Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 9/7/2020

The 2019 Croix de Labrie offers upfront black cherries, blackcurrant and cedar aromas on the nose, quite intense but well defined. The oak here is neatly assimilated. The palate is vibrant on theThe 2019 Croix de Labrie offers upfront black cherries, blackcurrant and cedar aromas on the nose, quite intense but well defined. The oak here is neatly assimilated. The palate is vibrant on the entry with layers of creamy black and blue fruit, silky smooth in texture with a modicum of restraint on the finish. It's one of the best wines that I have tasted from this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru in recent years. Drinking range: 2024 - 2040 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

Sleek, elegant and appealing even before you get your nose near the glass. Aromatically it is deep and rich, and then it revs up and takes off. Dense, compact and intense, zingy limestone vibrancySleek, elegant and appealing even before you get your nose near the glass. Aromatically it is deep and rich, and then it revs up and takes off. Dense, compact and intense, zingy limestone vibrancy and grip. Winemakers say they are looking for balance all the time, but here you feel it, with tiny pulses of electricity that appear from beginning to end of the palate. Salinity on the finish with gunsmoke and extremely moreish blueberry and blackberry fruit, with a creamy texture as things open up. 50% new oak. Thomas Duclos consults. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, Decanter(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

Vibrant damson in colour. I love the deep creaminess that is evident from the first nose, with hints of cocoa and gunsmoke. There is more clay here than at Canon; about 50% of the vineyard has a clayVibrant damson in colour. I love the deep creaminess that is evident from the first nose, with hints of cocoa and gunsmoke. There is more clay here than at Canon; about 50% of the vineyard has a clay layer over the limestone whereas at Canon it is closer to 10%, meaning Berliquet is less ethereal, more urgent and powerful, still with precision and feathery chalky tannins. They have restored the underground limestone cellars for barrel ageing. A yield of 45hl/ha. 45% new oak, for what is the 2nd full year of the Canon team working the vineyard. Thomas Duclos consultant. Drinking range: 2026 - 2042Jane Anson, Decanter(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

Composed of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse) was harvested from the 24th of September to the 7th of October. Yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare this yearComposed of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse) was harvested from the 24th of September to the 7th of October. Yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare this year with about 60% of production going into the grand vin. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is deceptively forward to begin, giving a wonderful intensity of Morello cherries, wild blueberries and boysenberries scents, soon unfurling to reveal more and more layers: pencil lead, cast-iron pan, wilted roses, oolong tea and charcoal with a hint of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energetic, crunchy black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and minerally. If this delivers on its promise, it should be very long-lived indeed! About 2,000 cases are anticipated to be made. Rating: 96-98 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

There are currently no tasting notes for 2019 Beau-Séjour Bécot, but with one of the négociants we work closely with saying 'it's bloody good, better than the 2018 and cheaper - what's not to like'There are currently no tasting notes for 2019 Beau-Séjour Bécot, but with one of the négociants we work closely with saying 'it's bloody good, better than the 2018 and cheaper - what's not to like' we feel this fairly eloquently sums up the wine, as well as continuing their no-nonsense attitude. In 2017 they changed consultant from Rolland to Thomas Duclos, and the oak has been dialled down while the attractive gloss and finesse has been pushed to the fore. We think this looks a strong buy in every way and great value.L&S(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Le Dome is a little closed and broody to begin, unfurling to reveal a profound core of preserved plums, fruitcake, chocolate-covered cherries and mochaMedium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Le Dome is a little closed and broody to begin, unfurling to reveal a profound core of preserved plums, fruitcake, chocolate-covered cherries and mocha with nuances of star anise, Sichuan pepper and cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is beautifully perfumed with loads of floral notes emerging among the black fruits, framed by remarkably soft, velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Gorgeous wine! Rating: 96-98+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

Another killer barrel sample from this team is the 2019 Les Asteries, which offers a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, toasty oak, crushed stone, white flowers, and tobacco. One of the moreAnother killer barrel sample from this team is the 2019 Les Asteries, which offers a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, toasty oak, crushed stone, white flowers, and tobacco. One of the more focused, mineral-laced, and backward in the lineup, this full-bodied, concentrated 2019 is going to need 4-6 years of bottle age to show at its best. Rating: 95-97+ Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 23/6/2020

I continue to love the Vieux Château Mazerat from Maltus, and the 2019 is another beautiful wine in the making, with beautiful ripeness in its blackcurrants, roasted herbs, chocolate, unsmokedI continue to love the Vieux Château Mazerat from Maltus, and the 2019 is another beautiful wine in the making, with beautiful ripeness in its blackcurrants, roasted herbs, chocolate, unsmoked tobacco, and damp earth-like aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, and gorgeous on the palate, it has an incredibly seamless texture paired with plenty of opulence and texture as well as minerality on the finish. It's a gem of a wine Rating: 96-98 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 22/6/2020

A ripe, beautifully crafted young Bordeaux with chocolate, hazelnut and berry character. The tannins are round and creamy with a lovely texture. Makes you want to drink it now.A ripe, beautifully crafted young Bordeaux with chocolate, hazelnut and berry character. The tannins are round and creamy with a lovely texture. Makes you want to drink it now. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(May 2020)

Release date: 22/6/2020

The 2019 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a wine of breeding and gravitas that is going to need a number of years to come into its own. Today, it is tight and unyielding, with swaths of tannin that frame a coreThe 2019 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a wine of breeding and gravitas that is going to need a number of years to come into its own. Today, it is tight and unyielding, with swaths of tannin that frame a core of intense fruit. Hints of red cherry jam, blood orange, spice, mint and rose petal open up with a bit of air, but only reluctantly. A Saint-Émilion of stunning beauty, the 2019 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the vintage. Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 22/6/2020

Freshly cut flowers, raspberry, mint, anise and cedar give the 2019 Roc de Cambes striking brightness and energy to play off its radiant, sumptuous fruit. A wine of energy and vibrancy, the 2019Freshly cut flowers, raspberry, mint, anise and cedar give the 2019 Roc de Cambes striking brightness and energy to play off its radiant, sumptuous fruit. A wine of energy and vibrancy, the 2019 marries richness with persistence. The finish is perhaps just a touch nervous. Let’s see what élevage brings. Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 22/6/2020

The 2019 Troplong Mondot needs an hour or two to settle and coalesce in the glass. As has been well documented, this is a reconfigured "TM" compared to those a decade ago - less flamboyant andThe 2019 Troplong Mondot needs an hour or two to settle and coalesce in the glass. As has been well documented, this is a reconfigured "TM" compared to those a decade ago - less flamboyant and ostentatious. Indeed, once it has shaken off that introspection, it unfurls with mainly black fruit, briary, sous-bois, hints of dark chocolate and mocha, perhaps one of the first Troplongs that I have encountered that is reminiscent of Pomerol. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins. This is beautifully balanced with extremely well judged acidity. Its gentle personality belies the backbone of this Troplong, with touches of white pepper and tobacco toward the cerebral finish. It is a wonderful Saint-Émilion from Aymeric de Gironde and his team, more approachable than the 2018, to be frank, just a wine you are going to want to drink. Drinking range: 2024 - 2050 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 19/6/2020

The 2019 Pavie Macquin feels very tight on the nose at first and certainly from my sample bottle, I allowed it 15-20 minutes to open. Eventually it reveals very intense scents of black cherries,The 2019 Pavie Macquin feels very tight on the nose at first and certainly from my sample bottle, I allowed it 15-20 minutes to open. Eventually it reveals very intense scents of black cherries, cassis and crushed violet, touches of blood orange in the background. The palate has a satin-like texture, almost Vosne-Romanée-like, with extraordinarily pure blue and black fruit. Seamless! There is fine tension on the finish with impressive persistence. This is a seriously good Pavie-Macquin from Nicolas Thienpont and his team. Drinking range: 2025 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 19/6/2020

The 2019 Larcis Ducasse is deep purple in colour. The bouquet is opulent and ravishing with precocious dark cherry, cassis and crushed violet aromas that seem to envelop the senses, "hug them intoThe 2019 Larcis Ducasse is deep purple in colour. The bouquet is opulent and ravishing with precocious dark cherry, cassis and crushed violet aromas that seem to envelop the senses, "hug them into submissions!" The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that manage to exert good grip, though you only notice that after the wine has exited. Great depth, touches of ash and black pepper infusing the black fruit with unerring balance on the finish. This is an outstanding Saint-Émilion with 30-40 years of pleasure to give. Drinking range: 2024 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 18/6/2020

Classified estate right next to Troplong Mondot, with real emphasis on the salinity of limestone, wrapped in delicious black fruits, soft spices and persistent smoked oak. This is an excellent wine,Classified estate right next to Troplong Mondot, with real emphasis on the salinity of limestone, wrapped in delicious black fruits, soft spices and persistent smoked oak. This is an excellent wine, extremely well put together with clear ageing potential. Drinking range: 2027 - 2042 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter(May 2020)

Release date: 18/6/2020

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 La Mondotte needs a little coaxing before bursting onto the scene with flamboyant scents of plum pudding, blueberry compote, blackberry pie and red roses. FurtherDeep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 La Mondotte needs a little coaxing before bursting onto the scene with flamboyant scents of plum pudding, blueberry compote, blackberry pie and red roses. Further swirling reveals provocative, emerging notes of sandalwood, cracked black pepper, baker's chocolate, unsmoked cigars and crushed rocks plus a waft of black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate is an exercise in poise and sophistication, featuring the most exquisitely ripe, velvety tannins and amazing freshness, beautifully countering the intense blue and black fruit layers, finishing with epic length and loads of mineral sparks. Breathtaking! Rating: 97-99 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 18/6/2020

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Canon la Gaffeliere opens with an incredibly evocative perfume of lilacs, Morello cherries, black raspberries, jasmine and Sichuan pepper over a coreMedium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Canon la Gaffeliere opens with an incredibly evocative perfume of lilacs, Morello cherries, black raspberries, jasmine and Sichuan pepper over a core of ripe black plums, wild blueberries and dark chocolate with touches of iron ore and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals an edifying intensity of electric blue and black fruit layers, supported by a rock-solid frame of firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with a firework display of fruit, mineral and spicy nuances. A thrilling wine from the get-go and one that should age very well! Rating: 95-97+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 18/6/2020

These vines are north east of St Emilion in quite a cool spot. Not surprisingly, there is so much more power and richness than D’Aiguilhe. Less fresh and breezy perhaps but boy is this tasty.

These vines are north east of St Emilion in quite a cool spot. Not surprisingly, there is so much more power and richness than D’Aiguilhe. Less fresh and breezy perhaps but boy is this tasty. Retains nice balance. A really cool feel is then layered with good, dark fruit - but not sinewy. Just nicely ripened, black-fleshed berries and damson-like edge. Some undergrowth and briary notes too then red plum and blueberry. A coolness on the finish and lovely tensile, chalky tannins add a sense of drive. Smart.

Made strictly organically in 2019. This will be certified from 2020 onward.

Release date: 18/6/2020

This is delicious. What an opener from Von Neipperg! Measured and intense. Well packed with lovely soft fruit and super suede like dusty tannins. Chalky feel adds some good bite - very impressive.This is delicious. What an opener from Von Neipperg! Measured and intense. Well packed with lovely soft fruit and super suede like dusty tannins. Chalky feel adds some good bite - very impressive. Restrained and cool. Supple integrated feel. 85% Merlot & 15% Cabernet Franc. L&S(Jun 2020)

Release date: 17/6/2020

The 2019 Grand Mayne takes its time to unfold in the glass, eventually delivering enticing and very pure red berry fruit, beautifully defined and less exuberant than some of the vintages I wasThe 2019 Grand Mayne takes its time to unfold in the glass, eventually delivering enticing and very pure red berry fruit, beautifully defined and less exuberant than some of the vintages I was tasting 15-20 years ago. There is a sense of terroir and mineralité in situ. The palate is saline on the entry, immediately grabbing your attention thanks to unbridled freshness and vivacity. Slightly grainy in texture, the umami sensation that glides towards a very precise and natural finish is wonderful here. Grand Mayne has been on an upward swing in recent vintages and this is another outstanding wine from Jean-Antoine Nony. Drinking range: 2024 - 2050 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 17/6/2020

The 2019 Sansonnet is inky purple in colour. The bouquet is expressive and ripe with black cherries, raspberry coulis, incense and a touch of cassis. Everything is focused and under control. TheThe 2019 Sansonnet is inky purple in colour. The bouquet is expressive and ripe with black cherries, raspberry coulis, incense and a touch of cassis. Everything is focused and under control. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine definition and pencil lead notes lining the persistent finish. This is a quality Saint-Émilion from this fast-rising estate. Excellent. Drinking range: 2024 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 17/6/2020

Release date: 17/6/2020

Release date: 15/6/2020

This is one of the most structured and linear Figeac with very fine tannins, yet at an intense level. So complex on the nose with notes of white flowers, blueberries and graphite. It’s full-bodied,This is one of the most structured and linear Figeac with very fine tannins, yet at an intense level. So complex on the nose with notes of white flowers, blueberries and graphite. It’s full-bodied, very balanced and agile. So transparent and linear with brightness and raciness. 36% cabernet franc, 30% merlot and 34% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(May 2020)

Release date: 12/6/2020

A generous red from this appellation with plenty of intense ripe fruit. Chocolate and walnut undertones, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with ripe tannins and a poised, polished finish. Serious newA generous red from this appellation with plenty of intense ripe fruit. Chocolate and walnut undertones, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with ripe tannins and a poised, polished finish. Serious new wine for me from this appellation. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 12/6/2020

Cinnamon and spice box with pulped raspberry fruits on the nose, this has the restrained exuberance of Montlandrie in spades, where the ripe fruits are balanced step by step with fresh acidities andCinnamon and spice box with pulped raspberry fruits on the nose, this has the restrained exuberance of Montlandrie in spades, where the ripe fruits are balanced step by step with fresh acidities and lip-smacking salinity that speaks to the limestone soils of this estate. Cabernet Sauvignon adds a savoury touch, and overall this is yet another example of why the loss of Durantou will be felt for years. Drinking range: 2025 - 2036 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter(May 2020)

Release date: 12/6/2020

Produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet, made from 100% Merlot, the 2019 Saintayme has a deep garnet-purple color. It explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of stewedProduced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet, made from 100% Merlot, the 2019 Saintayme has a deep garnet-purple color. It explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of stewed plums, baked black cherries and fruitcake with hints of mocha, unsmoked cigars and fragrant soil plus a waft of Chinese five spice. Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a solid foundation of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing spicy. Rating: 89-91 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 12/6/2020

The 2019 Grand Corbin Despagne has a rather showy mocha-tinged bouquet that feels a bit oaky at the moment. The palate is fleshy and ripe and works better than the aromatics. The oak here IS neatlyThe 2019 Grand Corbin Despagne has a rather showy mocha-tinged bouquet that feels a bit oaky at the moment. The palate is fleshy and ripe and works better than the aromatics. The oak here IS neatly integrated with flecks of orange rind and white pepper towards the finish. The second bottle showed more details and better oak integration and my score reflects that. Drinking range: 2024 - 2040 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 11/6/2020

A tight, structured red with strong yet refined tannins and very attractive berry, wet-earth, mushroom and hazelnut character. It's long and silky-textured. Same quality level as the 2018, but finer.A tight, structured red with strong yet refined tannins and very attractive berry, wet-earth, mushroom and hazelnut character. It's long and silky-textured. Same quality level as the 2018, but finer. A blend of 85% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(Jul 2020)

Release date: 11/6/2020

The 2019 La Gaffelière is a distinctive Saint-Émilion, which should be inferred positively. There is something atypically very tertiary about the nose, beautifully defined and focused with plenty ofThe 2019 La Gaffelière is a distinctive Saint-Émilion, which should be inferred positively. There is something atypically very tertiary about the nose, beautifully defined and focused with plenty of fruit, yet very complex and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and wonderful harmony. The silky texture belies the structure underneath and the finish is extraordinarily long. Ancient vintages of La Gaffelière like the 1961 are legendary. This ranks alongside them - the best I have ever tasted. Magnificent. Drinking range: 2025 - 2060 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 11/6/2020

The 2019 Les Grandes Murailles has a wonderful black cherry, blueberry and violet scented bouquet, underneath which lies subtle iodine and oyster shell aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with suppleThe 2019 Les Grandes Murailles has a wonderful black cherry, blueberry and violet scented bouquet, underneath which lies subtle iodine and oyster shell aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very cohesive with a granular texture, the backbone disguised underneath the layers of black fruit. Very impressive persistency here, this is potentially a great Les Grandes Murailles. Drinking range: 2025 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Nick Moyle(Jun 2020)

Release date: 11/6/2020

A beautiful core of ripe fruit in the center palate with deep, dark-chocolate undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Flavorful finish.A beautiful core of ripe fruit in the center palate with deep, dark-chocolate undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Flavorful finish. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(May 2020)

Release date: 11/6/2020

The 2019 Quintus is dense, racy and also very promising. The blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc works so well here. Red cherry, red plum, mocha and sweet spice all meld together effortlessly.The 2019 Quintus is dense, racy and also very promising. The blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc works so well here. Red cherry, red plum, mocha and sweet spice all meld together effortlessly. Silky and medium in body, the 2019 has much to offer. The substantial, resonant finish is especially of note. Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate(Jun 2020)

Release date: 11/6/2020

The 2019 le Dragon de Quintus is a blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 19th of September to the 9th of October. The estimated alcohol degree on the label is 15%. DeepThe 2019 le Dragon de Quintus is a blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 19th of September to the 9th of October. The estimated alcohol degree on the label is 15%. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rocks up with open-knit notes of stewed plums, fruitcake and blackberry preserves with touches of garrigue, cloves and pencil shavings. The full-bodied palate is simply bursting with spicy black fruit preserves, framed by ripe, rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a lingering peppery kick. This is a very different style from the grand vin—but seriously good in its own right! Rating: 91-93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 10/6/2020

The 2019 Pavie was picked from 30 September to 11 October at 29hl/ha. It is initially exubertant, feisty on the nose, a bit like the Pavie-Decesse. Allowing my sample an hour in the glass, it evolvesThe 2019 Pavie was picked from 30 September to 11 October at 29hl/ha. It is initially exubertant, feisty on the nose, a bit like the Pavie-Decesse. Allowing my sample an hour in the glass, it evolves more grace and composure with scents of blackberry, briary, incense and iris flowers. The oak beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, quite an edgy line of acidity, touches of graphite infusing the very pure black fruit on the satin-textured finish. This is undoubtedly a very impressive, sauve Pavie destined for long-term drinking. Drinking range: 2024 - 2060 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 10/6/2020

The 2019 Monbousquet is conspicuously deep in colour. It has an intense nose of black cherries, raspberry, blueberry and violets that lend it a Margaux-like personality. There is certainly a bit ofThe 2019 Monbousquet is conspicuously deep in colour. It has an intense nose of black cherries, raspberry, blueberry and violets that lend it a Margaux-like personality. There is certainly a bit of new oak to be assimilated during élevage and in bottle. The palate is succulent on the entry with juicy ripe black fruit. The tannins tightly grip the back palate. A Janus Saint-Émilion where there seems to be two Monbousquet's fighting for supremacy, one wanting to be approachable and the other determined for longevity. This is an intriguing Monbousquet. It does seem to become more tannic and masculine with aeration - I look forward to seeing what it turns into once in bottle. Drinking range: 2025 - 2045 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 10/6/2020

Restrained nose but good depth. Some dark-berry and spice complexity as it opens. Palate sinewy and firm, the limestone terroir apparent. Plenty of drive on the finish. Powerful and fresh but a bitRestrained nose but good depth. Some dark-berry and spice complexity as it opens. Palate sinewy and firm, the limestone terroir apparent. Plenty of drive on the finish. Powerful and fresh but a bit austere. Needs time. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 16.5 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 10/6/2020

Fresh, red-berry aroma with an almost burgundian edge. Palate round, juicy and lifted with finely etched tannins. Harmonious and almost approachable now.Fresh, red-berry aroma with an almost burgundian edge. Palate round, juicy and lifted with finely etched tannins. Harmonious and almost approachable now. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 16 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 10/6/2020

Fresh fruit aroma and flavour with a savoury edge. Palate lively, juicy, with light, chalky tannins. Simple but appetising.Fresh fruit aroma and flavour with a savoury edge. Palate lively, juicy, with light, chalky tannins. Simple but appetising. Drinking range: 2023 - 2030 Rating: 16 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 8/6/2020

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Corbin needs a little coaxing to reveal fresh, pure notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and black cherries plus hints of pencil lead, bayMedium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Corbin needs a little coaxing to reveal fresh, pure notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and black cherries plus hints of pencil lead, bay leaves, tilled soil, underbrush and fungi. Medium to full-bodied, that wonderful purity of crunchy black fruits continues on the palate, with an approachable frame of rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a fragrant earth note. Rating: 91-93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 8/6/2020

Really attractive fruit – fresh, crunchy and fragrant. Round and pure on the palate with good depth and ripe, mellow tannins. Smooth-textured and complete. Now a consistently appealing wine at aReally attractive fruit – fresh, crunchy and fragrant. Round and pure on the palate with good depth and ripe, mellow tannins. Smooth-textured and complete. Now a consistently appealing wine at a (usually) attractive price. Drinking range: 2024 - 2032 Rating: 16.5 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 8/6/2020

Extremely precise floral and berry aromatics build out of the glass and this sense of construction continues through the palate. On the attack you get a whoosh of powerful blueberry and blackberry,Extremely precise floral and berry aromatics build out of the glass and this sense of construction continues through the palate. On the attack you get a whoosh of powerful blueberry and blackberry, with sage, woodsmoke and crushed stone, all cut cleanly through, exposing juicy minerality and a feel of different elements layering on top of each other. 82% 1st wine in this vintage. Harvest from September 10, picking only in the mornings for two weeks (the only three plots of Merlot that were brought in after the September rains are in Petit Cheval). Biodiversity is blooming at Cheval right now - 40 brebis goats and sheep since October 2019, alongside pigs, 200 Bresse chicken, 40 egg-laying chickens and 16 beehives. They have planted 850 fruit trees this winter among the vines, and no longer work the soils. Less Cabernet Franc in the vineyard until 2022 due to replanting. Drinking range: 2027 - 2044 Rating: 98 L&S(Jun 2020)

Release date: 8/6/2020

The 2019 Angélus has a sophisticated bouquet with extraordinarily pure blackberry, raspberry, inkwell and crushed iris petals scents, like the Carillon but HD in terms of its clarity. The palate isThe 2019 Angélus has a sophisticated bouquet with extraordinarily pure blackberry, raspberry, inkwell and crushed iris petals scents, like the Carillon but HD in terms of its clarity. The palate is beautifully defined on the entry, the Cabernet component steering it towards say, Figeac or Cheval Blanc stylistically. It already feels very harmonious, the satin-like texture is supported by real substance and grip on the finish, perhaps more density than some of its peers. This is an outstanding Angélus, one likely to surpass the 2016, a wine that will give 30-40 years of pleasure, maybe more. Drinking range: 2026 - 2060 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 8/6/2020

A really succulent, refined second wine with berries, chocolate and light toasted oak. It’s full and completely integrated with seamless tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely, sweet ripe fruit in theA really succulent, refined second wine with berries, chocolate and light toasted oak. It’s full and completely integrated with seamless tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely, sweet ripe fruit in the center palate. Extremely refined. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 5/6/2020

Deep purple-black colored, the 2019 Valandraud sings of freshly crushed black plums, warm blackberries and black cherry coulis with nuances of lavender, cinnamon stick, clove oil and aniseed with aDeep purple-black colored, the 2019 Valandraud sings of freshly crushed black plums, warm blackberries and black cherry coulis with nuances of lavender, cinnamon stick, clove oil and aniseed with a fragrant waft of candied violets. Full-bodied, the palate is both densely laden with concentrated black fruits and wonderfully refreshing, with a firm backbone of velvety tannins, finishing with lingering exotic spice sparks. Rating: 95-97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 4/6/2020

This is tight with finesse and focus. Minerally and salty with an ultra-fine palate and polished tannins. It goes on and on and on. Strength and finesse at the same time. 80% merlot and 20% cabernetThis is tight with finesse and focus. Minerally and salty with an ultra-fine palate and polished tannins. It goes on and on and on. Strength and finesse at the same time. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com(May 2020)

Release date: 4/6/2020

The 2019 TrotteVieille is rich and explosive in the glass. A whole range of intense floral notes appears first, followed by inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, new leather and cedar overtones thatThe 2019 TrotteVieille is rich and explosive in the glass. A whole range of intense floral notes appears first, followed by inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, new leather and cedar overtones that open up over time. A wine of power and stature, the 2019 is drop-dead gorgeous. There is so much complexity to the 2019 that it is hard to move on in this tasting. In a word: dazzling. Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com(Jun 2020)

Release date: 2/6/2020

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. A deep and intense garnet colour, opening strongly with fruity and spicy aromas of cherry, blackberry and raspberry which give way to notes of chocolate and70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. A deep and intense garnet colour, opening strongly with fruity and spicy aromas of cherry, blackberry and raspberry which give way to notes of chocolate and coffee.
Château Fombrauge 2019 is full-bodied and powerful, with great energy.The intense aromas, the freshness and sweet, spicy finish are a delight on the palate, delicious and perfectly balanced.Winemaker's notes(Apr 2020)

Release date: 26/5/2020

78% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc. Certified Organic. A perennial L&S favourite, and much in demand from customers who have bought earlier vintages. We have not had the opportunity to taste the 2019,78% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc. Certified Organic. A perennial L&S favourite, and much in demand from customers who have bought earlier vintages. We have not had the opportunity to taste the 2019, but by all accounts this is right up there with the best Pierre Taïx has produced here, with a wonderful precision from the Cabernet Franc element.L&S(May 2020)

The 2019 Château Fonplegade showed brilliantly and I suspect will be one of the top vintages from this estate. Gorgeous black raspberry, spiced cherries, dried herbs, chocolate, and a touch ofThe 2019 Château Fonplegade showed brilliantly and I suspect will be one of the top vintages from this estate. Gorgeous black raspberry, spiced cherries, dried herbs, chocolate, and a touch of flowers all define the bouquet, followed by a full-bodied red with an elegant, seamless texture, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and drink beautifully for 10-15 years. Tasted twice. Drinking range: 2023 - 2038 Rating: 93-95 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com(Jun 2020)

Superbly located on one of the highest points of Saint-Emilion, Laroque’s limestone terroirs have once again shone through brilliantly in this 2019. They have produced wines that are bright, floralSuperbly located on one of the highest points of Saint-Emilion, Laroque’s limestone terroirs have once again shone through brilliantly in this 2019. They have produced wines that are bright, floral and spicy, with fresh salinity and a noble texture, which are hallmark traits of this estate. 97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.L&S(Jul 2020)