Saint Estèphe

Release date: 12/6/2026

The 2025 Montrose only comes from the Terrace IV, as has been the way since the 2023 vintage. It was picked from August 29 and finished not until September 20, so quite a long harvest, 16 days ofThe 2025 Montrose only comes from the Terrace IV, as has been the way since the 2023 vintage. It was picked from August 29 and finished not until September 20, so quite a long harvest, 16 days of picking between those dates. This vintage is matured in 60% new oak. This has another very intense nose with a potent graphite element that infuses the black fruit, beautifully defined but unapologetically classical in style. Wow. The purity of fruit is exceptional. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, very chiselled tannins, exquisite black fruit loaded with minéralité. So much freshness and vibrancy, gentle but insistent grip, very precise and refined on the finish, this is a Montrose that will rank as one for the ages. Wow (again). Drinking range: 2032 - 2060 Rating: 98-100 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 12/6/2026

A brightness and freshness, with red currants and oyster shells. Medium body, with fine tannins and a crunchy, crisp finish. A blend of 82% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 3%A brightness and freshness, with red currants and oyster shells. Medium body, with fine tannins and a crunchy, crisp finish. A blend of 82% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 10/6/2026

The most firmly constructed wine of the Calon stable of course, but it still delivers the combination of finesse and concentration that is typical of the best wines in 2025. Much more graphite andThe most firmly constructed wine of the Calon stable of course, but it still delivers the combination of finesse and concentration that is typical of the best wines in 2025. Much more graphite and slate on the texture of this main wine, this is one of the wines that really showcases the highest potential of the vintage, and it is an exceptional Calon. So layered, iris bud, cassis, crushed violet flowers, espresso and cocoa bean. A slow unroll. 100% new oak. 3.6 pH. Yield 35 hl/ha, Harvest September 4 to 20 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 10/6/2026

The 2025 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is a powerful, dense wine. Dark and somber, with gorgeous depth and plush contours, the Marquis has a lot to offer. Blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice, driedThe 2025 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is a powerful, dense wine. Dark and somber, with gorgeous depth and plush contours, the Marquis has a lot to offer. Blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice, dried herbs and mocha are all dialed up. All the richness of the year comes through loud and clear, but floral and citrus overtones on the finish provide a measure of balance. Drinking range: 2027 - 2037 Rating: 90-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 10/6/2026

The 2025 Capbern comes with a redesigned label that now sports the same heart-shaped motif in order to visibly link it with Calon-Ségur. This was picked from September 4 with the Merlot untilThe 2025 Capbern comes with a redesigned label that now sports the same heart-shaped motif in order to visibly link it with Calon-Ségur. This was picked from September 4 with the Merlot until September 20, the fastest harvest ever at 15 days since the maturity was already there. Yields are 32 hl/ha and it was matured in 60% new oak barrels, alcohol 13.8% with a 3.25 pH. This has an attractive bouquet with brambly black fruit, briar, cedar and light tea leaf scents that gradually open in the glass. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, gentle grip, a little chalkiness and plenty of freshness and poise towards the finish. More cohesive than recent vintages, I really appreciate the control and minéralité towards the finish. This is one of the best Capbern releases to date. Drinking range: 2031 - 2055 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 4/6/2026

The 2025 Phélan Ségur was picked between September 10 and 26 at 29 hl/ha, matured in 55% new oak barrels. Again, this is a Saint-Estèphe that is cut in a more mellow and classical style compared toThe 2025 Phélan Ségur was picked between September 10 and 26 at 29 hl/ha, matured in 55% new oak barrels. Again, this is a Saint-Estèphe that is cut in a more mellow and classical style compared to the 2020 or 2022, for example. Mainly black fruit, the Cabernet-dominated scents of cedar and tobacco emerge within a couple of swirls, with just a light touch of tea leaves in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine-boned tannins matched by a silver thread of acidity. Very well balanced and unequivocally in the more elegant style, without the concentration or voluptuousness of the 2022. This is more sleek and refined, ergo, an earlier-drinking Phélan Ségur that delivers elegance and refinement. Just a lovely Saint-Estèphe that was presumed vanquished by global warming. Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 1/6/2026

This year's Meyney is a bright, lifted and joyous iteration of this stalwart Saint Estephe estate. Always a solid performer - a reliably satisfying 'Englishman's claret', but in 2025 it reaches newThis year's Meyney is a bright, lifted and joyous iteration of this stalwart Saint Estephe estate. Always a solid performer - a reliably satisfying 'Englishman's claret', but in 2025 it reaches new levels of finesse. There is grip and juice and a lovely weighty, dark fruited core - but this has some edge and some cut and lovely swirl of floral aromatics too. One for the cellar in Magnums perhaps for cosy kitchen supper parties in about 10 years' time. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot & 14% Petit Verdot.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

Ormes de Pez is in very good form this year, and another real success from our tasting with the Cazes family. The wine has a bright, immediately appealing character, with lively red fruit, a touch ofOrmes de Pez is in very good form this year, and another real success from our tasting with the Cazes family. The wine has a bright, immediately appealing character, with lively red fruit, a touch of sweet cream and plenty of freshness and energy. Aromatically, there's attractive floral notes of peony alongside a crunchy, leafy Cabernet hit that brings lift and definition. In the mouth, the feel is supple and easy-going, with sweet, delicate fruit and a soft, approachable structure that makes it am instant win!L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 18/5/2026

Incense and sandalwood aromatics, combines the density and concentration of a hot vintage with the freshness and balanced alcohols of a cooler vintage, meaning both weight and lightness of touchIncense and sandalwood aromatics, combines the density and concentration of a hot vintage with the freshness and balanced alcohols of a cooler vintage, meaning both weight and lightness of touch (this is something you will hear a lot with the 2025 vintage but rarely find in reality). A real breadth and wide spectrum of possibilities are contained here, a little austere right now but these dark berry fruits and firm tannins are waiting to bloom with ageing. 3.68pH. 50% new oak. Harvest was September 3, earliest since the Reybier era (they began September 7 on 2022, and also in 1989) through to September 19. Last year in organic conversion. Drinking range: 2036 - 2055 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 18/5/2026

The 2025 Les Pagodes de Cos is fragrant and floral on the nose, with violet and iris petals, and light iodine aromas infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, with silky tannins on theThe 2025 Les Pagodes de Cos is fragrant and floral on the nose, with violet and iris petals, and light iodine aromas infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, with silky tannins on the entry, very harmonious, with blue fruit and black pepper towards the sensual finish. This will require three or four years in bottle but should mature well over 15 to 18 years. Drinking range: 2031 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 18/5/2026

More aromatics on the nose than Pedesclaux which we tasted just beforehand - but more clout too. Really intense, nicely concentrated. Clean and crisp tannins - really smart feel - adds lift and freshMore aromatics on the nose than Pedesclaux which we tasted just beforehand - but more clout too. Really intense, nicely concentrated. Clean and crisp tannins - really smart feel - adds lift and fresh coolness. Fruit aromas are pretty - and jolly with smashed strawberry and a darker line of pure plum essence. Nice ripeness but really measured and the lick of juicy acidity is super at lifting the feel and adding real energy.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 18/5/2026

We are fans of this over-performing estate in Saint Estephe - however, this year's samples (tasted on 2 separate occasions) were quite firm and hairy. Well stacked with good structure and a tidy,We are fans of this over-performing estate in Saint Estephe - however, this year's samples (tasted on 2 separate occasions) were quite firm and hairy. Well stacked with good structure and a tidy, concentrated core of pretty fruit for the future, but not the most showy or charming at this stage. L&S (Apr 2026)