Saint Émilion & Satellites

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: 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 (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: 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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

The 2025 Ausone is powerful, dense and packed to the core. Readers will have to be patient with the 2025, as it is quite reticent. In 2025, the Vauthier family did not produce a second wine atThe 2025 Ausone is powerful, dense and packed to the core. Readers will have to be patient with the 2025, as it is quite reticent. In 2025, the Vauthier family did not produce a second wine at Ausone. Consequently, the blend in the Grand Vin is a bit different than in most years, at 65% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Time in the glass brings out hints of blood orange, rose petal, mint and raspberry jam. It will be fascinating to see how the 2025 ages. Drinking range: 2035 - 2075 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (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)

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)

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)

The 2025 Berliquet is precise, elegant and nuanced—adjectives I have not used often here, but that sum up the level of the 2025. Floral overtones, red berry fruit, mint and spice are beautifullyThe 2025 Berliquet is precise, elegant and nuanced—adjectives I have not used often here, but that sum up the level of the 2025. Floral overtones, red berry fruit, mint and spice are beautifully delineated in the glass. The 2025 opens beautifully with a bit of time, showing notable breadth and layers. This is the finest Berliquet since Chanel's acquisition in 2017. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Canon is a total stunner. Deep and sumptuous in the glass, it offers tons of the vintage's textural intensity along with all the vibrant, saline energy that is such a signature here.The 2025 Canon is a total stunner. Deep and sumptuous in the glass, it offers tons of the vintage's textural intensity along with all the vibrant, saline energy that is such a signature here. Dark-fleshed fruit, mocha, new leather, herbs and dried flowers build gradually in the glass, leading to a huge, dramatic finish laced with hints of blood orange, pomegranate and chalk. The interplay of finesse and power is dazzling. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2035 - 2065 Rating: 98-100 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

A deep and layered young red with blackberry, black olive and white pepper character with a full body and savory fruit. White pepper and other spices. Depth with elegance. Extremely well crafted. AA deep and layered young red with blackberry, black olive and white pepper character with a full body and savory fruit. White pepper and other spices. Depth with elegance. Extremely well crafted. A blend of 45% cabernet franc, 40% merlot and 15% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2026)

A friendly and delicious wine with a medium body, juicy fruit and a savory finish. Very pretty already.A friendly and delicious wine with a medium body, juicy fruit and a savory finish. Very pretty already. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

Fresh and bright, with aromas of sliced oranges, dark berries and cedar that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp and bright finish.Fresh and bright, with aromas of sliced oranges, dark berries and cedar that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp and bright finish. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Figeac is a powerful, deeply structured wine. Dark-fleshed fruit, mocha, incense, scorched earth, tobacco and grilled herbs soar across the palate in a towering Figeac of the highest level.The 2025 Figeac is a powerful, deeply structured wine. Dark-fleshed fruit, mocha, incense, scorched earth, tobacco and grilled herbs soar across the palate in a towering Figeac of the highest level. All the elements are so well balanced. A season marked by very gradual ripening yielded an especially aromatic, perfumed Grand Vin. Yields were 25 hectoliters per hectare, harvested at a very modest 13% potential alcohol. The 2025 saw a cold maceration lasting six to eight days, with no sulfur added at crush, followed by another three weeks or so on the skins. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2035 - 2075 Rating: 96-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Fleur Cardinale offers an intriguing mix of intense, dark-red-toned fruit and cooling savory/mineral undertones. Plum, mocha, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and rose petal flesh out in theThe 2025 Fleur Cardinale offers an intriguing mix of intense, dark-red-toned fruit and cooling savory/mineral undertones. Plum, mocha, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and rose petal flesh out in the glass, adding layers of dynamic energy and intensity. Bracing saline notes underpin the long, sustained finish. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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)

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)

A classic St. Emilion with blueberry and raspberry character and limestone undertones giving it chalkiness. Medium-bodied with a lightly chewy finish.A classic St. Emilion with blueberry and raspberry character and limestone undertones giving it chalkiness. Medium-bodied with a lightly chewy finish. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Grand Mayne is impressive. Dark, layered and vibrant, Grand Mayne has so much to offer. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, licorice, mocha and a kiss of French oak all meld together in theThe 2025 Grand Mayne is impressive. Dark, layered and vibrant, Grand Mayne has so much to offer. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, licorice, mocha and a kiss of French oak all meld together in the glass. This big, broad-shouldered Saint-Émilion displays very fine balance and tons of character. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 L'If is a total stunner. It's like no other vintage I have tasted thus far, perhaps because of the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Franc. Chalk, mint, white pepper, blood orange andThe 2025 L'If is a total stunner. It's like no other vintage I have tasted thus far, perhaps because of the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Franc. Chalk, mint, white pepper, blood orange and jasmine are some of the many notes that gradually open in the glass. A saline edge shapes the brisk mid-palate and brilliant, chiseled finish. Magnificent. The best L'If to date. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2035 - 2065 Rating: 97-99 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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)

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

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)

Dense, rich and chocolaty, with a medium body and ripe, chewy tannins. Generous and well built. Compact finish.Dense, rich and chocolaty, with a medium body and ripe, chewy tannins. Generous and well built. Compact finish. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2026)

The 2025 Moulin Saint-Georges is a delight. Plump and juicy, with lovely forward fruit, the 2025 offers up generous blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, mint and cinnamon. Soft, supple curves addThe 2025 Moulin Saint-Georges is a delight. Plump and juicy, with lovely forward fruit, the 2025 offers up generous blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, mint and cinnamon. Soft, supple curves add to its considerable appeal. This inviting Saint-Émilion is a total charmer. Best of all, it should drink well with minimal cellaring. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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)

Perfumed and clear, with aromas of raspberries, flowers and citrus. Medium-bodied, showing fine tannins and a tangy finish with salty undertones. A linear and complex wine with unique balance. 14.1%Perfumed and clear, with aromas of raspberries, flowers and citrus. Medium-bodied, showing fine tannins and a tangy finish with salty undertones. A linear and complex wine with unique balance. 14.1% alcohol. 78% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 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)

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)

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

The 2025 Valandraud is breathtaking. Its the first vintage made by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Marie Lefévère together. It therefore represents a changing of the guard, now that Lefévère and her husband,The 2025 Valandraud is breathtaking. Its the first vintage made by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Marie Lefévère together. It therefore represents a changing of the guard, now that Lefévère and her husband, Christophe, have taken full ownership of the property after many years holding a minority stake. Vibrant and explosive in the glass, the 2025 Valandraud offers an exotic mélange of dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and mocha. There's gorgeous precision here, much of that coming from more finesse in the tannins. The 2025 is utterly magnificent. Élevage is 90% new oak and 10% 15HL _foudres). Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2035 - 2065 Rating: 96-99 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

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

A deep and layered red with chocolate, berry, cherry, orange peel and some limestone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with lovely fruit and a tangy and vivid finish. Bright acidity comes out at theA deep and layered red with chocolate, berry, cherry, orange peel and some limestone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with lovely fruit and a tangy and vivid finish. Bright acidity comes out at the end. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.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 is powerful yet understated. A rush of black cherry, lavender, sage, menthol, licorice and espresso conveys tons of intensity. Gravel, scorched earth and dried herbs add classicThe 2025 La Mondotte is powerful yet understated. A rush of black cherry, lavender, sage, menthol, licorice and espresso conveys tons of intensity. Gravel, scorched earth and dried herbs add classic Mondotte savory and mineral dimensions. Broad, chocolatey tannins support the explosive mid-palate and finish. This really sizzles with limestone-infused energy. Drinking range: 2035 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)

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)

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