Cellar Fillers
It is no secret that wineries with ‘lesser terroirs’, and those without the deep pockets neccessary to cope withthe adverse conditions, suffered in 2024. In the face of the various climactic pressures, some of the more affordable Châteaux had limited means to combat the issues of disease, so selection is key. However, the great news is that the ones who were successful, have created some old school classics.
Please note that we can source wines in any format if offered by the Château. Just indicate which size you would like in your wishlist order form or email us with a specific request. Bottling charges do apply so please see our Terms for more details.
L&S Recommendations
L&S 'best buy' recommendations are marked with this symbol 
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2024 CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac
Release date: 4/6/2025
Medium to full intensity inky plum colour, cold campfire and grilled cedar on the opening with vibrant plum fruits alongside, good quality, on the fresh side, but savoury and sappy with plenty ofMedium to full intensity inky plum colour, cold campfire and grilled cedar on the opening with vibrant plum fruits alongside, good quality, on the fresh side, but savoury and sappy with plenty of lift. 70% new oak for 17 months ageing. Drinking range: 2030 - 2044 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2025)
In Bond
In Bond
2024 BARON DE BRANE Margaux Château Brane-Cantenac
Release date: 27/5/2025
The 2024 Baron de Brane is aromatic and brisk in its first impression. Strong floral and savory notes lead into a core of dark blue/purplish fruit. Lavender, spice, dried herbs and menthol open withThe 2024 Baron de Brane is aromatic and brisk in its first impression. Strong floral and savory notes lead into a core of dark blue/purplish fruit. Lavender, spice, dried herbs and menthol open with a bit of time in the glass. In 2024, the Baron is gracious and inviting. Production will be down by about 50% because of selection, with many of the lots going into Margaux de Brane, the château's third wine. Drinking range: 2026 - 2034 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2025)
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2024 CHÂTEAU LA DAUPHINE Fronsac
Release date: 27/5/2025
75 M 25 CF 13.5% Some earthiness and hints of chalk dust with black fruit underneath. Juicy acidity and leafy fruit in the mouth with supple tannins. Black fruit and hints of herbs and spice on75 M 25 CF 13.5% Some earthiness and hints of chalk dust with black fruit underneath. Juicy acidity and leafy fruit in the mouth with supple tannins. Black fruit and hints of herbs and spice on the finish. Rating: 89 Rod Smith MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2025)
In Bond
2024 CHÂTEAU MANGOT Grand Cru Saint Emilion
Release date: 21/5/2025
Going long on cloves and gently grilled cedar, this definitely has oak impact, and some sappy tannins, they are carefully building a wine with more ambition to age than many in the vintage; but itGoing long on cloves and gently grilled cedar, this definitely has oak impact, and some sappy tannins, they are carefully building a wine with more ambition to age than many in the vintage; but it remains tight on the finish and a little soft on fruit. Drinking range: 2029 - 2040 Rating: 91 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2025)
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2024 CHÂTEAU LES CRUZELLES Lalande de Pomerol
Release date: 19/5/2025
85 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc: 57% new oak: 13.6% alc: The Merlot was picked between the 20 and 22 September, and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 28 September: 14000 bottles were85 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc: 57% new oak: 13.6% alc: The Merlot was picked between the 20 and 22 September, and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 28 September: 14000 bottles were produced
Stunningly elegant, bright and enticing on the nose, this is a fantastic wine that always over-delivers. Superb, honed, refined and super-long, this wine plays a fabulous game, and it is always epic value for money, too. The mid-palate is where the action is with super-smooth lines and purple, red and black highlights, braided together perfectly. Be patient because the tannins are crisp and alert; before too long, you will be the proud owner of a stunning creation. 17.5+/20 QP Rating: 17.5 QP Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2025)
In Bond
2024 CHÂTEAU JOANIN BÉCOT Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
Release date: 16/5/2025
The 2024 Joanin-Bécot is terrific. Supple and racy, with lovely depth, the 2024 exudes balance. Rose petal, lavender, red plum and blood orange are nicely pushed forward. This has lovely mid-palateThe 2024 Joanin-Bécot is terrific. Supple and racy, with lovely depth, the 2024 exudes balance. Rose petal, lavender, red plum and blood orange are nicely pushed forward. This has lovely mid-palate presence, something that was hard to come by in 2024. Pretty floral notes extend the silky, effortless finish. Harvest for the Merlots started on September 28, very late by the estate's standards. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2026 - 2034 Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2025)
In Bond
2024 CHÂTEAU LAROQUE Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion
Release date: 15/5/2025
The 2024 Laroque is a sleek, polished wine made mostly from the Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes plateau in this vintage. Silky and aromatic, with mid-weight structure, the 2024 is attractive. However,The 2024 Laroque is a sleek, polished wine made mostly from the Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes plateau in this vintage. Silky and aromatic, with mid-weight structure, the 2024 is attractive. However, the challenges of the vintage are evident in the light mid-palate and soft finish. Élevage will be critical. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2028 - 2039 Rating: 88-90 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2025)
In Bond
2024 CHÂTEAU HAUT BAGES LIBERAL 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac Château Haut Bages Libéral
Release date: 6/5/2025
Sitting down with Claire Villars Lurton is always one of the highlights of our primeur trip to Bordeaux. Fascinatingly honest and open about the vintage, she explains with clarity the ups and downsSitting down with Claire Villars Lurton is always one of the highlights of our primeur trip to Bordeaux. Fascinatingly honest and open about the vintage, she explains with clarity the ups and downs of life as a bio-dynamic farmer in Bordeaux. 2024 was not without its tests - and yet, she has made some wonderful wines this year. The 2024 Haut Bages Liberal is a winner in this complicated year. After a moment in the glass this is pretty, with lovely floral aromatics - hedgerow flowers and red pops of fruit. To the palate there is a lovely wash of red berries - peppy and bright with smashed raspberries and red cherry juiciness. Its not broad or powerful - a more zippy, energetic feel. Very Pauillac - but not emphatic. Claire reminds us that this juicy energy is not just a result of a cool summer - much more a reflection of the limestone that is a key note for one of her plots down near the river. This is charmingly sophisticated. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.L&S (Apr 2025)
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2024 CHÂTEAU FERRIÈRE 3ème Cru Classé Margaux
Release date: 6/5/2025
Claire Lurton Villars' brilliant Margaux has long been one of our 'under the radar' picks en primeur. Its not always the easiest wine to taste young - loaded as it is with dark fruit, charming gripClaire Lurton Villars' brilliant Margaux has long been one of our 'under the radar' picks en primeur. Its not always the easiest wine to taste young - loaded as it is with dark fruit, charming grip and a serious, line of firm black berries. There's a charry, brooding intensity. And yet there is real charm here too and with patience drinkers will find great joy after at least 6-7 years. Once again in 2024 Claire has made a great Margaux that suggests good value for the commune. Tis is one of the few wines that has not been chaptalised in 2024 - and there is an honest freshness and energy that is very enticing here. It also means this is weighing in at just 12.2% alcohol - but it remains no push-over. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.L&S (Apr 2025)
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2024 CLOS MANOU Médoc
Release date: 24/4/2025
The 2024 Clos Manou is a tasty Médoc. Dark fruit, chocolate, leather, incense and blackberry make a strong opening statement. The mid-palate is a bit light, but there may be just enough to pull thisThe 2024 Clos Manou is a tasty Médoc. Dark fruit, chocolate, leather, incense and blackberry make a strong opening statement. The mid-palate is a bit light, but there may be just enough to pull this together with élevage. Drinking range: 2026 - 2034 Rating: 86-88 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2025)
In Bond
2024 CLOS PUY ARNAUD Côtes de Castillon
Release date: 24/4/2025
A silky, juicy and flavorful red. Red cherries and forest floor on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, bright and vivid. Crunchy finish.A silky, juicy and flavorful red. Red cherries and forest floor on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, bright and vivid. Crunchy finish. Rating: 90-91 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2025)
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2024 CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien
Release date: 24/4/2025
Owner, François-Xavier Maroteaux is the new president of the Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux - and has tried to generate some energy in the campaign with this well considered early release. WeOwner, François-Xavier Maroteaux is the new president of the Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux - and has tried to generate some energy in the campaign with this well considered early release. We tasted twice and found a good, classically shaped Branaire. Very much in the house style but with a lightness in feel and intensity that comes in 2024. The nose delivers good brooding promise with smart oak and dark savour. Some classical shadows to the well presented fruit bundle. This leads to a bright and juicy attack with mouth-watering freshness revealing a firm line of chiseled red flesh. Perky bites with cherry skin notes and a summer-pudding smashed fruit mix. Successful in the vintage with a softL&S (Apr 2025)
In Bond