Pauillac

Release date: 2/5/2024

This wine from the Borie-Manoux portfolio is a Cabernet-strong blend, with 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and just 22% Merlot. It opens with a nose of slightly mentholated berry fruit, with a touch of smokedThis wine from the Borie-Manoux portfolio is a Cabernet-strong blend, with 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and just 22% Merlot. It opens with a nose of slightly mentholated berry fruit, with a touch of smoked oak. The palate presents the same fresh and breezy fruit profile hinted at on the nose, with perfumed peony and currant, touches of black pepper and a seam of lightly sandy minerals. It follows with a medium-bodied presence, with attractive, tightly knit tannins which provide a fine backbone to the palate, and which leave the finish modestly gripped. A fine, rather svelte young Pauillac in this challenging vintage which should develop well. Tasted three times. The alcohol is about 13.5%. Rating: 89-91 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite,This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined with around 15% press wine. Not the concentration of 2022, but in many ways showcasing the essence of Lafite more squarely, and this will delight anyone lucky enough to own it in future years. 45hl/h yield, highest since 2015, harvest September 7 to 29. 100% new oak. New cellar underway, due for completion in 2027. I am giving it 10 years to begin entering its opening window, a little less than usual but it will make no difference to how long you can cellar it. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 98-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yetThe 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yet tightly coiled graphite-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins that belie the backbone of this Pauillac. That graphite element is accentuated in the mouth and controls the classic finish that could only come from this appellation. This is excellent, but patience is required. Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Carruades de Lafite is notable for some of the Cabernet being picked prior to the Merlot, between September 7 and 29. This year, there is no Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot in the blend. ItThe 2023 Carruades de Lafite is notable for some of the Cabernet being picked prior to the Merlot, between September 7 and 29. This year, there is no Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot in the blend. It has a far superior bouquet to some of the vintages I was tasting a decade or so ago—much more purity and precision, with notes of black plum, wild strawberry and a touch of cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture and a crisp line of acidity. It’s fresh, precise and saline, with a long tail on the finish. This is surely one of the best Carruades I have tasted at this stage. Drinking range: 2027 - 2047 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

A very structured Pontet-Canet that expands in the mouth with a gorgeous combination of beautifully ripe fruit and intense tannins. Very structured for the vintage. Full-bodied with excellentA very structured Pontet-Canet that expands in the mouth with a gorgeous combination of beautifully ripe fruit and intense tannins. Very structured for the vintage. Full-bodied with excellent presence and length. So much raw pencil shavings to the blackcurrants. Graphite and tar. Fresh and vivid. They picked cabernet at the right time at the end of September. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 29/4/2024

79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Good classical frame here. Upright and smartly 'claretty'. The nose is awash with deep plum, dark cherry flesh and intriguing scent of a fine79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Good classical frame here. Upright and smartly 'claretty'. The nose is awash with deep plum, dark cherry flesh and intriguing scent of a fine church. Subtly toasty wood. The palate follows - with density and a firmish feel to the cool dark berry fruit. This will need more time than some - but its all here for the future. Classical, pure and long. 57% new barrels, 43% in second-fill barrels.L&S (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Clerc Milon is a packed with blackberry, grilled herbs, leather, incense, gravel and cloves. A dark, brooding powerhouse, the 2023 will need a few years to settle down. Today, its imposing,The 2023 Clerc Milon is a packed with blackberry, grilled herbs, leather, incense, gravel and cloves. A dark, brooding powerhouse, the 2023 will need a few years to settle down. Today, its imposing, tannic personality is very much front and center. Drinking range: 2028 - 2043 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

High Cabernet, as is the story of the vintage on the Left Bank. A wine that also continues the new story of Armailhac following serious investment in vineyards and cellar, and technical directorHigh Cabernet, as is the story of the vintage on the Left Bank. A wine that also continues the new story of Armailhac following serious investment in vineyards and cellar, and technical director Lucie Lauilhé. Bright and vivid from the first moment, layered cassis, crushed mint, liqourice root, crushed rocks, an excellently precise, structed and textured Armailhac. Love it. Harvest September 7 to 30. 80ha in production, 50% new oak barrels for ageing. Drinking range: 2030 - 2046 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Aromas of cassis, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and violets introduce the 2023 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple wine that's seamless and sensual, with good depth at theAromas of cassis, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and violets introduce the 2023 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple wine that's seamless and sensual, with good depth at the core, beautifully integrated tannins and a lively, charming profile. It's a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot that was picked between September 11-28. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

This is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, the recently planted Petit Verdot not yet old enough to go into the blend. The yield was 53 hl/ha this year, remarkable for a biodynamicThis is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, the recently planted Petit Verdot not yet old enough to go into the blend. The yield was 53 hl/ha this year, remarkable for a biodynamic estate, and this takes about 60% of the crop. A dark and smoky nose, with perfumed currant and rose. This precedes a palate which is sinewy and bright, with a juicy and linear frame, with tense blackcurrant and cherry stone, rose and violet, supported by a delicious frame of tannins which add a mouth-watering grip in the middle, turning a little sappy in the finish. A rather elegant and fragrant style of Pauillac, a little Margaux-esque perhaps, with a dry grip for length. The alcohol is 13.5% on analysis. Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

This is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the latter from young vines which made it into the grand vin for the first time. This feels immediately convincing on the nose, notThis is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the latter from young vines which made it into the grand vin for the first time. This feels immediately convincing on the nose, not that common in this vintage, with dark and convincing crystalline fruits, laced with black pepper and tar. The palate takes it up a notch with a really charming texture, with a juicy and lightly creamed body of fruit wrapped loosely around a spindle of firm tannins. Juicy, bright, open and expressive, this culminates in a finish of rich grip and peppery tannins. This shows rather well, with a cohesive substance and plenty of peppery grip, and the powdery substance of a fine vintage. Good potential here. Tasted three times. The alcohol is 13.2% on analysis. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

As usual one of the chunkier, broader-shouldered wines of the Médoc, the 2023 Lynch-Bages exhibits aromas of dark berries and cassis mingled with pencil shavings, licorice and pipe tobacco, framed byAs usual one of the chunkier, broader-shouldered wines of the Médoc, the 2023 Lynch-Bages exhibits aromas of dark berries and cassis mingled with pencil shavings, licorice and pipe tobacco, framed by creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, it's deep, concentrated and generously extracted, with plenty of youthfully chewy tannin to carry it along in the cellar. The 2023 is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. DarkThe 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pencil shavings and dried herbs gain intensity in the glass. I especially admire its vertical build and overall energy. This is an exciting young Mouton endowed with palpable dynamic energy. It's a superb effort from the team led by Technical Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy. Drinking range: 2033 - 2073 Rating: 96-99 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

The 2023 Pibran includes fully 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, as restructured parcels start to come into production and contribute to the blend. Offering up aromas of plums, red berries and pencil shavings,The 2023 Pibran includes fully 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, as restructured parcels start to come into production and contribute to the blend. Offering up aromas of plums, red berries and pencil shavings, it's medium-bodied, fleshy and supple, with a pretty core of fruit framed by powdery tannins. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

The freshness and brightness of the blackcurrant and orange-peel fruit give a real al-dente feel. Some stone and spice underneath. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a refined finish. A PB withThe freshness and brightness of the blackcurrant and orange-peel fruit give a real al-dente feel. Some stone and spice underneath. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a refined finish. A PB with tight, linear tannins. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

This has the highest ever percentage of Cabernet, with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, complemented by 20% Merlot. The yields were about 50 hl/ha, and about 54% of the crop went intoThis has the highest ever percentage of Cabernet, with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, complemented by 20% Merlot. The yields were about 50 hl/ha, and about 54% of the crop went into this cuvée. Aromatically this is streets ahead of the second wine, not unusual in this vintage, with dark red cherry dressed with crushed white chalk and cedar. The palate opens with a medium-bodied stance, with a charming and sinewy core of fruit, maintaining a juicy presence through the midpalate, supported by beautifully extracted tannins and the fresh acidity of the vintage. Fresh, elegant and charming, with delightful tannin quality, this is an understated Pauillac which should develop well. The alcohol is 13.3%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Aromas of cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak introduce the 2023 Echo de Lynch-Bages, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine with a succulent core of fruit framed by youthfully chewyAromas of cassis, dark berries and creamy new oak introduce the 2023 Echo de Lynch-Bages, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine with a succulent core of fruit framed by youthfully chewy tannins. Rating: 89-90 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

This is so bright and vibrant with plenty of fruit. Very pure and lively. Medium-bodied with a supple, silky mouthfeel. Already delicious. Second wine of Grand-Puy-Lacoste. 56% cabernet sauvignon,This is so bright and vibrant with plenty of fruit. Very pure and lively. Medium-bodied with a supple, silky mouthfeel. Already delicious. Second wine of Grand-Puy-Lacoste. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot and 11% cabernet franc. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

This is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, on the high side but nothing record breaking, with 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This was picked from September 7th to the 30th, but it was a slowThis is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, on the high side but nothing record breaking, with 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This was picked from September 7th to the 30th, but it was a slow harvest at the start, with much picked in the final stages in September, to get the most maturity in the Cabernets as possible. It takes 39% of production, which is close to the norm for recent years. A nose of dark Cabernet fruits wrapped in cigar box oak at the moment, albeit with a charming purity to the floral Cabernet berries. The palate is fresh, restrained, with a polished substance, medium-bodied fruit, allowing the powdery tannins to reveal their presence, but in harmony with the wine, never domineering. This hangs together so well, showing a restrained elegance despite its clear tannic grip and savoury structure. A beautiful Petit Mouton in the making here. The alcohol is 13.32% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this being the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, with reflects a program ofThis is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this being the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, with reflects a program of replanting Cabernet Sauvignon instead of Merlot in the vineyard. This takes 55% of the crop, a little more than usual. The nose is beautifully expressive, with blackcurrant and dark chocolate, with dried cherry skins. This purity and honesty comes through on the palate, which is medium-bodied, with chocolate, violets and griottes, underpinned by tightly framed tannins and fresh rather zippy acidity. Beautifully succulent, dark, savoury, with a rich core of polished, tightly knit tannins, which sit in harmony in the finish with threads of dark chocolate. If there were a competition for best second wine in this vintage, this would surely be in the running. Tasted twice. The alcohol here is 13.07%. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Wow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incrediblyWow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incredibly seamless. Like silk in texture. A top Pichon Lalande. From organic and biodynamically grown grapes. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)