Bordeaux Wine

Château Hyot Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux — Bordeaux, France 2019

Château Hyot is situated on the slopes just west of Castillon, in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation — one of Bordeaux's most exciting value regions, where Merlot-dominant wines of genuine character are produced at a fraction of the price of their Saint-Émilion neighbors across the border. The estate's sandy-gravelly soils act as a natural flavor enhancer, contributing a distinctive minerality and freshness that elevates the wine beyond its price point. The 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade — delivered exceptional ripeness and concentration across the Right Bank.

The wine pours an intense ruby with shiny reflections. The nose is expressive and layered — blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, mulberry, dark plum, dried herbs, and a touch of cigar box and toasted oak. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and Merlot-driven, with powdery tannins, juicy acidity, and a savory, earthy, flavorful finish that reflects the authenticity of the terroir. Drink now or hold through 2026.

"Mulberries, dark plums, dried herbs, burdock and cigar box on the nose. Medium body with powdery tannins. Fruity, with fresh acidity and a flavorful, earthy finish." — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Château Hyot, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
• Varietal: Merlot-dominant
• Terroir: Sandy-gravelly slopes west of Castillon
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: James Suckling 90 | Wine Enthusiast 90
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum, dried herbs, cigar box, powdery tannins, earthy finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Dual 90-point Right Bank Bordeaux at an exceptional price — Castillon terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven generosity in every glass.

La Petite Lune Rouge — Graves, Bordeaux 2022

La Petite Lune is the entry-level expression from Clos des Lunes — a project founded by the owners of Domaine de Chevalier, one of Pessac-Léognan's most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, in collaboration with Stéphane Dérenoncourt, widely regarded as one of the top winemakers in France. The vineyards sit a stone's throw from Chevalier's famed plots in Graves, and the wine is built on a special selection of vineyard lots handpicked by Dérenoncourt and vinified by Bernard's team at Domaine de Chevalier. The aim: a wine that is slightly more modern in styling than a classic Bordeaux, with an excellent quality-to-price ratio — and at under $20, it delivers exactly that.

The 2022 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The nose is pretty and inviting — blackberry, dried tobacco, and herbal notes with a classic Graves character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and mouth-filling with generous fruit, supple tannins, and a delicious, clean fruit finish. Approachable now and built for easy enjoyment.

"Founded by the owners of Domaine de Chevalier and Stéphane Dérenoncourt, one of the top winemakers in France — a Bordeaux of excellent quality-price ratio." — Clos des Lunes

• Producer: Clos des Lunes (Domaine de Chevalier & Stéphane Dérenoncourt), Graves, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dried tobacco, herbal notes, medium-bodied, supple tannins, clean fruit finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast chicken, duck, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Grand Cru Classé pedigree and Dérenoncourt's touch at an everyday Bordeaux price — the smartest under-$20 red in the shop.

Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent — Bordeaux Blanc 2023

Clos des Lunes is one of Bordeaux’s most compelling white wine stories — an estate in the heart of the Sauternes appellation that has dedicated itself entirely to producing world-class dry white wine from legendary sweet wine terroir. Lune d’Argent (“Silver Moon”) is the estate’s flagship cuvée, blending the density and richness of Sémillon with the refinement and precision of Sauvignon Blanc, aged with a touch of French oak to add complexity without obscuring the magic of the terroir.

The 2023 vintage was harvested in multiple passes from August 28 through September 21, allowing optimal ripeness across the blend. The result is a vibrant, medium-bodied white with vivid acidity, a chalky mineral finish, and outstanding depth — floral, orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, and a lovely umami complexity from the Sémillon. Four critics, four outstanding scores.

James Suckling 93 • Vinous 92 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Decanter 91 — “A top value pick!”

• Producer: Clos des Lunes, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc
• Blend: 70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
• Aging: Touch of French oak
• Harvest: Multiple passes, Aug 28 – Sep 21
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, citrus, chalky minerality, umami complexity
• Best Paired With: Grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops, roast chicken, soft-ripened cheeses, foie gras

Sauternes terroir, dry white ambition, four 91+ scores — Lune d’Argent is one of the great white wine values in Bordeaux.

Château La Vaisinerie — Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux 2019

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's four Saint-Émilion satellites — appellations that share the Saint-Émilion name and its clay-limestone terroir, but offer wines of genuine character at a fraction of the price of their more famous neighbor. Château La Vaisinerie is a standout estate in the appellation, producing a Merlot-dominant blend (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) that earned four separate critic endorsements in the 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade. The result is a wine of real refinement and balance that consistently punches above its price point.

The 2019 pours a deep ruby. The nose is expressive and layered — blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stones, and floral notes with a mineral undertow. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, pure, and impeccably balanced: supple tannins, fine acidity, a pretty core of fruit, and a sensual, velvety-smooth finish. Already drinking beautifully with a carafe; will continue to develop through 2029.

"Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. One I want another glass of." — Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 90 Points

• Producer: Château La Vaisinerie, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Puisseguin Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 90 | James Suckling 90 | Jeb Dunnuck | Vinous (Neal Martin)
• Drink: Now–2029 (decant if opening today)
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stone, supple tannins, sensual finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Four-critic Right Bank Bordeaux at a satellite appellation price — Saint-Émilion terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven elegance in every glass.

Château de Ribebon Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux, France 2020

Château de Ribebon has one of the more remarkable backstories in Bordeaux — the estate was formerly a hunting lodge for King Louis XVI, and today it is part of the distinguished Aubert family portfolio, one of the most respected names in the region. Farmed from 40-year-old vines and crafted in the classic Petit Château tradition, Ribebon represents exactly what Bordeaux Supérieur does best: honest, terroir-driven wine at an accessible price, made with the same care and philosophy as estates that cost far more. The 2020 vintage is widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is inviting and well-defined — juicy black fruits, blackcurrant, plum, spice, and a touch of toast from careful oak aging. On the palate, it's structured and well-balanced with a savory, slightly earthy character, medium-to-full body, and a smooth mouthfeel. Still young and developing, it rewards patience — best from 2025 onward, but approachable now with decanting.

"A well-balanced wine, structured and still young. Spice and toast as well as juicy black fruits. The wine is on its way, but should not be drunk before 2025." — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

• Producer: Château de Ribebon (Aubert Family), Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Varietal: Merlot-dominant blend
• Vine Age: 40 years
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 90 (Roger Voss)
• Drink: Best from 2025; decant if opening now
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, plum, spice, toast, earthy, structured tannins
• Best Paired With: Gourmet burgers, lamb chops with rosemary, duck confit, beef stew, mushroom risotto, aged Comté

A 90-point Bordeaux Supérieur from a former royal hunting lodge — Aubert family quality, 40-year-old vines, and one of Bordeaux's finest recent vintages at a Petit Château price.

Château Larose Trintaudon — Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Supérieur 2019

Château Larose Trintaudon is one of the Haut-Médoc’s most celebrated Cru Bourgeois estates — elevated to Cru Bourgeois Supérieur as of the 2018 vintage, a distinction that reflects the consistent quality and ambition of this property. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation, is a textbook expression of understated Médoc elegance: structured, fruit-driven, and built to age.

The nose opens with blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, layered with sweet tobacco, moss, and violet edges. On the palate, the wine is fleshy and full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins, cassis, bitter plum, and a savory, mineral-tinged finish that lingers with chalky precision. Give it two to three years and it will reward handsomely.

James Suckling 93 • Decanter 90 • Wine Spectator

• Producer: Château Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Haut-Médoc
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, tobacco, cassis, chalky minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2023–2032+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

A critically acclaimed Haut-Médoc at a Cru Bourgeois price — one of the best value Bordeaux reds in the cellar.

Château Les Gravettes — Bordeaux Supérieur 2019

Bordeaux Supérieur is the appellation that over-delivers — and Château Les Gravettes is a textbook example of why. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated in recent memory, brings explosive intensity and classic structure at a price that makes it an instant cellar staple.

The wine pours a deep, brilliant dark ruby. The nose is complex and inviting — blackberries, blueberries, baking spices, and walnuts. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with chewy tannins, juicy fruit, and a chalky texture that carries through to a flavorful, aromatic finish. Harmonious and long, with the balance to drink now or hold for several more years.

“Juicy with a chalky texture and a flavorful finish.” — James Suckling, 91 Points

• Producer: Château Les Gravettes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, blueberry, baking spices, walnuts, chalky texture, aromatic finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold through 2027+
• Best Paired With: Leg of lamb with herbs, game, goat’s cheese, roast duck

A 91-point Bordeaux at a rock-bottom price — Château Les Gravettes is the kind of find that makes wine lovers smile.

Château Bel-Air Lussac Saint-Émilion 2020 — Bordeaux, France

Château Bel-Air is a benchmark estate in Lussac Saint-Émilion, the satellite appellation just north of Saint-Émilion proper, where clay-limestone soils and a cooler microclimate produce Merlot and Cabernet Franc of remarkable depth and elegance. The 2020 Cuvée Jean & Gabriel — equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, raised in one-third new French oak — is a standout achievement in an exceptional vintage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points; the Wine Advocate 91; Jeb Dunnuck 90 — calling it “well worth seeking out” with 8–10 years of prime drinking ahead.

The nose is complex and inviting: crushed raspberries and blackberries, kirsch, lavender, dark spices, and a whisper of wild mushroom and damp earth. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied, with savory layers of red and black fruit, soft tannins, and a seamless, balanced finish of outstanding length.

James Suckling 92 • Wine Advocate 91 • Jeb Dunnuck 90 — “Seamless, balanced mouthfeel and outstanding length.”

• Producer: Château Bel-Air, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Lussac Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: One-third new French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, kirsch, lavender, dark spice, earthy, seamless finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–10 years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, aged Comté, mushroom risotto

A 92-point Right Bank Bordeaux at an honest price — Château Bel-Air is the benchmark for what Lussac Saint-Émilion can be.

Winemaker Description

Complex on the nose with aromas of black fruits, woody and spicy notes. On the palate, the expression is harmonious and balanced with ripe fruit and a toasted character. Silky tannins make this a perfect expression of the spirit of the Crus Bourgeois.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

Vinous (Neal Martin) — 92 Points
"The 2018 Prieuré de Beyzac has a really lovely bouquet of perfumed red cherries and wild strawberry with well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pinpoint acidity, and great precision toward the finish. This is one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage. Absolutely superb. Drinking 2023–2035."

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) — 92 Points
"Sweet red cherry and vanilla nose. Forward and energetic, with tannic weight, freshness, and very glossy fruit and oak on the palate. Drinking 2023–2030."

James Suckling — 91 Points
"Aromas of stewed blackberries, dried violets, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Chewy and structured. Try from 2023."

About Château Prieuré de Beyzac

Château Prieuré de Beyzac is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, producing structured, terroir-driven reds from the classic Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in recent Bordeaux history, combining exceptional ripeness with natural freshness and structure. At under $25, Prieuré de Beyzac represents outstanding value for a wine earning 92-point scores from both Vinous and Decanter — and named one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage by Neal Martin.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, braised short ribs, mushroom-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving; will continue to develop through 2035.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Prieuré de Beyzac
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2018
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, precise, cellar-worthy Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2035 (decant 30–60 min)
• Format: 750ml

Château Blaignan — Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2019

With a grape-growing tradition stretching back to the 14th century, Château Blaignan is one of the Médoc’s most storied estates. The 2019 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation — showcases everything this historic property does best: ripe, structured fruit, velvet tannins, and a beautifully balanced finish that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring.

The nose is intensely fruity with pronounced blackcurrant, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, dark cherry and plum compote lead the way, with tobacco, savory notes, and a pretty iron hint on the focused, fine-grained finish. Full-bodied with structure and elegance in equal measure.

Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine Spectator 89 — “Drink now through 2029.”

• Producer: Château Blaignan, Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois, Médoc
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 18 months in vats and oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, black cherry, plum compote, tobacco, spice, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029 (3–12 years from harvest)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses

Seven centuries of terroir knowledge in every bottle — Château Blaignan is a Médoc classic at a Cru Bourgeois price.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023 (Barrel Samples)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 90–92 Points
"A very pretty, aromatic wine. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, dried herbs, and a kiss of French oak are all nicely delineated. This juicy, perfumed, Merlot-based Haut-Médoc is a fine choice for drinking over the next decade or so. The 2023 is absolutely delicious."

James Suckling — 91–92 Points
"A crunchy red with blackcurrant and lead-pencil character. Medium body, fine tannins, and an attractive finish. Polished and friendly. 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot."

Jeb Dunnuck — 89–91 Points
"A terrific Haut-Médoc with a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant style and the pure, ripe red and almost blue fruit character of the vintage. Spice, spring flowers, and hints of charcoal define the aromatics, with beautiful tannins and balance."

About Madame de Beaucaillou

Madame de Beaucaillou is a relatively new and highly regarded addition to the portfolio of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou — the legendary Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien. First released in 2019 to celebrate the estate’s 300th harvest, this cuvée is a tribute to Madame Eugène-Borie, the long-standing matriarch of the owning family. Sourced from the Haut-Médoc appellation rather than Saint-Julien, it offers the winemaking precision and pedigree of Ducru-Beaucaillou at a fraction of the grand vin price — a rare opportunity to access Second Growth DNA under $30.

Food Pairings

Grilled veal chops, roast chicken with herbs, steak frites, roasted root vegetables, savory mushroom tart, Brie de Meaux, and mild Tomme de Savoie.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (Madame de Beaucaillou)
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, aromatic, Merlot-driven Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2033
• Format: 750ml

Château L’Escart Cuvée Eden Organic Biodynamic Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux 2024

Château L’Escart is a certified organic and biodynamic estate located east of Bordeaux near Saint-Loubès, farming 26 hectares of vineyards planted with the full spectrum of traditional Bordeaux varieties. The Cuvée Eden is their flagship expression — a five-grape Bordeaux Supérieur that reflects the estate’s commitment to farming in harmony with nature while delivering a wine of genuine richness and complexity. Biodynamic viticulture treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem, producing grapes of exceptional concentration and terroir character without synthetic inputs. At this price, it is one of the most compelling organic Bordeaux values available.

Intense, bright red with a full-bodied, generous palate. The nose opens with cassis, blueberry, and blackberry, anchored by oak-influenced vanilla and a cedary accent. On the palate, the wine is rich and structured, with fine tannins that provide texture and grip through a long, balanced finish. Ideal for the table and versatile enough for everything from a grilled entrecôte to a high-end pizza night.

• Producer: Château L’Escart, Saint-Loubès, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, cedar, fine tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled entrecôte, lamb kebabs, beef tartare, grilled mushrooms, lentil stew, pizza

Certified organic and biodynamic Bordeaux Supérieur at a rock-bottom price — Château L’Escart Cuvée Eden is the five-grape Bordeaux that over-delivers at every level.

Our Professional Review 

Starts out with sweet, slightly stewed red plum and cherry fruit on the nose and on entry, then opens up to baking spice, medicinal herbs, and crushed flowers.  Medium bodied, and very satisfying on the palate with finely etched but assertive tannins.   

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

Memo Summary Notes

The 2019 Château La Bastienne comes from Montagne-Saint-Émilion, one of the "satellite" appellations of Saint-Émilion. The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux is widely considered exceptional, characterized by a perfect balance of concentration, freshness, and elegance.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer: A fresh, bright Bordeaux Blanc with aromas of citrus and white stone fruits backed by subtle herbs and bracing minerality. Incredible complexity for an amazing price!

About the Wine Château La Rame is among the oldest and most renowned properties in the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont appellation, situated on a hill overlooking the Garonne River, 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux. While the estate is world-famous for its sweet wines, this "Sec" (dry) bottling is a sommelier favorite for its oyster-shell minerality and electric freshness.

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon from hillside clay-limestone soils blessed with an exceptional substratum — a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era. Vines average 25 years old. Manual harvest, fermented in temperature-controlled vats, and aged 6 months on fine lees.

Tasting & Pairings

Citrus, white stone fruit, subtle herbs, and bracing oyster-shell minerality. Crisp, vibrant, and electric with impressive complexity for the price.

• Fresh oysters, mussels, or moules frites — the fossilized oyster terroir meets actual oysters. A perfect match.
• Grilled white fish with lemon and sea salt — the classic Bordeaux Blanc pairing.
• Goat cheese (chèvre) — the acidity and minerality cut through creamy cheese beautifully.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) 91 Points | Crisp citrus, white pear, a ton of peach juice, slate, cloves, this is unfussy, easy drinking, and great value. Pierre Lurton home estate.

James Suckling 91 Points | Light, crispy stone fruit with gooseberries and guava. Dry, this has light to medium body and good acidity. Medium finish.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni/Neal Martin) 90 Points | Just bottled, the 2024 Marjosse is pretty hard to beat for its quality and price. Brisk, dry and inviting... White flowers, citrus peel, mint and almond linger."

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.

Château Le Bergey Bordeaux Rouge Biodynamic Organic — Bordeaux 2023

Château Le Bergey is a certified biodynamic and organic estate on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, farming with a commitment to the land that goes well beyond the minimum requirements of either certification. Biodynamic viticulture treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem — no synthetic inputs, farming in harmony with lunar cycles, and a focus on soil health that produces grapes of genuine character and terroir expression. At under $15, this is one of the most compelling arguments for what conscientious Bordeaux farming can deliver at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage produced a wine of real substance: medium-bodied, structured, and dry, with the classic Right Bank profile of dark fruit, earth, and graphite.

The nose opens with blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry, layered with oak, bramble, and earthy graphite notes. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm tannins, good structure, and a dry, focused finish. Classic Bordeaux character — honest, food-friendly, and built to drink well at the table.

• Producer: Château Le Bergey, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Rouge AOC
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic & Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, oak, bramble, earth, graphite
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast beef, duck, hard cheeses, charcuterie

Certified biodynamic and organic Bordeaux at an everyday price — Château Le Bergey is the Right Bank red that punches well above its weight.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Vinous (Neal Martin) 97 Points: Beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents, beautifully defined. Medium-bodied with pliant tannins — exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine. A stellar showing.

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) 97 Points: Rich, full and heady nose. Ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries with mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Powerful, muscular and confident, yet with suppleness — density and grace with a cooling finish of liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine.

James Suckling 95 Points: Perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Medium-to-full bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc. Drink after 2024.

Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 Points: Fleshy and dramatic, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, broad and textural with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. Will benefit from 3–5 years of bottle age and keep for 15–20 years.

Winemaker Description

Château Gazin is one of Pomerol’s most storied estates, neighboring the legendary Pétrus on the plateau’s finest clay soils. The 2019 is a benchmark expression — a blend of 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Cabernet Franc — that showcases the appellation’s signature combination of opulence and precision. Silky, seamless, and built for the long haul, it is a wine of remarkable harmony and effortless grace.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with truffle jus, beef tenderloin, or duck confit with cherry reduction.
• Classic Bordeaux: Venison with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a rich washed-rind cheese.

Château Bernadotte | Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois | Bordeaux, France | 2018

Château Bernadotte is a classic Cru Bourgeois estate situated on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, with vineyards bordering the prestigious Pauillac appellation — lending the wine a touch of that famous Pauillac character: tobacco, cedar, and graphite. Named after the royal family of Sweden, the estate has a storied history and is now producing wines fully worthy of its pedigree.

The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Bordeaux history — a year of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and natural balance. Château Bernadotte's 2018 is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, delivering focused dark fruit, firm structure, and excellent aging potential at a remarkable price point for the appellation.

Deep ruby in the glass. The nose offers blackcurrant, black olive, dried herbs, smoked meat, and charred wood, with inky, jammy dark fruit and notes of mocha and sweet spice. On the palate, medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins, focused and flavorful with a lightly chewy finish. Rich, balanced, and built to age — drinking beautifully from 2024 onward.

Pair with classic steak frites, roast leg of lamb with rosemary, hearty beef stew, wild mushroom risotto, aged Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

• Producer: Château Bernadotte
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Cru Bourgeois
• Region: Left Bank, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2018
• Drink: Now through 2030+
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

• James Suckling — 91 pts: Blackcurrants, black olives and dried herbs with smoked-meat and charred-wood character. Medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Focused and flavorful.
• Vinous — 90 pts: A flamboyant, unctuous Haut-Médoc. Inky, jammy dark fruit, mocha and sweet spice — racy, expressive, and delivers the goods.
• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: Rich and balanced, offering black fruits dominated by Merlot and bold tannins. A powerful wine that will take time. Drink from 2024.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points: Lead pencil and blackcurrant aromas are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with fine texture. Lots of pretty fruit. Typical for the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Try after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points: More restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. Medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious — a second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points: Very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Controlled and classic in style. Medium-bodied with concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and Provençal herbs. Powerful with a generous finish — a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure.

Wine Advocate 90 Points: Fleshy and demonstrative, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish. Will drink well young.

Winemaker Description

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages, thanks to its unique Pessac-Léognan terroir and a draconian selection process in both vineyard and cellar — at times requiring five successive passes through the vines to pick only the ripest possible grapes. L’Esprit de Chevalier, created in 1986 from young vines and vats not destined for the grand vin, is a charming second wine that shares many of the same qualities as Domaine de Chevalier’s flagship — complex, well-balanced, and elegant — with the added advantage of being approachable earlier.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with herbs, beef tenderloin, or duck confit.
• Classic Bordeaux: Lamb chops with truffle jus, venison, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

Echo de Lynch-Bages — 2nd Label of Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 2023

Château Lynch-Bages is one of Pauillac's most beloved estates — a Fifth Growth in classification but a Second Growth in reputation, consistently producing wines of extraordinary depth and character. Echo de Lynch-Bages is the official second label of the estate, drawing from younger vines and select parcels to produce a wine that carries the unmistakable Lynch-Bages DNA: graphite, ripe black fruit, smoked earth, and that signature broad-shouldered Pauillac structure. The 2023 is a blend of 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 14 months in new and once-used French oak — a ripe yet classic vintage that earned five critic scores of 89–93 points.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is classically Pauillac: lead pencil, graphite, ripe black fruits, cassis, dark berries, cedar, and a compelling smoked earth character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced — juicy and fine-grained, with ripe, supple tannins, outstanding length, and a firm, fruit-forward finish. Approachable today but built to age gracefully through 2045.

"Classic Pauillac notes of lead pencil, graphite, and ripe black fruits as well as an almost Graves-like smoked earth character. Medium-bodied and balanced, with ripe, supple tannins and outstanding length." — Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points

• Producer: Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Official 2nd Label of Château Lynch-Bages (5ème Grand Cru Classé)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Blend: 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 14 months in new and once-used French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: JS 93 | JD 93 | WA 91 | Vinous 90 | WS 89
• Drink: Now–2045 (best from 2026–2027)
• Tasting Notes: Graphite, lead pencil, cassis, dark berries, smoked earth, cedar, supple tannins
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, aged hard cheeses, classic Bordelaise cuisine

Five 89–93 point scores and a drink window through 2045 — Lynch-Bages pedigree at second label pricing, in one of Bordeaux's most compelling recent vintages.

Château La Plaige Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux, France 2023

Perched on a hillside overlooking the river Dordogne on the eastern edge of Bordeaux, Château La Plaige is a family estate with five generations of roots and a clear sense of purpose. Since 2000, Frédéric Naud and his wife Lise have stewarded these vines with quiet dedication, carrying forward a winemaking tradition that the Naud family has maintained across more than a century. The combination of clay and limestone soils gives Frédéric the raw material to craft wines that are at once powerful and elegant — a balance that defines the estate’s character. The 2023 Bordeaux Supérieur is a meticulously crafted blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc: approachable now, yet built with the integrity to reward patience. At under $17, it is one of the most compelling values in classic Bordeaux.

The nose is fresh and inviting: forest fruits and crushed strawberry. On the palate, it is rich and silky, with dense, supple tannins and a long, elegant finish of real depth. A wine that bridges tradition and modernity — the kind of honest, food-friendly Bordeaux that belongs on every table.

• Producer: Château La Plaige (Naud family, 5 generations), Dordogne hillside, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Soils: Clay and limestone
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Forest fruits, crushed strawberry, rich, silky, supple tannins, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, aged cheeses, charcuterie

A five-generation Bordeaux family estate at an honest price — Château La Plaige is the benchmark for what classic Bordeaux Supérieur can be.

Classic Left Bank Bordeaux at an Exceptional Price

Château Potensac is one of the Médoc’s most reliable overachievers — a Cru Bourgeois estate managed by the Delon family of Château Léoville-Las Cases, bringing Grand Cru-level precision to an appellation-level price. The 2021 is a Cabernet-driven blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, delivering classic Left Bank structure: cassis, graphite, cedar, and firm, age-worthy tannins.

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Potensac Médoc 2021 750ml

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from the northern Médoc, managed by the Delon family of Léoville-Las Cases. The 2021 vintage produced wines of classic structure and freshness across the Left Bank — firm, focused, and built for the cellar. Approachable from 2025 and will evolve through 2035+.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Potensac
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Bordeaux table wine — exceptional with roasted lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, mushroom-based dishes, aged Comté, and Ossau-Iraty.

Château Gillet | Bordeaux Rouge AOC | Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France | 2022

Château Gillet is a family estate with roots stretching back over 150 years, situated on the limestone plateau of Faleyras in the heart of l'Entre-Deux-Mers, south of Libourne. Jean Louis and Christine Nadau, both born into winemaking families, oversee 70 hectares of vineyards that produce around 350,000 bottles annually — a testament to the estate's scale and consistency.

The vineyards are planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, trained in a simple Guyot system with full grass cover between the rows. This classic Bordeaux blend brings together the roundness of Merlot with the structure and complexity of the two Cabernets, resulting in a wine that is both approachable and well-built.

Vinification is traditional: grapes are destemmed and crushed before alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures between 25°C and 28°C, with two pump-overs daily for optimal color extraction. The wine is then matured in oak casks to add depth and ennoble the vintage.

The 2022 shows a deep, sustained ruby color. The nose offers pleasing red fruit aromas — cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is powerful on entry yet supple, with tight, well-integrated tannins and a clean, satisfying finish. An excellent everyday Bordeaux that punches well above its price.

Pair with roasted lamb, beef stew, duck confit, charcuterie, or aged hard cheeses.

• Producer: Château Gillet
• Appellation: Bordeaux Rouge AOC
• Region: Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France
• Grape Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2022
• Vinification: Classic red vinification; matured in oak casks
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Château Meyney — Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux 2023

Château Meyney is one of Saint-Estèphe’s great overachievers — a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel estate situated right next to the famed Château Montrose, whose proximity to the Gironde estuary helps cool the vines during summer heatwaves and contributes to the wine’s remarkable balance and longevity. The 2023 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 12% Petit Verdot, sourced from a mix of gravelly and clay soils and aged 18 months in French oak barrels. James Suckling and Jeb Dunnuck both awarded it 94 points; Vinous and The Wine Independent 93; Wine Spectator 91. Jeb Dunnuck noted that “the quality here has stepped up a notch recently” and projects a cellar window of 2029–2053.

The color is a deep, saturated purple. The nose is dark and savory: cassis, elderberry, graphite, smoky tobacco, crushed stone minerality, incense, licorice, dried herbs, and pressed lavender. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a pure, focused, layered mouthfeel — linear acidity, ripe and polished tannins, and a long, driving finish with beams of structure that demand cellaring. Drinkable now with aeration, but built to evolve beautifully over the next 25–30 years.

James Suckling 94 • Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Vinous 93 • The Wine Independent 93 • Wine Spectator 91 — "Beautifully done and going to evolve nicely over the coming 25–30 years." — Jeb Dunnuck

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 94 Points
Crunchy dark fruit with elderberries, herbal notes and licorice. The chiseled palate is medium-bodied, showing linear acidity complemented by a crisp edge. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot. Drinkable now with some aeration, but better from 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck — 94 Points
Always a classic Saint-Estèphe (and I think the quality here has stepped up a notch recently), the 2023 Château Meyney comes from a mix of gravelly and clay soils and is based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 12% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in French oak barrels. It sports a deep purple hue as well as beautiful cassis, graphite, smoky tobacco, and crushed stone-like minerality. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, focused, layered mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s beautifully done and is going to evolve nicely over the coming 25–30 years if well stored. Drink 2029–2053.

Vinous — 93 Points
The 2023 Meyney is every bit as convincing as it was en primeur. Dark and quite savory, the 2023 has a lot to offer. Gravel, incense, tobacco, licorice, dried herbs, chocolate and pressed lavender infuse this mid-weight Saint-Estèphe with a good deal of character. Beams of tannin shape the insistent, driving finish.

The Wine Independent — 93 Points
2023 Meyney has a creamy, rounded and fruity nose with hints of yoghurt and dairy products. It is very soft and forthcoming and is made in the velvety, pleasant style very typical for the chateau. This is a good Meyney that should age well and be approachable at an early stage.

Wine Spectator — 91 Points
A fresh, racy-edged style, with damson plum and bitter cherry fruit framed by a chalky edge that’s embedded nicely. Iris and violet accents gild the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033.

• Producer: Château Meyney, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Appellation: Saint-Estèphe AOC, Bordeaux
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, elderberry, graphite, tobacco, crushed stone, licorice, dried herbs, pressed lavender
• Cellar Potential: Drink now (with aeration) or cellar through 2053
• Best Paired With: Braised lamb shoulder, côte de boeuf, duck confit, cassoulet, aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire

Five scores of 91–94 points from the world’s top critics — Château Meyney is the benchmark for what Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois can be.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | From a small 20-acre estate in the southern part of the prestigious Pauillac appellation, Bellegrave has produced a richly structured wine. Black-currant and toast aromas from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend give the wine richness and dense, concentrated black fruits.

James Suckling 94 Points | A nice smoky layer to the fresh blackcurrants, cedar and graphite. This shows the Pauillac structure and demureness with an appealing touch of dark, ashy fruit and a lead-pencil note. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with dusty, fine-grained tannins. Excellent length and verticality here. It will become even more resolved and long.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is a dark and sleek offering, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit dusted with a cocoa note and gilded with violet and dried anise accents. A light kiss of singed cedar underscores the fresh finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 Chateau Bellegrave Pauillac is a standout vintage from this boutique 20-acre estate, which sits in a prestigious neighborhood between legendary neighbors like Chateau Latour and Lynch-Bages.

Pair with 

Best served with roasted lamb, a thick ribeye with rosemary, or a mushroom-heavy risotto.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 96 Points | #13 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025. Energetic tumble of blackberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant paste injected with bramble and apple wood, supported by a licorice snap accent. Strapping finish laced with violet and iris notes, with a cast iron edge lending bass. Best from 2027 through 2045.   

James Suckling 96 Points | Extremely attractive aromas of blackcurrants and dried flowers with fresh herbs like basil and rosemary. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins, tension and focus. Long and chewy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | "One of the all-time greats from this château." Smoky currants, tobacco leaf, leather, and chocolaty notes. Sensationally textured, concentrated, medium to full-bodied. Plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe building tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Raised in 60% new oak. Three decades of longevity.

About the Wine

Château Talbot is a 4th Growth (Quatrième Cru Classé) estate in Saint-Julien, one of the Haut-Médoc’s most prestigious appellations. Named after the English commander John Talbot, the estate has been producing benchmark Left Bank Bordeaux for centuries. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new French oak.

With a Wine Spectator Top 100 placement and Dunnuck calling it "one of the all-time greats," the 2022 is a landmark vintage for Talbot.

Tasting & Pairings

Blackcurrant, blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco, leather, chocolate, dried flowers, basil, rosemary, violet, and iris. Medium to full body with firm, velvety tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2045+.

• Rack of lamb with herbs de Provence — the herbal aromatics and firm tannins are a classic Bordeaux match.
• Dry-aged côte de boeuf — the wine’s concentration and structure demand serious beef.
• Aged Comté or Roquefort — the tobacco and chocolate notes complement rich, complex cheeses.

Pomerol That Delivers Right Bank Richness and Aromatic Extravagance

Château Vieux Maillet is a small, highly regarded estate in Pomerol — the celebrated Right Bank appellation that produces some of Bordeaux’s most opulent and sought-after Merlot-based wines. The 2019 Vieux Maillet comes from an exceptional vintage across Bordeaux and delivers the hallmark Pomerol profile: succulent, aromatic, and richly textured, with the depth and fine balance to drink beautifully now or develop further through the decade.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Vinous — 94 pts: "Aromatic, effusive and charming right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, espresso and licorice lend striking aromatic nuance. There’s plenty of depth and fine balance to this decidedly extroverted Pomerol."
• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: "Superripe Merlot gives a wine that is succulent, rich, and densely packed with balanced blackberry fruits and solid tannins. The wine’s layers of ripeness promise great things. Drink from 2025."
• James Suckling — 92 pts: "Grilled herbs, iron, damp earth and subtle sweet spices on top of ripe plums, berries, potpourri and cooked grapefruit. Juicy and medium-bodied with round tannins and a fresh, composed finish of excellent length. Quite appealing for early drinking."

Producer Notes

Deep garnet-purple in color with well-expressed notes of black cherries, fresh blackberries, and black raspberries with suggestions of dried Mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, and cracked black pepper. Medium to full-bodied with vibrant black fruits, ripe rounded tannins, and a peppery lift on the finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Vieux Maillet
• Vintage: 2019
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Right Bank pairing — exceptional with roasted duck, lamb rack, beef tenderloin, truffle dishes, and aged Comté or Brie de Meaux.

#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

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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

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.