Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 11/5/2021

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

Release date: 6/5/2021

This is dense and extremely minerally with crushed-stone and chalk character, as well as walnuts and moss to the blue fruit. It’s full-bodied and chewy with polished tannins that are succulent andThis is dense and extremely minerally with crushed-stone and chalk character, as well as walnuts and moss to the blue fruit. It’s full-bodied and chewy with polished tannins that are succulent and round. One of the best young wines from here. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

Release date: 4/5/2021

A very sophisticated, layered red with dark-plum, chocolate and walnut character. It’s full and flavorful with a cashmere-like texture. Flavorful at the end.A very sophisticated, layered red with dark-plum, chocolate and walnut character. It’s full and flavorful with a cashmere-like texture. Flavorful at the end. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)

Release date: 4/5/2021

Full-bodied and creamy with lots of spice and walnut character. Lovely softness and purity. Black fruit at the end. Very fine tannins. Well-integrated.Full-bodied and creamy with lots of spice and walnut character. Lovely softness and purity. Black fruit at the end. Very fine tannins. Well-integrated. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)

Very salty and tangy with some white pepper, too, as well as lots of blackberries and blueberries. Medium body with delicate yet firm tannins that show intensity. Firm finish.Very salty and tangy with some white pepper, too, as well as lots of blackberries and blueberries. Medium body with delicate yet firm tannins that show intensity. Firm finish. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

A firm red with some attractive tannins at this stage, but it lacks a little center palate and depth. Let’s see how it develops. From biodynamically grown grapes.A firm red with some attractive tannins at this stage, but it lacks a little center palate and depth. Let’s see how it develops. From biodynamically grown grapes. Rating: 88-89 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)

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

Market Insight: We'd really like to see a bit of a correction here to offer real value. With the superb 2016 currently trading at £1,250 it's hard to find value in the new releases. Angelus areMarket Insight: We'd really like to see a bit of a correction here to offer real value. With the superb 2016 currently trading at £1,250 it's hard to find value in the new releases. Angelus are somewhat victims of previous success and fair pricing. L&S (May 2021)

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

A young red with blackberry, chocolate and walnut character that follows through to a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Subtle in the end.A young red with blackberry, chocolate and walnut character that follows through to a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Subtle in the end. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

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

Market Insight: A hard one to pin down, Beausejour Duffau hit such a strong run of form over 2010/2009 that nothing has really compared. Quality has been really high the last few years, so if 2020Market Insight: A hard one to pin down, Beausejour Duffau hit such a strong run of form over 2010/2009 that nothing has really compared. Quality has been really high the last few years, so if 2020 delivers them the right grapes and they get within the perfect range, it could be a very exciting prospect. The smart money, however, may be with Pavie Macquin.L&S (May 2021)

69% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc. Clean and effortless in style. Delicate summer-fruit notes with a hint of mint. Juicy and fresh with chalky tannins and dry finish. Eminently digeste.69% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc. Clean and effortless in style. Delicate summer-fruit notes with a hint of mint. Juicy and fresh with chalky tannins and dry finish. Eminently digeste. Drinking range: 2026 - 2035 Rating: 16.5 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

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

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

The focus and texture of this wine is really something. It’s totally transparent with blackberries, blueberries, earth, stone and mushrooms. Flowers too. Full-bodied with firm tannins that give superThe focus and texture of this wine is really something. It’s totally transparent with blackberries, blueberries, earth, stone and mushrooms. Flowers too. Full-bodied with firm tannins that give super form and length to this. Freshness. Almost all merlot with a tiny dash of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Perhaps the best ever? Certainly at the same level as the 2019. About 14,000 bottles made. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

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

This is really finely textured with beautiful tannins that run the length of the wine and go on and on. It’s full-bodied, yet refined and poised. Pretty finish. Best ever?This is really finely textured with beautiful tannins that run the length of the wine and go on and on. It’s full-bodied, yet refined and poised. Pretty finish. Best ever? Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

Bright but not that dense crimson. Interesting, minerally nose. Round and resolved already – dangerously evolved or just fun to drink? Not one of the most concentrated 2020 St-Émilions but very wellBright but not that dense crimson. Interesting, minerally nose. Round and resolved already – dangerously evolved or just fun to drink? Not one of the most concentrated 2020 St-Émilions but very well integrated and balanced. Luscious fruit and no obvious excess of alcohol, tannin or acidity. Though a lot of tannin is lurking beneath that deceptively welcoming fruit… A hint of Marmite/yeast extract on the impressively long finish. Wholesome is not too much of an exaggeration. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

This is very tannic with a solid core of phenolics that frame the wine nicely and take you down to the center palate. Full and fruity, too, if a little austere. Should come around nicely with barrelThis is very tannic with a solid core of phenolics that frame the wine nicely and take you down to the center palate. Full and fruity, too, if a little austere. Should come around nicely with barrel aging. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

74% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Firm and muscular with a solid tannic frame. Builds gradually to a persistent finish. Fruit present but aromatically less captivating – berry74% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Firm and muscular with a solid tannic frame. Builds gradually to a persistent finish. Fruit present but aromatically less captivating – berry fruit with a hint of mint and a charry note from the oak. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 16+ James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

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

Market Insight: L'If has seen enormous and deserved price appreciation since it was purchased by Jacques Thienpont in 2010. With its small production, cult following and their aim to increase the %Market Insight: L'If has seen enormous and deserved price appreciation since it was purchased by Jacques Thienpont in 2010. With its small production, cult following and their aim to increase the % of Cabernet Franc in the blend (which seems to be dealing well with warmer vintages) it is entirely possible that the price of L'If will continue to rise.L&S (May 2021)

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

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

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purplish crimson. Black fruit flavours – mulberries? – on the nose. Rich, sweet and almost buttery in texture. Then a whack of dry tannins kick in. Very youthful90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purplish crimson. Black fruit flavours – mulberries? – on the nose. Rich, sweet and almost buttery in texture. Then a whack of dry tannins kick in. Very youthful with zestiness on the end. Drinking range: 2028 - 2044 Rating: 16++ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

Deep crimson but not impenetrable. Mellow, rather unflashy nose with well-integrated acidity and a certain mineral element. Really lively and fresh and rather sleeker than some of the moreDeep crimson but not impenetrable. Mellow, rather unflashy nose with well-integrated acidity and a certain mineral element. Really lively and fresh and rather sleeker than some of the more exhibitionistic St-Émilions. Obviously a long-term, and rather exciting, bet. Bone-dry finish and a fair amount of ripe tannin but not lean or drying, and with a persistent, silky finish. Rather sophisticated. Drinking range: 2029 - 2045 Rating: 16.5+ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

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

Market Insight: Tertre Roteboeuf has had a complicated past in terms of scores, with some hugely outstanding vintages and others which have relatively underperformed. It seems likely that this willMarket Insight: Tertre Roteboeuf has had a complicated past in terms of scores, with some hugely outstanding vintages and others which have relatively underperformed. It seems likely that this will increase to £900/6 on release if scores are good, but it may only then go up to £1,300 after a 10 year wait. Approach with caution.L&S (May 2021)

100% Merlot Dark purplish crimson. Tight knit, rather stony nose and then masses of sweet fruit on the palate with marked acidity on the end. Quite hard work on the finish at the moment but at least100% Merlot Dark purplish crimson. Tight knit, rather stony nose and then masses of sweet fruit on the palate with marked acidity on the end. Quite hard work on the finish at the moment but at least there is ripe fruit as well as all that acid and tannin. Still pretty unresolved but it will probably get there. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 16+ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Adequate fruit and freshness, the palate juicy and pure. Dark-cherry notes with a meaty edge. Oak sits in a little at present but should70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Adequate fruit and freshness, the palate juicy and pure. Dark-cherry notes with a meaty edge. Oak sits in a little at present but should integrate. Overall well balanced. Drinking range: 2024 - 2035 Rating: 16+ James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)

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

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

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

A powerful and intense red with blackberry, blueberry and ultra fine chewy tannins. It’s so long and energetic. Dense center palate.A powerful and intense red with blackberry, blueberry and ultra fine chewy tannins. It’s so long and energetic. Dense center palate. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

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

Fantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight withFantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight with great length. Chewy at the very end, indicating real structure. All about structure and length. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 49% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2021)

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

A rather mineral and spicy red with medium to full body, showing blackberries and black walnuts. There’s a deep, polished tannin backbone to this. Racy and fine.A rather mineral and spicy red with medium to full body, showing blackberries and black walnuts. There’s a deep, polished tannin backbone to this. Racy and fine. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)

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

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

This is really spicy and flavorful with a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins that are polished and very long, providing this wine with super structure and tension.This is really spicy and flavorful with a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins that are polished and very long, providing this wine with super structure and tension. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)

This is a powerful and assertive Dragon and the tannin and acidity on the finish make the palate stand to attention with their abrupt stance and firm flavours. The nose is graceful andThis is a powerful and assertive Dragon and the tannin and acidity on the finish make the palate stand to attention with their abrupt stance and firm flavours. The nose is graceful and violet-scented and the palate is sleek and cool so, all in all, this is a successful Dragon with a serious attitude and a power-packed core, and it will age well for a second wine, giving us at least a decade and more of pleasure. Rating: 17+/20 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Apr 2021)

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

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

This is a raucously intense wine that benefits greatly from its Cabernet Franc component, which was planted in 1947. Deep-fruited, inky black in colour, and yet crisp and lifted on the finish, thisThis is a raucously intense wine that benefits greatly from its Cabernet Franc component, which was planted in 1947. Deep-fruited, inky black in colour, and yet crisp and lifted on the finish, this is a mighty VCM with a bounce in its step and this levity suits it extremely well. Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2021)