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

A dense yet open-grained red. It’s layered, with dusty tannins that give it a velvety texture and a medium- to full-bodied palate with plum, currant and cedar flavors. Juicy. 13% alcohol. Merlot,A dense yet open-grained red. It’s layered, with dusty tannins that give it a velvety texture and a medium- to full-bodied palate with plum, currant and cedar flavors. Juicy. 13% alcohol. Merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 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

Quite dark liquorice, black chocolate and toasted notes on the nose, round and softly plump with fleshy tannins and a really bright, almost brisk core of crunchy. cranberry-edged acidity.Quite dark liquorice, black chocolate and toasted notes on the nose, round and softly plump with fleshy tannins and a really bright, almost brisk core of crunchy. cranberry-edged acidity. Straightforward with a structured frame of firm tannins and toasted oak. It’s not yet harmonised and the acidity is quite accentuated which is almost always the case but I do like the generous and friendly tannins which make it that little bit more soft and charming. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 95 Georgie Hindle - Decanter (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 was picked between September 4 and 19 at just over 30 hl/ha and matured entirely in new oak. The 51% Cabernet Franc drives the nose, so it errs more towards black, slightlyThe 2025 Trotte Vieille was picked between September 4 and 19 at just over 30 hl/ha and matured entirely in new oak. The 51% Cabernet Franc drives the nose, so it errs more towards black, slightly peppery fruit, with touches of bay leaf and pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, pleasing edginess, moderate depth, more linear, fresh and sapid in style, with commendable minéralité towards the finish. This is a very well-crafted Saint-Émilion that will only get better with age, as testified by numerous vintages tasted over the years. Drinking range: 2031 - 2045 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2026)

Release date: 2/6/2026

The cabernet franc really comes through, with fine, intense, racy tannins and great length. Chalky and focused. More restrained than past vintages, with superb tension at the end. The most cabernetThe cabernet franc really comes through, with fine, intense, racy tannins and great length. Chalky and focused. More restrained than past vintages, with superb tension at the end. The most cabernet franc-driven Pavie ever. And it works so well. Precise is the word. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 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

Lots of dark fruit with an edge, supported by chalky tannins. Compact and concentrated, with a fresh medium body. The crunchy, chalky tannins help balance the wine’s exuberance. This shows anLots of dark fruit with an edge, supported by chalky tannins. Compact and concentrated, with a fresh medium body. The crunchy, chalky tannins help balance the wine’s exuberance. This shows an attractive combination of power, focused tannins, freshness and exuberant fruit, with hints of black mushrooms and ink. Aged for 20 months in 90% new oak and 10% foudres. 84% merlot, 9% cabernet sauvignon and 7% cabernet franc. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

The pureness of fruit is exceptional, with a long and linear palate of wonderfully curated raspberry, cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied. You almost don’t see the tannins, but youThe pureness of fruit is exceptional, with a long and linear palate of wonderfully curated raspberry, cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied. You almost don’t see the tannins, but you know they are there. So silky and endless. It has the core of fruit of the best of the vintage. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc. Rating: 99-100 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

Release date: 21/5/2026

The 2025 La Clotte is a powerful, layered wine that needs a few minutes in the glass to open. Lifted floral and savory overtones meld into a core of dark red cherry fruit, mocha, new leather,The 2025 La Clotte is a powerful, layered wine that needs a few minutes in the glass to open. Lifted floral and savory overtones meld into a core of dark red cherry fruit, mocha, new leather, menthol, licorice and dried herbs. Bright saline notes follow, shaping the mid-palate and finish nicely. This needs time to unwind, but there's a lot of wine here. Gorgeous. Drinking range: 2033 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.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 was picked between September 9 and 20 and includes 20% each of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, raised in 60% new oak. (Did you know that they have 400 olive trees and produceThe 2025 Montlandrie was picked between September 9 and 20 and includes 20% each of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, raised in 60% new oak. (Did you know that they have 400 olive trees and produce virgin oil from the estate? I didn't.) This is more reticent on the nose compared to the Les Cruzelles, displaying a subtle marine tincture tucked behind the black plum and raspberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant, fluid tannins, a crisp line of acidity, overtly peppery towards the vivacious finish, which disguises the backbone of this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Great length, there can be few wines from that appellation better than this. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 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

The 2025 Fleur Cardinale is the best cuvée from the Decoster family this vintage. Very well defined on the nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, violet and iodine, there is a purity of fruit thatThe 2025 Fleur Cardinale is the best cuvée from the Decoster family this vintage. Very well defined on the nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, violet and iodine, there is a purity of fruit that is quite sensual. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite intense and a little more peppery than the Croix Cardinale, with gentle grip and a lingering finish. Give it three or four years and you will have a fine Saint-Émilion. Drinking range: 2031 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 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 is deep and quite powerful. Black cherry, leather, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and chocolate take shape in the glass. This builds beautifully with time, showingThe 2025 Grand Corbin Despagne is deep and quite powerful. Black cherry, leather, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and chocolate take shape in the glass. This builds beautifully with time, showing lots of Cabernet savoriness and pepperiness. Superb. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2055 Rating: 91-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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

The 2025 Grand Mayne reveals a fresh, expressive bouquet of dark berries, cassis and mulberries, becoming more floral with aeration. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s supple and enveloping, with a velvetyThe 2025 Grand Mayne reveals a fresh, expressive bouquet of dark berries, cassis and mulberries, becoming more floral with aeration. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s supple and enveloping, with a velvety texture and a refined, well-defined tannic frame, concluding with a fresh, elegant finish marked by dark berry nuances. This is a more restrained, finely tuned expression than in previous vintages, aligning closely with the estate’s recent stylistic evolution. Rating: 92-94 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (May 2026)

Release date: 5/5/2026

Our tasting of Mangot 2025 left us a little lukewarm which is surprising, as this is usually a wine that wins us over from the first sip. As we see other reviews come in - it seems we had a less goodOur tasting of Mangot 2025 left us a little lukewarm which is surprising, as this is usually a wine that wins us over from the first sip. As we see other reviews come in - it seems we had a less good sample bottle. Such a shame not to have had a perfect insight into this perennial pleaser - we are trying to source a fresh sample and will keep you updated! In the meantime critics seem to admire it as ever.60 % Merlot, 38 % Cabernet Franc & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rating: 5 L&S (May 2026)

Release date: 4/5/2026

The depth and intensity in the center palate makes you think. It’s medium- to full-bodied with very integrated, polished grape tannins. Creamy texture. A curated and transparent effort.The depth and intensity in the center palate makes you think. It’s medium- to full-bodied with very integrated, polished grape tannins. Creamy texture. A curated and transparent effort. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Release date: 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 was picked at around 35 hl/ha between September 13 and 17. This has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry and crushed strawberry scents, which becomes just a tad darker as it aerates,The 2025 Barde-Haut was picked at around 35 hl/ha between September 13 and 17. This has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry and crushed strawberry scents, which becomes just a tad darker as it aerates, hints of violet and cassis emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, quite plush yet balanced in style, touches of white pepper and graphite towards the elegant, pastille-like finish. This is a promising Barde-Haut that will require just three or four years in bottle. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 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)