Pauillac

Release date: 9/6/2026

The 2025 Pichon Baron was picked over 16 days between September 8 and 24 at just 24 hl/ha, matured in 70% new oak. Like the Les Griffons, it has a subtle estuarine/sea spray element that intertwinesThe 2025 Pichon Baron was picked over 16 days between September 8 and 24 at just 24 hl/ha, matured in 70% new oak. Like the Les Griffons, it has a subtle estuarine/sea spray element that intertwines with the mélange of red and black fruit. The Merlot is actually more expressive than recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, with grainy tannins, lovely crispness and elegance, gaining depth as it moves into its final third. Slightly chalky tannins (a leitmotif of the vintage, especially in Pauillac), gentle grip, with an almost mellow finish, suggest that it might be earlier drinking than the 2019 or 2022. Superb. Drinking range: 2033 - 2060 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 3/6/2026

The 2025 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, and from the first swirl of the glass it carries the unmistakable authority of a First Growth. The nose is wonderfullyThe 2025 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, and from the first swirl of the glass it carries the unmistakable authority of a First Growth. The nose is wonderfully composed, combining suave wood spice with layers of ripe fruit and an effortless sense of grandeur. On the palate, red and black berries race across the mouth with real energy, supported by a sleek, beautifully weighted core of fruit. There is plenty of ripeness here, but also remarkable freshness and lift, giving the wine a lithe, almost effortless feel despite the dark power building beneath. Ripe blackcurrant and blackberry leaf notes mingle with hints of lavender, rose petal and menthol, adding complexity and freshness as the wine unfolds.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 3/6/2026

The aromatics are very signature Petit Mouton - gentle toasted sandalwood and cedar, mint leaf, incense, but the impression on the palate is of fresher fruit, blueberry pie, crayon and slate. WillThe aromatics are very signature Petit Mouton - gentle toasted sandalwood and cedar, mint leaf, incense, but the impression on the palate is of fresher fruit, blueberry pie, crayon and slate. Will deepen further over ageing, but full of promise already, juicy with salted cracker and oyster shell, a little less exuberant perhaps than usual at this early stage, and I am reminded of the 2023, the 3.72ph making its presence felt. Harvest September 5 to 20.50% new oak. Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 2/6/2026

We had a super tasting at Pichon Lalande, the 2025 is immediately seductive, opening with a rich, plump attack packed with ripe black plum, damson and a lovely note of soft brown liquorice. There isWe had a super tasting at Pichon Lalande, the 2025 is immediately seductive, opening with a rich, plump attack packed with ripe black plum, damson and a lovely note of soft brown liquorice. There is plenty of generosity here, and the wine carries itself with that effortless sense of charm that Pichon Lalande so often delivers. What impresses is how neatly the wine gathers itself after that expansive opening. The fruit tightens into a more focused frame, with a cool mineral edge and a clean, persistent finish bringing freshness and definition. It is perhaps less overtly floral and red-fruited than some recent vintages, leaning instead towards darker fruit and a little more gravitas. Organic since 2021 and now 85% farmed biodynamically, the estate continues to refine its style. A very accomplished Pichon Lalande, combining richness and precision in equal measure.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 2/6/2026

Plump dark fruit, flattering and wonderfully polished, this opens with generous black fruit and a touch of liquorice, delivered with confident charm. The palate is supple and inviting, but there isPlump dark fruit, flattering and wonderfully polished, this opens with generous black fruit and a touch of liquorice, delivered with confident charm. The palate is supple and inviting, but there is plenty of structure beneath the surface. Freshly milled tannins bring a crisp edge and just enough grip to keep the wine focused, adding energy and definition to the mix of deep red fleshed fruit and dark flowers. Sophisticated and beautifully put together, this is a second wine that never feels secondary. A real charmer, with all the poise and polish you would hope for from the Pichon Lalande stable. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 1/6/2026

We had a super visit to Grand Puy Lacoste this year - tasting with Emeline Borie and Technical director Christelle Spinner. The 2026 a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot - is the firstWe had a super visit to Grand Puy Lacoste this year - tasting with Emeline Borie and Technical director Christelle Spinner. The 2026 a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot - is the first wine made in their beautiful new cellars. Its an absolute winner. Taking all the best elements of the vintage - the joy of a solar year, pitch perfect fruit ripeness and lovely concentration - allied with supple, silky tannins - and yet the superb freshness of a cooler year. Bright, elegant and just 13% of alcohol. It is a relatively small crop - in line with their neighbours. It captures Pauillac perfectly - with lovely blue and black berry fruit - a touch of earth and lovely spice and a whiff of dried herbs. Generous in depth and complexity yet measured and brightly light on its toes. They have done it again - this is an excellent release.L&S (May 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

Visiting the Cazes family is always a pleasure, though tastings at Château Lynch-Bages can sometimes feel dominated by the sheer scale and concentration of the young wines. In 2025, however, theVisiting the Cazes family is always a pleasure, though tastings at Château Lynch-Bages can sometimes feel dominated by the sheer scale and concentration of the young wines. In 2025, however, the range showed a very different kind of brilliance — the wines were vibrant, expressive and full of energy. Lynch naturally retains its trademark broad-shouldered Pauillac character, yet this year there is a striking sense of grace and precision running through . Aromatically, it is loaded with lifted, red fruits and vivid blueberry notes, with glossy dark plum fruit at the core, all delivered with real clarity and composure. The palate balances generous fruit with sleek, controlled power. A fine dusting of crisp tannin brings structure and freshness, while the finish carries an unexpected lift. This is an excellent Lynch-Bages — confident, detailed and thoroughly satisfying.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

The 2025 Echo de Lynch-Bages is a pretty serious second wine that is going to need a number of years to soften. Quite frankly, I don't think I have ever tasted an Echo with this much power andThe 2025 Echo de Lynch-Bages is a pretty serious second wine that is going to need a number of years to soften. Quite frankly, I don't think I have ever tasted an Echo with this much power and overall structure. Dark-fleshed fruit, gravel, incense, licorice and scorched earth convey gravitas. There's a lot of wine here, but patience is required. Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2025 Lafite Rothschild unwinds in the glass with a deep and brooding bouquet of dark berries, violets, rose petals and pencilA blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2025 Lafite Rothschild unwinds in the glass with a deep and brooding bouquet of dark berries, violets, rose petals and pencil lead. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and layered, with suave tannins, good concentration and bright acidity, it checks in at 12.5% alcohol and an unusually low (by the standards of recent warm vintages at Lafite) pH of 3.65. Harvest began here on September 2, with the estate's old-vine Merlot beginning on September 3 and the first Cabernet Sauvignon coming in from September 11 (earlier than in 2022), and the harvest wrapped up on September 20. Rating: 95-97 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 Carruades de Lafite has quite an understated bouquet that needs a little more encouragement than usual. Blackberry, pencil box and light estuarine scents gradually unfurl. Fine delineation.The 2025 Carruades de Lafite has quite an understated bouquet that needs a little more encouragement than usual. Blackberry, pencil box and light estuarine scents gradually unfurl. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with sapid black fruit on the entry, gentle grip, wonderful balance and plenty of freshness and brightness on the finish. What a superb Carruades. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

We had a fabulous tasting with Claire Villars-Lurton. She always has such an interesting take on the vintage - and in 2025 her Haut Bages Liberal is fantastic. It's a beautifully classic PauillacWe had a fabulous tasting with Claire Villars-Lurton. She always has such an interesting take on the vintage - and in 2025 her Haut Bages Liberal is fantastic. It's a beautifully classic Pauillac expression, combining quiet power with real purity and precision. Already showing superbly, it carries itself with grace and composure on the palate, offering layered aromas and gently complex flavours supported by excellent acidity. There is plenty of structure here, finely milled tannins are svelte and the wine remains remarkably approachable and open-knit even at this early stage. Sourced equally from her vines on the gravelly soils bordering Lynch-Bages and from the limestone parcels shared with Château Latour, the blend captures both energy and finesse. Pure, vibrant and effortlessly poised, this is a wine of real charm and balance. Once again, it represents exceptional value — highly recommended.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

The 2025 d'Armailhac was picked between September 9 and 20 and matured in 50% new oak. This has fine definition and purity on the nose, though perhaps it does not quite grab you like some recentThe 2025 d'Armailhac was picked between September 9 and 20 and matured in 50% new oak. This has fine definition and purity on the nose, though perhaps it does not quite grab you like some recent vintages. This plays it "cool". The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly grainy tannins that frame the blackberry and cassis fruit. Quite peppery on the finish, less flamboyant than some vintages, though very refined and quite long. Good potential. Maybe it has something up its sleeve? Drinking range: 2030 - 2055 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

The 2025 Clerc Milon was picked from September 3 to 19 and matured in 55% new oak. The oak shows a little more than the d'Armailhac at the moment, though that will be subsumed with time. I suspect itThe 2025 Clerc Milon was picked from September 3 to 19 and matured in 55% new oak. The oak shows a little more than the d'Armailhac at the moment, though that will be subsumed with time. I suspect it will need longer bottle age to fully integrate. The palate is very rounded and supple on the entry, a mixture of red and black fruit, a little white pepper and tobacco, gaining more weight towards the finish with a sustained aftertaste. I feel this might have the edge over the d'Armailhac this vintage—let's see. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 18/5/2026

We had a great tasting here with Christophe Congé - who seemed very much at home and confident the wines were in their groove after 3 years at the helm having arrived from Chateau Lafite. ImmediatelyWe had a great tasting here with Christophe Congé - who seemed very much at home and confident the wines were in their groove after 3 years at the helm having arrived from Chateau Lafite. Immediately as you approach the glass - the Pedesclaux smells very smart. Very inviting a richness and a sophisticated charm, waving you in. Great gloss and flow to the mid-palate - but a good, serious edge too - real concentration here (more than 2015 says the Christophe). 2015 was too much ripeness and too late by contrast to 2025 he says - this year the fruit is better... he compares 2025 to 2010.. quite some accolade!)Great drive at the back of the palate, real energy and a gently tightening grip - but long fresh finish. Impressive.69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit VerdotL&S (May 2026)

Release date: 13/5/2026

We tasted this with the Cazes team at Lynch Bages. It's always a big tasting, with some bold wines usually, but in 2026 it feels like some of the harder edges have been rounded out already - and theWe tasted this with the Cazes team at Lynch Bages. It's always a big tasting, with some bold wines usually, but in 2026 it feels like some of the harder edges have been rounded out already - and the whole selection were deeply inviting, even at this early stage. The Haut-Batailley is super smart, straight out of the glass. A grandeur oozes across the palate - and yet this is a sleek and easy attack, nicely ripe, sweetly dark strawberry fruit leads the way, but gets darker ad more savoury as it crosses the palate. Good greener, more leafy grip builds. Savour and graphite - but super fine-grained tannins have a delicious, powdery feel. Good cool finish keeps you wanting more. Best Haut-Batailley in recent years for sure.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 12/5/2026

We tasted the Lafite stable of wines with Eric Kohler, the Technical Director - and he was unsurprisingly really pleased with the results in 2025 - except for the tiny yields. Here at Duhart it isWe tasted the Lafite stable of wines with Eric Kohler, the Technical Director - and he was unsurprisingly really pleased with the results in 2025 - except for the tiny yields. Here at Duhart it is just 27 HL/HA - just more than half of where they would like to be. The wine is super this year- fine and detailed - it has wonderful energy - and pretty fruit - but it is the pure drive that tantalizes most memorably. It has a sense of grandeur to the red fruit, fennel and gentle graphite notes that form a tightly wound core of fresh charm. Serious stuff here in 2025 - and more fun to taste than many recent vintages.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 7/5/2026

The Borie family's Technical Director, Christelle Spinner, explained that Lacoste-Borie is not a typical second wine, but in fact a distinctly separate wine from parcels planted on different soils,The Borie family's Technical Director, Christelle Spinner, explained that Lacoste-Borie is not a typical second wine, but in fact a distinctly separate wine from parcels planted on different soils, up behind the house and the beautiful parkland gardens. As such it now says on the label 'Vignes du Parc'. It is cultivated and vinified separately, and has its own distinct character. In 2026 it is a blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 8% cabernet franc and delivers great precision and joy all at the same time. Deeply concentrated classic plum and blackcurrant fruit is delivered with suave energy and a whiff of smashed rocks, sleekly across the palate. Its not lightweight at all with wonderful weight of very fine tannin - but is remarkably approachable and charming already. A great wine to pop in the cellar and drink in the medium term, starting from about 5 years from now. Drinking range: 2031 - 2037L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 30/4/2026

The 2025 Lynch Moussas is so classy. Silky and refined, the 2025 is all charm. All the elements are so well-balanced. Readers will find a Pauillac of undeniable appeal. This is so precise. The 2025The 2025 Lynch Moussas is so classy. Silky and refined, the 2025 is all charm. All the elements are so well-balanced. Readers will find a Pauillac of undeniable appeal. This is so precise. The 2025 is going to need a few years to soften, as the tannins are quite imposing, and yet there is so much wine. A major step forward Drinking range: 2033 - 2050 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 30/4/2026

Another strong release from Batailley this year. Capturing the wondrous depth of the vintage - with a refined, grandiose Pauillac feel and super freshness to the deep red and pert darker berryAnother strong release from Batailley this year. Capturing the wondrous depth of the vintage - with a refined, grandiose Pauillac feel and super freshness to the deep red and pert darker berry fruit. It's all about the balance - and this is pitch-perfect. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 29/4/2026

The nose here is immediately intriguing, with softly layered fruit and floral prettiness, subtle hedgerow and leafy notes, and a delicate touch of toasty oak. The palate is vibrant almost ethereal inThe nose here is immediately intriguing, with softly layered fruit and floral prettiness, subtle hedgerow and leafy notes, and a delicate touch of toasty oak. The palate is vibrant almost ethereal in its lift, yet carrying real intensity, with vivid purple fruit, crushed blueberry and blackberry, and a distinctive graphite edge. Fine-grained tannins provide gentle structure, while a savoury, mineral thread brings definition and drive. The finish is cool, fresh and persistent, marked by a lingering bright red fruit notes and stony precision. This impressive 2025 is the result of careful vineyard work, including low training of the vines and thoughtful canopy management, to cope with the season's heat. Harvest began with Merlot from the 2nd to the 15th September, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and finally Petit Verdot from the 21st of September.
In the cellar, extraction was gentle, with a long, measured maceration at moderate temperatures, preserving both purity and finesse. Élevage continues in a thoughtful mix of vessels - just 50% new oak, 15% one-year-old barrels, and 35% in concrete allowing the wine to evolve with precision and restraint. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petit Verdot. Drinking range: 2033 - 2043L&S (Apr 2026)