Pauillac

Release date: 9/6/2026

A brilliant achievement, the 2025 Pichon-Longueville Baron, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot (70% new oak), features a notably high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon for a warmA brilliant achievement, the 2025 Pichon-Longueville Baron, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot (70% new oak), features a notably high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon for a warm vintage, exceeding that of 2020 and 2022. It reveals a refined bouquet of dark wild berries, cassis, spice, lead pencil and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s built around a fleshy, finely structured core of fruit with a distinctly Cabernet-driven profile, combining freshness and tension with notable depth. It should age gracefully over the next two to three decades. Rating: 96-99 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 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

Open and juicy with a plush nature as well as a noticeable ripeness, yet it's only 13% alcohol. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins and a savory, flavorful finish. Juicy and layered.Open and juicy with a plush nature as well as a noticeable ripeness, yet it's only 13% alcohol. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins and a savory, flavorful finish. Juicy and layered. Structured. Plenty of blackberry and blueberry character. A blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.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 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 Lafite-Rothschild is powerful and explosive in the glass. Dark cherry/plum fruit, graphite, new leather, graphite, licorice and lavender race across the palate. A Pauillac of mid-weightThe 2025 Lafite-Rothschild is powerful and explosive in the glass. Dark cherry/plum fruit, graphite, new leather, graphite, licorice and lavender race across the palate. A Pauillac of mid-weight structure, the 2025 impresses with its tension and deep, layered personality. Even in the early going, the Grand Vin is so vivid, so expressive. I can't wait to taste it in finished form. For those who love data Drinking range: 2035 - 2075 Rating: 97-99 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 Carruades de Lafite is a total stunner. It's a great example of how Bordeaux has come along in the last few decades, in that it could have easily been a Grand Vin from anotherThe 2025 Carruades de Lafite is a total stunner. It's a great example of how Bordeaux has come along in the last few decades, in that it could have easily been a Grand Vin from another generation—maybe not from a great year, but from many years. Brisk acids and strong floral overtones immediately convey energy. Hints of lavender, rose petal, graphite and spice box are classic Lafite; all the Carruades lacks vis-à-vis its sibling is the classic Lafite mid-palate. This should blossom beautifully with time, and I would be in no rush to open it. What a delight. Drinking range: 2033 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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

This is more structured, medium- to full-bodied, more chewy but balanced, with dark fruit, grainy but appealing, incisive with a sense of generosity. Pretty and subtle al dente currants. A blend ofThis is more structured, medium- to full-bodied, more chewy but balanced, with dark fruit, grainy but appealing, incisive with a sense of generosity. Pretty and subtle al dente currants. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon and 33% merlot. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.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)