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

Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate herbal spice, fresh red heart cherries, delicate cassis, a hint of mandarin zest, mineral touch. Complex,Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate herbal spice, fresh red heart cherries, delicate cassis, a hint of mandarin zest, mineral touch. Complex, tightly meshed, black cherries, good freshness on the palate too, silky-soft, ripe, supporting tannins that are very well integrated, extract-sweet finish, salty touch, has great length, very seductive style, perhaps the most precise Figeac ever.  Rating: 100 Peter Moser, www.Falstaff.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

Medium- to full-bodied and chalky but charming, with definition and clarity. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Best ever.Medium- to full-bodied and chalky but charming, with definition and clarity. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Best ever. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

A very structured wine with blackberry, hazelnut, dark chocolate, violet and some black licorice aromas. Full-bodied but in a reserved way, with super framing of the fine tannins. Elegant andA very structured wine with blackberry, hazelnut, dark chocolate, violet and some black licorice aromas. Full-bodied but in a reserved way, with super framing of the fine tannins. Elegant and structured. Fun to taste. 13.9% alcohol. 85% merlot, 13% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

Another sleeper of the vintage, the 2025 Joanin Bécot is as gourmand and energetic as ever, revealing aromas of iris, lilac, dark berries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and enveloping,Another sleeper of the vintage, the 2025 Joanin Bécot is as gourmand and energetic as ever, revealing aromas of iris, lilac, dark berries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and enveloping, it’s tense and vibrant, built around a perfumed, fruit-driven mid-palate that leads to an ethereal, floral finish. It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Rating: 91-93 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.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

The 2025 Pavie Macquin is a powerful, structured wine. In most vintages, Pavie Macquin is sensual and silky, but the 2025 is quite tannic in this tasting. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, menthol,The 2025 Pavie Macquin is a powerful, structured wine. In most vintages, Pavie Macquin is sensual and silky, but the 2025 is quite tannic in this tasting. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, menthol, licorice, sage and lavender add to an impression of brooding density and pure power. Floral top notes lift the close. I can't wait to see how this ages. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2065 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 8/6/2026

The 2025 Clos Fourtet was picked between September 9 and 22, the second earliest after 2003, with a yield of 28 hl/ha. It underwent a lighter extraction at a slightly lower temperature, 24°C, duringThe 2025 Clos Fourtet was picked between September 9 and 22, the second earliest after 2003, with a yield of 28 hl/ha. It underwent a lighter extraction at a slightly lower temperature, 24°C, during natural fermentation. It has a bright nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, orange rind and touches of crushed stone emanating from the limestone. The palate is medium-bodied, with succulent ripe tannins, leaning more towards red fruit on the mid-palate. Subtle touches of graphite and white pepper emerge towards the citrus-fresh finish, with commendable length, gentle grip and satisfying sustain. This is a great Clos Fourtet that should age well in bottle. Drinking range: 2032 - 2055 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 5/6/2026

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

Release date: 4/6/2026

The 2025 Trotte Vieille shows exceptional potential, unfurling in the glass with aromas of ripe blueberries, violets, subtle spices and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's deep,The 2025 Trotte Vieille shows exceptional potential, unfurling in the glass with aromas of ripe blueberries, violets, subtle spices and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's deep, concentrated and refined, with lively acids, lovely purity and a long, penetrating finish. This limestone terroir on Saint-Emilion's plateau is really showing its pedigree, and it has produced one of the highlights of the vintage. Rating: 95-97 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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

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

Release date: 22/5/2026

The 2025 Berliquet was picked September 3 to 17 and is aged in 38% new barrels and 23% amphora, which are being increased slightly each year. This has a very refined bouquet, lifted and quite floral,The 2025 Berliquet was picked September 3 to 17 and is aged in 38% new barrels and 23% amphora, which are being increased slightly each year. This has a very refined bouquet, lifted and quite floral, black cherry and blueberry, a little creaminess, in fact, quite Canon-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity on the entry. The limestone really comes through and underlies this Berliquet, almost like a white wine, as if someone crumbled it into the wine. That's terroir for you. It lends plenty of freshness and another layer of complexity on the finish. This is one of the best vintages of Berliquet that I have tasted from barrel. Drinking range: 2032 - 2055 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 22/5/2026

Thoroughly enjoyable, iris, juicy bilberry, loganberry, blackcurrant, rich, juicy and measured, has the fingerprint of limestone without being sharp. Clearly will age well, already totally delicious.Thoroughly enjoyable, iris, juicy bilberry, loganberry, blackcurrant, rich, juicy and measured, has the fingerprint of limestone without being sharp. Clearly will age well, already totally delicious. 3.42 pH. Harvest September 12 to 22. 50% new oak. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 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 was picked from September 10 to 20 and Stéphanie de Bouard told me that they halved the pumpovers. The Cabernet Franc is aged half in foudres and half in new barrel, and the MerlotThe 2025 Angélus was picked from September 10 to 20 and Stéphanie de Bouard told me that they halved the pumpovers. The Cabernet Franc is aged half in foudres and half in new barrel, and the Merlot is half in new barrel and half in one-year-old barrels that were used for the 2023 vintage. The alcohol is 14.05% with a pH of 3.6, many grapes showing a gram or more malic acid. This note comes from a narrower Riedel glass that showed the wine in a better and more accurate light. The bouquet opens with blackberry, raspberry, light cassis scents and a touch of iodine, well defined, the oak seated politely in the background. The palate is silky smooth with filigree tannins, very well judged acidity plus palpable underlying sapid notes that come through towards the finish. Fine tension, very focused with a very persistent aftertaste, this is an Angélus with great potential and it should give 25 to 30 years' drinking pleasure. Drinking range: 2033 - 2060 Rating: 95-97 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

Energy and momentum, a little more reserved than the Moulin St Georges, rose petals, floral aromatics fully ascendent, grilled incense and sandalwood, raspberry and red cherry fruits, tobacco leafEnergy and momentum, a little more reserved than the Moulin St Georges, rose petals, floral aromatics fully ascendent, grilled incense and sandalwood, raspberry and red cherry fruits, tobacco leaf and salt scrape. This is limestone, tamed. 100% new oak. New winery finished, work still underway for a place to receive visitors. Harvest September 8 to 18, 30hl/h yield, 3.5ph, in the Vauthier family since 2014. Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.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

The 2025 Saintayme is a gorgeous Saint-Émilion from the Durantou sisters. This is the first year in which the blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc as opposed to the 100% Merlot of past years.The 2025 Saintayme is a gorgeous Saint-Émilion from the Durantou sisters. This is the first year in which the blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc as opposed to the 100% Merlot of past years. Intense red-toned fruit, flowers, citrus and spice—all Franc signatures—soar across the palate. The 2025 is vibrant and so expressive right out of the gate. It's a total delight. Drinking range: 2030 - 2040 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

High pumice stone grip, certainly very much on the limestone character, attractive and with plenty of lift and grip, and an underlying and highly attractive drama from grilled sandalwood and incenseHigh pumice stone grip, certainly very much on the limestone character, attractive and with plenty of lift and grip, and an underlying and highly attractive drama from grilled sandalwood and incense oak notes. A more subdued Canon la Gaffelière at this early stage, will widen and deepen over ageing. Yield 35 hl/ha. 30% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 Clos de l'Oratoire is a gorgeous, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. Strong floral and savory inflections open first. Initially deceptive, the 2025 has plenty of power lying in reserve. The blend isThe 2025 Clos de l'Oratoire is a gorgeous, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. Strong floral and savory inflections open first. Initially deceptive, the 2025 has plenty of power lying in reserve. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc very much front and center in the wine's aromatics, saline-infused contours and overall structural feel. This is impeccably done. Drinking range: 2033 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 20/5/2026

The 2025 d'Aiguilhe offers up a heady concoction of red/purplish fruit, lavender, black pepper, rose petal, cinnamon, new leather and blood orange. There's gorgeous textural depth here, but alsoThe 2025 d'Aiguilhe offers up a heady concoction of red/purplish fruit, lavender, black pepper, rose petal, cinnamon, new leather and blood orange. There's gorgeous textural depth here, but also plenty of energy to complement the wine's fruit intensity and overall richness. The tannins will need a bit of time to soften. Drinking range: 2028 - 2037 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (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

The 2025 Corbin is floral, vibrant and super expressive. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, mint and blood orange adds to a commendable impression of freshness. This is such aThe 2025 Corbin is floral, vibrant and super expressive. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, mint and blood orange adds to a commendable impression of freshness. This is such a gorgeous and refined Saint-Émilion. Drinking range: 2033 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

A beautiful expression of fruit with focus and great definition. A tight balance between the chalky tannins, linear acidity and fruit. 73.2% merlot and 26.8% cabernet franc.A beautiful expression of fruit with focus and great definition. A tight balance between the chalky tannins, linear acidity and fruit. 73.2% merlot and 26.8% cabernet franc. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 19/5/2026

Very pure, precise and medium-bodied with great definition. There’s brightness that really helps. Chalky, with agreeable, ethereal fruit. 74.8% merlot and 25.2% cabernet franc.Very pure, precise and medium-bodied with great definition. There’s brightness that really helps. Chalky, with agreeable, ethereal fruit. 74.8% merlot and 25.2% cabernet franc. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.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

The 2025 Couvent des Jacobins is a rich, sumptuous wine. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, incense and sweet oak are the signatures. This fleshy, explosive Saint-Émilion is quite the extrovert.The 2025 Couvent des Jacobins is a rich, sumptuous wine. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, incense and sweet oak are the signatures. This fleshy, explosive Saint-Émilion is quite the extrovert. It's a soloist, not an orchestra, but very delicious just the same. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2031 - 2045 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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

The 2025 Grand Mayne is very refined and poised on the nose, fresher than many of its Right Bank peers, with red berry fruit, cedar and subtle sous-bois scents. The palate is framed by very suppleThe 2025 Grand Mayne is very refined and poised on the nose, fresher than many of its Right Bank peers, with red berry fruit, cedar and subtle sous-bois scents. The palate is framed by very supple tannins, matched by a keen line of acidity, lightly spiced, very cohesive, with a prolonged and elegant finish. Just a great Saint-Émilion 2025 that should age with style. Drinking range: 2032 - 2055 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jun 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 is another step forward for this Saint-Émilion estate. Aromatic and silky but with plenty of power, the 2025 hits all the right notes. Crushed flowers, mint, tobacco,The 2025 Bellefont-Belcier is another step forward for this Saint-Émilion estate. Aromatic and silky but with plenty of power, the 2025 hits all the right notes. Crushed flowers, mint, tobacco, incense and anise present gorgeous layers of aromatic nuance. Silky tannins frame the close. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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 Barde-Haut is a powerful and resonant. Macerated dark cherry, spice, new leather, cedar and menthol confer tons of intensity. Broad and ample, with notable textural intensity, Barde-Haut isThe 2025 Barde-Haut is a powerful and resonant. Macerated dark cherry, spice, new leather, cedar and menthol confer tons of intensity. Broad and ample, with notable textural intensity, Barde-Haut is a highly representative wine from Saint-Émilion's Saint Christophe des Bardes sector. This builds beautifully with a bit of time in the glass. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

A tight and focused red with blackberry, black olive and cherry undertones. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins and a precise finish. Nice backbone of tannins and balance.A tight and focused red with blackberry, black olive and cherry undertones. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins and a precise finish. Nice backbone of tannins and balance. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Tertre Rôteboeuf is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Silky and seamless on the palate, with exceptional finesse, the 2025 marries power with elegance in grand style. Crushed flowers,The 2025 Tertre Rôteboeuf is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Silky and seamless on the palate, with exceptional finesse, the 2025 marries power with elegance in grand style. Crushed flowers, blue-toned fruit, mocha and a kiss of French oak expand in the glass. Tertre Rôteboeuf is quite rich and deep, as it always is, but the 2025 also offers superb freshness and energy to match. It's a gorgeous Saint-Émilion in the making. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

Medium- to full-bodied, structured and expressive, with firm, fine-grained, chewy tannins and deep dark fruit that persists throughout, with a subtle saline note in the finish.Medium- to full-bodied, structured and expressive, with firm, fine-grained, chewy tannins and deep dark fruit that persists throughout, with a subtle saline note in the finish. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 La Mondotte comes from vines planted in the 1930s, with some recent plantings of Cabernet Franc added in this vintage. Another change is the use of 12-hectolitre foudres. This has anThe 2025 La Mondotte comes from vines planted in the 1930s, with some recent plantings of Cabernet Franc added in this vintage. Another change is the use of 12-hectolitre foudres. This has an engaging, delineated bouquet with mineral-rich black fruit, hints of graphite and tobacco in the background, much more classical in style compared with earlier vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. Lovely texture, tensile and edgy, with a brisk, peppery finish that fans out with style. This is a sophisticated La Mondotte that should age gracefully. Drinking range: 2033 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jun 2026)