Saint Julien

Release date: 6/6/2024

This year Sarget is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40.5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3.5% Petit Verdot. It takes about 40% of the crop. A quite enticing dark fruit nose, with ribbons ofThis year Sarget is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40.5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3.5% Petit Verdot. It takes about 40% of the crop. A quite enticing dark fruit nose, with ribbons of powdered chalk and cedar. This precedes an enticing palate, sinewy and fresh, well delineated, with a supple upper surface of blackcurrant and toast, with griottes, chalk and violets, over a rich and modestly grained core of tannins. Fresh, bright, with a loose and juicy poise through the middle, this leads to a richly gripped finish. Gorgeous fruit here, just the tannin quality setting it apart, especially in the finish where they grain the palate. The alcohol is 12.92% on analysis. Rating: 88-90 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

The grand vin here is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, picked at a yield of 42 hl/ha, and it takes about 35% of the crop. The aromatics are delightful, withThe grand vin here is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, picked at a yield of 42 hl/ha, and it takes about 35% of the crop. The aromatics are delightful, with blackcurrants, griottes, violets and currants. There is a succulent and sinewy texture immediately apparent on the palate, which sits draped over a core of richly extracted but finely knit tannins, and it carries blackcurrant, violet and black plum notes. It has a modest texture, but it holds together well, through to the finish which is coated in the delicious velvety and integrated grip. A smart grand vin which has good potential. One to revisit after the élevage. The alcohol is 12.62% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

The 2023 Branaire Ducru was picked from September 12, on the same day as last year, albeit with a longer harvest, as they finished on October 4. Yields were 53hL/ha, and the blend is almost the sameThe 2023 Branaire Ducru was picked from September 12, on the same day as last year, albeit with a longer harvest, as they finished on October 4. Yields were 53hL/ha, and the blend is almost the same as the 2022. This is the second vintage made in the new winery. My sample came from a new-oak barrel, but the final blend will include 60%. Lucid purple in color, it has a charming, very pure bouquet, perhaps less opulent than some of its Saint-Julien peers, yet precise. Delicate floral scents permeate the predominant red fruit, never bursting from the glass but unfurling with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly edgy tannins that impart tension, veering slightly more to black fruit on the mid-palate. This is certainly one of the most elegant Branaire-Ducru vintages to date, but it has more weight on the finish (something that has been addressed in recent years.) Understated and sapid, it should be open for business a little earlier than others, but it will age well over 20 to 25 years. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. WillThis is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and lusicous mouthwatering signoff. 51hl/ha yield. Drinking range: 2029 - 2044 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Some 52% of the estate's production was consecrated to the 2023 Les Fiefs de Lagrange, an attractive, medium to full-bodied wine redolent of cassis, licorice and plums. With good depth at the coreSome 52% of the estate's production was consecrated to the 2023 Les Fiefs de Lagrange, an attractive, medium to full-bodied wine redolent of cassis, licorice and plums. With good depth at the core and sweet, powdery tannins, it's a vibrant Saint-Julien that will age with grace. A further 6% of Lagrange's output was bulked out to maintain the quality of this cuvée, and that shows. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and toasty new oak introduce the 2023 Léoville Poyferré, a medium to full-bodied, rich and chunky wine with a deep core of succulent fruit framed by sweet,Aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and toasty new oak introduce the 2023 Léoville Poyferré, a medium to full-bodied, rich and chunky wine with a deep core of succulent fruit framed by sweet, generously extracted tannins. It's a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that saw some saignée and osmosis for additional concentration. As usual, it's the creamiest, most "modern"-styled of the three Léovilles. Harvest began on September 14 and concluded on October 5, with fermentations a little cooler than usual, perhaps an intimation of a stylistic evolution in progress. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Beychevelle has turned out especially well this year, exhibiting a more integrated, seductive style than recent vintages that were constructed in a punchier, more extracted register.The 2023 Beychevelle has turned out especially well this year, exhibiting a more integrated, seductive style than recent vintages that were constructed in a punchier, more extracted register. Offering up aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pen ink, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a deep core of fruit and a classy, suave profile that foregrounds the estate's prime vineyard holdings on the plateau around Ducru-Beaucaillou. It's a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot that represents 50% of the estate's production. Rating: 93-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

The 2023 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is packed with blackberry jam, gravel, lavender, dried herbs, spice and crushed rocks. There’s a ton of character here. Incisive tannins and bright acids pull itThe 2023 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is packed with blackberry jam, gravel, lavender, dried herbs, spice and crushed rocks. There’s a ton of character here. Incisive tannins and bright acids pull it all together in style. Give this at least a few years to soften. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. It’s full-bodied with extremely refined tannins, a creamy character and al-dente fruit at the finish.This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. It’s full-bodied with extremely refined tannins, a creamy character and al-dente fruit at the finish. Crunchy, succulent and linear. Mineral edge to it, like licking a stone. Energetic. 83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% merlot. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou marries sophistication with the textural richness that is such a signature here. All the elements are so well balanced. Jammy dark red fruit, pomegranate, bloodThe 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou marries sophistication with the textural richness that is such a signature here. All the elements are so well balanced. Jammy dark red fruit, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and mocha infuse the 2023 with tons of nuance. Supple tannins wrap it all together. This Saint-Julien screams with character. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

72 Merlot, 24 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 Petit Verdot: 13.7% alc: 3.73 pH: 89 IPT: Harvested between 8 September – 3 October Gosh, there is some clear DNA in this wine trickling down from the Grand Vin72 Merlot, 24 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 Petit Verdot: 13.7% alc: 3.73 pH: 89 IPT: Harvested between 8 September – 3 October Gosh, there is some clear DNA in this wine trickling down from the Grand Vin and La Croix here, and while this is a third wine, and it sits lowest on the ladder, it lacks nothing in flair and deliciousness. There is admirable complexity and a long, even finish, and the tannins are well-drilled and respectful. Granted, you can crack on after three or four years and have some classic Ducru fun, but it has an engine to live until 2035 with ease, making this Petit an authentic candidate for this moniker and the finest Little Ducru to date. 17+/20 Rating: 17+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

50 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 10 Petit Verdot, 5 Cabernet Franc Strangely, this is my favourite Gloria to date, and it even deserves a half point higher than last year’s juicy 2022. The recipe50 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 10 Petit Verdot, 5 Cabernet Franc Strangely, this is my favourite Gloria to date, and it even deserves a half point higher than last year’s juicy 2022. The recipe in this 2023 vintage wine sees only a 1% deviation from last year’s blend, with one percentage point more Petit Verdot taking this hundredth from Cabernet Franc, but it tastes like an entirely different wine. I have never used the word glorious about Gloria, but it is deserved. The engine in the centre of this flavour is fantastic and the tannins are fit and clean. Good work, Gloria; you will make a lot of new fans in 2023. Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

Step into the heart of what St Julien does best here, firm and muscular but thoroughly juicy tannins, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruits that are mature but full of finesse, with just theStep into the heart of what St Julien does best here, firm and muscular but thoroughly juicy tannins, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruits that are mature but full of finesse, with just the right amount of precision and tension. This is a wine where a single glass will not be enough, and reminds you that in 2022 the wines were exceptional but atypical for many Bordeaux lovers. Here you get an understated gloriously drinkable St Julien from long-term owners the Barton family that will go the distance. 60% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2033 - 2048 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Langoa Barton was picked from September 12 until October 2 at around 50hL/ha, with some "late" saignée for half the vat–when it has some “serious color,” according to Damien Barton. Two vatsThe 2023 Langoa Barton was picked from September 12 until October 2 at around 50hL/ha, with some "late" saignée for half the vat–when it has some “serious color,” according to Damien Barton. Two vats were chaptalized out of a total of 42, the highest at 15%, yielding an average alcohol of 13%. Matured in 60% new oak, it has a very perfumed bouquet with black plum, boysenberry and a touch of mint. This is notably forward and unabashed. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a sorbet-fresh Langoa with a bright, almost pastille-like finish that lingers in the mouth. Very seductive and vivacious, I appreciate the nascent energy here. Drinking range: 2028 - 2045 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

A strong effort, the 2023 Connetable de Talbot reveals aromas of plums, berries, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and mouth-filling palate. It will offer aA strong effort, the 2023 Connetable de Talbot reveals aromas of plums, berries, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and mouth-filling palate. It will offer a broad and satisfying drinking window. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

Jean-Michel Laporte has tweaked the blend this year to give the best vintage expression he could - with about half the usual Petit Verdot quota and Chateau Talbot's highest ever amount of CabernetJean-Michel Laporte has tweaked the blend this year to give the best vintage expression he could - with about half the usual Petit Verdot quota and Chateau Talbot's highest ever amount of Cabernet Sauvignon making up 77% of the blend. This makes perfect sense when you taste, as the Cabernet is just of such a high quality. This is super, with a classic feel and fresh impact early on. Crunch to the dark berries and then a supple depth in the mid-palate where the fruit becomes brighter and more red-centric, with violets and a fresh minty herb note. Really elegant yet - satisfyingly dense feel to the middle. The lovely poised fruit is firm and deep. Lively too with a juicy fresh line to the finish. 13% alcohol. Jean-Michel has really found his stride here now and this Talbot is a great testament to that and a reminder of why the estate's reputation is so strong. A wine that should be in your cellar. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Moulin Riche is a juicy, plush Saint-Julien. There's a good bit of Merlot in the blend, and that comes through in the wine's supple personality. Plush tannins wrap around a core of blackThe 2023 Moulin Riche is a juicy, plush Saint-Julien. There's a good bit of Merlot in the blend, and that comes through in the wine's supple personality. Plush tannins wrap around a core of black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender, spice, menthol and mocha. The 2023 is a very sexy wine. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 90-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

56 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 9 Cabernet Franc After a demure introduction, with a subtle fragrance that grows incrementally on the palate and then picks up momentum the moment you take a56 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 9 Cabernet Franc After a demure introduction, with a subtle fragrance that grows incrementally on the palate and then picks up momentum the moment you take a sip, thereafter, this wine becomes nothing short of mesmerising.  A fair chunk of the vineyards was replanted 15 years ago, and some of these vines are now coming into play.  With a new, dedicated cellar with smaller vats, the team can be absolutely precise when picking. With the ability to cool the harvest before fermentation coupled with little pumping because it is all gravity-fed in the winery, Clos du Marquis has found a different level of sophistication.  I particularly like the detonation of fruit that happens in the mid-palate, which rolls on for minutes.  When I tasted with him, vice-chairman of Domains Delon Jean-Guillaume Prats said, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.”  Although I think he just has. Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

Structured and powerful, this is not as forbidding as En Primeur in many vintages of Las Cases, showing both flesh and florality, but the tannic walls of this great estate remain fully in place,Structured and powerful, this is not as forbidding as En Primeur in many vintages of Las Cases, showing both flesh and florality, but the tannic walls of this great estate remain fully in place, coupled with layers of cassis and bilberry fruits, subtle hints of bitter aniseed, fennel, cola, espresso, squid ink, textured slate tannins. Expect inky depths and unashamed austerity, a wine that will take its time to open, making no excuses for demanding patience. So so good, with a balance and classicism that delivers on the best of the vintage. 80% new oak, 6.6% press wine, 3.79h, harvest September 9 to October 2, 43hl/h yield. First year in the new cellars, with 43.5ha going into the main wine from the historic walled vineyard site. Drinking range: 2035 - 2055 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2024)