Saint Julien

Release date: 4/5/2025

Gorgeous dark ruby colour with vivid reflections, slow and steady reveal of grilled earth, savoury rose bud, peony, black tea and floral Cabernet finesse. This is a little softer than the recentGorgeous dark ruby colour with vivid reflections, slow and steady reveal of grilled earth, savoury rose bud, peony, black tea and floral Cabernet finesse. This is a little softer than the recent exceptional vintages of Gruaud, but the fragrant aromatics have a ton of charm, and this shows skilful construction. Harvest 27 September to 8 October, 3.55pH, 31hl/h yield, slap bang on the appellation average, organic certified. 40% of production in this 1st wine. 95% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2025)

Release date: 24/4/2025

Owner, François-Xavier Maroteaux is the new president of the Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux - and has tried to generate some energy in the campaign with this well considered early release. WeOwner, François-Xavier Maroteaux is the new president of the Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux - and has tried to generate some energy in the campaign with this well considered early release. We tasted twice and found a good, classically shaped Branaire. Very much in the house style but with a lightness in feel and intensity that comes in 2024. The nose delivers good brooding promise with smart oak and dark savour. Some classical shadows to the well presented fruit bundle. This leads to a bright and juicy attack with mouth-watering freshness revealing a firm line of chiseled red flesh. Perky bites with cherry skin notes and a summer-pudding smashed fruit mix. Successful in the vintage with a softL&S (Apr 2025)

A blend of 46% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2024 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a medium-bodied, tangy red redolent of cassis and petals.A blend of 46% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2024 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a medium-bodied, tangy red redolent of cassis and petals. Pretty, pure and a touch acid-driven, it checks in at just under 12.5% alcohol. Rating: 86-88 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2025)