Weine

Seit 1585, deutlich mehr als 400 Jahre, führt die Familie Gautherin ihren 17 Hektar Betrieb in der 2.500 Seelen Gemeinde Chablis. Adrien Gautherin ist der Chef in nunmehr 14. Generation, deren ganzer Stolz zahlreiche Grand Cru und Premier Cru Lagen sind. Die Produktionsmenge jedoch ist mit etwa 120.000 Flaschen sehr klein. Die Stilistik der Weine sind frische, knackige Chablis, ungemein charmant u

Lebensmittelangaben: Energie | 90 kcal /377 kJ Kohlenhydrate | 4,8 g davon Zucker | 4,2 g

„In der Nase satte dunkle Frucht schwarzer Kirschen, reifer Brombeeren und Zartbitter Schokolade. Am Gaumen schwarze Kirsche, Brombeere, Kräuter, Pfeffer und Zedernholz. Perfekt definierte Säure und ein Tanningerüst, das im Zusammenspiel mit der schönen Viskosität einen komplexen und straffen Spannungsbogen aufbaut. Dies ist ein Pauillac Klassiker von Chateau Latour, der erst am Anfang steht, aber bereits jetzt sein Potential zeigt, zudem preislich im Vergleich zum Zweitwein und Erstwein in einem völlig anderen Licht erscheint.“  

Chateau Cos d’Estournel – es lohnt sich! Seit der Klassifikation von 1855 trägt Cos d‘Estournel (Zweitwein Les Pagodes de Cos) das Prädikat „Deuxième Grand Cru Classé“, die zweithöchste Klassifikation. Über mehrere Besitzerwechsel gelangte das Chateau 1970 an die Familie Prats. Unter dem Besitzer Michael Reybier, der seit dem Jahr 2000 die Tradition des Hauses fortführt, entstand auf Chateau Cos d'´Estournel eine der modernsten Weinherstellungsanlagen in ganz Bordeaux. Das Bestreben war es, die Trauben mit dem größtmöglichen Respekt zu behandeln, um den bestmöglichen Rotwein hervorzubringen. Alle Vorgänge basieren auf der Kraft der Gravitation, was zur Folge hat, dass der Wein zu keiner Zeit dem Druck durch Pumpen ausgesetzt ist. So entsteht auf dem Prestigegut einer der aufregendsten Bordeaux Weine, der regelmäßig mit höchsten Bewertungen ausgezeichnet wird. Ältere Jahrgänge dieses Deuxième Grand Cru Classé gehören zu den Weinen mit dem besten Preis-/Genussverhältnis. Zu den Spitzenweinen gehören bislang die Jahrgänge 1990 und 1995, die von Robert Parker mit 95 Punkten bewertet wurden. Der Maharadjah von Saint Estephe und Michael Reybier Chateau Cos d’Estournel ist das Erbe von Louis Gaspard d’Estournel. Er hat nie aufgehört, das Gut zu vergrößern, getrieben von der Überzeugung, der Cos-Hügel beheimate ein außergewöhnliches Terroir. In der alten Sprache der Gascogne bedeutet "Cos" soviel wie "Hügel der Kieselsteine". Louis Gaspard d’Estournel war Abenteurer und Wegbereiter, der seine Weine eigenständig in den fernen Osten verkaufte, was ihm den Spitznamen„Maharadscha von Saint Estephe“ einbrachte. So kamen britische Offiziere in Indien bereits 1838 in den Genuss seiner Weine. Zum Portfolio von Besitzer Reybier gehören unter anderem noch weitere Weingüter in der Provence und im Tokaji, zudem ist er in der Champagne engagiert. Seine Leidenschaft gilt auch der Hotellerie, er besitzt die Luxushotelkette La Reserve und 2019 eröffnete er La Maison d’Estournel, auf dem Gelände des ehemaligen Chateau Pomys in St. Estephe. Das Terroir der Rebflächen von Chateau Cos d‘Estournel Der 100 Hektar große Weinberg von Chateau Cos d’Estournel ist aufgeteilt in 72 Parzellen und liegt auf dem Hügel von Cos, einem hervorragenden Terroir mit dem kühlem Einfluss des nahegelegenen Atlantik und ist mit 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc und 1% Petit Verdot bestockt. Die Reben dieses Cru haben ein Durchschnittsalter von rund 40 Jahren, und es gibt auf den Weinbergen Parzellen mit über 100 Jahre alten Merlot Reben. Jährlich können etwa 370.000 Flaschen produziert werden. Drei Weine werden auf dem Terroir des Weinguts sublimiert: Der berühmte Cos d’Estournel, Pagodes de Cos und Cos d’Estournel Blanc.

Chateau de Fieuzal Rouge 2005 Dieser außergewöhnliche Pessac-Léognan präsentiert sich mit einer beeindruckenden dunkel-purpurnen Färbung und entfaltet am Gaumen ein komplexes Aromenprofil. In der Nase offenbaren sich verführerische Noten von schwarzen Johannisbeeren, Kirschen und einer dezenten Rauchnote, während sich im Hintergrund subtile Nuancen von Graphit und Erde abzeichnen. Am Gaumen zeigt sich der Wein vollmundig mit samtigen Tanninen, die perfekt in die Struktur eingebunden sind. Die Aromen reifer Früchte, darunter schwarze Feigen und Pflaumen, werden durch Anklänge von Tabak, Vanille und Kaffee ergänzt und verleihen diesem Wein eine verführerische Tiefe und Vielschichtigkeit.

Carruades de Lafite 2022 Ein verführerisches Bouquet aus leuchtenden Kirschnoten, schwarzen Waldbeeren und einem Hauch Nougat eröffnet diesen beeindruckenden Wein. Am Gaumen präsentiert er sich mit bemerkenswerter Textur - tiefgründig und dennoch geschmeidig, wobei perfekt integrierte Tannine eine seidig-pudrige Fülle verleihen, die den Mund mit Volumen und Finesse gleichermaßen füllt. Die saftige, präzise Struktur mit ihrer lebendigen Säure trägt Wellen von roten Kirschen, Erdbeeren und subtilen Gewürzen. Dabei zeigt sich das Zusammenspiel von Cassis, Veilchen und Zedernholz in perfekter Balance. Dieser außergewöhnlich elegante Pauillac besticht durch seine harmonische Komposition aus Frische, Tiefe und einem langen, anhaltenden Abgang.

Farbe: Helles Zitronengelb mit leicht grünlichen Reflexen. Nase: Sehr klare, frische Aromatik. Zarte gelbe Frucht (Gelber Apfel, Birne), dazu Zitrus, etwas weiße Blüte. Leicht mineralisch mit einem Hauch nassem Stein. Ein Hauch von Mandel und dezente, perfekt integrierte Holznoten (Toast, Vanilleschale). Gaumen: Seidig, frisch und lebendig. Der 2017er zeigt eine elegante, mittelkräftige Textur, sehr balanciert zwischen Frucht und lebendiger Säure. Noten von Zitrone, Apfel, einer Spur Pfirsich. Feines Spiel, angenehme Spannung und gute Länge. Keine Wucht, sondern klassischer, sauberer Burgunder-Style. Abgang: Mineralisch-zitronig, klar, trocken, mit guter Straffheit und feiner kreidiger Signatur.  

Chapelle d´Ausone 2022 Ein beeindruckender Saint-Émilion, der mit seiner tiefgründigen und vielschichtigen Struktur sofort überzeugt. Die harmonische Kombination aus üppiger Reichhaltigkeit und lebendiger Frische verleiht diesem Wein einen unverwechselbaren Charakter. Am Gaumen entfalten sich intensive Aromen von reifen schwarzen Johannisbeeren, süßen Maulbeeren und Brombeeren, begleitet von Anklängen von Lakritze, Bitterschokolade und Veilchen. Die geschmeidigen, den Gaumen umhüllenden Tannine verleihen dem Wein eine seidige Textur, während feine Salznoten für eine angenehme Würze sorgen. Der Abgang präsentiert sich mit exquisiter Präzision und verhaltener Kraft, die von einer frischen Eleganz umrahmt wird.

Aile d´Argent Blanc Ein atemberaubendes Meisterwerk, das in seiner komplexen Struktur begeistert. Der Weißwein präsentiert sich in einem eleganten Grüngelb mit silbernen Reflexen. Seine Aromatik entfaltet ein facettenreiches Bouquet aus weißem Pfirsich, frischer Mango und verführerischen Tropenfruchtaromen, untermalt von dezenten Limettenzesten und feinen Wiesenkräutern. Am Gaumen zeigt der Aile d´Argent Blanc eine beeindruckende Kraft, die durch seine ausgewogene Säurestruktur perfekt balanciert wird. Die vielschichtige Komposition aus Zitrusfrüchten und exotischen Noten von Ananas wird durch einen Hauch von Karamell abgerundet und mündet in einem langanhaltenden, stoffigen Finale mit subtilen Anklängen von Mandarine und Rosenblättern.

Château Ausone 2022 Der renommierte 2022er Jahrgang dieses Saint-Émilion präsentiert sich als beeindruckender Charakterwein mit vielschichtiger Komplexität. Eine tiefgründige Komposition aus schwarzen Schokoladennoten, Brombeeren und Kirschlikör umschmeichelt den Gaumen, während sich samtige Tannine zu einem langanhaltenden, fruchterfüllten Finale entwickeln. Die Aromatik offenbart neben saftigen dunklen Früchten auch subtile Nuancen von Lakritz, Veilchen und Gewürzen, wobei jede geschmackliche Facette in perfekter Balance zur nächsten steht. Trotz seiner beeindruckenden Kraftfülle bewahrt dieser außergewöhnliche Wein eine erstaunliche Eleganz und Präzision, die von einer brillanten Frische getragen wird – ein wahres Meisterwerk, das Tiefe mit Finesse verbindet.

Here's the text with the formatting applied: 90 JAMES SUCKLING: "Very ripe and raisiny on the nose. Full bodied, with big velvety tannins and a fruity, juicy finish. So much going on here, this is rich and layered for the vintage. Impressive stuff. Will be better after 2012. Find the wine" Note: I've applied bold formatting to "the wine" as requested. There don't appear to be any grape varietals (Rebsorten) or proper names in the text that need italic formatting. If there are specific terms you'd like formatted that I missed, please let me know.

I'll format the text with wine names in bold, proper names in italic, and grape varieties in italic as well: Bordeaux 2007 Subskription, Auslieferung im Herbst 2010

La Reserve Pompadour vereint Präzision, Beständigkeit und Eleganz. Die Cuvee aus 60 % Pinot Noir und 40 % Chardonnay spiegelt das Terroir rund um den Clos auf zeitgemäße Weise wider. La Reserve Pompadour versteht sich nicht als Nachahmung bestehender Stile, sondern als zeitgemäße Interpretation des Terroirs, geprägt von Klarheit, Authentizität und feiner Mineralität. Besondere Bedeutung kommt der Versanddosage zu, die aus den Weinen des Clos gewonnen wurde und in Steingutbehältern ausgebaut wird. Sie ist nur dezent dosiert und verleiht dem Champagner zugleich Volumen, Frische und Struktur – eine perfekte Balance zwischen Fülle und Lebendigkeit.

Weinwisser: Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Nobles, schwarzbeeriges, Cabernet-geprägtes Bouquet, Szechuanpfeffer, Korinthen und Pumpernickel. Grosser Gaumenauftritt, verlangende Tannine, die sich zu einer intensiven, aber doch erstaunlich feinen Adstringenz formen, schwarzbeeriges Finale mit Cassis und Lakritze. Setzt den Siegeszug dieses kleinsten St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé fort."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Dark in color, the wine struts its flowers, licorice, plums, espresso, spice and chocolate-covered black cherry aromatics with just a single swirl. The palate is even better with its lush, silky, vibrant, mouth-coating layers of fruits that start and seemingly keep on going long after the wine has left your glass. Nothing is out of place. Everything is balanced, harmonious, and vibrant, with intensity and purity that stands out. The wine blends 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2060."

The Wine Advocate: Always one of Bordeaux’s most endearing and charming wines, Croix de Labrie’s wines generally offer an unctuous texture as well as enormous quantities of fruit. Made from 100% Merlot, the 2009 (about 300 cases produced) exhibits smoky black currant and raspberry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of licorice, graphite and wood smoke. Intense and unctuously textured with low acidity as well as sweet tannin, it is a hedonistic St.-Emilion fruit bomb to enjoy in its first 12-15 years of life. Sadly, it is virtually impossible to find this head-turning claret."

The Wine Advocate: Here is an example of why a second wine is well worth buying in a great vintage. Unfortunately, I do not have any of the 1990, and I couldn’t find any to purchase, but I bought plenty of the 1982, although I never dreamed it would be drinking so great at age 27. Much lighter around the edge than its bigger sibling, it exhibits an explosive nose of charcoal, black fruits, herbs, and soil undertones. Full-bodied and fleshy with no hard edges (which is exactly the way it performed over the last 10-15 years), it probably should be consumed over the next 4-5 years. However, given the fact that it has aged so beautifully for so long, it may last even longer."

Wine Enthusiast: A ripe wine, very open and smooth. The tannins are dark, but it is the fruit-blackberry and red plums-that comes right through. Look beneath this charm, and there is also a wine with more structure, perfumed and ageworthy."

Weinwisser: Dunkles Granat. Rahmiges Bouquet, reife Fruchtaromen, viel rote Kirschen, recht laktisch. Im Gaumen stoffig, samtig, mit burgundischer Fülle, superb balanciert. In 10 Jahren einen garantiert hemmungslosen Genuss bietend."

Jeb Dunnuck: Violets, ripe black cherries, spring flowers, cassis, and a riveting sense of chalky minerality all shine in the 2022 Château Beauséjour (Duffau-Lagarrosse), another heavenly 2022 that has gorgeous tannins, a seamless, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's not massive or incredibly concentrated, yet it has flawless balance and remarkable length. The pH is 3.45, with an alcohol of 14.5%. It's a more elegant, pure, seamless example of the 2020 vintage and has everything in the right place. Give bottles just 4-6 years if you can and it’s clearly going to have 20-30 years of overall prime drinking, as well as a gradual decline thereafter."

Weinwisser: Weil der Hagel den Merlot drastisch dezimierte, besitzt der 09er einen aussergewöhnlich hohen Cabernet-Franc-Anteil von fast 30 %. Weil Mitjaville keinen Zweitwein erzeugt, bleiben hier nur etwa 14 000 Flaschen vom Grand Vin, das ist, neben 1991, eine der kleinsten Ernten überhaupt. Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und schwarzen Reflexen. Frisch gerösteter Kaffee, kandierte Mokkabohnen, Dörrpflaumen, Lakritze, kalter Teekrug, Rauchnoten und getrocknete Vanillestängel. Voller Gaumen, wunderschöne Malz- und auch Kräuternoten von sehr reifem Traubengut, cremige Textur, im Finale Nusslikör, Ratafianoten, warm und lange ausklingend. Ein legendärer Tertre-Rôteboeuf mit nicht viel weniger als 15,7 Vol.-% natürlichem Alkohol."

The Wine Advocate: The 2022 Chateau Grillet comes from one of the estate's earliest harvests, with grapes picked on 27 August. Evoking a complex, elegant bouquet of almond blossoms, exotic notes, violet, white flowers, ripe pear and spices, it's followed by a full-bodied, dense and rich palate with some purity, a racy spine, a fleshy core of fruit and a long, pure finish accented by delicate dry extracts and gastronomic bitterness. Exceptionally saline and ethereal, this vintage captures the satiny elegance of this renowned terroir, offering a notably tense and pure profile typical of early harvests in Condrieu. Whether this signifies a shift toward a more refined style or reflects the characteristics of the vintage will become more evident in the ensuing years. This vintage would benefit from 2 to 3 years in the cellar to fully develop its potential."

Chateau Grillet gehört ohne Zweifel mit zum Feinsten was Frankreichs Weinwelt zu bieten hat, und das seit bereits mehreren hundert Jahren. So trugen bereits Persönlichkeiten wie die französische Kaiserin Josephine, Thomas Jefferson oder King George IV. zum weltweiten Ruhm der Weine von Chateau Grillet bei. Die Lage und das Terroir ist absolut einzigartig. Seit 1936 ist Chateau Grillet als Appell

Jeb Dunnuck: The flagship 2022 Château Calon Ségur checks in as 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It's a massive wine from this château that brings a fabulous nose of darker currants, smoked tobacco, chocolaty oak, graphite, and loamy earth. This full-bodied, deep, unctuous Saint-Estèphe has a round, layered mouthfeel, remarkably pure tannins, and flawless overall balance. It's going to take a decade to shed its baby fat, but this is legit sensational juice! Don’t miss it."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown: The 2022 from Brown, equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, has seen 12 months of élevage in 40% new oak and 60% second-fill barrels. A glorious combination of dark and sweet fruits on the nose here, all black cherry, damson and currant, with some savoury notes of salted olive, coffee bean and toast. The palate steps it up a notch with a luscious start and midpalate filled with savoury black fruits, grained with saline energy, alongside the toast and coffee bean. A deliciously constructed palate follows, with all the dark and brooding substance of the vintage, but with freshness too. Long and charged with shimmering energy in the finish, this has a great future;surely one of the best Brown reds ever, and certainly well above where I had it when I tasted the primeurs sample. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%."

Decanter: Smooth and sappy, this has great energy and liveliness from the first sip with tangy red fruit, verging on high toned, but with lovely chalky tannins that give this a wide frame. Clean and clear as well as fresh with mint, liquorice and clove spice on the finish. Cool and crunchy with crystalline fruit and bright acidity. Ends lean and salty with generous minerality."

Wine Spectator: Best Camensac ever. Rich aromas of blackberries and chocolate. Full-bodied, with sweet, ripe fruit flavors, loads of velvety tannins and a long finish. An absolutely delicious wine for now, for later."

Jane Anson: Violet plum colour, intense dark fruits, edges of charcoal and grilled oak, with blackberry and loganberry fruit. Concentrated, this has character and impact, with a flash of heat. Jean-Francois Janeouix owner."

Jane Anson: Extremely successful, has grip and character and depth, white peach and pear, tons of slate, this is delicious, one of the white wines of the vintage (one of the few where there feels no need to excuse the heat), everything is so well integrated. Great stuff from Jacques Lurton and the team."

Jeb Dunnuck: Another beautifully textured, ripe, sexy wine from the Gracin family, the 2022 Clos L'Eglise comes from deeper clay soils on the upper plateau in Pomerol. Blue fruits, ripe black raspberries, leafy tobacco, chocolate, and truffly earth notes all shine here, and this beauty is full-bodied and has a layered, plush, sexy style that's already hard to resist. Nevertheless, it will evolve for 25+ years if well stored."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Mind-bowing in every sense of the word, this has everything you could ask for in a wine, and more! The perfume is striking with its display of flowers, black cherries, saffron, black raspberries, plums, smoke, licorice, and a background note of citrus. The sensuous palate is even better, building in intensity as the wine lingers. Silky, sexy, concentrated, and perfectly balanced, the wine is seamless. The extraordinary sense of purity in the fruit makes you take another sip just to taste it all over again. The finish sees the 60-second mark and, without a care in the world, leaving you with continuous waves of opulent fruits that linger long after the wine has left the glass. The wine is made from 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a future legendary wine that if you can afford it, is a wine you don't want to miss. Drink from 2028-2065."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Cherries, flowers, licorice, spice, and cocoa pop in the nose. The palate is even better with its wealth of ripe, round fruits, soft, silky, textures, and creamy, mineral-tinted finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2037."

Jeb Dunnuck: A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Clos Saint-Martin is massive and deeply layered, with dense black fruits, truffle, chocolate, crushed stone, and floral notes. Full-bodied and powerful, it has great freshness, fine tannins, and remarkable purity. Aged for 20 months in 60% new oak barrels and 40% amphorae, this structured and mineral-driven wine will need time but should evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Total production: 416 cases."

Decanter: Ripe fruit and toasted notes on the nose. Rich and fleshy, this has an initial bounce and lift with juicy acidity and chalky red berry fruit but also quite compact tannins that bring the power to the fore and stop the finish a little short. I love the precision and cool freshness on show but feels a bit tense and lean still. A touch sombre towards the finish, the opulence of the vintage shining through, with the dark fruit emerging alongside notes of bitter chocolate, tobacco, liquorice and aniseed. Full and glamourous but will be nice once the elements harmonise a little more."

Falstaff: Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Feine Kräuternote, Edelholzwürze, schwarze Kirschen, Waldbeeren und zart nach Cassis, ein Hauch von Nougatkaramell. Saftig, engmaschig, frische Struktur, sehr finessenreich und balanciert, präsente, reife Tannine, lebendig und animierend, rote Kirschen im Abgang, salziger Nachhall, ein großes Zukunftsversprechen."

The Wine Cellar Insider: The striking, black-purple color lets you know this is going be good. The nose, with its array of black, blue and red fruits, smoke, flowers, and Cuban cigars definitely grabs your attention. But, make no mistake, it is the multi-layered palate, with its opulence, and density that somehow also manages to be equally diaphanous that steals the show. The seamless finish effortlessly glides across your palate for more than 60 seconds! Give this beauty some time in the cellar before popping a cork. With tannins this soft, it is going to be effortless in their youth. Yet, it will age for 3 or more decades with ease. The wine blends 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Merlot. Tasted twice, this competes with the 100 Pt. 2016. Drink from 2028-2065."

Jeb Dunnuck: The 2022 Château Fleur Cardinale is a blend of 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified with a cold pre-fermentation maceration and raised for 12-14 months in 72% new French oak, 18% one-year-old barrels, 7% large foudres, and 3% amphora. It's a full-bodied, layered Saint-Émilion exhibiting dark berries, graphite, crushed stone, and truffly earth-like nuances on the nose. This ripe, yet flawlessly balanced Saint-Emilion has moderate acidity, silky tannins, and a seamless, polished texture. A slightly modern-styled expression, it’s nevertheless lush, opulent, and utterly compelling, showing both depth and finesse."

Jeb Dunnuck: Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 2022 Château Fonbadet reveals classic Pauillac notes of currants, cassis, graphite, and freshly sharpened pencil, with a kiss of leather in the background. Medium to full-bodied, it’s round, pure, and focused on the palate, with ripe tannins and an elegant, fine-grained texture. Vinified in concrete tanks, it was aged for 16 months in 50% new French oak, with the rest in once-used barrels. 2,083 cases produced."

Falstaff: Helles Goldgelb, silberfarbene Reflexe. Frische Mandarinen und Grapefruitzesten, weiße Tropenfrucht, mineralisches Bukett. Saftig, elegante Süße, etwas Stachelbeeren, weiße Frucht, feiner Säurebogen, stoffig und elegant im Abgang, zeigt Länge und gutes Entwicklungspotenzial."

Jeb Dunnuck: The 2022 Château Duhart-Milon is all finesse and elegance, offering cassis, black raspberry, spring flowers, spicy wood, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it’s incredibly pure, layered, and seamless, with utter class from start to finish. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming 30 years."

James Suckling: This is a solid and structured red with a full body and a compact tannin structure. It shows ripe blackberries, blackcurrants and black olives, with spice and earth undertones. The finish is meaty and long. Try after 2028."

Jeb Dunnuck: A brilliant white Fronsac, the 2022 Grand Village Blanc is bright, juicy, and beautifully textured, with crushed stone, mint, lime, and chalky minerality all defining its aromatics. Medium-bodied and fresh on the palate, it shows remarkable purity and elegance, with a clean, focused finish. Its oak (one-third new) is perfectly integrated. You could drink this today or in a decade."

The Wine Cellar Insider: This still under the radar Pomerol pops with its nose of chocolate, black cherries, and flowers. Elegant, lifted, and silky on the palate, the creamy-textured finish is rich, fresh, and supple, with length, purity, and refinement. The wine blends 83% Merlot with 17% Cabernet Franc. Guillaume Thienpont of Vieux Chateau Certan is in charge of the estate. Drink from 2026-2052."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Already showcasing its stunning display of flowers, truffles, wild cherries, licorice, chocolate, and plums in the nose, it’s clear this will be a showstopper. Texturally, the sensuous palate, with its waves of velvet-covered fruits, steals the spotlight. The perfectly ripe, deep fruits offer length, lift, and complexity, with a lingering finish that keeps you wanting more. The wine blends 96.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and .05 Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2055."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Everything you could want in La Conseillante and Pomerol is here. The initial sniff is all it takes to hook you with its dark chocolate, violet, black cherry, truffle, licorice, and spearmint profile. The show-stopping, sensual display of perfectly ripe fruits with their silk and velvet textures, coupled with a racy edge, is off the hook! The finish looks at the 60-second mark and keeps on going. This is hedonism at its best. 2022 is at the level of the perfect 2016, if not even better. La Conseillante lovers should be all over this wine! The wine blends 87% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2060."

Jeb Dunnuck: The 2022 Château Lafite-Rothschild is based on 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot that was harvested between the 31st of August and the 24th of September. Just sensational in its power while remaining weightless, it offers utterly classic Lafite aromatics of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened lead pencils, spring flowers, and graphite. Full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, it has a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, off-the-charts purity, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s shockingly accessible, yet there’s no shortage of structure, depth, or concentration. Aged in new French oak barrels, this is a monumental Lafite that should evolve for 50-75+ years. If this doesn’t do it for you, I can’t imagine what would."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 La Rose Figeac prances out with showy notes of baked blueberries, kirsch, and plum preserves, plus suggestions of spice cake and star anise. The full-bodied palate is chock full of bright black fruits, framed by firm, ripe, rounded tannins, and plenty of freshness, finishing long."

James Suckling: A unique white, like old Sauternes from the 1920s, showing grape skin, orange peel, apricots and pie crust on the nose and palate. Tarte tatin. It's full-bodied and very sweet but gives a dry impression from the tannins at the end. A masterpiece with a mind-bending finish. OMG. Speechless. 230 grams residual sugar. Drink or hold."

Jeb Dunnuck: Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Haut-Bailly checks in as 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc all raised in 50% new French oak. Its deeper ruby hue is followed by a gorgeously classic Haut-Bailly nose of red and black currants, savory flowers, dried herbs, and chocolate. Reminding me of the 2009 (or maybe a mix of the 2009 and 2010) with its opulent, sexy, yet concentrated style, it still stays flawlessly balanced and light on its feet, with no sensation of weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It needs to be hidden in the back of the cellar for 5-7 years and will keep for 40+ years if well stored."

Decanter: Creamy, opulent scents on the nose - floral and dark fruit with vanilla and cinnamon. Smooth and friendly, this has a lovely weight and texture - crisp and chalky with bright acidity that's not too high or too low giving enough freshness and life to sustain the palate from start to finish. Ends cool and salty. Lovely to drink now."

Decanter: Glossy and shiny lemon fruit, feels really nice, a bit of honey and some bitterness but combines to be a really nice and refreshing mouthfeel with complexity. Very enjoyable."

Jeb Dunnuck: The 2022 Château La Clotte is another serious wine in the lineup. Mulled black cherries, liquid violets, spicy wood, and smoky, chocolaty nuances are just some of this wine’s nuances, and it's medium full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's one hell of a gorgeous Saint-Emilion that deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for two decades."

Decanter: Juicy and really bright, the focus here is on the purity of the strawberry and blackcurrant fruit with slight hints of mint, dried herbs and toasted oak around the sides. Feels easy and effortless with purity and focus. Not so layered or plush as you might expect, this is fruit driven with high acidity and a long, lifted finish."

Jeb Dunnuck: As to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection, and it's as seamless, pure, and layered as they come, while still bringing incredible intensity and richness. Smoky red and black currants, leafy tobacco, scorched earth, as well as a hint of violets, all define this incredible wine, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, velvety sweet tannins, moderate acidity, and a gorgeous finish. I love this sexy, opulent, straight-up heavenly wine today, yet it can be drunk with incredible pleasure any time over the coming 50+ years. Reminding me of the 2009 and an undeniable candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2022 hit a solid 14% alcohol with a lofty pH of 3.95."

James Suckling: Lots of hazelnut chocolate and creamy vanilla character at the moment, but the fruit is not subdued, showing some rich but fresh blackberries and dark cherries throughout. Creamy, dusty tannins surround the palate with medium to full body and a really long, plush finish. Modern and truly well-made with very good length and acidity. Drink from 2027 when the wood spices round off."

James Suckling: A very tight yet energetic Lafleur showing brambleberries, black olives, leather, lavender and orange peel. It's very primary with perfectly ripe grape character, particularly cabernet franc. Medium- to full-bodied, this has solid density, powerful intensity and totally resolved tannins. Rather weightless. What a wine. The new 1950? This needs time, at least until after 2030, to reveal its true greatness."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Silky, fresh, supple, and creamy, the vibrancy in the fruits pairs perfectly with the sensuously textured, chocolate-tinted fruits in the mid-palate and long, medium-bodied finish. Drink from 2025-2045."

James Suckling: A crisp, crunchy white with guava, grapefruit, lemongrass and spice on the nose. Salty elements follow on a medium-bodied, textured palate that builds in flavor. Long, vibrant and wonderfully concentrated. Sauvignon and semillon. Drink or hold."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Lush, silky, fresh, and elegant, the beautiful floral character in the nose, with its cherry blossoms, truffle, chocolate, and plums leads the way to its refined, silky, mid-palate, and finish that is packed with sweet, ripe, refined, black cherries dipped in chocolate, with just a hint of licorice, and espresso for a long, plush, polished finish. The wine blends 80% Merlot, with 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2050."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Heart-stopping in every sense of the term, the striking perfume sets the wine off with its showy display of flowers, cocoa, mint leaves, black cherry liqueur, and an array of plums. Texturally, this is all cashmere on the palate. The concentrated fruits are so pure, they taste as if they were just picked from the vineyard. The finish is seamless, looking at the 60-second mark before it builds, expands, and keeps on going. The wine blends 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2028-2060."

James Suckling: This is very expressive, showing oranges, bread dough, dried flowers, red apples and cloves on the nose. It’s tight and dry yet balanced on the palate, with fine bubbles and bright acidity to complement the red and orange fruit character. Well structured. 100% pinot noir from Ambonnay. Disgorged February 2025. 1.5 g/L dosage. Better from 2027."

Dom Perignon - es gibt eben Champagner, über die muss man eigentlich keine Worte mehr verlieren. Allein der Klang des Namens Moet et Chandon und Dom Perignon reichen aus, um Weinfreunde rund um den Globus in Verzückung zu versetzen. Moet et Chandon ist nebenbei bemerkt die größte Kellerei in der Champagne. Dank James Bond, der Dom Perignon gerne trinkt, kennt ihn auch die ganze Welt. Dom Perigno

The Wine Cellar Insider: Dried flowers, violets, black and blue fruits, Asian spices, truffle, smoke, and licorice permeate the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is seductive, sensuous, long, rich, and sexy. The purity of the fruit is striking, with its perfect balance of power and elegance. Once the fruit touches your palate, the wine unfolds in all four directions, with increasing warmth and intensity. The finish, which crosses the 60-second mark with ease, leaves you with layers of truffle-accented black cherries, plums, blueberries, and spice. The wine is perfectly balanced, seamless, and well, perfect. Drink from 2030-2070."

Jeb Dunnuck: Leading off the wines from this fabulous château, the 2022 Pensées De Lafleur is based on 57% Merlot and 43% Bouchet (an older Cabernet Franc selection) that's from a unique vein of more clay soils in the vineyard. It's a sensational wine in its own right, and readers shouldn't overlook this. Ripe black cherries, damp earth, chocolate, and foresty, winter savory and tobacco notes all define the aromatics, and it's a voluptuous, round, incredibly seamless, sexy Pensées that's better than the vast majority of chateaux’s Grand Vins."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Quite floral in nature, the wine quickly moves to its black cherries, plums, black raspberries, and hint of cocoa in the nose. The palate is packed with chocolate-covered, salty cherries and plums. Due to its limestone terroir, the fruits taste as if they were blended with crushed stones, giving you lift, complexity, and length. The wine blends 50% Cabernet Franc with 50% Merlot. Drink from 2028-2040."

James Suckling: A curious wine that offers lots of fruit character on the nose, beginning with blackberries and flowers that move to integrated tannins, proceeding to a firmness and a well-framed palate. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. This needs four or five years but is lovely already."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Truffle, flowers, dark chocolate, black cherries, licorice, and chocolate-drenched plums create a rich aromatic profile. The wine is deep, concentrated, lush, and abundant. Opulent, plummy, and sapid, it requires a few years in the bottle to fill out, soften, and develop its velvety characteristics. The wine blends 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc, and .05% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2029 to 2055."

Die Entstehung einer Legende im Pomerol in Bordeaux Chateau Le Pin wurde in den späten 1970er Jahren von der Familie Thienpont, Besitzer des unweit gelegenen Vieux Chateau Certan, gegründet. Ursprünglich handelte es sich um eine kleine, lediglich zwei Hektar große Parzelle, die von der Familie erworben wurde, um einen neuen Wein zu kreieren, der sich durch eine außerordentliche Qualität und Individualität auszeichnet. Die Familie Thienpont und ihr Einfluss auf das Weingut Innerhalb weniger Jahrzehnte gelang es Chateau Le Pin, zu einer echten Legende in der Weinwelt aufzusteigen. Dank der Expertise und dem Innovationsgeist der Thienponts wurde das Weingut zu einer der prestigeträchtigsten Marken im Pomerol. Ihre Erfahrung und ihr Engagement für höchste Qualität waren maßgeblich für den Erfolg von Chateau Le Pin verantwortlich. Terroir und Weinberg Das Terroir von Chateau Le Pin zeichnet sich durch eine dicke Schicht aus Kies und Sand aus, während der Lehm deutlich tiefer liegt. Die Böden, bekannt als „Crasse de fer“, sind charakteristisch für Pomerol. Diese Mischung aus lehmigen und sandigen Kiesböden mit Eiseneinschlüssen schafft ideale Bedingungen und verleiht den Weinen eine beeindruckende Tiefe und Komplexität. Chateau Le Pin umfasst nur eine sehr kleine Anbaufläche, die zu 92% mit Merlot und 8% Cabernet Franc bestockt ist. Auf sieben Parzellen mit einer Gesamtfläche von nur zwei Hektar wachsen die Reben mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 40 Jahren. Die Familie Thienpont legt großen Wert auf nachhaltige Anbaumethoden, um die Qualität des Weins zu bewahren und die Umwelt zu schützen. Dies umfasst den Verzicht auf chemische Pestizide und den Einsatz natürlicher Techniken zur Bodenpflege. Der Weinherstellungsprozess Die Herstellung von Chateau Le Pin erfolgt nach traditionellen Methoden, die seit Generationen weitergegeben wurden. Die Trauben werden von Hand gelesen, um sicherzustellen, dass nur die besten Früchte verwendet werden. Nach der sorgfältigen Selektion werden die Trauben sanft gepresst und in kleinen Chargen vergoren, um die individuellen Aromen optimal zu erhalten. Neben den traditionellen Techniken nutzt Chateau Le Pin auch moderne Innovationen, um die Qualität des Weins weiter zu verbessern. Dazu gehört die Verwendung von temperaturkontrollierten Edelstahltanks, die eine präzise Kontrolle des Gärungsprozesses ermöglichen. Nach der Gärung wird der Wein in französischen Barriques ausgebaut, wo er bis zu 18 Monate reift. Der gesamte Fokus liegt auf der Schaffung einer Qualität, die ihresgleichen sucht. FAQs zu Chateau Le Pin Woher kommt eigentlich der Name? Das Weingut verdankt seinen Namen dem Kieferbaum, der neben dem Haus steht, in dem der Spitzenwein produziert wird. Warum gilt Le Pin als Ausnahmewein? Chateau Le Pin gilt als Ausnahmewein, weil er sowohl die charakteristischen Merkmale des Pomerol widerspiegelt als auch eine unverwechselbare Individualität besitzt. Die Kombination aus Terroir, traditioneller Handwerkskunst und dem Engagement der Familie Thienpont macht diesen Wein einzigartig. Warum sind die Weine so selten? Die geringe Anbaufläche und die limitierten Mengen der Produktion machen Chateau Le Pin zu einem äußerst seltenen Wein. Die jährliche Produktion beträgt nur wenige Tausend Flaschen, was den Wein zu einer begehrten Rarität macht.

Decanter: Hay, straw, lemon, green apple, and elderflower with a waxy, floral nuance. Incredibly zingy and electric on the palate, bursting with freshness and crystalline purity. Mouthwatering acidity, a touch of bitterness, and exhilarating intensity create a thrilling experience. Crisp green apple, pear, pineapple, and tropical fruit remain sharp, clean, and focused. The texture is flawless, keeping your attention from start to finish. So much verve, character, and precision - it’s simply captivating. A truly fabulous white with endless energy."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown: The 2022 Lucia, 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. A little muted to start, it soon unfurls to offer a pretty perfume of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, and violets, plus hints of cardamom and clove oil. The full-bodied palate has a solid structure of ripe, round tannins and compelling tension to support the generous fruit, finishing long and fragrant."

Weinwisser: 96 % Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Franc. Ungeheuer tiefgründiges, dicht verwobenes Bouquet, zarter Anflug von Wildkirsche, Graphit, Olivenpaste, Brasiltabak und rotem Johannisbeernektar. Am sehr komplexen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, kakaoartigem Tanningerüst, balancierter Rasse und muskulösem Körper. Im konzentrierten Finale eine Explosion schwarzbeeriger Konturen, dunkler Mineralik und königlicher Adstringenz. Ein Monument eines Weines, hier zücke ich ganz klar die Höchstnote."

Jeb Dunnuck: Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was raised in 60% new French oak. Reminding me of a more elegant version of the 2010, it has a dense purple hue to go with a rich, powerful, full-bodied, sensationally complex nose of cassis and darker berries interwoven with woodsmoke, scorched earth, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Concentrated, deep, and layered on the palate with ripe, velvety tannins, it's a sensational, absolutely heavenly effort that will keep for 40-50 years. Along with the 2009, 2010, and 2020, this is one of the greatest wines to ever come from this address. Don't miss it."

Wine Enthusiast: A ripe, full wine with generous tannins and a black plum aroma. It is concentrated, its acidity and texture combined well with the fruit. Drink from 2026."

Jeb Dunnuck: Awesome levels of blackcurrants, darker cherries, roasted herbs, chocolate, and scorched earth all emerge from the 2022 Château Malartic-Lagravière, an incredibly concentrated, rich, layered beauty that has velvety tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. It's easily the finest I've tasted from this château and is a riveting 2022 that deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will keep for two decades or more. The 2022 is based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, with the élevage spanning 20 months in 60% new French oak. There are a little over 8,000 cases of this brilliant wine."

Wine Enthusiast: The wine is dominated by fine Sauvignon Blanc. It has a marvelous poise between great freshness and richness, which is especially impressive given it's from a dry year. This is a powerful wine, a great success given the growing conditions."

The Wine Cellar Insider: If you liked 2018 Palmer, you are going to love the 2022! Produced in a similar style, the wine is ostentatious, flamboyant, and incredibly concentrated, yet it is also elegant, upbeat, and complex. The perfume is on the floral side with spices, and sweet, dark, with red berries. Also, like all the best vintages here, it is the texture that steals owns the show. The palate is pure silk, and velvet, making the perfect backdrop for its non-stop waves of sensuous fruit that start and keep on going, long after the wine has left the glass. The wine blends 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2029-2065."

Jeb Dunnuck: A smoking Margaux with tons of character, the 2022 Château Marojallia showed beautifully. Ripe cherries, blueberries, spring flowers, and tobacco all make an appearance in the bouquet, and it hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, structured style that has everything in the right place. I don't see it being for the instant gratification crowd, but if you're able to hide these in the cellar for 4-6 years or so, you'll be a happy camper. I wouldn't be surprised to see this rival the 2009 when all is said and done."

Falstaff: Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zarte Würze, Brombeerkonfit, tabakige Nuancen, feines Cassis ist unterlegt, Komplex, engmaschig, feine Kirschfrucht, gute Frische, reife, tragende Tannine, etwas Nougat, anhaltend, sicheres Entwicklungspotenzial, würde in jeder Blindverkostung glatt als Pauillac durchgehen, erst im Finish tauchen die Gewürznuancen von St. Julien auf."

The Wine Cellar Insider: The nose steals your focus with its showy display of truffles, cigar boxes, spices, black and blue fruits, and dried flowers. However, it is the palate that steals the show with its ostentatious, flamboyant, velvet, and cashmere-textured display of red and black fruits. The wine continues to build in intensity as it expands in every direction on your palate. The seamless finish lasts beyond the 60-second mark, inspiring you to take another sniff and sip to enjoy the pleasure you find again and again. This is a future legendary wine from Mouton Rothschild. The wine blends 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with an ABV of 14%. Drink from 2030-2070."

Wine Enthusiast: From one of the many estates on the Pez plateau in the heart of Saint-Estèphe, this wine has a fine, dense structure, supported by tannins. It has a dark coffee aroma, layered black currant fruits and ripe acidity. Drink from at least 2028."

James Suckling: This is really perfumed with rose petals and citrus fruit. It's medium-bodied with brightness and fine tannins that caress the palate. Focused. Vivid. The second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Drink after 2027."

James Suckling: Opulent and delicious with lots of green mango and pineapple aromas and flavors. Smoked cream and green apples. Showing salty, briny character, it’s dense but not heavy, flavorful and very long. Pear-drop candy at the end. Pure sauvignon blanc, as always. Rich yet lively and wonderful. Feels like a great Montrachet. One for the cellar. 8,000 bottles made. You just want to drink it. Drink or hold."

James Suckling: A rich, dark-fruited nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, vanilla and cedar. Some earthy notes, too. Medium- to full-bodied, this shows firm tannins with impressive depth and length. Firm, minerally finish. Drink from 2028."

Jeb Dunnuck: Deeper ruby-hued, the 2022 Château Rol Valentin checks in as 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec, all of which spent 19 months in 40% new barrels. It's rock-solid stuff offering terrific notes of darker cherries, plums, spicy wood, and candied violet notes in a richer, medium to full-bodied, concentrated style. Made in a slightly more modern, well-oaked style, it's still pure Saint-Emilion goodness with notable minerality and ample character. Give bottles 4-5 years if you can and enjoy over the following 10-15 years."

The Wine Cellar Insider: There is no hotter wine from Pomerol than VCC today! And 2022 is a perfect example of why. Opaque in color, the nose explodes with its array of black, red, and blue fruits, dark chocolate, flowers, and truffles. There is so much intensity and concentration that it is hard to understand how everything remains perfectly balanced, as well as fresh. The sensuous, supple, and silky finish ends with a vibrancy to the fruits, a mild touch of salt, and a refreshing hint of mint on the back end. This future legend and candidate for wine of the vintage can age and evolve for decades. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2028-2065."

Jane Anson: Skilful construction here, slate and pumice stone texture, with a clutch of wild roses, sage, bitter orange zest. Brambled autumnal fruits with a kiss of cloves, turmeric and baking spice reflecting the ripeness achieved within the vintage, harnessed to a sense of reserve and a foot on the break in the opulence of the vintage. Impressive, delivers on En Primeur promise. 32hl/h yield, 7.5ha. Axel Marchal consultant. 3.5ph. Harvest September 8 to 26. Peter Sisseck winemaker, co-owner with Silvio Denz. 35% new oak barrels for ageing, biodynamic certified."

Jeb Dunnuck: Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Pavie is 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon raised in 75% new barrels for 20 months. It brings a more focused, precise style in its darker berries, graphite, crushed stone, and floral aromatics and flavors. These carry to a full-bodied Pavie with flawless overall balance, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. This pure, powerful, yet aristocratic Pavie will benefit from 7-8 years (you can drink it even today) and have 3-4 decades of longevity."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Flowers, black raspberries, smoke, licorice, spice, mint, cocoa, and plums open the gorgeous perfume. On the palate, the wine is opulent, sensuous, rich, deep, and full. Flamboyant and intense, the wine coats your palate, lingers, and expands seamlessly for nearly 60 seconds. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% ABV. Harvesting took place from October 5 - October 15. Drink from 2028-2050."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown: I have long admired the wines of Nairac so it was disappointing when in some recent vintages there was to wine produced. Now managed by Grand Chais de France there is better consistency here, and the latest result is this rather fine 2022. I find the nose to be layered with honey-drizzled pear and quince, with a bright minerally edge which feels typical of Nairac. This is matched by a delightfully energetic and poised palate, with layers of citrus and orchard fruits, swirled in a sweet and waxy richness, with vibrant acid freshness. A top result with fine cellaring potential."

James Suckling: A linear and racy young Cotes de Bordeaux with blueberry, mineral and crushed-stone character. Violets as well. Medium-bodied, refined yet structured. Plenty of energy here. Persistent finish. 75% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Drink after 2028."

James Suckling: The nose is fragrant and inviting, offering subtle black and blue fruit, dried violets, sandalwood and stones. The medium-bodied palate shows a juicy core of fruit wrapped in dusty tannins, with a textural, lightly earthy finish. Better from 2027."

Falstaff: Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, tintig, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zartte Randaufhellung. Feine Edelholzwürze, vollreife Herzkirschen, Schokolade, tabakig, zarte Kräuterwürze. Kraftvoll, elegant, rotbeerige Nuancen, präsente, eingebundene Tannine, salzig-mineralisch im Abgang, Nugat im Nachhall, zeigt Länge und Entwicklungspotenzial, eine Kombination aus Power und Finesse."

Jeb Dunnuck: From clay and limestone soils, the 2022 Château Puyblanquet (80/20 Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is a powerful wine, offering darker cherries, earth, chocolate, and violets. Beautifully integrated oak, chalky minerality, and fine tannins all give it plenty of structure, and it should evolve nicely for 15+ years. Total production: 3,333 cases."

James Suckling: A nicely structured, savory and textured Pomerol. The nose exhibits blueberries, mulberries, dark plums, dried violets, wet floor and mild spices. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Plenty of graphite character on the palate with a seductive frame of berries and spices mingling harmoniously. Well-driven with a long, focused finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2027."

Jeb Dunnuck: The flagship 2022 Château Rauzan-Ségla checks in as 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. It's much more focused and precise compared to the second wine and has brilliant aromatics of crème de cassis, crushed violets, graphite, and smoky oak. Gorgeously concentrated and full-bodied, with riveting purity and precision, this stunning Margaux has ripe yet building tannins, a terrific mid-palate, and flawless overall balance. I love it today yet 7-8 years of cellar are warranted and it will cruise over the following 3-4 decades in cold cellars. It's another sensational wine from this estate."

James Suckling: Very complex aromas of pears, persimmons, honey and cooked apples. Mineral undertones. Always subtle and multidimensional. Full-bodied with a tight and dense middle palate that gives a superb mouthfeel. It's lively and flavorful at the end but in a reserved way. Just a hint of bitter lemon and lilac. I really want to drink this, but give it three or four years to reach the right place."

James Suckling: An attractive Pomerol with fresh plums, spiced cherries and a touch of white pepper. Ripe, fresh and layered, with fine tannins and a very lengthy, fragrant finish. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Pure and already enjoyable. Drink or hold."

Jeb Dunnuck: Blackcurrants, graphite, crushed stone, and liquid violet notes all emerge from the 2022 Château Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien), another deeply colored, powerful, full-bodied Saint-Julien. Coming from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It's going to stand with the truly greats from not only this terroir but the entire Médoc."