Saint Émilion & Satellites

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: 10/6/2026

(Saint-Émilion; 38% Merlot; 30% Cabernet Franc; 32% Cabernet Sauvignon; a final yield of 25 hl/ha; pH 3.64; 13% alcohol; 90% grand vin, with very little lost of the sorting table; tasted at the(Saint-Émilion; 38% Merlot; 30% Cabernet Franc; 32% Cabernet Sauvignon; a final yield of 25 hl/ha; pH 3.64; 13% alcohol; 90% grand vin, with very little lost of the sorting table; tasted at the property with Blandine de Brier Manoncourt). There was just a little green harvesting to reduce the size of the crop to allow perfect maturation of the fruit. This is profound, deep, lifted, dense, compact, rich and, above all, cool at the beautifully formed spherical core. Black cherry, blueberry and a little cassis and blackberry. I love the leather, cedar and graphite, all remarkably present already at this nascent stage. Lily of the valley. Iris. Blood orange. Walnut shell (from the pips, the ripest ever achieved here despite the early picking dates). There's just a little black pepper and a lovely natural mineral salinity. This takes a beautiful shape in the mouth, not especially ample, but what is not there in amplitude is more than compensated for in depth. This is incredibly layered, but unlike the other grands vins of the appellation, the layers are not of cashmere or velvet but rather of silk, interspersed by the penetration of the ultra-fined and refined tannins. It's like a cascade of layers, descending like a flowing staircase into the dark core below. Figeac is staggeringly beautiful for a wine so considerable in its structure. This is, for me, the most accessible truly great vintage of Figeac. The conveyance of the flavours from the grapes themselves into the final wine is very direct. If there are comparisons to be drawn, they are with the 2016 and perhaps the 2010 at this stage.  Rating: 98-100 The Drinks Business (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

One of the absolute stars of the vintage in St-Emilion. Smells incredible with such perfumed violet fragrance and clear blackcurrant scents, really so vivid with a vibrant pink colour in the glass.One of the absolute stars of the vintage in St-Emilion. Smells incredible with such perfumed violet fragrance and clear blackcurrant scents, really so vivid with a vibrant pink colour in the glass. Supple and juicy, clearly refined from the start with super fine tannins – gently grippy – with a lick of liquorice, wet stone and some tobacco and dark chocolate. I like the clarity and clean grip to this. Feels fresh, so St-Emilion and so limestone based with fantastic energy, a touch chalky but not dominant. Alive with enough grip and flesh to be weighty but really not fleshy or chewy, and very cool – cola, blueberries and flint. Delicious and accomplished with everything in harmony and nothing sticking out. This should shape up nicely over ageing with even a few minutes in the glass gaining in chew and texture. Harvest 11-19 September. 3.28pH. Ageing currently 50% new oak (may reduce to around 40%). Drinking range: 2032 - 2047 Rating: 97 Georgie Hindle - Decanter (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

Intensity and power, deep cassis and bilberry fruit, very much in character of this unusual, singular site, olive pit and wet stones, drawn out and slow crawl through the palate, rooted to its senseIntensity and power, deep cassis and bilberry fruit, very much in character of this unusual, singular site, olive pit and wet stones, drawn out and slow crawl through the palate, rooted to its sense of place and an extremely impressive wine. Harvest August 28, earliest ever, until September 25, so almost exactly one months. 70m altitude of difference between the lowest and highest part of the Troplong vineyard. 27hl/ha yield (particularly impacted by the heat of the early August wave). 3.43 pH, Aymeric de Gironde director. Drinking range: 2030 - 2042 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

The 2025 Joanin-Bécot is fabulous. Dark and sumptuous, with gorgeous fruit purity, the 2025 is positively stellar. I don’t think I have tasted a Joanin-Bécot with this much intensity and sheerThe 2025 Joanin-Bécot is fabulous. Dark and sumptuous, with gorgeous fruit purity, the 2025 is positively stellar. I don’t think I have tasted a Joanin-Bécot with this much intensity and sheer textural presence. Inky dark red/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, dried flowers and lavender open first, followed by a range of floral and savory Cabernet Franc overtones. Clay-rich soils lend notable breadth and presence. The resonant, expansive finish is stunning. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

Without a doubt one of our stand-out wines of the year. The recent run of good vintages here has meant this has become an unmissable stop on our manic tour of Saint Emilion each year. We had aWithout a doubt one of our stand-out wines of the year. The recent run of good vintages here has meant this has become an unmissable stop on our manic tour of Saint Emilion each year. We had a fascinating meeting with the enigmatic and tirelessly energetic Julien Barthe who, alongside his wife Juliette Bécot, manages this impeccably sited estate. Since taking over in 2014, they have revitalized the estate with a focus on low-intervention winemaking, harnessing the true power of the limestone terroir, producing fresh, elegant wines. This year could be the best yet since the new era began. Pure, pretty with wonderful floral notes and high toned red berries - all swathed in perfectly ripe and neatly milled tannins - gently adding attitude and confidence - but in a fresh, gracefully-taut manner. It is hard to know how they could improve this - as it delivers prettiness and power and depth and lift all together and seamlessly. If not already on your radar, Beau-Séjour Bécot is really one to watch. Fabulously sophisticated wine in 2025.
Its no surprise that William Kelley in the Wine Advocate says of the 2025: 'This is worth a special effort to seek out.' Drinking range: 2033 - 2043L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

Inky plum colour, a wine that I always love tasting, flinty gunsmoke reduction, full of charm and personality. Intense, concentrated, pumice stone and steel, a ton of lift and we are slap bang inInky plum colour, a wine that I always love tasting, flinty gunsmoke reduction, full of charm and personality. Intense, concentrated, pumice stone and steel, a ton of lift and we are slap bang in full limestone character, with a creamy undertow. 30 hl/ha. 40% new oak, Nicolas Thienpont showcasing his skill. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

Fragrant, intense and vivid opening, rose bud, violet flowers, intense and chalky. These are powerful tannins, chalk, pumice stone, a slow and gentle build through the palate, every time you think itFragrant, intense and vivid opening, rose bud, violet flowers, intense and chalky. These are powerful tannins, chalk, pumice stone, a slow and gentle build through the palate, every time you think it is done it just gives a little bit more. Concentrated, elegant, savoury and just so tasty. 3.4pH. Harvest September 8 to 22. 40% new oak. Drinking range: 2034 - 2050 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 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: 4/6/2026

The 2025 Trotte Vieille soars out of the glass. Freshly cut flowers, mocha, dried herbs, menthol and espresso meld into a core of rich, deeply layered dark fruit. Trotte Vieille is a rareThe 2025 Trotte Vieille soars out of the glass. Freshly cut flowers, mocha, dried herbs, menthol and espresso meld into a core of rich, deeply layered dark fruit. Trotte Vieille is a rare Saint-Émilion that features Cabernet Franc. All of that intensely floral/savory character (and the matching structure) is in evidence today. The 2025 builds beautifully in the glass, revealing myriad dimensions of intensity. Blue-toned fruit, gravel, cloves, lavender, licorice and espresso linger. The only question is how long the 2025 is going to need. Drinking range: 2035 - 2065 Rating: 96-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 2/6/2026

Fragrant apple blossom, iris and violet flowers on the nose, brings its A-game from the first moments; coupling bright greengage plums, rose stems, and an intense grip of slate, with creamierFragrant apple blossom, iris and violet flowers on the nose, brings its A-game from the first moments; coupling bright greengage plums, rose stems, and an intense grip of slate, with creamier blackberries, damson and creme patissiere. A ton of grip and length, this is in it for the long game, with pulses of oyster shell minerality to close things out. Brilliant. Here they did 8 weeks maceration, longer than most, but they felt that the wines needed a little longer to fill out through the mid palate, and for sure this is showing exceptional expansion and tension. Harvest September 15 to 29, first time in the Perse era that this has been entirely in September - and the final vintage under Gerard Perse. Pavie Decesse and Bellevue Mondot are now included in the main wine, bringing their limestone soils to the blend, and this is the highest amount of Cabernet to date. 21hl/ha yield, 3.58ph. Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 29/5/2026

Juicy cherries, cassis, graphite, and spring flowers all define the 2025 Clos Puy Arnaud Grand Vin, a medium-bodied Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux based on 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5%Juicy cherries, cassis, graphite, and spring flowers all define the 2025 Clos Puy Arnaud Grand Vin, a medium-bodied Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux based on 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a pure, focused mouthfeel on the palate, with fine tannins and integrated acidity. It has some oak, but it's beautifully integrated and polished. Rating: 91-93 Jeb Dunnuck - www.robertparker.com (May 2026)

Release date: 22/5/2026

Well composed, textured and precise, with aromas of dark berries and stones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Driven and layered with a long, vivid finish.Well composed, textured and precise, with aromas of dark berries and stones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Driven and layered with a long, vivid finish. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 22/5/2026

Well driven, velvety and precise, with red berry and leather aromas. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Crushed berry and dark chocolate flavors and a compact, savory finish.Well driven, velvety and precise, with red berry and leather aromas. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Crushed berry and dark chocolate flavors and a compact, savory finish. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

The 2025 Valandraud was picked from September 12 to October 4 and matured in 90% new oak, the rest in wooden casks. It has an intense nose with black cherry, cassis and violet scents, more bold thanThe 2025 Valandraud was picked from September 12 to October 4 and matured in 90% new oak, the rest in wooden casks. It has an intense nose with black cherry, cassis and violet scents, more bold than the Virginie de Valandraud but perhaps slightly less delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins, very well balanced with good depth of fruit, spicier than the Virginie towards the finish. Good grip, more than the Virginie, this will require three to five years in bottle, but it has great potential. Drinking range: 2032 - 2055 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

The 2025 Angélus (50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot) is a superb contemporary Grand Vin. Aromatic, vibrant and wonderfully fresh, the 2025 dazzles from start to finish. Blood orange, mint, white pepper,The 2025 Angélus (50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot) is a superb contemporary Grand Vin. Aromatic, vibrant and wonderfully fresh, the 2025 dazzles from start to finish. Blood orange, mint, white pepper, rose petal and chalk weave through layers of vibrant red-toned fruit. Here, too, the Grand Vin impresses with its noble purity and understated grace. Élevage is 50% foudre/50% new oak for the Cabernet Franc, and 60% new oak/40% once-filled barrels for the Merlot. I can't wait to see how this ages. Drinking range: 2035 - 2065 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

Aromas of minerals, crushed stones, red fruit and raspberries with forest floor undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a bright and crunchy finish. A blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Aromas of minerals, crushed stones, red fruit and raspberries with forest floor undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a bright and crunchy finish. A blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

Crafted from 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this spectacular Moulin is a masterclass in balance. We re-tasted it over two days, and it completely blew us away. The secret? The estate’s cooler,Crafted from 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this spectacular Moulin is a masterclass in balance. We re-tasted it over two days, and it completely blew us away. The secret? The estate’s cooler, northwest-facing slopes shielded the grapes from two pre-harvest heatwaves. While others struggled, this wine locked in a vibrant, gorgeous freshness—a brilliant trait we saw across the finest Right Bank estates this vintage. On the palate, the dominant Merlot wraps you in a dense, velvety core, while the expressive Cabernet Franc brings an ethereal lift. From the very first sip, you are hit with plush dark fruits—think snappy, fresh blueberry skin. It is incredibly sleek, perfectly balanced, and moves from a structured grip into pure elegance. Quite frankly, it is delicious.L&S (May 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

The 2025 De Fonbel is deep, fleshy and super expressive. The Cabernets play an important role in this year's blend. That comes through in the wine's aromatic profile and structural feel. There's aThe 2025 De Fonbel is deep, fleshy and super expressive. The Cabernets play an important role in this year's blend. That comes through in the wine's aromatic profile and structural feel. There's a lot to like. Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 Montlandrie is exceptional. A wine of dimension and energy, Montlandrie screams with energy. Blue/black cherry fruit, lavender, spice and grilled herbs possess notable density and sheerThe 2025 Montlandrie is exceptional. A wine of dimension and energy, Montlandrie screams with energy. Blue/black cherry fruit, lavender, spice and grilled herbs possess notable density and sheer power. There's crazy depth and overall complexity here. I would love to taste this blind in a lineup of wines from more "prestigious" appellations. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

Full-bodied with plenty of flesh and dark fruit throughout. Very attractive richness, with fine-grained, polished tannins that persist through the finish. Solid and unique.Full-bodied with plenty of flesh and dark fruit throughout. Very attractive richness, with fine-grained, polished tannins that persist through the finish. Solid and unique. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 Canon La Gaffelière is bright and beautifully focused right out of the gate. Orange peel, sage, mint, pipe tobacco, dried flowers and mocha soar out of the glass. Floral aromatics and briskThe 2025 Canon La Gaffelière is bright and beautifully focused right out of the gate. Orange peel, sage, mint, pipe tobacco, dried flowers and mocha soar out of the glass. Floral aromatics and brisk saline notes are the signatures in a tightly wound Canon La Gaffelière that is going to need a number of years to be at its most expressive. I especially admire the energy here. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

A young red with a lot of depth and layers already with blackberries, blueberries, spice, and white selection. Velvety tannins and a light chewy finish. Medium to full body. Rich wine for theA young red with a lot of depth and layers already with blackberries, blueberries, spice, and white selection. Velvety tannins and a light chewy finish. Medium to full body. Rich wine for the vintage. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

A fresh and engaging showing: a wet-stone note on the nose alongside bright red cherry fruit gives an immediate sense of lift. The palate packs plenty of juice, underpinned by lively acidity (pHA fresh and engaging showing: a wet-stone note on the nose alongside bright red cherry fruit gives an immediate sense of lift. The palate packs plenty of juice, underpinned by lively acidity (pH 3.35) that keeps everything energetic, if not quite as seamlessly balanced as the best examples in this vintage that marry ripeness and freshness more completely. Still, a well-crafted wine with good vibrancy and charm - and more convincing than some peers in this price range, and an enjoyable expression overall. (PK) Rating: 93 Decanter Magazine (Apr 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

Gorgeous fragrant and cool blueberry elements on the nose. Juicy and sleek, this has such crystalline purity to it - really focused and fresh with bite and tang. Tannins are fine and give slightGorgeous fragrant and cool blueberry elements on the nose. Juicy and sleek, this has such crystalline purity to it - really focused and fresh with bite and tang. Tannins are fine and give slight edges to the palate accentuating it’s streamlined aspects but the acidity and freshness last all the way through to a long finish. Great stuff here, so finessed and polished and moreishly juicy. Yield of 40hl/ha. Drinking range: 2029 - 2043 Rating: 94 Georgie Hindle - Decanter (Apr 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

Bursting with aromas of orange zest, sweet berries and cherries, the 2025 Corbin is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with excellent mid-palate depth, suave tannins and a seamless,Bursting with aromas of orange zest, sweet berries and cherries, the 2025 Corbin is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with excellent mid-palate depth, suave tannins and a seamless, refined profile. One of the most charming wines of Saint-Emilion, the 2025 may rival the superb 2022. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

The 2025 Quintus, picked September 8 to 22, has the most opulent bouquet from Domaine Clarence Dillon, with lavish black cherries, cassis and blood orange scents, and a big bunch of violetsThe 2025 Quintus, picked September 8 to 22, has the most opulent bouquet from Domaine Clarence Dillon, with lavish black cherries, cassis and blood orange scents, and a big bunch of violets developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte, smooth tannins. A little lower in acidity, yet it maintains balance and comes armed with a seductive, dark chocolate-tinged finish that is a bit of a guilty pleasure. Very luxuriant. Drinking range: 2031 - 2052 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

The 2025 Le Dragon de Quintus is a delight, supple and forward, with gorgeous, pure fruit. The Dragon has a ton to offer in 2025. Soft curves wrap around a core of red cherry/plum fruit, spice andThe 2025 Le Dragon de Quintus is a delight, supple and forward, with gorgeous, pure fruit. The Dragon has a ton to offer in 2025. Soft curves wrap around a core of red cherry/plum fruit, spice and rose petal. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 13/5/2026

The 2025 Grand Corbin-Despagne offers up aromas of dark berries, licorice and creamy new oak, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, rich and layered palate that exhibits ripe tannins and attractiveThe 2025 Grand Corbin-Despagne offers up aromas of dark berries, licorice and creamy new oak, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, rich and layered palate that exhibits ripe tannins and attractive balance. If it can digest its cooperage with élevage, it may merit a higher score. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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: 6/5/2026

Offering up notes of ripe cherries and cassis framed by toasty oak, the 2025 Couvent des Jacobins is medium- to full-bodied, rich and dense, with a concentrated core of fruit, plenty of structuringOffering up notes of ripe cherries and cassis framed by toasty oak, the 2025 Couvent des Jacobins is medium- to full-bodied, rich and dense, with a concentrated core of fruit, plenty of structuring tannin and lively balancing acids. It's another strong performance for this 10.5-hectare Saint-Émilion property. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2026)

Release date: 5/5/2026

Lovely floral aromatics on the nose. Very scented - delicate. Great pure energetic kick from the off. Polished middle - with good density and lovely concentration of red fruit.. such good, juicyLovely floral aromatics on the nose. Very scented - delicate. Great pure energetic kick from the off. Polished middle - with good density and lovely concentration of red fruit.. such good, juicy bounce. Raspberry and tart strawberry, with the note of juice from firm plums. Superb. Pep and great weight, smart stuff. Really good equilibrium. Clearly the fruit of a hot year, you feel that in the concentration - but this remains cool and balanced with joyous density and lift. Drinking range: 2031 - 2041L&S (Apr 2026)

Release date: 5/5/2026

Solid, well framed and dense. Dark berry and warm spice aromas follow through to a medium body with chewy tannins. Plenty of purple fruit character on the palate, with a chewy finish.Solid, well framed and dense. Dark berry and warm spice aromas follow through to a medium body with chewy tannins. Plenty of purple fruit character on the palate, with a chewy finish. Rating: 92-93 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: 28/4/2026

Since 1947 the Grande Côte comes from a single block planted in 1947, just after the second world war, it was a time with no nurseries and so the vines and clones are a real mix of whatever theySince 1947 the Grande Côte comes from a single block planted in 1947, just after the second world war, it was a time with no nurseries and so the vines and clones are a real mix of whatever they could get their hands on. Pierre believes the make up to be 1/3 Cabernet Franc, 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mainly Merlot - with some odd white varieties in there too.. as he says it is the 'Cote Rôtie of Saint Emilion'!
Since 2022 he picks it all together, on the same day as a true field blend. A rare practice these days - but one that really works, especially in 2025. Once a gain he captures a super richness to the fruit again - lovely depth and ripeness - but with no thickness - no dragging weight. Baked plum, red cherry and then a more herbal, wild hedgerow character seeps in. Its quite the journey on the palate - there is a primary fresh crunch to the fruit - and great structure too - finely grained grip and super fresh poise and long energetic finish make this a very complete and totally compelling release.Its no surprise that Pierre is really happy with this vintage. we agree this is probably the best results yet - and, he says - it was easy too! In the cellar his skill was to be really relaxed - no 'rack and return' no punching down. Super gentle handling and minimal extraction were paramount in creating a wine that is so measured. He adds - this 'new style' of wine-making is very low-fi.. and really rather relaxing!L&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 La Mondotte is powerful yet understated. A rush of black cherry, lavender, sage, menthol, licorice and espresso conveys tons of intensity. Gravel, scorched earth and dried herbs add classicThe 2025 La Mondotte is powerful yet understated. A rush of black cherry, lavender, sage, menthol, licorice and espresso conveys tons of intensity. Gravel, scorched earth and dried herbs add classic Mondotte savory and mineral dimensions. Broad, chocolatey tannins support the explosive mid-palate and finish. This really sizzles with limestone-infused energy. Drinking range: 2035 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)