackberry fruit and superb green highlights. The palate is plush and silky, with more texture than I expected in this vintage. The finish is positively genial with a ripe round, carefree set of tannins, and the acidity merely tightens the belt on the finish, allowing the wine to finish in a state of delightful constriction. This is a somewhat different wine than I expected to taste, as I imagined a more tortured soul would greet me, but no. I am surprised and delighted to see a smiling face on this enchanting Ausone instead of a furrowed brow. This is a fascinating take on the vintage, and it will please every person who falls under its spell. 19+/20 Rating: 19+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

85 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc Continued improvement and tweaking at La Clotte make it one of the most intriguing wines in the Vauthier portfolio. With superb detail on the nose and a latitude of85 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc Continued improvement and tweaking at La Clotte make it one of the most intriguing wines in the Vauthier portfolio. With superb detail on the nose and a latitude of fruit and spice notes that roll into a palate of delicious depth and sappy acidity, this is an exciting wine that asks a good few questions. The finish is neatly marshalled with fine-grained tannins and a long, tense finish. Carefully put together and invigoratingly refreshing, too, this is a smart wine, and I can now see more clearly the Vauthiers' plans for this label. 17.5+/20 Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.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

64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenère. Deeper and more structured than Simard (from the same portfolio), this is an expressive Fonbel that builds on the success of last year’s more64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenère. Deeper and more structured than Simard (from the same portfolio), this is an expressive Fonbel that builds on the success of last year’s more expressive wine. It has a cooler, more penetrative style, superbly controlled oak, and a long, savoury finish. Once again, the tannins have been handled brilliantly here. This is a very assured wine, one that will open nicely over five years and hold itself well for a further ten and to that end, it gained its highest score from me to date. 17.5/20 Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 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 2023 Quintus is a rich, racy Grand Vin. Ample and resonant, the 2023 offers up copious dark-toned fruit, cedar, mint, tobacco, incense and French oak. There's tons of power and breadth but alsoThe 2023 Quintus is a rich, racy Grand Vin. Ample and resonant, the 2023 offers up copious dark-toned fruit, cedar, mint, tobacco, incense and French oak. There's tons of power and breadth but also more freshness than the early vintages, even if the oak is a touch present today. Drinking range: 2028 - 2048 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 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

A classic blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Angélus reflects this estate's continuing evolution with regard to ripeness, extraction and élevage choices, offering up attractiveA classic blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Angélus reflects this estate's continuing evolution with regard to ripeness, extraction and élevage choices, offering up attractive aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with hints of mint, potpourri, rose petals, vine smoke and orange zest. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with a velvety attack that segues into a core of pure, pillowy fruit framed by supple, powdery tannins, it's cool and harmonious, concluding with a long, perfumed finish. This is a terrific effort that foregrounds the vintage and the terroir at their best. Rating: 95-96 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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

Wow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well definedWow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well defined and poised. 53% cabernet franc, 44% merlot, and 3% cabernet. Will it be better than 2022? Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

The first time I tasted the 2023 Valandraud, a blend of 84% Merlot and 8% each Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, I found a nose of all cigar box, tobacco and smoky fire embers from the new oak,The first time I tasted the 2023 Valandraud, a blend of 84% Merlot and 8% each Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, I found a nose of all cigar box, tobacco and smoky fire embers from the new oak, with rather desiccated layers of fruit, dried plum and prune, topped off with a light dusting of cinnamon and clove spice. Revisiting it a few days later I find the same, although the fruit comes out ahead of the oak – just – on this more recent encounter. The palate presents this flavour profile set in a glossy and velvety texture, with a rich, savoury and mouth-filling substance. There is a touch more toast, spice and coffee bean oak here, perhaps, with the plum and dried-cherry fruits, underpinned by plenty of grip, with a rich frame of tannins in evidence. These support the palate right through to the end, where they finally come out from beneath the fruit. An extraordinarily fragrant, tightly drawn and structured Valandraud in this vintage, which will need a long time in barrel and bottle before it will ever be approachable. Tasted twice. The alcohol is said to be close to 15%, which does not show on the palate at the moment, fingers crossed that remains the case. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 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)

A tight and bright young Franc Mayne with blackberry, currant and orange-peel character. It’s medium-bodied with linear tannins and a vivid finish. Polished character here.A tight and bright young Franc Mayne with blackberry, currant and orange-peel character. It’s medium-bodied with linear tannins and a vivid finish. Polished character here. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.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 blend is 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the yields were lower than the norm (35-36 hl/ha) at 28.75 hl/ha, the response to the mildew a bigger green harvest here,The blend is 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the yields were lower than the norm (35-36 hl/ha) at 28.75 hl/ha, the response to the mildew a bigger green harvest here, and a smaller crop. The picking was from September 13th to the 23rd. Despite these challenges the aromatics here feel pure and bright, with blackcurrants and blackberries, with a little lacing of confit fruit, toasty oak and dark chocolate. A very fresh style, impressive for this alluvial terroir, and this is also the impression on the palate, which is filled with textural and velvety fruit draped over a firmly expressed backbone of rather sweet but grippy tannin. This comes spiced with chocolate, crushed minerals and toast, before a along grip in the finish. An impressive Monbousquet here, especially for the vintage. It certainly has more chutzpah than Clos Lunelles, which is remarkable for the terroir. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 14.18% Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

The wine which takes fruit from the unclassified parcels belonging to Canon, with nothing declassified from Croix Canon. The yield was 45 hl/ha, and the blend is 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc,The wine which takes fruit from the unclassified parcels belonging to Canon, with nothing declassified from Croix Canon. The yield was 45 hl/ha, and the blend is 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc, the recent pulling up of a 2-hectare parcel of Merlot dating from after the 1956 frost. Lovely purity on the nose, with the suggestion of tension and linearity, with crisp summer raspberries and blackberries, with a hint of rose petal and dark chocolate. The palate is indeed rather juicy and modestly composed, with a fresh and linear stance, quite elegant and sinewy, with a firm wrapping of limestone tannins. Plenty of limestone grip in the finish too. Rather a taut example of Croix Canon which should age nicely on that fresh acidity. Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)