Pauillac

This may be the appellation where, at time of writing, our tastes diverge the most from that of The Wine Advocate. Whilst there were a few we tasted which didn’t hit their usual form, many exceeded or transfigured their usual into something very exciting.

Christian Seely took us through a masterclass on all the wines of Pichon Baron. The Grand Vin was, in our eyes, one of the finest we have tasted at Primeur, with a rare layer of sensuality imbued into this frequently structural wine. If Pichon Baron is usually a castle, then in 2022 the drawbridge was down, the flags at full mast and trumpeters were on the battlements.

Chateau Pédesclaux (and Fleur, their second wine) were wines we found so much affection for. Whether it’s the effusive pride of Director Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen or the joy of the wine itself, we were so happy to put the L&S stamp of complete approval on his range. They were even kind enough to open some 2020s, which were already singing.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste also deserves an extra-special mention. We know that their producing a superb wine isn’t really news in the explicit sense, but my word did they navigate the 2022 vintage well. In the words of Baldric in Blackadder, this could well be their ‘Magic Octopus’.

Pichon Comtesse was gracious and taut – it could well rival the ’82 (a comparison made by the estate) in years to come.

Lynch-Bages made a wonderfully bold, incredibly powerful wine – it lacked nothing for balance and will absolutely delight fans, but patience will be a necessary virtue when approaching it.

To end, Lafite. Seminal isn’t a word I often deploy, but it was. Incisive, tensile, lively, saline – all the words we love to say about wine, but also exceptionally inviting. If you’re lucky enough to get some, guard it well. Carruades too (Lafite’s second wine), was perhaps qualitatively the closest to its bigger brother that we had ever tasted. An exciting progression for the frequently-overshadowed sibling.

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 L&S.


This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.

2022 PETIT MOUTON Pauillac Château Mouton Rothschild

2022 PETIT MOUTON Pauillac Château Mouton Rothschild

Release date: 20/6/2023

71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Rich, creamy and suave. Cabernet fragrance with blackcurrant notes and a hint of mint. Concentrated with lots of71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Rich, creamy and suave. Cabernet fragrance with blackcurrant notes and a hint of mint. Concentrated with lots of tannin but the texture smooth. Could perhaps do with a little more freshness but potential to evolve. (JL) 14.2% Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 17+ James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1er Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1er Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 20/6/2023

Inky damson colour, with vibrant violet reflections, velvet texture, aromatics less exuberant than the Petit Mouton, but the concentration and depth on the palate is absolutely there, with cocoaInky damson colour, with vibrant violet reflections, velvet texture, aromatics less exuberant than the Petit Mouton, but the concentration and depth on the palate is absolutely there, with cocoa powder, grilled coffee bean, olive paste, cassis, bitter black chocolate on the finish as the tannins close in, ready for decades ahead. This walks the line, and is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Clearly needs a long time before approaching, give it the full 10 years and then some. Harvest began September 1, earliest since 1893. 32hl/h yield. 3.89ph, 76IPT, 100% new oak. Harvest overall September 1 to 26. Jean-Emanuel Danjoy director. 49% of production in the Grand Vin, 27% Petit Mouton. 100% new barrels for ageing. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU LAFITE 1er Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU LAFITE 1er Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 16/6/2023

Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Lafite Rothschild is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is almost impenetrable to start, needing a lot of shaking toComposed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Lafite Rothschild is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is almost impenetrable to start, needing a lot of shaking to wake up delicate scents of crushed red and black currants, raspberry leaves, warm plums, and boysenberries, followed by hints of crushed rocks, damp earth, lilacs, and Jasmine tea, with just a hint of orange peel. The palate is classic great Lafite, featuring incredibly tightly knit layers of black fruits, minerals, and floral notes bound with a rock-solid structure of exquisitely fine, very firm tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. This is an intellectual triumph, but don't think about touching it for 10-15 years. pH 3.85 Drinking range: 2034 - 2074 Rating: 98-100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU PONTET CANET 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU PONTET CANET 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 15/6/2023

This Pontet Canet shows impressive density and concentration. The nose is taut, intense with aromas of black fruit. It is packed with energy and balanced by well judged, poised acidity that carriesThis Pontet Canet shows impressive density and concentration. The nose is taut, intense with aromas of black fruit. It is packed with energy and balanced by well judged, poised acidity that carries the flavours. Long, intense and savoury, pure and especially persistent. Rating: 97-99 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)

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Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants

2022 CHÂTEAU LYNCH BAGES 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 13/6/2023

This is the most impressive Lynch Bages that we have tasted at this "primeur" stage. Brilliant and intense, hugely concentrated, it compensates the depth of its substance with lively freshness thatThis is the most impressive Lynch Bages that we have tasted at this "primeur" stage. Brilliant and intense, hugely concentrated, it compensates the depth of its substance with lively freshness that comes through in a salty finish. Exceptionally well defined. Rating: 96-97 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)

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2022 ECHO de Lynch Bages Pauillac Château Lynch Bages

2022 ECHO de Lynch Bages Pauillac Château Lynch Bages

Release date: 13/6/2023

The 2022 Echo de Lynch Bages, aged for 14 months in one-year-old oak, has a slightly timid nose at first. Very pure blueberry and cassis fruit emerge with time in the glass. The palate isThe 2022 Echo de Lynch Bages, aged for 14 months in one-year-old oak, has a slightly timid nose at first. Very pure blueberry and cassis fruit emerge with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, quite compact on the mid-palate with a touch of pencil lead toward the finish. This is a fine, quite sturdy Deuxieme Vin that will need 4-5 years. Drinking range: 2028 - 2045 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE BARON 2ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE BARON 2ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 12/6/2023

The 2022 Pichon Baron was picked 8 September to 3 October and matured in 70% new oak. It has wonderful precision on the nose, with intense blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone and graphite.The 2022 Pichon Baron was picked 8 September to 3 October and matured in 70% new oak. It has wonderful precision on the nose, with intense blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone and graphite. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is tensile right from the start. Taut and linear, fresh, quite saline with a nuanced touch of black pepper toward the finish. Real pedigree and sophistication here, this is a magnificent Pichon-Baron that achieves a new level of precision thanks to the more piecemeal Sauternes-inspired harvest in tandem with their new winery. Drinking range: 2030 - 2070 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU PIBRAN Cru Bourgeois Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU PIBRAN Cru Bourgeois Pauillac

Release date: 12/6/2023

Exhibiting aromas of dark berries, plums, petals and burning embers, the 2022 Pibran is medium to full-bodied, taut and lively, with bright acids and a chalky finish. It should flesh out nicely withExhibiting aromas of dark berries, plums, petals and burning embers, the 2022 Pibran is medium to full-bodied, taut and lively, with bright acids and a chalky finish. It should flesh out nicely with further élevage. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU PICHON LALANDE 2ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU PICHON LALANDE 2ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 8/6/2023

Exceptionally well controlled, delivering grip and tension alongside the creamy ripe blackberry, cassis and raspberry puree fruits, studded with cloves, cocoa bean, violet, iris, wet earth, heather,Exceptionally well controlled, delivering grip and tension alongside the creamy ripe blackberry, cassis and raspberry puree fruits, studded with cloves, cocoa bean, violet, iris, wet earth, heather, mandarin, orange zest, slate. Another exceptional vintage from a property that is delivering at the top of its game, this impresses without seeming to try too hard. Precision winemaking also, with very low pumpovers, reduced by half from a decade ago, and no added sulphites until putting the wine into barrel. 3.65ph, 31h/h yield, with around 50% of production split between this and Reserve. Drinking range: 2032 - 2048 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2023)

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2022 PICHON COMTESSE 'LA RÉSERVE'

2022 PICHON COMTESSE 'LA RÉSERVE'

Release date: 8/6/2023

The density of fruit is serious with blackcurrants, black berries, crushed stone and coffee beans. Yet it’s not heavy and overdone. The palate is full and rich, but also agile and weightless, withThe density of fruit is serious with blackcurrants, black berries, crushed stone and coffee beans. Yet it’s not heavy and overdone. The palate is full and rich, but also agile and weightless, with tannins that are spread and pretty. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU HAUT BAGES LIBÉRAL 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU HAUT BAGES LIBÉRAL 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 7/6/2023

A brilliant wine with bright and delcious notes of red cherries. It seems almost burgundian in the style of its fruit flavours and this lifted profile makes it very digestible.A brilliant wine with bright and delcious notes of red cherries. It seems almost burgundian in the style of its fruit flavours and this lifted profile makes it very digestible. Rating: 95-96 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU D'ARMAILHAC 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU D'ARMAILHAC 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 7/6/2023

Deep aromas of raspberries, cherries, crushed mint and spices preface the 2022 d'Armailhac, a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated wine that's deep, lively and seamless, framed by powderyDeep aromas of raspberries, cherries, crushed mint and spices preface the 2022 d'Armailhac, a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated wine that's deep, lively and seamless, framed by powdery tannins and concluding with a penetrating finish. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU PEDESCLAUX 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU PEDESCLAUX 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 6/6/2023

The 2022 Pédesclaux is terrific. It shows a level of finesse that has not always been present here. There's plenty of richness and power, but also better balance than in some years. Spice, leather,The 2022 Pédesclaux is terrific. It shows a level of finesse that has not always been present here. There's plenty of richness and power, but also better balance than in some years. Spice, leather, menthol, rose petal, licorice and a discreet touch of oak are beautifully woven together. This is a fine vintage for Pédesclaux. Drinking range: 2028 - 2047 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU HAUT BATAILLEY 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU HAUT BATAILLEY 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 2/6/2023

A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the 2022 Haut-Batailley offers up aromas of sweet berries and plums mingled with licorice and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, firm andA blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the 2022 Haut-Batailley offers up aromas of sweet berries and plums mingled with licorice and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, firm and structured, it's a serious, rather muscular and extracted wine that begins to nod toward its stablemate Lynch Bages in style. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 1/6/2023

59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère. 55% new oak. 14.5% alc. 3.83 pH. 74 IPT. This is an outstanding Clerc Milon, not least because the precision of the tannins is59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère. 55% new oak. 14.5% alc. 3.83 pH. 74 IPT. This is an outstanding Clerc Milon, not least because the precision of the tannins is truly breath-taking, and they form the platform on which all of the glorious fruit and impeccable oak perform. This is the most accurate wine I have tasted from this Château, and the volume of flavour is nothing short of arresting. It seems to expand on the palate, and it never lets go. This is as terroir-driven a wine as I have ever tasted from Clerc Milon, and it is the model of vibrancy and definition. This must be the richest and most layered wine made at Clerc Milon in the modern era, but it is immaculately bright on the finish. In short, this is a unique vintage, and Rothschild Estate Manager, Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy, mentioned the 1949 vintage by way of comparison. I have never tasted ‘49 Clerc Milon, but if one has to go back 78 years for a reference point, it is safe to say that this is every bit a spectacular creation. Rating: 18.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2023)

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2022 LACOSTE BORIE du Château Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac

2022 LACOSTE BORIE du Château Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac

Release date: 30/5/2023

A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Lacoste-Borie is as good a wine from this label as I can remember tasting. Exhibiting aromas of cassis, charcoal andA blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Lacoste-Borie is as good a wine from this label as I can remember tasting. Exhibiting aromas of cassis, charcoal and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and lively, with excellent depth and persistence. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 30/5/2023

A wonderful step up in terms of seriousness after the Lacoste Borie, which also impressed. Luxuriantly dark and enticingly deep colour - classic 'claretty' nose, with wood spice and violets and aA wonderful step up in terms of seriousness after the Lacoste Borie, which also impressed. Luxuriantly dark and enticingly deep colour - classic 'claretty' nose, with wood spice and violets and a crunch of dark berries. Such depth and chew. So sophisticated. That deeply enticing nose is followed completely on the palate, but with more exuberance. Plum, hawthorn and zip of cranberry. Cherry mulch and gorgeous weight of flesh. The feel is sleek yet refined. joyful yet just perfectly restrained. Great balance between structure, feel and weight of fruit. An absolute joy. It is always one of our favourite visits and in 2022 the wine is stellar. 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot.L&S (Apr 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU LYNCH MOUSSAS 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU LYNCH MOUSSAS 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 17/5/2023

Cask sample. Leafy, dark-fruit aroma with a stony, graphite edge. Plentiful but well-honed tannins. Juicy fruit on the palate. Overall, well managed. Good effort from this estate. Could be GV. (JL) Cask sample. Leafy, dark-fruit aroma with a stony, graphite edge. Plentiful but well-honed tannins. Juicy fruit on the palate. Overall, well managed. Good effort from this estate. Could be GV. (JL) Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 16.5 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 17/5/2023

Vibrant and intense colour in the glass, richly scented, floral and perfumed, open and inviting. Intense and concentrated, the fruit is dark and ripe but there’s no hint of over ripeness here andVibrant and intense colour in the glass, richly scented, floral and perfumed, open and inviting. Intense and concentrated, the fruit is dark and ripe but there’s no hint of over ripeness here and instead you get cool blue fruits, chalky tannins and minty freshness with accents of liquorice, coffee, tobacco, cedar spice and clove. Tannins are clearly at the fore, giving the structure and the frame while the juicy acidity gives the energy and life. Still on the serious side, not tense so much as there’s good persistence, it’s lean and streamlined, but refined in a spiced and mineral way. Gorgeous terroir markers, lovely detail and precision, you can feel they haven't worked too much or tried too hard. It carries the signature of the estate in the serious structure, it’s a big wine, there’s such power here but so well controlled and delivered. Razor sharp, focussed and persistent. A gorgeous 2022, well executed and will be a clear success. Rating: 97 Decanter Magazine (May 2023)

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2022 CHÂTEAU DUHART MILON ROTHSCHILD 4ème Cru Classé Pauillac

2022 CHÂTEAU DUHART MILON ROTHSCHILD 4ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Release date: 16/5/2023

Lovely bright attack - fresh approach to the red inflected, pert plum, cherry mulch and juicily bright toned core of fruit - nicely seasoned, with some earthy savour and a gentle scent of old cigarLovely bright attack - fresh approach to the red inflected, pert plum, cherry mulch and juicily bright toned core of fruit - nicely seasoned, with some earthy savour and a gentle scent of old cigar humidor. There is sophisticated power, that speaks of Pauillac and a sleek concentration. All in all this works rather well - driving on to effortlessly the finish. Smart results from this fine terroir and the Lafite team. L&S (Apr 2023)

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2022 CARRUADES DE CHÂTEAU LAFITE Pauillac

2022 CARRUADES DE CHÂTEAU LAFITE Pauillac

Release date: 16/5/2023

Wonderful nose. Plum blossom, lovely floral aromatics. Sweet damson juice. Follows to the palate. Gorgeously fine, pencil-sketch frame, but the substance builds discreetly. Far more serious as itWonderful nose. Plum blossom, lovely floral aromatics. Sweet damson juice. Follows to the palate. Gorgeously fine, pencil-sketch frame, but the substance builds discreetly. Far more serious as it opens up. The feel remains precise and delicate yet brilliantly filled out with wonderful red fruit, pert cherry core. Long and constant and yet without any force. Deliciously well judged and very sophisticated.L&S (Apr 2023)

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2022 TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE de Château Pichon Baron Pauillac

2022 TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE de Château Pichon Baron Pauillac

65% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc. 70% new oak for 12 months. 14.37% alc. 35 hl/ha. 3.58pH. 71 IPT. 30% of the vendange was used in this wine. Lifted and65% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc. 70% new oak for 12 months. 14.37% alc. 35 hl/ha. 3.58pH. 71 IPT. 30% of the vendange was used in this wine. Lifted and fresh, this is a lesson in cherry red flavours, and it shows clean, bright and energetic fruit throughout. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc merely bookend the Merlot allowing it to sing, and while it is a fairly bold style, there is beautiful acidity here, bringing crunch and dynamism to the finish. I like how Les Tourelles shows a different side to the Pichon Baron story; in 2022, this wine has never been more perfumed or refreshing. Rating: 17.5 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2023)

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