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Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | Spice-laden red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, savory flowers, and new leather notes all shine in the 2022 Château Tour Saint Christophe, another brilliant wine from this team. I love its complexity, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, and a great finish. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling 96 Points | A very good year for Tour Saint Christophe, showing great depth and flavor despite high alcohol. Abundant dark minerals, fresh blackberries, black olives and a hint of cocoa powder. Pretty full-bodied and firm with crunchy, reactive tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of density here.

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeously scented on the nose, smooth, round and focused with purity and persistence. Tannins are so fine, really sculpting this wine, with a clear bite and almost strict tang to the overall structure giving a sense of tension. I like the terroir aspect, the saltiness but still with juicy richness. Less ample than Bellefonte but more precise. 

The Wine Advocate 93+ Points | This first vintage under the denomination of Grand Cru Classé, the 2022 Tour Saint Christophe is excellent, offering up aromas of spices, cassis, dark wild berries, orange peel and licorice mingled with delicate oaky notes. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, it's layered and textured and framed by powdery, velvety tannins enhanced by a racy, pure, fresh finish. It should gain raciness with some time in the cellar.

#1 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025  |  #8 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025

Château Giscours, a Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is one of Margaux’s most storied estates — and the 2022 vintage may be its finest hour. With almost 60% of the blend drawn from vines over 50 years old, and a historic yield of just 27 hl/ha, this is a wine of extraordinary depth, precision, and generational ambition.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

98 pts — James Suckling: “Stunning aromas of blackcurrants, dark mushrooms and black cherries with forest-floor notes. Full body with fine, caressing tannins and dark, flavorful fruit. The tannins are very intense and structural, spreading across the palate in layers. Plenty of energy and verve. This has gravity, too. Best after 2029.”

97+ pts — Jeb Dunnuck: “Packed with cassis, black cherries, violets, and graphite-like aromatics. Concentrated and intense, with beautifully ripe tannins, a pure, graceful mouthfeel, and a long, structured finish. Serious depth with remarkable balance.”

96 pts — Wine Advocate: “Deep bouquet of sweet berries, mint, rose petals and pencil shavings. Textural and enveloping, built around lively acids and sweet powdery tannins, concluding with a long, resonant finish. Why is the 2022 so good? Almost 60% of the blend derives from vines over 50 years old — in a vintage that favored deep, well-established root systems.”

96 pts — Decanter: “Seriously impressive and beguiling — one of the most elegant Giscours ever. Gorgeous clarity and purity, gentle seduction, fresh and lifted, fragrant and juicy with textured tannins. Elegant, finessed, subtle confidence with cool minerality throughout. A compelling wine. Possible upscore in bottle.”

95 pts — Wine Spectator: “Warmed cassis and plum notes, with lilac, violet and iris accents. A flash of black tea on the finish, along with a beguiling, cashmere-like mouthfeel. A pitch-perfect example of the vintage profile.”

• Appellation: Margaux AOC, Bordeaux
• Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2022
• Ageing: 17 months, 50% new oak
• Yield: 27 hl/ha — lowest in estate history
• Drink: Best after 2029 | Will age beautifully for decades
• 750ml | Serve at 60–65°F

A 93-Point Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from One of Bordeaux's Most Historic Estates

Château du Taillan is a classified French historical monument owned by the Cruse family, one of Bordeaux's most storied dynasties. Their 2019 Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel is a textbook expression of what makes the 2019 vintage so exceptional — richly textured, concentrated, and built for the cellar. A Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this is classic Bordeaux at outstanding value.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points (Roger Voss): “Richly textured with dense black fruits and considerable potential. Power and concentration will allow it to age well. Drink from 2026.”

Tasting Notes

A classic Haut-Médoc with dense black fruit character, robust structure, and elegant tannins. Rich and concentrated on the palate with excellent aging potential — a benchmark Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from a superb Bordeaux vintage.

Pairings: Grilled steak, roast beef, lamb, duck confit, roasted game birds, and aged French cheeses.

Product Details

• Vintage: 2019
• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Region: Bordeaux, France
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Producer: Château du Taillan (Cruse Family)

Château du Parc is a boutique Saint-Émilion estate crafted by Dr. Alain Raynaud and Damien Landouar — two names with deep roots in the Right Bank. Raynaud, formerly of Château Quinault l'Encélos, brings a philosophy of precision and restraint to this Merlot-dominant blend, producing a wine that punches well above its price point in one of Bordeaux's most celebrated appellations.

The Château du Parc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml is an 80/20 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the exceptional 2016 vintage. It opens with redolent aromas of succulent ripe red fruit, blackberries, heather, graphite, and flinty notes, with cedary oak influence adding complexity. On the palate, lush red fruit and plummy dark cherry are framed by elegant, well-integrated tannins, fresh acidity, and a focused, juicy core with impressive length and balance. Surprisingly fresh and cool for the vintage — very classy and delicious.

Expert Reviews

• Forbes (Tom Mullen) — 95 Points: "Redolent and rich aromas of succulent, ripe red fruit, blackberries and heather. A delight on the nose. Lush red fruit flavors mid-palate, with both delicate and elegant tannins and fresh acidity."
• James Suckling — 94 Points: "Attractive graphite and flinty notes with deeply ripe red and purple fruit, as well as cedary oak influence. Succulent, juicy and focused core with impressive length and balance. Great wine."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe red fruit, blackberry, heather, graphite, and cedary oak
• Palate: Plush and plummy with dark cherry, elegant tannins, and fresh acidity
• Finish: Long, focused, and impressively balanced

Wine Details

• 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
• Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2016 | 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss writes 93 Points | Ripe and beautifully textured, this is a balanced wine. It comes from an estate just inland from the Gironde estuary, giving richness, a licorice aroma and finely delineated black currant fruits. Drink the wine from 2028. 

James Suckling 91+ Points | Firm and compact with juicy dark fruit and a hint of spice. Medium body. Firm and chewy finish.

Winemaker Description 

Intense deep purple robe. Seductive and intense nose of cassis, raspberries, spices, vanilla and unctuous grilled and toasty aromas. Well-structured wine that is at the same time rich and lush in the mouth with smooth tannins and a very long finish.

Producer Notes

Domaine de Chevalier is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, renowned for producing wines of extraordinary precision, freshness, and longevity. The 2020 is widely regarded as one of the legendary wines from this address — a wine that effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of the vintage to produce something nuanced, pure, and deeply classical. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth on the nose. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a finish of extraordinary length. Best from 2027, with the potential to evolve for 50+ years.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck 98+ pts | Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth. Full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Pure, classic, regal Pessac-Léognan. Drink 2027–2077.
• James Suckling 97–99 pts | Purity of fruit is really something — blackcurrants, blackberries, orange, stone, and granite. Full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins. Great length. One for the cellar. Drink after 2030.
• Vinous 96 pts | Bright, poised, and wonderfully pure. Red cherry, blood orange, mint, star anise, and cinnamon. Built on aromatic presence and persistence. What a wine! Drink 2030–2060. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Blueberry and blackcurrant with liquorice, tobacco, and bitter chocolate spices. Precision and clarity. Rich, heady, and super promising. Drink 2028–2055. — Georgina Hindle
• Wine Spectator 95 pts | Cassis, plum, blackberry, warm loam, smoldering tobacco, and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish. Best from 2028–2038. — James Molesworth
• Jane Anson 95 pts | Cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, creamy cassis, blackberry, bilberry, cigar box, and smoked earth. A brilliant Chevalier. Drink 2027–2048.
• WK 95+ pts | Minty blackberries and cassis with burning embers, spices, rose petals, and orange rind. Fleshy and concentrated with powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. Drink 2028–2060. — William Kelley
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of 2020. Nuanced, promising, with trademark freshness. Bravissimo! Drink 2030–2050.

Food Pairings

• Prime dry-aged ribeye or rack of lamb
• Roasted duck or slow-braised short ribs
• Aged Comté or Époisses
• Truffle dishes or wild mushroom risotto

The golden-yellow exterior of Château Lafon-Rochet is visible from afar as one ascends the D2 road through the Médoc — a bold, warm landmark that reflects the passion and commitment of everyone who makes its wines. One of Saint-Estèphe's oldest estates, with origins dating to the 16th century, Lafon-Rochet was classified as a Quatrième Grand Cru Classé in 1855. In late 2021, the Lorenzetti family acquired the estate, bringing in Technical Director Christophe Congé — formerly of Lafite-Rothschild — to lead a new chapter of precision and ambition.

The Château Lafon-Rochet Saint-Estèphe 2022 750ml signals that new era emphatically. The 2022 vintage brings more richness and mid-palate intensity than in the past, while preserving the estate's signature elegance. Fresh strawberry and red cherry on the nose give way to a palate of gorgeous weight and suppleness — currants, cassis, graphite, dark chocolate, and crushed stone — with ripe, building tannins and a long, precise finish. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls it "the most elegant wine in Saint-Estèphe." An exciting new chapter for a great estate.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 95–97 Points: "Fabulous. Once again, Lafon-Rochet is the most elegant wine in Saint-Estèphe. The 2022 signals a new era for the château. It's an exciting time."
• Decanter — 95 Points: "An exceptional wine in 2022. Smooth and round, generous and deep, with lovely precision. Extremely complete and well made with control and finesse."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 95 Points: "Seriously good, concentrated, powerful expression with beautiful purity, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish."
• James Suckling — 94 Points: "Dark chocolate, cigar box, blackcurrants, white pepper and graphite. Very juicy and nicely chewy on the palate, with a full body and a tight, lengthy finish."
• Wine Advocate — 91 Points: "Rich, ripe, full-bodied, soft and fat palate with sweet jammy berries, fig preserve, licorice and creamy new oak."

Wine Details

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Saint-Estèphe AOC, 4ème Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2022
• 750ml

The finest Malartic-Lagravière ever made. Six of the world's top critics agree — the 2022 is a historic achievement for this Pessac-Léognan estate. "Awesome levels of blackcurrants, darker cherries, roasted herbs, chocolate, and scorched earth. Incredibly concentrated, rich, layered beauty with velvety tannins and a blockbuster finish. Easily the finest I've tasted from this château. Deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will keep for two decades or more."

• James Suckling 97 Points | "Surprisingly fresh, showing depth, innate balance and complexity. Mineral-etched fruit turns glossy with cassis, berries, plums, spices and a hint of violets. One of the best ever."
• Decanter 96 Points | "Gorgeous fragrant red berry fruit, creamy and juicy with crystalline fruit, acidity and integrated tannins. Harmonised and balanced with tension and poise. A real joy with plenty of ageing potential."
• Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | "Powerful, with concentrated black fruits and a structure that promises serious aging. Drink from 2028."
• Vinous 95 Points | "A pretty sexy wine. Dark cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, new leather and spice. Dense and packed to the core with formidable intensity."
• Wine Spectator 93 Points | "Warm plum, black currant and black cherry compote, inlaid with singed alder and black tea. Very solid."
• Wine Advocate 92 Points | "Classic, elegant bouquet of cassis, mulberries, flowers and spices. Elegantly juicy with a spicy, long finish."

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby-garnet with brilliant clarity
• Nose: Blackcurrant, dark cherry, roasted herbs, chocolate, scorched earth and violets
• Palate: Concentrated dark fruit, cassis, plum and licorice with velvety tannins and layered complexity
• Finish: Blockbuster length with spice, graphite and exceptional persistence

Production Details

• Château: Malartic-Lagravière
• Appellation: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
• Blend: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
• Élevage: 20 months in 60% new French oak
• Production: ~8,000 cases
• Vintage: 2022 | Format: 750ml
• Cellaring: 4–6 years recommended; will keep 20+ years
  

Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of Pessac-Léognan's most celebrated Cru Classé estates, renowned for wines of precision, depth, and extraordinary longevity. The 2022 vintage, shaped by exceptional growing conditions, has produced what many critics are calling the greatest wine in the château's history. Pairs magnificently with aged beef, lamb, truffle dishes, and fine aged cheeses.

Expert Review - Vintage 2014

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points by Roger Voss | This is a ripe wine, already approaching maturity. It has rich tannins and a generous structure. The wine is full with plenty of black fruits and balanced acidity. Black currants and spices mingle easily. The wine will be ready to drink from 2018. 

Winemaker Description

On the nose, the wooden, toasted, and spicy notes stand out. Ripe red fruit notes are present. On the palate, it has a frank, very round onset with a beautiful evolution towards acidity. The red fruits are present throughout the tasting, and the tannins are well blended and round. An elegant and smooth wine.

Cotes de Castillon, with its rolling steep slopes of hills and valleys created by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, is one of the most recognized and fashionable appellations of Bordeaux with several prominent winemakers purchasing châteaux here.

Its vineyards are located east of Saint-Émilion and south of Fronsac which proves to be advantageous as it provides excellent exposure to the sun, and the climate is slightly warmer and drier than most of Bordeaux. It is devoted solely to the production of red wine, and the dominant grape varieties planted are Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The wines are known for being concentrated, fruity, and typified by strong black currant notes. They also have a good price to quality ratio and can be enjoyed young and age just as tastefully.

Cotes de Castillon is also committed to environmentally-sound practices and sustains one of the highest concentration of growers using either organic, biodynamic, or self-sustaining farming techniques. 

Where battlefields once roared, vineyards now thrive. Cotes de Castillon is steeped in history and was actually named after the last battle ‘Castillon la Bataille’ that ended the Hundred Years’ War in 1453 between England and France.

Roman ruins, old churches, and stunning châteaux provide a colorful glimpse into the region’s rich past.

Château Moya is a certified organic estate located in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, next to Saint Émilion in Bordeaux, France. The 20-acre property is located on a clay-limestone hill some 230 feet above the valley floor with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view.

Its pristine vineyards are tended to by the same team managing Château Gaby, and between 30,000-40,000 bottles are produced annually since the first vintage in 2009.

Château Moya has been certified organic by ECOCERT since the 2013 vintage.

Organic wines have become increasingly popular in Bordeaux and around the world not only for the longevity of soil and environmental factors but also for the quality of the wine.

Recognizable for its opulence, finesse, and well-balanced persistence, Château Moya is one of the finest Bordeaux wines in the region.



Elegant Bordeaux Graves at an Unbeatable Price

Château Haut-Reys has long been a reliable source of classic Graves Rouge, and their 2020 Graves Rouge is a textbook expression of what this storied Bordeaux appellation does best. Blended from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 vintage is smooth, approachable, and layered — delivering genuine Bordeaux character at a price that makes it an easy everyday pour.

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Haut-Reys Graves Rouge 2020 750ml

Lovely deep colour with aromas of red and black fruits. Smooth and elegant on the palate with silky tannins and a beautiful, long aftertaste. Fermented and aged in tank to preserve freshness and varietal purity.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Graves, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Haut-Reys
• Vintage: 2020
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Versatile at the table — excellent with roasted lamb, grilled steak, duck confit, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

Baron de Brane 2nd Label of Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2023 750ml

Château Brane-Cantenac is one of Margaux’s most storied Second Growths — a vast, historic estate owned by Henri Lurton with vineyards on some of the deepest gravel beds in the appellation, up to 12 metres deep. Baron de Brane is its second wine: a blend of approximately 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot drawn from the estate’s developing vineyards, offering the unmistakable Brane-Cantenac character — floral, precise, and elegant — at a fraction of the Grand Vin price.

The 2023 vintage is a revelation for Baron de Brane, earning exceptional scores across every major critic. Cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil on the nose; medium to full-bodied on the palate with flawless balance, fine tannins, and a fresh, vivid finish of exceptional purity. This is a wine that needs 4–5 years of bottle age to show its full potential — and rewards patience handsomely.

"Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity." — Jeb Dunnuck, 95–97 pts

• Producer: Château Brane-Cantenac (Henri Lurton), Margaux, Bordeaux, France
• Appellation: Margaux AOC — 2ème Grand Cru Classé second wine
• Blend: ~60% Cabernet Sauvignon, ~40% Merlot
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: Oak barrel aging — gravel terroir, up to 12m deep
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, red cherry, raspberry, fine tannins, fresh vivid finish
• Cellar: Drink 2028–2040
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged Bordeaux cheese

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Jeb Dunnuck — 95–97 Points
Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential.

Decanter — 96 Points
Very aromatic, gorgeous florality on the nose, so inviting and welcoming. Really open and generous — roses, violets, peonies, red cherries and strawberries. Supple and juicy, instantly quite pretty and fun, a lively bright aspect to the red fruits — cranberry, crisp green apple, raspberry and strawberry — then the fine tannins come into play and give the structure and the focus to the finish. Feels calm, relaxed, smooth, intentional, juicy and lifted.

Jane Anson — 96 Points
A great aromatic hit on the opening beats, giving way to silky tannins, spiced plum, rhubarb and slate, cassis and bilberry fruit, all showing depth and intensity. Such an accomplished wine, once again showing how it’s done.

James Suckling — 95 Points
This shows very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them. It has a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. The tannin quality is exceptional.

One of the great second wine bargains in Bordeaux — Baron de Brane 2023 is a hidden gem from one of Margaux’s finest estates, and it will only get better with time.

Winemaker Description

Appealing and elegant ruby robe. Delicate red fruit aromas. A subtle overtone of wood reveals its spicy bouquet. Remarkable balance with round and ripe tannins. Elegant and silky on the palate, it finishes with a delectable touch offemininity. This is a great wine to sip on the patio on a hot summer’s day or as a cocktail. The wine goes well with shell fish, white fish, sushi and curry, as well as white-meat dishes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Still young and juicy, the wine is full of bright black-currant fruits. It also has a firm structure that will allow it age. Drink this succulent wine from 2025.

90 Points James Suckling | Plums, berry fruit and crushed stones on the nose. It’s juicy and mineral with a medium body, lightly chalky tannins and a soft finish. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. From organically grown grapes.

90 Points Decanter | Concentrated and scented on the nose. Smooth and oh so succulent, this is juicy and bright with tons of energy and a subtle vibrancy to the blackcurrant, black cherry and plum fruit that is edged with liquorice, graphite and crushed stone elements. Nicely compacted right now, there is a core of cool and creamy blue fruit and a drive of freshness and life that goes all the way through. Touches of minerality come back on the finish that is long and sustained. Excellent potential here with intensity, acidity and structure. Darkly charming and will improve more over ageing.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022

Decanter 97 Points: Compelling from the first sip, this has excellent balance delivering freshness and lift as well as depth and breadth. Lovely licks of bitterness and salty stones join ripe blackcurrants and juicy plums. The power is undeniable but it’s tempered by a silky frame, making this rich but utterly charming. A great Gruaud at 13.5% ABV.

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: An inky-hued 2022 with a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and crushed stone minerality. Powerful and full-bodied with plenty of mid-palate depth, fine polished tannins, and a great finish. As good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château. Best hidden in the cellar for a decade if possible.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points: Bottled May 2024. Dark berries, violets, vine smoke, pen ink and tar on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, dense and layered with terrific depth, sweet structuring tannins, and a long expansive finish. The estate’s first organic-certified vintage. 13.6% alcohol.

James Suckling 96 Points: Discreet nose of dark fruit and minerals with excellent depth. Uncoiled power and intensity, full body, firm but polished tannins that dissolve into a long, close-knit finish lasting almost a minute. Try from 2028.

Winemaker Description

The Château Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2022 is a landmark vintage for this historic Saint-Julien Second Growth — marking the estate’s first official vintage with organic certification. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (14%), and Cabernet Franc (3%), aged in 95% new French oak barrels. The 2022 has been hailed as a return to the Saint-Julien elite, with critics comparing its quality to legendary vintages like 1982 and 1961.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic or a prime rib roast.
• Savory: Braised short ribs, duck confit, or a truffle-infused beef tenderloin.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Manchego, or a firm Pecorino.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jane Anson 95 Points | Tasted at the Palmères de Castillon event, where I was a jury member, and this was one of the wines picked out blind. I checked it against a different bottle at home later, and suggest that it is given at least half an hour in a carafe, as it remains fairly closed, but once again this is proof of the quality of 2022, and it's a seriously impressive wine that offers wonderful value. I'm always a fan of Clos Puy Arnaud, and you get the deft precision of the winemaking here, coupled with ripe blueberry and raspberry fruits, liquorice, black tea, pomegranate and slate-scrape tannins. 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud is a dense, extroverted wine. Inky dark fruit, licorice, menthol and cloves are all amplified. Usually Clos Puy Arnaud is more refined, but in 2022, the vintage dominates and speaks loudly. Even so, this is a compelling offering. I look forward to tasting it with bottle age. 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Sleek and polished, with alluring notes of blackberry puree and warmed cassis that glide through, while fine-grained tannins, a buried chalky spine and a gilding of sweet tobacco add range and length. Shows a mouthwatering floral echo at the end.

Memo Summary Notes

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud is a standout release from the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, largely considered one of the best "value" wines of this highly acclaimed vintage. Produced by Thierry Valette (whose family famously once owned Château Pavie), this estate is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture on Bordeaux's Right Bank.

The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by extreme heat, but Clos Puy Arnaud’s limestone plateau location helped maintain remarkable freshness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A flattering version, with star fruit, white peach and verbena notes backed by a rounded, shortbread-accented finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Memo Summary Notes

Château Haut Selve Graves Blanc 2024 is the newest release of this high-performing white Bordeaux. The 2024 vintage in Graves is characterized by vibrant acidity and intense aromatic profiles, as the cooler-than-average spring followed by a warm summer allowed for excellent "aromatic snap" in Sauvignon Blanc.

Varietals - Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling | Aromas of crushed dark berries, spices and hints of tea leaves and wet earth. Lightly austere, with a well-defined structure, it has a medium body with firm tannins and juicy fruit underneath. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Arbo Côtes de Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a value-driven red wine from the Vignobles Arbo estate in the Bordeaux region of France. While many Bordeaux wines are blends (usually dominated by Merlot on the Right Bank), this specific "Arbo" label highlights 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a unique find for the Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.

As a structured Cabernet Sauvignon, it pairs best with savory, protein-rich dishes:
    •    Meats: Grilled steak, roasted lamb, or venison.
    •    Cheese: Hard cheeses like aged Cheddar or Comté.
    •    Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom burgers or lentil stews with rosemary.

Winemaker Description

Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

James Suckling 95 Points | Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Rouge Organic — Bordeaux 2022

Les Hauts de Lagarde is a certified organic estate in the heart of Bordeaux, producing wines that honor the region's classic character through sustainable viticulture. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness and balance — and this Bordeaux Rouge is the estate's most compelling expression yet. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it earned 90 points from James Suckling, who praised its "velvety texture and core of succulent fruit." At this price, it is one of the most exciting organic values in all of Bordeaux.

The nose opens with generous aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries, warm spices, chocolate, and walnuts. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied with a round, velvety texture, a succulent dark fruit core, and a soft, smooth finish. The structure is elegant — ripe tannins with just enough grip to reward short-term cellaring.

James Suckling 90 — "Chocolate, walnuts and ripe, dark-fruited character on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a velvety texture and a core of succulent fruit. The finish is soft and smooth." (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: Les Hauts de Lagarde, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Bordeaux Rouge AOC
• Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, blackberry, spice, chocolate, walnuts, velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Pork roasts, red meat, poultry, pasta dishes, aged cheese

A 90-point certified organic Bordeaux at an honest price — Les Hauts de Lagarde is the benchmark for what everyday Bordeaux can be.

Château Pédesclaux is one of Pauillac's most quietly transformed estates. A 5ème Grand Cru Classé with a long history, it has undergone a remarkable renaissance over the past decade under new ownership — investing in the vineyard, the cellar, and a commitment to precision that is now earning the recognition it deserves. The 2018 vintage is widely considered the finest the estate has produced to date.

The Château Pédesclaux Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 2018 750ml is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, aged 16 months in 60% new French oak. It shows notable freshness and elegance alongside medium to full body, seamless tannins, and a perfumed bouquet of blue fruits, violets, spice, and wet stone minerality. Creamy and succulent on the palate, with a long, caressing finish and the purity and precision that define the estate's new chapter. Accessible now, yet built to keep for 25+ years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

• Jeb Dunnuck — 93–95 Points: "The best to date from this estate. Showing notable freshness and elegance, seamless tannins, and perfumed notes of blue fruits, spice, violets, and wet stone minerality. It will be accessible with just short-term cellaring yet keep for 25+ years."
• James Suckling — 93–95 Points: "Aromas of blackcurrants, lavender, gravel, dried leaves, spice box and bitter chocolate. Full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins. Creamy and succulent with a long, caressing finish. Try from 2025."
• Decanter — 93 Points: "Attractive woodsmoke and sweet fruits on the nose, vibrant and creamy on the palate. Big tannins that build through the palate and need time to soften. Drinking window 2026–2040."
• Wine Spectator — 89 Points: "Fresh and focused, featuring cassis and bitter cherry notes, lined with subtle iron and floral hints. The finish is tightly focused."

Wine Details

• 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
• Pauillac AOC, 5ème Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
• Aged 16 months in 60% new French oak
• Vintage: 2018 | Drink 2025–2040+
• 750ml

Chateau Carbonnieux White Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classé 2023

Explore the elegance of Chateau Carbonnieux, one of the distinguished names in the Pessac-Leognan region, known for producing exceptional white wines. The 2023 vintage showcases the estate's commitment to quality, offering a finely balanced wine that reflects the terroir beautifully. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Carbonnieux has established itself as a Grand Cru Classé, known for its meticulous vineyard practices and sustainable viticulture. Each bottle is a testament to the tradition and innovation that has shaped the estate over centuries.

Expert Recognition - 2023 Vintage

"The grapefruit and honey aromas of this wine are echoed in its crisp and rounded textures. It is ripe with apple and spice flavors, the wood aging subtly in the background. Drink from 2027."

Wine Spectator - 95 Points
"This crackles with tarragon, fleur de sel, oyster shell and lemon pith notes that ripple throughout, while a steady core of yuzu and mirabelle plum moves through. Live-wire acidity keeps everything focused and mouthwatering. Lovely. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2033."

James Suckling - 94 Points
"Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac. Drink now."

Wine Advocate - 90-92 Points
"A blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, the 2023 Carbonnieux Blanc exhibits elegant aromas of pear, white peach, spring flowers and herbs, followed by a medium-bodied, satiny and long texture enhanced by bright acids and a lively mid-palate. It concludes with a long, delicate, mouthwateringly mordant finish, making it a classic white wine from this estate."

Jeb Dunnuck - 90-92 Points
"The 2023 Château Carbonnieux Blanc is light gold-hued and offer terrific aromatics of ripe citrus, minty herbs, and a kiss of grapefruit. These carry to a medium-bodied white with a round, supple texture, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length."

Grape Blend

Composition: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon
This classic Bordeaux white blend showcases the best of both varietals, combining Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity with Sémillon's richness and texture.

Tasting Profile

The 2023 Chateau Carbonnieux white wine offers an exquisite blend of vibrancy and depth. Light gold-hued with terrific aromatics including grapefruit and honey, sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger, oyster shell, tarragon, fleur de sel, lemon pith, yuzu, mirabelle plum, pear, white peach, spring flowers, herbs, ripe citrus, and minty herbs. The palate is equally expressive, featuring crisp and rounded textures, ripe with apple and spice flavors, live-wire acidity that keeps everything focused and mouthwatering, medium body with a satiny and long texture, round and supple with nicely integrated acidity. The finish is crunchy, long, delicate, and mouthwateringly mordant with outstanding length. Wood aging is subtle in the background, allowing the fruit and terroir to shine.

Grand Cru Classé Heritage

With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Carbonnieux has established itself as a Grand Cru Classé in the prestigious Pessac-Leognan appellation. The estate is known for its meticulous vineyard practices and sustainable viticulture, producing wines that beautifully reflect the unique terroir of Bordeaux. Each bottle is a testament to centuries of tradition and innovation.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Now through 2033 (Wine Spectator), from 2027 (Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection)

This vintage offers both immediate enjoyment and excellent aging potential, allowing collectors to cellar it for further development.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Chateau Carbonnieux with the right dishes can enhance your overall dining experience. Its refreshing acidity and vibrant fruit character make it an excellent choice for:

• Grilled fish and shellfish
• Oysters and seafood platters
• Salads featuring citrus or vinaigrettes
• Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert
• Gourmet picnics
• Summer barbecues
• Light cheese platters

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

This vintage is ideal for those who appreciate complexity and refinement in their wine, making it a sought-after selection for wine enthusiasts and collectors wanting to taste the essence of Bordeaux. Enjoy it chilled to fully appreciate its bright flavors and elegant character. The versatility of this Grand Cru Classé is sure to impress your guests at any occasion.

Winemaker Description 

The Bordeaux Blanc from Antonins is a surprisingly crisp and zesty white wine. Reds often garner all of the attention in Bordeaux, but this is a "year-round" white that is great to have on hand to enjoy anytime.

Memo Summary Notes 

Varietals - 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon

The Château des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc 2023 is a standout example of a modern, accessible Bordeaux white. Produced at an estate with roots dating back to a 13th-century monastery, this vintage strikes a beautiful balance between historic terroir and vibrant, "New World" aromatic intensity.

The estate was originally an abbey for the Monks of Saint Anthony.

Winemaker Antoine de Roquefeuil spent time honing his craft in New Zealand. You can taste that influence here; it has the "zing" and tropical edge of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc but retains the stony, structured backbone that only Bordeaux soil provides.

Winemaker Description 

Beautiful ruby red color with an intense nose of fresh grapes and subtle black fruits aromas.

This is a complex wine that offers firm tannins and rich fruit. It has weight, density and a strong sense of ripeness. With balance and depth, it’s a wine with good aging potential.
Will pair nicely with all kind of meats (pork shank, roasted poultry), and perfumed cheeses (like crottins de Chavignolor other goat cheeses).

On the palate, the wine reveals a good structure and the evolution expresses some freshness that gives to the wine a very dynamic character and a contemporary style. Great with grilled meats and hard cheeses! 

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Brilliant color, intense, lovely red fruits, silky and rich attack. Deeply coloured with purple reflection. Fruity on the nose, dominated by morello cherry and almond paste. Medium-bodied on the palate, priority is given to the fruit. Turning more intense on the finish with good tannins.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

On the palate it is silky, supple and delicate; well-balanced and elegant with a fine long finish of ripe blackberry and blackcurrents.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

96 Points James Suckling: A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. It’s extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this.
Barrel Sample:95-96

94 Points  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2019 Duhart-Milon is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of cassis and wild berries with notions of violets, cedar wood, orange rind, licorice and spice box in a perfumed bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's charming and refined, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and succulent acids. This château is going from strength to strength. Best after 2025.

94 Points Decanter: This one might sneak up on you, confirming the rise of this wine in recent years. Clear depth of fruit, and above all clear Pauillac character. This feels strict and confident, with beautiful balance and restraint. Duhart is one of the later-ripening and cooler Pauillac terroirs which is why in the past it could be overly austere when young, but it is benefitting from recent hot summers in terms of its fruit ripeness. Pencil lead is prominent here, along with cassis and bilberry. Very precise, very elegant, with a creaminess to the fruit through the mid palate, and overall this is an excellent Duhart.
Barrel Sample:94

94 Wine Spectator: Racy and mineral-driven, with a chalky thread that runs from start to finish, adding a perfumed elegance to a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. This has a lushness to the fruit, with dark tobacco, steeped black tea and singed alder notes, but there's plenty of range, detail and textural nuance as well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. Elegant and refined, the nose exudes floral aromas, going on with airing to develop notes of blackcurrant and licorice root. The full and smooth attack reveals an alluring and complex array of flavors in which ripe fruit is magnificently set off by notes of toasted cereals and violet. The mid-palate is underpinned by high-quality close-knit and creamy tannins, leading into a saline and slightly minty finish which lingers on hints of chocolates.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points | Aromas of crushed stone, blackcurrants and blackberries. Full-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that are chewy and layered, yet polished and fantastic. Love the finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 22% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 94-96 Points | Dense and rich, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another great vintage from the estate. Its black fruits ooze concentration alongside firm tannins that promise a potential for long aging. The aftertaste has opulent black currant richness. (v.2019). 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Clerc Milon is a real success. At more than 70%, this blend contains one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon in the property's recent history, and the result is a wine of real nobility. Offering up aromas of violets, wild berries, licorice, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with notable depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. From clay-limestone soils rather than the sandy gravels that characterize d'Armailhac, this is by some margin the more structured and serious of Mouton-Rothschild's two Pauillac stablemates.(v.2019).

Decanter 95 Points | The wine has the highest levels of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s, and even on the nose you can feel its impact in terms of the depth of tight black fruit. Extremely good quality with fine tannins that build, build, build over the palate, and grip on, forcing you to slow down and pay attention. Beautiful spice with menthol, slate, pencil lead, blackberry and blackcurrant. An exciting wine with real energy and forward motion, helped to withstand the summer heat by its position by the river, and the fact that the average age of the vines at Clerc Milon is almost 50 years. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Jean Emmanuel Danjoy's last outing doing the full vintage at Clerc Milon before he heads over to Mouton as technical director. (v.2019).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents a very fresh core of cassis, red cherry and damson plum fruit flavors that meld nicely with a racy iron streak, while light savory and floral details run along the edges. A very pure and bright version that should age well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. (v.2019).

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Another beautiful effort from this team, the 2019 Château Clerc Milon is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, from vines just across the street from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it has a healthy ruby/plum color to go with a great nose of ripe red and black fruits supported by some classic Pauillac lead pencil, tobacco, and spice box notes. I love its overall balance, it's medium-bodied, has silky tannins, and the fresher, elegant style of the vintage. I wouldn't call it mid-weight, but I compared this to the 2014 on release, and I still think that comparison holds, although there's a touch more length and intensity in the 2019. This will drink well today with a decant (I followed this bottle for two days) and will shine for a good two decades.(v.2019).

Château Les Riganes | White Bordeaux | Bordeaux AOC | 2024 | Kosher | Kosher for Passover

Château Les Riganes is a reliable and well-regarded kosher producer from Bordeaux, crafting approachable, terroir-driven whites that deliver genuine regional character at an accessible price. The White Bordeaux is made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, the dominant white variety of the appellation, vinified to emphasize freshness, aromatic precision and the mineral, citrus-driven character that defines the best dry whites of the region. Kosher and Kosher for Passover, it is an excellent choice for Shabbat, holiday tables and year-round entertaining.

Light gold in color with green reflections, the 2024 opens with bursting aromas of yellow grapefruit, lemon peel, freshly cut grass, white spring flowers and earthy minerals. The palate is light to medium-bodied and immediately lively — a bright first attack of citrus fruit gives way to hints of slate, zesty lemon, herbal notes, basil and tart green pear. Medium-plus acidity keeps the wine fresh and focused, while saline and orange blossom notes linger on a remarkably long and mouthwatering finish.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, light salads, roasted vegetables, chicken and the classic dishes of the Shabbat and Passover table.

• Producer: Château Les Riganes
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, France
• Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
• Vintage: 2024
• Kosher Certification: Kosher; Kosher for Passover
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2006

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This has lovely flavors of apricot, dried tangerine, pineapple and papaya rushing along, supported by hazelnut, frangipane and coconut notes. Despite the depth, it's very, very pure, with filigreed acidity carrying the long, long finish. Drink now through 2037. 7,500 cases made. 

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 2006 Chateau d Yquem has a slightly reticent bouquet at first that unfolds in the glass. There aromas are well-behaved at first, but then start having some fun with lovely scents of dried honey, dried quince, marzipan and beeswax. Delving further into the aromatics there is a hint of spice and white pepper. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a viscous opening. There is great harmony and composure here - certainly not as voluminous or ravishing as the 2009 - but a controlled and very focused Yquem with a slight saltiness coming through toward the finish. The edginess is absorbing and it should play out nicely with bottle age. This could be the dark horse between the 2001 and 2009. Drink now-2050. Tasted March 2014. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

Wine Spectator 95 points | This has a lovely core of creamy anise-infused plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors that showcase themselves a bit more vividly than many Margaux peers in this vintage do, with substantial but velvety grip and lots of extra violet, graphite and black tea notes adding to the long flow of a finish. Really beautiful feel. Best from 2023 through 2038.Wine Enthusiast 97 points Dark tannins work with the sophisticated structure of this wine. The very fine tannins are an important element of the wine, giving shape to the ripe black fruits and acidity. This wine, rich and structured, is set for a long development. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection.

Wine Advocate 97 points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish. The blend this year is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 20th and October 15th at an average yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.Decanter 95 points There's an array of flavours and complex aromatics on offer here. It's powerful and brooding, with a lyrical acidity that helps to lift up the relatively foursquare tannins on the attack. After a few minutes in the glass it begins to ripple with menthol, liquorice root, grilled cedar and sweet spices. It needs time to settle, of course, but is extremely classic, and will go the distance and then some. Matured in 60% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 points | I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.

James Suckling 98 points | The aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco and sandalwood are tantalizing. Then it turns to subtle, dried fruit. Full-bodied with dense and powerful tannins, yet ending with finesse and vertical nature. Very deep. Power with finesse. Try after 2025. 

Winemaker Description

#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
#99 Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 of 2025
#8 Vinous Top 100 of 2025

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

100 Points Vinous | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot is a total stunner. What a wine! The 2022 was magnificent en primeur, and it is all that from bottle. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, new leather and cedar meld into a core of pliant red-toned fruit. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's precision and finesse. I have never tasted a Beau-Séjour Bécot like this.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2022 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is flat-out sensational, as well as the finest wine I’ve tasted from this château. Powerful aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits as well as crushed stone and violets define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, has integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, this heavenly Saint-Emilion will benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and have 30 years or more of overall longevity. Back up the truck.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of sweet wild berries mingled with rose petals, orange zest, violets, gentian and espresso roast, it's full-bodied, supple and suave, with a deep core of cool, layered fruit, beautifully vibrant flavors and polished structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. As I wrote when I tasted it from barrel, this is a Saint-Émilion of breathtaking perfume and harmony that will be worth a special effort to seek out.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | This is very fresh, expressive and focused, with violet, iris and rosehip notes darting to the fore, while flavors of sleek raspberry and red currant preserves race along behind. Almost flattering, but there’s a subtle chalky tension piercing the finish, which sails through. A dreamy wine. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decanter 96 Points |  Floral notes on the nose. Tangy and sharp, lively and bright straight away, sweet and sour, so energetic and lively with a mineral grip from the fine, firm, grippy tannins. Lovely precision and almost delicate presentation of fruit. You really feel the mineral, salty, tangy aspect of the fruit, nothing feels overworked, all in balance, really quite thrilling and electric. Great purity and focus. Scintillating yet still with a lovely volume and roundness accented by tobacco, clove, liquorice and cinnamon touches. Really well worked and fresh - this feels very modern with such control to the fruit, tannins, acidity giving overall depth and complexity. Elegant but confident, taking the best density from clay density and freshness from limestone. A very singular charm with this wine.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2022 is being hailed by many critics as the "best wine ever produced" by this historic Saint-Émilion estate. This vintage marks a significant milestone, recently ranking as #5 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Situated on the iconic limestone plateau of Saint-Martin de Mazerat, the estate has shifted its style under owner Juliette Bécot toward greater precision, floral aromatics, and mineral tension, moving away from the more opulent, oak-heavy profiles of the past.

One of the Wines of the 2020 Vintage — Saint-Émilion at Its Most Magnificent

Château Valandraud is the legendary “garagiste” estate of Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated and iconoclastic producers. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé status, Valandraud is produced from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Émilion and is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, perfume, and longevity. The 2020 — a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in 100% new oak — has been called one of the wines of the vintage, earning back-to-back 99-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling and 98 points from Vinous.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 99 pts: "One of the wines of the vintage. Incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. Full-bodied richness, ripe seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Give bottles 5–7 years in the cellar. Drink 2028–2053."
• James Suckling — 99 pts: "Very opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027."
• Vinous — 98 pts: "A stunner. Rich, deep and explosive with dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright and wonderfully focused with sweet floral and blood orange accents on the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028–2060."
• Decanter — 96 pts (Jane Anson): "Broad-shouldered with ample depth — brambled fruits, liquorice, cigar box spice and a gorgeously saline finish. Chalky, grippy tannins with white flowers on the aromatics. 100% new oak for 24 months. Drink 2029–2046."
• Decanter — 93 pts (Georgina Hindle): "Juicy and alive with blackcurrant, black cherry and herbal-tinged blueberries. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast. Full and complex with salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027–2046."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Black currant and fig preserves, warmed black tea, melted black licorice and a hint of alder smoke, framed by a loam- and espresso crema-accented finish. Best from 2027 through 2040."
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and new oak. Full-bodied, rich and chewy with generously extracted tannins. Drink 2025–2043."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Deep crimson. Dark and oaky — lots of 70% dark chocolate. Big, dense tannins with enough fresh fruit to fill it out for the long term. Drink 2030–2045."

Winemaker Notes

Freshness and opulence, fruit and structure. A perfect balance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Valandraud / Jean-Luc Thunevin
• Vintage: 2020
• Aging: 24 months, 100% new oak
• Yield: 49 hl/ha
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine of this stature deserves the finest table — exceptional with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin en croute, duck confit, aged Comté, and black truffle dishes. Also magnificent on its own as a meditation wine.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 94 Points | “Very pretty blackberries and blackcurrants with a hint of lead pencil. Medium-bodied with creamy, refined tannins and a polished finish. Shows precision and focus, especially in this hot vintage.” Drink after 2027.
• Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points | “Ripe black cherries, redcurrants, spicy oak, and flowery incense. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe polished tannins, and a great finish. Beautifully done — will evolve gracefully over the coming two decades.”
• Vinous – 92 Points | “Elegant, mid-weight Margaux. Dark-toned fruit, cloves, new leather and sweet spice, nicely lifted throughout. Attractive floral overtones extend the finish. Will drink well with minimal cellaring.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, red cherry, and lead pencil with floral incense and spicy oak. On the palate, creamy, refined tannins frame flavors of dark fruit, cloves, and sweet spice with attractive floral overtones on the finish. Precise, polished, and classically Margaux in character.

About the Wine

Château Rauzan-Gassies is a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) from the Margaux appellation, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious classifications dating to 1855. The 2022 is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, raised in 57% new oak barrels. The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux is widely regarded as exceptional — and this wine delivers the precision and elegance that defines great Margaux. Now available in bottle as of early 2026.

Cellaring

Drink from 2027 through 2040+. Decant 45–60 minutes if opening now.

Food Pairing

Classic with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Margaux, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: 2nd Growth Grand Cru Classé (1855)
• Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Château Rauzan-Gassies

Maison Sichel Margaux 2022 750ml

The Sichel House is renowned for its high-quality wines, and the Maison Sichel Margaux 2022 is no exception. This wine is a remarkable embodiment of the rich heritage of the Margaux region. Crafted with carefully selected grapes, this vintage delivers a beautiful balance between strength and finesse. The year 2022 yielded exceptional fruit characteristics, allowing the winemakers to produce a wine that showcases both elegance and complexity. The result is a full-bodied red that delights the palate and invites exploration, making it a superb addition to any wine collection.

Expert Recognition - 2022 Vintage

James Suckling - 92 Points
"Plush plums, redcurrants, tobacco and some sweet spices. Fluid and evenly packed on the palate with medium body and juicy, firm tannins. Lightly peppery in the medium-length finish. Cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drink now."

Grape Blend

Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Petit Verdot
This classic Bordeaux blend showcases the best of Margaux's terroir and winemaking tradition.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby red with deep violet tints indicating richness
Aroma: Expressive, ripe bouquet displaying all the finesse and elegance typical of the Margaux terroir. Complexity on the nose with overripe, jammy red fruit aromas, blackcurrant, plush plums, redcurrants, vanilla, spice, tobacco, and sweet spices. Swirling brings out more oaky, toasty notes denoting traditional ageing in oak barrels which blend harmoniously with the fruity aromas
Palate: Fluid and evenly packed with medium body. Concentrated and generous but not capricious, highly expressive. Rich flavors including chocolate, vanilla, and mild tobacco. Juicy, firm tannins of the highest quality. Well-integrated tannins. Lightly peppery
Finish: Long, lingering finish with medium-length. Lightly peppery character

Margaux Appellation Excellence

Situated 25km from Bordeaux, the Margaux appellation covers five municipalities and is the only one in the Médoc where you find the entire, rich and vast range of wines, from the first to the fifth Grand Cru Classé. Margaux wines are particularly supple and refined. They are characterized by very elegant, fruity aromas, making them the benchmark for generous, sophisticated wines with soft ripe tannins.

Vineyard Terroir

The vineyard area of Margaux is essentially based on the Garonne's layers, made up of gravel and pebbles from the quaternary period. This soil, well protected from the oceanic winds by the forest, benefits from the bracing winds from the Gironde estuary which tempers the climate. The soil's poorness, the gravel's permeability, and the slightly sloping hillsides that provide good drainage allow the vines to be deep rooted, providing the ideal conditions for top quality wines.

Traditional Winemaking

Harvest: When fully mature, the grapes are for the most part hand-picked
Vinification: Grapes are crushed and destemmed, then put into fermenters. The harvest is heated to around 22°C to allow a quick start to fermentation. Twice daily pumping over with aeration takes place to extract maximum color and tannin. After alcoholic fermentation, vats are maintained at around 30°C for 15 to 21 days
Aging: 6 to 8 months aging in French oak barrels with racking every 4 weeks. Traditional aging in oak barrels creates oaky, toasty notes that blend harmoniously with fruity aromas
Finishing: Wines are fined and filtered on earth before bottling

One of the Greatest Bordeaux Vintages

The product of one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages, the 2022 showcases exceptional fruit characteristics and winemaking expertise. The wine's structure is both robust and refined, making it ideal for aging while also being enjoyable now. This vintage offers a delightful experience that evolves over time, showcasing the winemaking expertise of Sichel House.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This exquisite wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, enhancing both the food and the wine experience:

• Hearty red meats - grilled lamb or beef
• Rich gourmet cheeses
• Mushroom risotto
• Savory pastas
• Roasted meats
• Elegant dinner parties

Serving Suggestions

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Maison Sichel Margaux 2022 slightly below room temperature, allowing its full bouquet to unfold. This wine promises to elevate any dining occasion and impress even the most discerning palates.

Sichel House Heritage

The Sichel House is renowned for producing high-quality wines that embody the rich heritage and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking. Each sip reveals layers of complexity and elegance, showcasing the finesse typical of the Margaux terroir. With its beautiful balance between strength and refinement, this wine represents the benchmark for generous, sophisticated Bordeaux wines with soft ripe tannins.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014

The Wine Spectator 95+ | The Château Suduiraut 2014 may well be one of the best Sauternes of the vintage. This year, it is a blend of 95% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc with a healthy 145 grams per liter residual sugar and 4.5 grams per liter total acidity. It needed some coaxing on the nose so I afforded the sample five minutes of rigorous swirling. It was worth the effort as it reveals intense clear honey and mineral scents that possess exquisite definition, one of those aromatics that stop you in your tracks. The palate is clean and fresh with vibrant acidity, great depth and power as it fans out in glorious fashion on the bravura finish. The phrase “It will knock your socks off” comes to mind, so wear a couple of pairs.

The Wine Enthusiast 96 Points | Intense and ripe, this is a superb wine from a top Sauternes estate. It has all the expected elements, including concentrated botrytis and honeyed flavors. Seville orange and lemon notes provide contrast, as does its acidity, which is just as intense as the honey character. It will age well, so drink from 2025.

Decanter 94 Points | Marmalade botrytis and smoke mix with ripe peach and honeyed pineapple. Complex and rich, with mouthcoating flavours of ripe peach, mango, honeycomb and tapioca. A rare unctuous quality for Suduiraut in 2014.

James Suckling 94 Points | Candied citrus and pineapple drizzled with acacia honey is how this smells and tastes, and the wine is rich and creamy with excellent concentration. Powerful and flavorful finish. Drink or hold. 

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | Despite a challenging year, half of the crop was lost due to an invasion of Drosophila suzukii, the 2014 Suduiraut is showing very well today, evoking aromas of pineapple, baked white fruits, ripe orchard fruits, lemon and spices. Moderately weighted, layered and round, it’s perfectly balanced with an elegant, fresh mid-palate that is long and ethereal on the finish. This blend of 95% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc.

Memo Summary Notes

The Chateau Suduiraut 2014 is a highly acclaimed Sauternes from a vintage often described as a "miracle" for the region. While many 2014 red Bordeaux are considered "good but not great," the late-season botrytis (noble rot) in Sauternes was exceptional, producing wines with intense concentration balanced by high acidity.

Classic: Foie gras or blue cheeses (Roquefort or Stilton).

Main: Roast chicken with morels or a spicy Thai curry (the sweetness handles heat beautifully).

Seafood: Lobster or scallops with a citrus-butter sauce.

Duluc de Branaire-Ducru — Saint-Julien, Bordeaux 2020

Château Branaire-Ducru is one of Saint-Julien's most distinguished estates — a Fourth Growth (4ème Cru Classé) of the 1855 Classification, celebrated for wines of legendary finesse, elegance, and longevity. Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is the estate's second wine, designed to offer the same Saint-Julien signature — that hallmark combination of refinement, structure, and aromatic complexity — at a more accessible price point and with an earlier drinking window. The 2020 vintage is one of Bordeaux's greatest of the modern era: a warm, dry year of exceptional concentration and balance that produced wines of remarkable depth across all appellations, and Saint-Julien in particular.

The nose leads with plum, fig, and boysenberry fruit, accented by mulled spice and cedar. On the palate, it is lively and spicy with well-balanced, fresh red and black fruit — restrained and subtle in the true Saint-Julien style. The finish is silky, long, and polished — a second wine that drinks with the poise of a Grand Vin.

"Plum, fig and boysenberry fruit with mulled spice and cedar accents. Lively and spicy on the palate with well balanced, fresh red and black fruit. Restrained and subtle. Silky finish." — Winemaker, Château Branaire-Ducru

• Producer: Château Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Saint-Julien AOC
• Classification: 2nd Wine of Château Branaire-Ducru (1855 Fourth Growth)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Bordeaux blend
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, fig, boysenberry, mulled spice, cedar, fresh red and black fruit, silky finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb cutlets, beef fillet, duck confit, mushroom stroganoff, Mimolette, aged Cheddar

The Saint-Julien signature at an accessible price — Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2020 is restrained, silky, and built for the table.