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

So aromatic and expressive, with pure currants and mint, plus some chocolate. Fennel too. Wow. Medium- to full-bodied with very deep fruit, fine, velvety tannins and a long, fine texture. TheSo aromatic and expressive, with pure currants and mint, plus some chocolate. Fennel too. Wow. Medium- to full-bodied with very deep fruit, fine, velvety tannins and a long, fine texture. The precision and depth are impressive. More fruit-driven than usual. It grows on the palate and is compact at the end. Very cabernet in the end. Almost like St.-Julien and Pauillac in nature. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 9/6/2026

The 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is superb. Rich, creamy and expansive on the palate, with fabulous balance, the 2025 is seriously impressive and very delicious. Dried pear, acacia, chamomile andThe 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is superb. Rich, creamy and expansive on the palate, with fabulous balance, the 2025 is seriously impressive and very delicious. Dried pear, acacia, chamomile and white pepper open beautifully. The Blanc is quite delicate at first, but it gains breadth through the mid-palate and into the finish. Impeccable. Drinking range: 2035 - 2045 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 9/6/2026

The 2025 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has a slightly earthier bouquet with red berry fruit, gravel and light tobacco scents unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on theThe 2025 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has a slightly earthier bouquet with red berry fruit, gravel and light tobacco scents unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry, very Cabernet-driven with black fruit laced with tobacco and graphite notes towards the finish. It will flesh out during its barrel maturation (10% new) and should drink well for a decade or more. Drinking range: 2029 - 2039 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.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 inky glass staining colour is immediately apparent here, and this holds the fingerprint of limestone lightly, very much a juicy, slate-strewn, tiptoe through the palate kind of wine, with joy andThe inky glass staining colour is immediately apparent here, and this holds the fingerprint of limestone lightly, very much a juicy, slate-strewn, tiptoe through the palate kind of wine, with joy and lift, great stuff that is just joyful. Will take a few years to fully soften, but there is so much reserved energy waiting to be released. Highly floral violet and peony, rose stem. This is one to look out for, a buy for me. Malbec and very high Cabernet Franc, clear austerity at this early moment but will be worth the wait for limestone junkies. Harvest September 1/3 in barrels of which 10% is new. 3.30 pH. Thierry Valette, former co-owner of Chateau Pavie, Nicolas Legrand winemaker. Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.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 is unusual in that Merlot drives the blend this year. That results in an unusually juicy Grand Vin. Even so, there's plenty of supporting structure. The blend is 55% Merlot, 41%The 2025 Palmer is unusual in that Merlot drives the blend this year. That results in an unusually juicy Grand Vin. Even so, there's plenty of supporting structure. The blend is 55% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Black fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice, gravel and chocolate build into a driving, potent finish. There's a lot of gravitas and substance here. I am very much looking forward to tasting this as a finished wine; my impression today is that the 2025 is holding back quite a bit of its potential. Drinking range: 2035 - 2065 Rating: 96-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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

Well made, sleek and deep dark fruits, cassis pastille, intense with a cushion of air. A very impressive vintage here, nuanced and well structured. Delphine Frey, Director of the Frey family estates,Well made, sleek and deep dark fruits, cassis pastille, intense with a cushion of air. A very impressive vintage here, nuanced and well structured. Delphine Frey, Director of the Frey family estates, yield 20hl/ha. Xavier Moragues is the cellar master and technical director, with the estate for the past 18 months. New use of foudres and porcelain jars alongside oak barrels during the ageing, and the vineyard has also returned to its historic 1855 classified surface. Drinking range: 2034 - 2044 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.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

A classic St. Emilion with blueberry and raspberry character and limestone undertones giving it chalkiness. Medium-bodied with a lightly chewy finish.A classic St. Emilion with blueberry and raspberry character and limestone undertones giving it chalkiness. Medium-bodied with a lightly chewy finish. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 11/5/2026

The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from 11 to 26 September at 38 hl/ha with an alcohol level of 12.5%. This is perfumed on the nose with raspberry, cassis and light iris flower scents, just aThe 2025 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from 11 to 26 September at 38 hl/ha with an alcohol level of 12.5%. This is perfumed on the nose with raspberry, cassis and light iris flower scents, just a touch of truffle in the background. You need to wait because this "grows" in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins. Very harmonious, quintessentially Pessac, gravel-tinged black fruit, almost pillowy in texture, yet there is certainly decent structure here with just the right amount of grip towards the finish. It will require less bottle age than, say, the 2020 or 2022, yet it is endowed with real complexity and classicism. It is Domaine de Chevalier, after all. Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 11/5/2026

The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was picked from August 25 to September 6 at 38 hl/ha. It has a more backward, slightly reserved nose than I was expecting. It is keeping its cards hidden for now.The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was picked from August 25 to September 6 at 38 hl/ha. It has a more backward, slightly reserved nose than I was expecting. It is keeping its cards hidden for now. The palate is well balanced, with good weight, fine density, touches of freshly sliced pear, stem ginger and lemon peel, though it feels linear and correct on the finish. Very fine, but I suspect it will reveal its true identity after bottling. Drinking range: 2029 - 2044 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 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

The aromas of blackberries, black olives and hints of tobacco and dried fruit are fascinating and enticing. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy and polished tannins and a savory finish. TurnsThe aromas of blackberries, black olives and hints of tobacco and dried fruit are fascinating and enticing. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy and polished tannins and a savory finish. Turns refined and focused after the layered fruit. Classic in character, with a caressing texture and balance. Hints of ripe fruit and freshness at the same time. 86% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 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 depth and intensity in the center palate makes you think. It’s medium- to full-bodied with very integrated, polished grape tannins. Creamy texture. A curated and transparent effort.The depth and intensity in the center palate makes you think. It’s medium- to full-bodied with very integrated, polished grape tannins. Creamy texture. A curated and transparent effort. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (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)

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)

Elegant and balanced, with quince, pastry and spice aromas. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Refined and charming, with controlled sweetness and a succulent spice note bringing vitality toward theElegant and balanced, with quince, pastry and spice aromas. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Refined and charming, with controlled sweetness and a succulent spice note bringing vitality toward the finish. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)