Organic Wines

Release date: 11/6/2026

We enjoyed a wonderful visit to Ausone this year, hosted by Edouard Vauthier, who remains every bit as charming and engaging as when he spent a summer working with us at Lea & Sandeman's Chelsea shopWe enjoyed a wonderful visit to Ausone this year, hosted by Edouard Vauthier, who remains every bit as charming and engaging as when he spent a summer working with us at Lea & Sandeman's Chelsea shop many years ago. Happily, he had plenty to smile about. The family has produced a remarkable set of wines in 2025. The Ausone is an absolute winner. For the first time since 1982, every grape variety and every sector of the vineyard has been included in the final blend. There is no Chapelle d'Ausone this year either, with the fruit instead finding its way into the Grand Vin. In the glass, the wine is magnificent. Perfumed, refined and wonderfully poised, it combines effortless charm with impressive depth. Blueberry fruit and delicate floral notes glide across the palate, while the texture is both generous and beautifully controlled. Despite the wine's concentration, there is nothing heavy or forced about it. The tannins are polished, the oak discreet, and the whole wine seems to float rather than march. A superb Ausone, full of grace, confidence and quiet authority.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 9/6/2026

The 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked between September 3 and 30 at 28 hl/ha and raised in 50% new oak. It has a well-defined bouquet with mainly black fruit intertwined with Earl Grey, sous-boisThe 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked between September 3 and 30 at 28 hl/ha and raised in 50% new oak. It has a well-defined bouquet with mainly black fruit intertwined with Earl Grey, sous-bois and cigar box scents, a much more classical style of Smith Haut-Lafitte compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a subtle tobacco note that percolates through the black fruit, more structure coming through towards the sapid finish with a dash of black pepper on the aftertaste. This will fill out in barrel and should become a refined and quite delicious Smith Haut-Lafitte that will repay time in bottle. Drinking range: 2031 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 9/6/2026

The 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc was picked early between August 20 and September 2. It was raised in 50% new oak, and has quite a discrete bouquet with white peach, Mirabelle, jasmine and lightThe 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc was picked early between August 20 and September 2. It was raised in 50% new oak, and has quite a discrete bouquet with white peach, Mirabelle, jasmine and light pressed flower aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a rounded texture, a little more weight and density than other whites that I have tasted, quite peppery towards the finish and lingering in the mouth. This is a great success in the context of a warm vintage. Drinking range: 2029 - 2048 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 9/6/2026

A structure and long red with beautiful cabernet fruit, currants and hazelnuts. It's medium- to full-bodied with a firm and slightly chewy texture and a persistent finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon andA structure and long red with beautiful cabernet fruit, currants and hazelnuts. It's medium- to full-bodied with a firm and slightly chewy texture and a persistent finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 5/6/2026

The 2025 Canon is a delicious and clever wine. As with many of the best performers this year, it combines the concentration of the warm vintage with the freshness and energy that have become theThe 2025 Canon is a delicious and clever wine. As with many of the best performers this year, it combines the concentration of the warm vintage with the freshness and energy that have become the estate's hallmark. Explosive aromatics leap from the glass, with ripe plum, hints of raspberry and a touch of fresh herb lending both complexity and lift. The palate is generous and beautifully expressive, packed with fruit yet never weighed down by it. There is real concentration here, but also a cool energy that keeps everything bright, precise and remarkably poised. Interestingly, Canon shows a little more structure than in some recent vintages. In fact, we tasted Berliquet first this year for the first time in years, as Canon is the broader-shouldered and more powerful of the two in 2025. Yet it does not sacrifice any charm or purity. The technical team compare it to the concentration of 2022 and the freshness of 2016 - and believe it may surpass both. On this showing, it is difficult to argue.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 29/5/2026

The 2025 Clos Puy Arnaud is fabulous. Strong floral and savory top notes meld into dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mocha and spice. The two Cabernets are elevated in this year's blend, addingThe 2025 Clos Puy Arnaud is fabulous. Strong floral and savory top notes meld into dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mocha and spice. The two Cabernets are elevated in this year's blend, adding strong savory accents that are quite pronounced, but there's plenty of depth and richness to pull it all together. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 22/5/2026

The 2025 La Dauphine is superb. Dark, ample and explosive, the 2025 races across the palate with inky fruit, tobacco, dried herbs, lavender and chocolate. This is a great La Dauphine. The CabernetThe 2025 La Dauphine is superb. Dark, ample and explosive, the 2025 races across the palate with inky fruit, tobacco, dried herbs, lavender and chocolate. This is a great La Dauphine. The Cabernet Franc is dialed up in this vintage, an approach that works so well. Clean saline notes frame the close. Tasted three times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 22/5/2026

The 2025 Palmer was picked between September 4 and 26 at just 20 hl/ha (Duroux mentioned how yields have decreased by around 10 hl/ha over the last decade). Matured in 80% new oak and then rackedThe 2025 Palmer was picked between September 4 and 26 at just 20 hl/ha (Duroux mentioned how yields have decreased by around 10 hl/ha over the last decade). Matured in 80% new oak and then racked into foudres the following June, it is quintessentially Palmer on the nose with those almost extravagant floral violet scents that blossom in the glass. Wonderful delineation and focus, touches of Indian ink and cassis emerge with time. The palate is very smooth and velvety on the entry, disguising the substance and weight of this wine. Impressive in terms of density, with a little more grip than the Alter Ego, it delivers just the right amount of spice that gives the finish another dimension. One of the longer-term Margaux wines that would benefit from a cellar in its first few years. Drinking range: 2035 - 2070 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 22/5/2026

The 2025 Alter Ego is bold, juicy and super expressive right out of the gate. A wine of total pleasure and seduction, this will drink beautifully with minimal cellaring. Soft, plush contours wrapThe 2025 Alter Ego is bold, juicy and super expressive right out of the gate. A wine of total pleasure and seduction, this will drink beautifully with minimal cellaring. Soft, plush contours wrap around a core of red plum, mocha, cedar, espresso and cinnamon. All the elements are so well balanced. Floral top notes and a kick of blood orange perk up the brilliant finish. This is such a classy, polished wine—an especially fine Alter Ego. The blend is 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 94-96 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

All talk was about the special etched bottle this year- which does look very sophisticated and celebrates the 300th vintage of Gruaud Larose - but for us the real joy was inside the bottle.There haveAll talk was about the special etched bottle this year- which does look very sophisticated and celebrates the 300th vintage of Gruaud Larose - but for us the real joy was inside the bottle.There have been some wobbly vintages here recently, that have not won us over - but the 2025 is a stunner. Classic Gruaud feel of strict lines and delicate fruit - but this year there is a wonderful sleek feel and drive here. Perfect plump plum and dark berry flesh are neatly detailed and have a good, classic chalky feel and savoury edge. There are wafts of hedgerow and the perfect pencil lead cut that adds an almost mineral freshness. Lovely intensity and yet a gentle feel. A worthy wine for its special packaging! 2% Cabernet Franc, 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot.L&S (Apr 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: 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)

Release date: 13/5/2026

The 2025 La Lagune is fabulous—one of the clear sleepers of the vintage. Bright red-toned fruit, tobacco, cedar, mint and dried flowers convey tremendous intensity with no excess weight. The 2025 isThe 2025 La Lagune is fabulous—one of the clear sleepers of the vintage. Bright red-toned fruit, tobacco, cedar, mint and dried flowers convey tremendous intensity with no excess weight. The 2025 is brisk, energetic and loaded with character. Don't miss it. Tasted three times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 13/5/2026

Exuberant dark fruit. This is structured, with a touch of cedar and polished, fine-grained tannins that are so sophisticated and run the length of the wine. Classy. 78% cabernet sauvignon, 15%Exuberant dark fruit. This is structured, with a touch of cedar and polished, fine-grained tannins that are so sophisticated and run the length of the wine. Classy. 78% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 13/5/2026

The 2025 Grand Corbin Despagne is deep and quite powerful. Black cherry, leather, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and chocolate take shape in the glass. This builds beautifully with time, showingThe 2025 Grand Corbin Despagne is deep and quite powerful. Black cherry, leather, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and chocolate take shape in the glass. This builds beautifully with time, showing lots of Cabernet savoriness and pepperiness. Superb. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 91-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 11/5/2026

Beautiful depths, precision and clarity on the aromatics, delivers juice and depth with clarity of cassis and blackcurrant flavour. There is still the grip of the vintage in terms of its structure,Beautiful depths, precision and clarity on the aromatics, delivers juice and depth with clarity of cassis and blackcurrant flavour. There is still the grip of the vintage in terms of its structure, but this is an estate where you can feel totally confident that things will widen and deepen over ageing. 3.71pH. Harvest September 3 to 29. 30% new oak. In organic conversion. Derenoncourt Consultants, Olivier Bernard owner working with his sons Adrien and Hugo. Tasted twice Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 11/5/2026

A tight and powerful wine with a precise and structured texture. Restrained, steely and racy. Goes on for minutes. So much intensity. A bright and shining white. Stunning balance. Alcohol 13.5%. AA tight and powerful wine with a precise and structured texture. Restrained, steely and racy. Goes on for minutes. So much intensity. A bright and shining white. Stunning balance. Alcohol 13.5%. A blend of 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 11/5/2026

Pure and deep - and so very long. There is a tightly wound concentration, but this remains superbly balanced and light on its feet. Wonderfully concentrated elegance and lots of clean power. MuscularPure and deep - and so very long. There is a tightly wound concentration, but this remains superbly balanced and light on its feet. Wonderfully concentrated elegance and lots of clean power. Muscular even, its the power delivered though underlying freshness that makes this Cheval Blanc deeply impressive. Perfume of red flowers and strawberry foam. Delicious. The team here have put everything into make a great Grand Vin this year - their fruit crop was light anyway because of the problems in 2024 and the dry season in 2025 - but they still took the decision to drop any fruit that was on younger vines and on more dry soils - so as to concentrate the vines' energies into making a small quantity of very high quality fruit. Just 15 HL/HA well below half a normal harvest - and there is no Petit Cheval this year either.L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 11/5/2026

Nice plump roundness on the palate with a touch of strawberry acidity to bring some life and lift. Quite serious, fine tannins, a cool crisp, blue fruit edge with a lot of liquorice and wet stoneNice plump roundness on the palate with a touch of strawberry acidity to bring some life and lift. Quite serious, fine tannins, a cool crisp, blue fruit edge with a lot of liquorice and wet stone aspects – a mineral, salty, spiced grip on the finish. I like the frame, not too heavy but it’s still quite tight. I don’t find the density of 2022 or 2023 but there’s definitely charm on offer in a cool, serious way right now with a hint of gloss. Ageing 5% amphora. 40% foudre. 45% new oak. 10% used barrels. 3,7pH. A yield of 22hl/ha. (13% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 86% Merlot.) Drinking range: 2033 - 2048 Rating: 96 Georgie Hindle - Decanter (Apr 2026)

Release date: 6/5/2026

Fresh and bright, with aromas of sliced oranges, dark berries and cedar that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp and bright finish.Fresh and bright, with aromas of sliced oranges, dark berries and cedar that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp and bright finish. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 5/5/2026

Our tasting of Mangot 2025 left us a little lukewarm which is surprising, as this is usually a wine that wins us over from the first sip. As we see other reviews come in - it seems we had a less goodOur tasting of Mangot 2025 left us a little lukewarm which is surprising, as this is usually a wine that wins us over from the first sip. As we see other reviews come in - it seems we had a less good sample bottle. Such a shame not to have had a perfect insight into this perennial pleaser - we are trying to source a fresh sample and will keep you updated! In the meantime critics seem to admire it as ever.60 % Merlot, 38 % Cabernet Franc & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rating: 5 L&S (May 2026)

Release date: 4/5/2026

The 2025 Bellefont-Belcier has a very well-defined bouquet, with lifted black cherry and wild strawberry scents, and a touch of crushed rose petal in the background. There is a sense of transparencyThe 2025 Bellefont-Belcier has a very well-defined bouquet, with lifted black cherry and wild strawberry scents, and a touch of crushed rose petal in the background. There is a sense of transparency here that I appreciate. The palate is medium-bodied, with sapid black fruit and an underlying citrus note that segues into a minerally finish that is very appealing. Excellent. Drinking range: 2032 - 2055 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 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)

Release date: 28/4/2026

We had a great visit to see Pierre Taïx in his bucolic corner of Saint Emilion. The rolling hills of Puisseguin always give us a breath of fresh air - and a return to a more scruffy normality afterWe had a great visit to see Pierre Taïx in his bucolic corner of Saint Emilion. The rolling hills of Puisseguin always give us a breath of fresh air - and a return to a more scruffy normality after the pristine lawns and raked gravel drives of the grandees in the heart of Saint Emilion itself. However, the wine is remarkable. Nothing scruffy about this pitch perfect beauty. The 2025 Mauriane is made up with 50% of plateau fruit and 50% from Coteaux - a mix of 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. As we expect here - Pierre has let the fruit fully ripen, no panic after the August rains to bring it all in - he picked in mid September and you can sense that perfect balance, wonderfully concentrated, with no heaviness. deep layers of aromatic complexity give a full, expressive nose - loaded with dark berries and an upbeat charm immediately. tasting after the La Mitote, there is more grip and grunt unsurprisingly - but this has lovely depth of plush fruit too - then that line of freshness - and a good mineral kick from the plateau fruit. This is full-on charm - incredible balance between the lush fruit kaleidoscope and the wonderful fresh limestone kick that makes you want to come back for more. One for the cellar, that you will never regret buying - this will repay 3 years in the cellar after arrival - but will be fun drinking for the next 10-12 years easily. Drinking range: 2031 - 2045L&S (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Guiraud is well defined on the nose, with plenty of botrytised fruit, hints of saffron and apricot blossom, quite nuanced compared with some of its peers. The palate is well balanced, with aThe 2025 Guiraud is well defined on the nose, with plenty of botrytised fruit, hints of saffron and apricot blossom, quite nuanced compared with some of its peers. The palate is well balanced, with a tangy, mellifluous entry. Bright acidity counters the richness of this Guiraud, a touch of spice towards the lingering and powerful finish that fans out with style. This is a great Guiraud from winemaker Sandrine Garbay. Drinking range: 2032 - 2060 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)