Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 25/6/2021

2020 marks a new chapter for this well placed estate on the plateau in St Emilion. Tiny for Bordeaux standards at just 6.5HA - but perfectly formed, it came to the market this year and was2020 marks a new chapter for this well placed estate on the plateau in St Emilion. Tiny for Bordeaux standards at just 6.5HA - but perfectly formed, it came to the market this year and was immediately in the sights of the local grandees like Angelus and Clos Fourtet. With some quick-thinking one of the family's young generation, Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse, managed to secure enough backing to take control and keep this fabulous Chateau in the family who have been here since 1847. Nicolas Thienpont and Stéphane Derenoncourt consult here - but Joséphine has put her own stamp on this 2020 which has been well received by the critics.. Sadly we were unable to taste this year - but having seen her work at La Tour Carnet before and knowing the incredible materials she is now working with at the historic family estate it seems this marks an exciting new dawn for Beauséjour Duffau Lagarosse. Rating: 0 L&S (Jun 2021)

Release date: 25/6/2021

Market Insight: Figeac has been on a sensational run of form and almost certainly has the highest chance of being up-rated in the 2022 St Emilion re-classification. A recent change to plot by plotMarket Insight: Figeac has been on a sensational run of form and almost certainly has the highest chance of being up-rated in the 2022 St Emilion re-classification. A recent change to plot by plot microvinification and an upgraded winery demonstrate how they are setting their stall. If this happens, it is likely that the wine will move immediately up to £1,000/6, or perhaps even to join the likes of Pavie and Angelus, who were up-rated in 2012.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 24/6/2021

Market Insight: L'If has seen enormous and deserved price appreciation since it was purchased by Jacques Thienpont in 2010. With its small production, cult following and their aim to increase the %Market Insight: L'If has seen enormous and deserved price appreciation since it was purchased by Jacques Thienpont in 2010. With its small production, cult following and their aim to increase the % of Cabernet Franc in the blend (which seems to be dealing well with warmer vintages) it is entirely possible that the price of L'If will continue to rise.

Tasting note: Very dark purple, almost inky in the way it coats the glass. A real heady nose of dark fruits (cassis, plum, black cherry), sweet spice, fruitcake & cedar. This is a big wine, with bags of structure on the palate. The ripe tannins dominate at the moment but you can still get that richness of fruit coming through. Needs at least 10-15 years in the cellar but that patience should be well rewarded. L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 23/6/2021

The second wine of Château Quintus, the 2020 Le Dragon De Quintus is one impressive looking barrel sample, offering lots of cassis and black cherry fruits as well as medium to full body, ripe, softThe second wine of Château Quintus, the 2020 Le Dragon De Quintus is one impressive looking barrel sample, offering lots of cassis and black cherry fruits as well as medium to full body, ripe, soft tannins, plenty of tobacco, earth, and green flower notes, and outstanding length on the finish. It doesn't have the richness of the Grand Vin but has lots of class and should drink well for 10-12 years or more. Rating: 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 23/6/2021

Market Insight: Quintus got its highest score yet in 2019, with a fairly serious 94-96 from both critics. Although it may need to come of age in terms of quality and identity, it appears that thisMarket Insight: Quintus got its highest score yet in 2019, with a fairly serious 94-96 from both critics. Although it may need to come of age in terms of quality and identity, it appears that this young Haut Brion lead project is starting to move. One to watch. L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 21/6/2021

Market Insight: With all the recent investment, outstanding scores and Thienpont ownership, Pavie Macquin represents one of the star buys on the right bank. It will be very surprising if this priceMarket Insight: With all the recent investment, outstanding scores and Thienpont ownership, Pavie Macquin represents one of the star buys on the right bank. It will be very surprising if this price doesn't increase in the near future.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 21/6/2021

Market Insight: Clos Fourtet make an undeniably high quality wine and it achieves some huge scores - both critics concurred on their 95-97 in 2019 and the 2018 with its 98 from Galloni now sits atMarket Insight: Clos Fourtet make an undeniably high quality wine and it achieves some huge scores - both critics concurred on their 95-97 in 2019 and the 2018 with its 98 from Galloni now sits at £500/6. That said, it has such strong contendors, it's tough to see quite what space it occupies within the market when compared to the likes of Pavie Macquin and La Gaffeliere. Back vintages reflect this, with little price growth.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 21/6/2021

The 2020 Les Grandes Murailles is fabulous. Rich, effusive and vibrant, it possesses terrific energy and plenty of verve. A whole range of floral and spice notes opens first as this chiseled, finelyThe 2020 Les Grandes Murailles is fabulous. Rich, effusive and vibrant, it possesses terrific energy and plenty of verve. A whole range of floral and spice notes opens first as this chiseled, finely sculpted Saint-Émilion gradually unfolds in the glass. A wine of reserve and character, the Les Grandes Murailles is shaping up to be a gem. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 18/6/2021

Market Insight: There isn't an awful lot that needs to be said about the Chanel owned Chateau Canon. So much has been done in the last decade to raise the quality and profile here - if you're luckyMarket Insight: There isn't an awful lot that needs to be said about the Chanel owned Chateau Canon. So much has been done in the last decade to raise the quality and profile here - if you're lucky enough to get an allocation, take it.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/6/2021

The 2020 Croix Canon is bright and perfumed right out of the bottle. There's not a ton of structure here, but then again, this is a second wine. Crushed red berries, mint, rose petal, cedar and aThe 2020 Croix Canon is bright and perfumed right out of the bottle. There's not a ton of structure here, but then again, this is a second wine. Crushed red berries, mint, rose petal, cedar and a touch of blood orange give the 2020 lovely complexity. This is very nicely done. I expect it will be a lovely mid-term drinker. Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 18/6/2021

Market Insight: Troplong released a wonderful 2019 and the pricing was at the top end of accurate, given that the 2010 is £620+/6 and of a similar quality. If there's a repeat, then this will be aMarket Insight: Troplong released a wonderful 2019 and the pricing was at the top end of accurate, given that the 2010 is £620+/6 and of a similar quality. If there's a repeat, then this will be a good buy, if the quality rises further, it will be an absolute must.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/6/2021

Market Insight: The 2019 was a strong release for Valandraud, especially if it rates at the top of the score bracket. With the 2010 being similar quality and now trading at £1,250/6+, the 2020 willMarket Insight: The 2019 was a strong release for Valandraud, especially if it rates at the top of the score bracket. With the 2010 being similar quality and now trading at £1,250/6+, the 2020 will be a very sensible buy if it repeats, or even rises a degree.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 15/6/2021

Market Insight: Whilst Ausone continues to command a price which many would see as stratospheric, anyone who has tasted it will attest to how justified this tag is. It equally benchmarks well againstMarket Insight: Whilst Ausone continues to command a price which many would see as stratospheric, anyone who has tasted it will attest to how justified this tag is. It equally benchmarks well against itself - the 2010 nearly tipping the £5000/6 mark. L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 15/6/2021

Market Insight: Chapelle has never quite carried the same weight as other top growth second wines. With the 2010 at £825, it doesn't provide the same incentive to buy at release. It would be great toMarket Insight: Chapelle has never quite carried the same weight as other top growth second wines. With the 2010 at £825, it doesn't provide the same incentive to buy at release. It would be great to see it back off to the lower end of this estimate to really motivate buyers.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 15/6/2021

50% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark purple. On the nose there is no hint of such high alcohol. Very supple texture and a lot of flattering fruit that pretty much distracts50% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark purple. On the nose there is no hint of such high alcohol. Very supple texture and a lot of flattering fruit that pretty much distracts from the medium charge of tannin. Much less obvious tannin than most of its peers. A certain appetising savour and energy. 15% Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 16.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

Release date: 14/6/2021

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple with a nose of black fruits; cassis, black cherry, sweet spice and cedar. Quite a sweet feel to the fruit on the palate then a very drying sensation from90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple with a nose of black fruits; cassis, black cherry, sweet spice and cedar. Quite a sweet feel to the fruit on the palate then a very drying sensation from the tannins. Good acidity on the finish. A nicely made wine that should benefit from 8-10 years of cellaring.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 14/6/2021

Market Insight: There are still no scores for the 2019 Beau-Séjour Becot, it will be interested what Thomas Duclos, along with Juliette and Julien can produce now that they're fully in control. OneMarket Insight: There are still no scores for the 2019 Beau-Séjour Becot, it will be interested what Thomas Duclos, along with Juliette and Julien can produce now that they're fully in control. One to watch.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 9/6/2021

Market Insight: La Gaffelière really found their form in 2017 when inclement weather wiped away most of the grapes on the valley floor, leaving just the slope abutting Ausone to make the wine. Market Insight: La Gaffelière really found their form in 2017 when inclement weather wiped away most of the grapes on the valley floor, leaving just the slope abutting Ausone to make the wine. L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

Good stuff, plenty of character, making this enjoyable right from the start. Less subdued and subtle than some but it carries it off, with brambled hawthorn-tinged fruits, with density and depth, butGood stuff, plenty of character, making this enjoyable right from the start. Less subdued and subtle than some but it carries it off, with brambled hawthorn-tinged fruits, with density and depth, but a limestone kick that picks things up through the finish. One to give yourself over to. A yield of 30hl/ha. The Lefevre family are also ones to watch in St-Emilion right now, with their recent investments into Villemaurine and Valandraud. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

Enjoyably sleek, plenty of freshness and clarity of fruit. A little tight through the mid palate that pauses the momentum, but this will fill out over ageing, and offers a ton of potential for futureEnjoyably sleek, plenty of freshness and clarity of fruit. A little tight through the mid palate that pauses the momentum, but this will fill out over ageing, and offers a ton of potential for future pleasure. Jean Luc Thunevin has been consultant for the past three years, but in global strategy rather than winemaking - all winemaking decisions are made by Annabelle Corbin and her cellar master Nicolas Fabre. A yield of 44hl/ha, 77% of production went into the first wine. Aged in a mix of barrels and glass wine globes. Harvest September 8 to 19. Drinking range: 2026 - 2042 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

The 2020 Clos de l'Oratoire is wonderfully savory. Lavender, mint, sage, licorice and spice lend striking aromatic nuance to a Clos de l'Oratoire that emphasizes energy over volume, as has sometimesThe 2020 Clos de l'Oratoire is wonderfully savory. Lavender, mint, sage, licorice and spice lend striking aromatic nuance to a Clos de l'Oratoire that emphasizes energy over volume, as has sometimes been the case in the past. The blueberry and blackberry fruit is finely sculpted in a wine that impresses with its vibrancy and drive. Clean, mineral notes inform the brisk finish. The 2020 is such a classy wine. Drinking range: 2028 - 2030 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

A true blockbuster in the vintage is the 2020 La Mondotte, which comes from a tiny 12-acre parcel of limestone soils located near Troplong Mondot, Pavie, and Larcis Ducasse, on the upper limestoneA true blockbuster in the vintage is the 2020 La Mondotte, which comes from a tiny 12-acre parcel of limestone soils located near Troplong Mondot, Pavie, and Larcis Ducasse, on the upper limestone plateau. Emerging from the talented team of Stephan von Neipperg and brought up in new barrels, it has a wonderfully pure, clean, medium to full-bodied style offering integrated oak, a straight, focused texture, and incredible purity in its darker berry fruits as well as notes of gravelly earth and liquid violets. It’s common for the wines from the upper plateau to show more perfumed ethereal aromatics (as opposed to more richness from wines on the hillside), and this is incredibly perfumed, elegant, and aromatic while still offering density, structure, and length. It’s going to take 7-8 years to hit maturity, but it should see its 30th birthday in fine form. Rating: 96-98 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

Violet reflections, great clarity of colour and immediate whoosh of salinity through the redcurrant fruits. Powerful and focused with bright berry flavours, it practically defines the term crunchyViolet reflections, great clarity of colour and immediate whoosh of salinity through the redcurrant fruits. Powerful and focused with bright berry flavours, it practically defines the term crunchy fruit, then softens to show creamier black cherry purée as it relaxes in the glass. Really a very tasty d'Aiguilhe from Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg. Extremely moreish. Harvest September 17 – 28, 30% new oak. Drinking range: 2023 - 2034 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

Market Insight: If you liked the Comtes style and the more hedonistic side of St Emilion, then this is a must buy. It's not in any way lacking poise, but very much erring on the blueberry/darkMarket Insight: If you liked the Comtes style and the more hedonistic side of St Emilion, then this is a must buy. It's not in any way lacking poise, but very much erring on the blueberry/dark chocolate spectrum - a good proposition for En Primeur purchasing as comparable mature vintages are nearly twice the price.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 1/6/2021

The 2020 Fombrauge has a crisp blackberry, blueberry and cedar nose, subtle pine aromas filtering through with aeration. The medium-bodied palate delivers crunchy black fruit laced with cedar andThe 2020 Fombrauge has a crisp blackberry, blueberry and cedar nose, subtle pine aromas filtering through with aeration. The medium-bodied palate delivers crunchy black fruit laced with cedar and very light ash notes. Good acidity here, and nice structure; a convincingly more classic Fombrauge, this, with fine grip toward the finish. I approve. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 28/5/2021

This is extremely tough and sinewy and the finish is loaded with dried out oak and unripe skin tannin. There is little or no joy to be found here.This is extremely tough and sinewy and the finish is loaded with dried out oak and unripe skin tannin. There is little or no joy to be found here. Rating: 15+? Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

Managing tannins is one of the lines that needed walking in 2020, and the warmer soils of Quinault compared to Cheval needed particular care. You find some traces of the solar nature of the summer onManaging tannins is one of the lines that needed walking in 2020, and the warmer soils of Quinault compared to Cheval needed particular care. You find some traces of the solar nature of the summer on the nose, with eucalyptus, black pepper and rosemary spice, but there is freshness on the palate, well balanced and with density to the blackberry and black cherry fruits, finishing up with again the eucalyptus that is found in the aromatics, and a generous kick of spice. This is tightly structured, it is expertly handled but I would suggest looking to the 2019. Harvest September 3 to 23. 10 days over 30°C during that time. Drinking range: 2024 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

This is another lovely Montlandrie and it is grainy, plush, full-fruited and the deepest purple. The texture is chewy and savoury and while it seems rather backward on the face of it, the fruit isThis is another lovely Montlandrie and it is grainy, plush, full-fruited and the deepest purple. The texture is chewy and savoury and while it seems rather backward on the face of it, the fruit is already rather pliable. I imagine it will start drinking younger than most vintages of this wine and then hold nicely. Rating: 17+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

A gorgeous red with so much black fruit and salty, mineral character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and a long finish. The precision and fine texture is impressive. One ofA gorgeous red with so much black fruit and salty, mineral character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and a long finish. The precision and fine texture is impressive. One of the best I have had for a while. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

Market Insight: JP Maltus' benchmark wine, Le Dome has been ahead of the curve for a while with such a high % of Cabernet Franc in the blend. Prices for new releases stack up nicely against theirMarket Insight: JP Maltus' benchmark wine, Le Dome has been ahead of the curve for a while with such a high % of Cabernet Franc in the blend. Prices for new releases stack up nicely against their back vintage counterparts - this should be on the list for any serious buyer.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

A terrific showing on multiple occasions, the 2020 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne boasts a deep purple hue as well as a rich, fresh, yet powerful style in its earthy red and black fruits as well asA terrific showing on multiple occasions, the 2020 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne boasts a deep purple hue as well as a rich, fresh, yet powerful style in its earthy red and black fruits as well as notes of graphite, chocolate, and background oak. It starts out rich and decadent, yet like a lot of 2020s, it shows more and more freshness and vibrancy as it sets in the glass. Along with the 2019, I suspect it’s one of the top wines from this estate. Rating: 92-94 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 26/5/2021

The 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud has a light blackberry, raspberry and rose petal nose, plus a hint of elderflower in the background. The oak is nicely integrated, although it needs more vigor. The palate isThe 2020 Clos Puy Arnaud has a light blackberry, raspberry and rose petal nose, plus a hint of elderflower in the background. The oak is nicely integrated, although it needs more vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet candied entry, bitter red fruit infused with orange peel, modest depth, and a slightly savory/dried blood finish where the Cabernet Franc (25%) makes its presence felt. This should age with style. Drinking range: 2024 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 26/5/2021

A tight, firm red with blackberry and plum character, as well as mushroom undertones. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins and a long finish. Very solid and dense in the center palate. 65% cabernetA tight, firm red with blackberry and plum character, as well as mushroom undertones. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins and a long finish. Very solid and dense in the center palate. 65% cabernet franc, 30% merlot and 5% malbec. From organically grown grapes. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

Release date: 25/5/2021

Notes of iron, toasty oak, violets, and ample red and blue fruits emerge from the 2020 Château Berliquet, a medium to full-bodied, gorgeously balanced and textured Saint-Emilion based on 69% MerlotNotes of iron, toasty oak, violets, and ample red and blue fruits emerge from the 2020 Château Berliquet, a medium to full-bodied, gorgeously balanced and textured Saint-Emilion based on 69% Merlot and 31% Cabernet Franc. It has a solid kick of background oak, but the fruit is incredibly pure and it has a great mid-palate and outstanding length. Still aging in 50% new French oak, it should benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 15 years or more in cold cellars. Rating: 92-94 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 21/5/2021

Pierre Taix has a deft hand when it comes to getting the most out of this small, organically farmed vineyard in a prime site of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion. There's a lavish wave of ripe, darkPierre Taix has a deft hand when it comes to getting the most out of this small, organically farmed vineyard in a prime site of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion. There's a lavish wave of ripe, dark berry-fruit on the nose. Good weight and body on the palate with those polished dark berries again, some nice spice notes too. Very fine-grained tannin and a good slug of pert acidity adds 'ping' to the well set frame. The dark fruit is joined by a hint of salinity as you reach the finish of this polished and charming St Emilion. Good drive and tension throughout - lovely wine in the vintage another under the radar winner here from the right bank..L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 21/5/2021

A good drop of damson and black cherry fruits right up front, and holds its line while the more austere tannins come in towards the finish. Expertly extracted, self-contained right now, firm fruitsA good drop of damson and black cherry fruits right up front, and holds its line while the more austere tannins come in towards the finish. Expertly extracted, self-contained right now, firm fruits that don't dip through the mid palate alongside a glossy wash of liquorice, black chocolate, sage and anis. This is clearly going to age well. 60% new oak for ageing. Owned by Hélène Garcin-Leveque, this is located right next to Troplong Mondot. Drinking range: 2027 - 2042 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 20/5/2021

Release date: 20/5/2021

So full of deeply-drawn berry fruit, fresh and juicy with touches of liquorice bud and rosemary, thirst quenching and yet thirst inducing in that amazing way that limestone can both refresh and makeSo full of deeply-drawn berry fruit, fresh and juicy with touches of liquorice bud and rosemary, thirst quenching and yet thirst inducing in that amazing way that limestone can both refresh and make you thirst for more at the same time. An excellent Moulin St Georges, and such a step up from the more sandy soils that you find at Fonbel and the two Simard estates in this year's range of Vauthier-owned wines that this alone can help you understand how to navigate 2020. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 20/5/2021

Market Insight: Bought by Ausone in 2014 and sitting on some fairly hallowed terroir just off the limestone plateau, La Clotte seems to have everything in alignment for a serious profile boost. TheMarket Insight: Bought by Ausone in 2014 and sitting on some fairly hallowed terroir just off the limestone plateau, La Clotte seems to have everything in alignment for a serious profile boost. The 2019 is as yet unscored, which for something so new adds a degree of frustration, but it would be surprising if this didn't rapidly take off.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 19/5/2021

For the second year running this historic estate has produced a brilliant wine that has really caught our attention. David Suire who for years worked with Nicolas Thienpont at Larcis Ducasse is inFor the second year running this historic estate has produced a brilliant wine that has really caught our attention. David Suire who for years worked with Nicolas Thienpont at Larcis Ducasse is in charge and making spectacular wines. Merlot on the limestone plateau of St Emilion has been notable this year and tasting this you can see a perfect example of what is possible. Crisp and firm feel - beautiful dark berry fruit has cut and drive. This is serious and sophisticated with wonderfully polished tannins that give a perfect frame for the well-packed core of fine fruit, Its all here and will slowly develop with time - overwhelmingly there is a charming coolness here - as in the very best Right bank 2020s.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

Roteboeuf, despite being at the quality level which could let them vie for a spot amongst the six Classé 'A' of St Emilion, do not bother with classifications, instead allowing the market to dictateRoteboeuf, despite being at the quality level which could let them vie for a spot amongst the six Classé 'A' of St Emilion, do not bother with classifications, instead allowing the market to dictate demand. Their higher elevation on the ‘tertre’ means they are frequently the last to pick and this, along with the soil, has countenanced the richness of the 2020 with freshness and tension. It was as if this wine were built for the vintage and was one of our highlights at tasting.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

Made by François Mitjavile, who is perhaps better known for Tertre Roteboeuf in St Emilion, Roc de Cambes is a 12 hectare vineyard with very old vines that overlooks the Gironde in the Côtes deMade by François Mitjavile, who is perhaps better known for Tertre Roteboeuf in St Emilion, Roc de Cambes is a 12 hectare vineyard with very old vines that overlooks the Gironde in the Côtes de Bourg. The blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec and on the day we tasted it was embarrissingly good compared to some of the Grands Vins in the same line up. Very refined sweet fruit but not over ripe (helped by being on the edge of a cool estuary). Delicate tannins, super tensile length.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

80% Merlot with the balance being made up of Cabernet Franc. Similarly refined like Roc de Cambes but more damson, loganberry and fragrant blueberry. Structurally very together and harmonious. Lovely80% Merlot with the balance being made up of Cabernet Franc. Similarly refined like Roc de Cambes but more damson, loganberry and fragrant blueberry. Structurally very together and harmonious. Lovely wine and as it was the last of the wines tasted that day, easily swallowed.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

Market Insight: With a mature and guaranteed 100 point 2010 on the market for £1,600/6, it's very difficult, far short of being a collector, to endorse buying the new release of Pavie. Let's hopeMarket Insight: With a mature and guaranteed 100 point 2010 on the market for £1,600/6, it's very difficult, far short of being a collector, to endorse buying the new release of Pavie. Let's hope they step back the price a bit to give a true incentive.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

This is a hugely oaky wine with a deep, dark, sooty core of fruit and rather terrifying and potent tannins. I have seen this many times over the years, but there is also a 2020 signature here whichThis is a hugely oaky wine with a deep, dark, sooty core of fruit and rather terrifying and potent tannins. I have seen this many times over the years, but there is also a 2020 signature here which gives this wine some hope. There is freshness and slight mintiness here which in other wines, particularly those found on the Left Bank in 2020, signals unripeness and when this is coupled with a lighter-framed wine, often Cabernet-dominant, it throws the wine out of balance. But in Monbousquet it works, just about bringing this wine back into line! Rating: 16.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

Market Insight: Carillon has habitually grown in value over the last few years as there is further recognition of its quality in relation to the grand vin. At the lower end of this range it looksMarket Insight: Carillon has habitually grown in value over the last few years as there is further recognition of its quality in relation to the grand vin. At the lower end of this range it looks very appealing, but could stand to be released a bit higher.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 11/5/2021

Market Insight: One of the best right bank buys from 2019, Cheval Blanc remains unscored by NM & RP, but all indications are that it will sit right at the top of the bracket. The price is already upMarket Insight: One of the best right bank buys from 2019, Cheval Blanc remains unscored by NM & RP, but all indications are that it will sit right at the top of the bracket. The price is already up to £3,000/6 and rumours are that 2020 has been very successful for them - even at a slightly higher price, this will be worth putting in for.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 6/5/2021

The 2020 Couvent des Jacobins is a dark, powerful wine. Inky black fruit, chocolate, spice, menthol, licorice and gritty tannins are a bit hard to get past today, but this has potential, especiallyThe 2020 Couvent des Jacobins is a dark, powerful wine. Inky black fruit, chocolate, spice, menthol, licorice and gritty tannins are a bit hard to get past today, but this has potential, especially if it softens. Overall, this brooding wine is made in a fairly heady, extracted style. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 87-90 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 4/5/2021

The 2020 Bellefont-Belcier was picked from September 15 to October 9 at 37hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak, 20% oval foudres. It has a ripe bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit, plus touches ofThe 2020 Bellefont-Belcier was picked from September 15 to October 9 at 37hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak, 20% oval foudres. It has a ripe bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit, plus touches of plum jam and subtle undergrowth, almost mulch-like scents. The palate is fleshy and open on the entry, framed by distinctly malleable tannins and a plush yet controlled finish with a dash of white pepper and sage. I suspect that this Saint-Émilion will drink earlier than its peers, yet it has the substance to give up to 15, possibly 20 years of drinking pleasure. Drinking range: 2027 - 2050 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 4/5/2021

Clean and precisely-spliced black fruits, austerity in the tannins and a mocha, grilled coffee bean edging through the finish. Good quality and well balanced, intense to the point of slightly bitterClean and precisely-spliced black fruits, austerity in the tannins and a mocha, grilled coffee bean edging through the finish. Good quality and well balanced, intense to the point of slightly bitter on the final moments. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 4/5/2021

Composed of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2020 Mangot is scented of ripe black plums, blackberry preserves and black cherry compote,Composed of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2020 Mangot is scented of ripe black plums, blackberry preserves and black cherry compote, followed by hints of licorice, dark chocolate and cardamom, with a waft of wild mushrooms. The medium to full-bodied palate gives a great intensity of juicy black fruits with soft, rounded tannins and just enough freshness to support, finishing earthy. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 92-94 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (May 2021)

The 2020 Angélus was given 30–40 minutes to open. It has a very intense nose of multilayered blackberry, blueberry and wild strawberry scents, crushed violet and hints of iodine. It is quintessentialThe 2020 Angélus was given 30–40 minutes to open. It has a very intense nose of multilayered blackberry, blueberry and wild strawberry scents, crushed violet and hints of iodine. It is quintessential Angélus in many ways, sleek and smooth, harmonious and seductive. Those qualities also come through on the palate. This is framed by fine tannins, the Cabernet components coming through strongly on the midpalate. Quite ferrous in some ways, allspice and subtle minty notes lending complexity toward the finish. It is not quite as persistent as the recently tasted 2018 from bottle, but it comes across a little more chiseled and intellectual. Drinking range: 2027 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 L&S (May 2021)

Soupy and full-bodied and far too oaky, this is a heavy wine with no freshness or vivacity at all on the palate. While the oak is hard, the fruit is ripe and the constituent elements are certainly ofSoupy and full-bodied and far too oaky, this is a heavy wine with no freshness or vivacity at all on the palate. While the oak is hard, the fruit is ripe and the constituent elements are certainly of appreciable quality, the winemaking is heavy-handed, sweaty and extractive. What a shame. Rating: 15+? Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Fonplégade is sensual, polished and understated. This mid-weight, silky Saint-Émilion has more finesse than power. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Crushed rose petal, mint,The 2020 Fonplégade is sensual, polished and understated. This mid-weight, silky Saint-Émilion has more finesse than power. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Crushed rose petal, mint, raspberry jam and mocha all grace the 2020. This is a very classy wine from Denise and Stephen Adams. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Made by Pierre and Nicolas Seillan, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is from 50 to 60 years old vines and composed of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestoneMade by Pierre and Nicolas Seillan, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is from 50 to 60 years old vines and composed of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone soils. A classic Saint Emilion - a mouth full of a cushion of ripe fruit and fine velety tannins, but there's more too, as there's a coherent shape and a fine grip that makes it interesting and the freshness that keeps the whole thing harmonious. Good value. L&S (May 2021)

Market Insight: One of the Maltus stable, Asteries is rare and exciting. With this being a merlot lead vintage, it should be a very strong performer. If it can equal scores from 2010/16/19 then itMarket Insight: One of the Maltus stable, Asteries is rare and exciting. With this being a merlot lead vintage, it should be a very strong performer. If it can equal scores from 2010/16/19 then it will be a must have.L&S (May 2021)

A chewy, focused red with blackberry, blueberry and toasted-oak aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with savory fruit and a flavorful finish.A chewy, focused red with blackberry, blueberry and toasted-oak aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with savory fruit and a flavorful finish. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)