France

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 2022 Vintage Tasted: May 2023 Dark pit fruits, blackberries, flowers, and cocoa create the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, sweet, polished and fresh. On the medium-bodied palate, the fruits are ripe, sweet and long, leaving you with a touch of salty chalk on the back end of the creamy finish. The wine is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.3% ABV. Drink from 2025-2038. 93-95 Pts.

96 points. jamessuckling.com, March 2021 Aromas of blackberry, plum, cocoa, iodine, clove and graphite. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Tightly wound and mineral at the moment, with dusty gravel and graphite notes, yet with focus and precision. Such balance and harmony for the vintage. Try from 2025.    #BORD

James Suckling 97 points. "Fresh currants and raspberries pop out of the glass, together with oranges and cedar. Such purity of fruit in the nose. Full-bodied, yet so refined and vertical. It goes deep and long with tight, compressed tannins that are pure and exciting. Really tight and focused. Precise. Try after 2026." (JS)   Wine Advocate 96 points. "d'Issan has been on a roll lately with 2019 marking another step-up in quality. The wine is full-bodied, silky, fresh, vibrant, pure and lively. The nose is packed with wet earth, herbs, flowers, tobacco, espresso and ripe, sweet, red berries. There is serious lift and...

96 points, Decanter. "This is a sinewy, powerful and forward-moving wine with a sense of momentum. Moreish, with the elegance and plump damson fruits that Issan delivers so well, but more muscular than some years with the impact of both Petit Verdot and Malbec that are in the blend for the first time in this vintage. These add layers of spice and the overall architecture is clear. Peony and violet notes add a kick upwards on the finish, this has a delicacy even though it is intense. Less Cabernet in the blend in 2020 than in 2019, as is often the case in the Médoc due to low yields. This new blend in Issan will be seen going...

  95-96 points James Suckling  A very fine yet structured d’Issan with blackcurrant and plum, as well as spice and walnuts. The palate is full and structured with wonderful tannins and length. It really grows on the palate. Serious balance of ripe and fine tannins with pretty fruit and a citrusy undertone. This could move up a notch. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot.   (5/2022)    #BORD  

Falstaff 92 points. "Deep dark ruby with opaque core and purple tinge to the narrow rim. Dark berry fruit, notes of liquorice lie alongside hints of nougat, precious wood and fine orange zest. Medium-bodied, sweet cherry fruit, balanced and elegant, subtle fruit sweetness on the finish; a versatile food companion. "   #BORD

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 2022 Vintage Tasted: May 2023 Deeply colored, the wine is loaded with chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, flowers, and black cherries. The fruits are creamy, luscious, ripe, sweet, and vibrant with a chocolate edge to the berries in the finish. This is an outstanding vintage for Chateau Dassault! Drink from 2025-2042. 92-94 Pts.

NEAL MARTIN: 92-94 Alexandre Ma: 94 - 96 JEB DUNNUCK: 92 - 94 J.LEV: 92 - 94  

"Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, discreet ochre brightening on rim. Dark wild berry fruit with a hint of nougat, ripe cherries, inviting bouquet. Juicy, fine cherry fruit, good freshness, vivid tannins, dark chocolate on the finish, certain ageing potential.." - 91/100, Falstaff. Wine Advocate 90-92. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2020 De Malleret is aging for 12 months in French oak barrels, one-third new. Deep purple-black colored, it offers an impressively pure nose of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and black cherries, plus hints of dried Provence herbs, dark...

Falstaff 94 points. 2022 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2023 Deep dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, subtle hints of fine oak, black forest berries and dark cherry with a pleasant tobacco spice. The complex palate is juicy with fine fruit, redolent of ripe berries with ripe, supporting tannins and some nougat notes, a long, powerful food wine with certain potential for ageing.

  A Margaux estate for this value is truly hard to find. Situated on the "tertre", French for rising mound or land, Du Tertre is one of the oldest properties on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. This elevated outcropping of the Medoc gives excellent vineyard plot position for light, rain and a natural drainage. Aged in 100% French oak barrels (45% new). The property is owned by Eric Albada Jelgersma and Denis Dubourdieu as consulting oenologist. 96 Points James Suckling  This is really clear and bright. Medium- to full-bodied with a solid tannin structure. Tight layers of phenolics to this. Racy and long finish. Firm and...

WA 93 "The 2021 Durfort Vivens has turned out well in bottle, offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, layered and lively, it exhibits impressive depth and sweetness of fruit, not only for the vintage but also for a blend dominated by fully 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, concluding with a long, precise finish." WK Feb 2024.   #BORD  

  JS 95 jamessuckling.com, April 2023 (94-95 points) A juicy and nicely chewy young red with crushed stone and salt, with black berry and blueberry character. Medium-bodied with excellent tannins and a persistent finish. Crunchy. 70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon.  VN 95 Vinous, May 2023 (VN 93-95 points) The 2022 Faugeres is one of the most vibrant, nuanced wines I have tasted from from the property. Expressive floral and savory top notes meld into a core of racy red-toned fruit. -- Antonio Galloni.  

96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Attractive aromas of blueberries and mulberries with graphite, dark licorice and crushed stones. Dark chocolate, too. Full-bodied. Impressive quality to the tannin structure that starts gently and glossy and continues to build, gaining power throughout the palate. Deep and dense with a velvety dark-fruited core. Really long, tense and persistent. 77% merlot, 18% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2026." 12/22.   #BORD

JS 96 jamessuckling.com, December 2022 Lovely texture to this Pomerol. Fine velvety tannins with plum, walnut and crushed stone character. Savory finish. Needs time to soften. Very classy and structured, yet so refined. 91.6% merlot and 8.4% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2025.  JD 96 jebdunnuck.com, March 2023 I continue to absolutely love the wines from this Pomerol château, and their Grand Vin always brings a richness and depth that makes it a joy to drink. Coming from a larger vineyard near Petrus, La Fleur Petrus, and Le Gay, the dense purple hue of the 2020 Château Gazin is followed by a rocking bouquet of ripe black...

92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Opaque purple-black colored, the 2020 Gloria comes soaring out of the glass with notes of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums and blueberry compote, followed by suggestions of powdered cinnamon, cedar chest and menthol, plus a waft of graphite. The medium to full-bodied palate is completely coated with juicy black fruits, framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot, aging for approximately 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. The alcohol is...

James Suckling 94 points. Excellent depth for 2021. Refined and complex with aromas of graphite, cassis, mineral, chili chocolate, white pepper and cigar box. Fresh and juicy, with fine, polished tannins. Long, refined and nuanced. Medium body. Fine tannins. An overachiever for the vintage. Drink or hold.   #BORD  

 "Licorice, chocolate, black raspberries and flowers and plums show up on the nose. The wine is soft, forward, medium-bodied, fresh and sweet on the palate, finishing with soft, silky, mineral-edged fruits and leafy herbs in the finish. Drink from 2023-2035. 91-93" -  91/100 ,  Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider   #BORD

Wine Advocate 93-95+. Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed. LPB May 2021. Vinous - Score: 94 (2023 February) The 2020 Grand Mayne has a very enticing, pure bouquet that unfolds wonderfully in the glass, with ebullient raspberry and wild...

Vinous Media 94 points. The 2021 Grand Puy Ducasse has a tight backward nose at first unfolding to offer tobacco infused black fruit. The palate is medium bodied with slightly chewy tannins modest depth fine acidity and a slight rustic finish. Not bad considering the vintage. Rating: 92-94 Points; Antonio Galloni; Vinous.   #BORD  

Wine Enthusiast 95 points. Grape:  55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot Tasting Notes:  Black currant, Tobacco, Mushroom, Earth.  In the 17th century, Arnaud Ducasse purchased land in Pauillac that was to become Château Grand Puy Ducasse. The château was classified as a 5th Growth, in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. This chateau is highly unusual in that it is located in the heart of Pauillac. Grand-Puy Ducasse is one of the leaders of this appellation. The 2020 Grand Puy Ducasse is another fabulous wine from a château that has been on an impressive streak over the last few years. It is elegant,...

Decanter, April 2022. 95 points. A superb GPL this year with one the highest percentages of Cabernet in the blend. Rose hawthorn notes on the nose - really nuanced. A little bit more closed on the palate in terms of overt acidity and fruit but this has such a beautiful texture, silky smooth with fine tannins that are persistent and mouthfilling but very elegant too, they frame the ripe fruit and mineral flavours - lots of bitter black chocolate and liquorice on this as well as salinity too. This has a much more subtle power than many others - a tense core, tightly wrapped but presenting a lovely juicy fragrant cherry flavour with terroir...

95 points Decanter  Black peppercorns, tobacco, ash, vanilla, cinnamon and cedar spice. A gorgeous mouthfeel straight away, the tannins so plump, not heavy or opulent but filling and ripe. This has a charming gentle aspect - a smooth, sleek texture with concentration. Supple and agile, there is lots of energy here, filled with red fruit flavours that have a delicate, sweet liquorice edge. Acidity does not overtake the fruit at all, just lifts the palate all the way through. Excellent work, immensely pleasurable, well framed with promise for long ageing. More Cabernet in the blend than usual. Ageing 14 months in French oak barrels,...

The 2021 Haut-Bages Libéral is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from Claire Lurton. Dense, powerful and explosive, with dazzling intensity Haut-Bages Libéral races across the palate, offering up an enticing mélange of ripe red-fleshed fruit, blood orange, cedar and spice. Bright acids lend vibrancy throughout a Pauillac I won't soon forget tasting. Haut-Bages Libéral is one of my early favorites on the Left Bank in 2021. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare versus the more typical 40 or so, not a bad result at all for the year given the biodynamic farming practices in place. Date: May 2022; Rating:...

97 James Suckling "Lots of redcurrants and blackcurrants with some cassis as well as iron, tile, stone and hints of dried herbs. Full-bodied with lots of pretty structure and very juicy tannins. Lively and energetic. Exciting to taste. pH 3.54 and with 13.9% alcohol. From biodynamically grown grapes. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." 96 Neal Martin for Vinous "The 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral was picked from 6 to 26 September and is being raised in 40% new oak, plus 20% in concrete tanks and amphorae. Yields were 45hL/ha, higher than many other estates, which Clare Villars-Lurton cites as a result...

96-98+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Haut-Bailly was harvested from the 9th to 25th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.3%. Deep purple-black in color, it prances out of the glass with naturally beautiful notions of fresh black cherries, violets, mulberries and boysenberries, giving way to hints of redcurrant jelly, star anise, tilled soil and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is delicately crafted with velvety/grainy tannins and fantastic freshness framing the perfumed red and black berry layers,...

95-97 points Wine Enthusiast  Barrel Sample. This is a very aromatic, precise wine. Ripe fruits and density are balanced by the wine's freshness and acidity. It has structure that brings out creamy tannins to balance the succulent black fruit flavors. (RV)   (6/2022)  96 points Vinous  The 2021 Haut-Bailly is incredibly poised, even if it is clearly a wine of reserve in this vintage. Its vertical build speaks of pure sophistication. Time in the glass brings out hints of dried herbs, menthol, licorice, pine, blackberry and underbrush. Most of the blend is Cabernet, so the flavor profile and overall...

95-96 Points, James Suckling: "Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference." 6/20 Wine Advocate 93-95 points. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Haut-Batailley opens with fragrant notes of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly, leading to suggestions of fragrant soil, dried mint, woodsmoke and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers impactful, vibrant black fruit flavors with a...

94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus." 05/21. 92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot aging in French oak barriques, 60% new, the 2020 Haut-Batailley weighs in with 13.6% alcohol, a pH of 3.85 and an IPT of 81. Deep purple-black in color, it opens with seducing, beautifully pure notes of blackcurrant jelly, juicy blackberries and warm plums, plus hints of chocolate...

The 2021 Haut-Batailley has a well-defined bouquet with briny, seaweed-infused black fruit, certainly demonstrating more concentration and cohesion compared to the Verso at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and focused, touches of cassis infuse the black fruit with impressive grip, classic in style with a sapid, black olive-tinged finish. Very fine. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media. 94 points.   #BORD

94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: “This is very linear and tight with beautifully crafted tannins that give a long, intense and energetic finish. The mid-palate is tight and poised.” 4/21. 92-94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: “Checking in as 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Château Haut-Brisson brings some serious fruit, offering a monster nose of chocolate-covered blueberries, iron, tobacco, and candied violet aromas and flavors. Rich and full-bodied, it has ripe tannins and outstanding length. It pushes on the ripeness scale, yet I've no doubt it's going to show more freshness...

"Round, polished, fruity and forward, the soft, smoky, dark red fruits with their espresso tinted accent are going to be easy to enjoy on release and over the next decade or so. Drink from 2023-2034. 90-92" -  91/100 ,  Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider.   #BORD

Falstaff 96 points. 2022 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2023 Deep dark ruby colour with purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Nuances of cassis with delicate floral notes in the background, red heart cherries, fresh tangerine zest, attractive bouquet. Juicy, red currant, red cherry, some nougat, fresh acidity, mineral and salty finish, lively, animating style, good ageing potential.

JS94 James Suckling: "Lots of crushed stone and blackberry with some walnut and mushroom. Dried-earth undertone. Medium-to full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a savory finish. From biodynamically grown grapes."  Demeter certification. Barrel Sample: 93-94. WE93 Wine Enthusiast "This wine is dense, with serious initial tannins that mask the black fruits. The structure is in place and behind the black currant fruits. Together they promise a wine with plenty of aging potential." Barrel Sample: 91-93 #BORD

Gold Medal, Guide Hachette. Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard. Gold Medal, Feminalise.   James Suckling 92 points. This little family owned gem is located on the hillsides of St Emilion, boasting Fleur Cardinale as their neighbours.. Only 2000 cases are produced from the 8 hectares of vines, which are planted with 75, 50 and 35 year old vines. The wine is a blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Traditionally made to the same meticulous Grand Cru Classe formula for 6 generations. It spends 12 months in French oak, 50% new before being bottled. Dense ruby color with bluish reflect, signs of a beautiful youth. On the nose, fruity...

"94-95 points - Extremely well done with super integrated tannins. Dark-fruit and chocolate character. Full-bodied, yet intense, linear and long." - James Suckling. Decanter 92 points.     #BORD

St-Emilion This is a young red with chewy yet polished tannins that lead to a full-bodied palate with ripe fruit, chocolate and minerals. Some cloves, too. Muscular wine for the vintage, yet remains refined and well crafted. Date Tasted: June 2020; Rating: 94-95 Points; James Suckling The 2019 La Dominique just shimmers with beauty. Bright, floral and vibrant, the 2019 is a total stunner. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cedar and red cherry jam open up in the glass, but it is the wine's purity that impresses most today. The oak and overall extraction - often an issue at La Dominique in recent vintages - are really well-judged. This is a...

James Suckling 94-95.

St-Emilion The 2019 La Gaffelière wafts from the glass with a rich bouquet of blackberries and cherries mingled with subtle hints of burning embers and loamy soil that’s framed by a deft application of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, it’s a concentrated, vibrant wine built around bright acids and fine, powdery tannins. Its vivid fruit tones and classical balance make this Cabernet Franc-rich blend a promising candidate for sustained bottle age. Anyone who has tasted the great wines this estate produced in the 1950s and 1960s knows how great this site can be; and with stricter selection as well as...

  95-97 points Vinous  The 2021 La Gaffelière is a wine of extraordinary finesse and class. Time in the glass brings out striking depth and complexity. The aromatics alone are beguiling but everything about the 2021 speaks to elegance. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, blood orange, mint and saline notes punctuate the finish. (AG)  (4/2022)    #BORD  

Rated 93 by James Suckling A medium- to full-bodied red with vivid dark fruit and notes of sweet spices and bitter chocolate. Polished and velvety with fine, plush tannins. Structured and refined. Lingering finish with hints of violet and walnut. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. JS.     Totally surrounded by classified growths, La Gurgue enjoys a privileged terroir, and the attentive care of Mrs Villars (also owner of Ferrière, classified growth of Margaux, and Haut-Bages-Libéral, classified growth of Pauillac), distinguished in the Top 25 of the best producers of the Bettane&Desseauve...

Haut Medoc WA (93-95) Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 La Lagune bursts from the glass with vivacious notes of crushed black and red currants, boysenberries and wild blueberries plus nuances of wild thyme, smoke, cinnamon toast and pencil lead with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, offering loads of very finely stacked black fruit, baking spice and mineral layers with a solid frame of ripe, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with lots of savory sparks. Shimmering with energy, this 2019 La Lagune is a real head-turner! LPB Jun 2020. Decanter 94 points. James Suckling 94-95...

93-95 points Vinous  The 2021 Laroque is a standout. Bright and racy, with tremendous persistence, Laroque stakes its claim as Saint-Émilion's brightest rising star. Bright limestone accents run through a core of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint and white pepper. There is a linear intensity to Laroque that is hugely appealing. Technical Director David Suire fashioned a gem. Don't miss it. (AG)   (4/2022)  92-95 points Wine Advocate  The 2021 Laroque is very promising indeed, and winemaker David Suire and I agree that it is likely to surpass the estate's 2018 vintage in quality....

Pomerol James Suckling 95 points. Forest-fruit aromas of blackberries and strawberries with some bark and pine cone. Black licorice, too. Full-bodied and chewy with lots of fine tannins and a juicy finish. Traditional and fascinating. Drink after 2026. JS.   #BORD

Falstaff 91 points. "Intense ruby red fades to purple at the rim. Delicate hints of cloves and cassis, a touch of blackberry compote, subtle nougat and tobacco notes. Juicy, dark wild berries, sweet cherries, well-integrated ripe tannins, fresh, clearly structured, long and persistent; a versatile food companion."   "The 2021 Lacoste-Borie is lovely, bursting with aromas of plums and cassis mingled with hints of orange zest, spices and espresso roast. Medium-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a charming core of fruit, supple tannins and a succulent, giving profile, it's already hard to resist. Readers looking for...

"It is firm and direct in its sensory profile and shows notes of geraniums, magnolia blossom, hibiscus, cedar chunks and guarana. Medium-bodied, soft tannins well polished and a juicy, well extended finish. A blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. Drink now." -  92/100 ,  Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com.   #BORD

93-95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2020 Lafon-Rochet is fabulous. The aromatics along are dazzling. Gracious and yet effusive, with tons of nuance, the 2020 dazzles from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, new leather, spice, lavender and menthol fill the room with soaring intensity. Silky, elegant and so pure, Lafon-Rochet is shaping up to be one of the real under the radar gems of 2020. It's a terrific effort from Basile Tesseron. Don't miss it." 06/21 #BORD

Wine Enthusiast 94 points. The tannins dominate this dark, brooding wine. At this stage, it seems to have closed up, leaving the fruit and acidity buried. But with this concentration, the future looks promising. There is a long aging potential here. Nov 2009.

Deep, dark, ruby-red colour. Quite a closed pencil- shaving, graphite and cassis nose. The palate has clean cassis and graphite notes but is a little closed & linear. There is balanced alcohol & the tannins close it up quickly. Hopefully it will open nicely given time. Decanter Nov 2023.   jamessuckling.com | JS 92 Published: Feb 8, 2015 Firm and balanced with blueberries, blackberries and hints of citrus and minerals. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Best after 2017.   

Decanter 95 points. The acidities are more vibrant up in St-Julien than in the lower stretches of the Médoc. An excellent Lagrange, this is every bit as good as it was en primeur, with a similar fruit quality doing a lovely vertical trick through the mid-palate where you can feel each individual element's weight, but cushioned on a bed of air. Ruby in colour with some violet around the edges, this wine is well made and built to last. Chewy tannins and black fruits make this fairly Pauillac in style. At 50% of total production in 2016, this represents the highest proportion of grand vin for years following replantings back in the...