Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 13/6/2024

Fragrant floral aromatics straight off the bat, peony and violet, and a vibrant juiciness that travels through the palate. Savoury dark fruit character, with flint and textural interest, full ofFragrant floral aromatics straight off the bat, peony and violet, and a vibrant juiciness that travels through the palate. Savoury dark fruit character, with flint and textural interest, full of Figeac finesse. 130th vintage of the Manoncourt family at Figeac, and the first vintage where they knew they were Premier Grand Cru Classé A from the start of the season, as it was announced in September 2022. 130mm of rain lower than average over the growing season here, allowing a long slow harvest from September 6 to October 5, 45hl/h yield. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 98 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 12/6/2024

The blend of Beauséjour is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, and picking started September 13th, finishing on the 29th for the Merlots, with the Cabernet Franc picked on October 2nd and 3rd. TheThe blend of Beauséjour is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, and picking started September 13th, finishing on the 29th for the Merlots, with the Cabernet Franc picked on October 2nd and 3rd. The yield was 46 hl/ha, and it will see 60% new oak. Rather a pure expression on the nose, of ripe red cherry, laced with tobacco and leather, with perfumed rose and peony. The palate is beautifully silky and tense, yet with very finely drawn edges, elegant and restrained, with a taut limestone-infused but medium-bodied substance, gripped by fine, powdery, integrated tannins. This is a very restrained, understated expression of the Beauséjour terroir, but it has great acidity and tannic structure, and I can see it aging well. There are good things happening at Beauséjour, and I cane see more wines of this quality emerging from here in the future. The alcohol is about 14%. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 11/6/2024

The fruit was picked and cooled overnight, then treated to a cold maceration for over a week, before the fermentation. The blend is 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. TheThe fruit was picked and cooled overnight, then treated to a cold maceration for over a week, before the fermentation. The blend is 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. The picking started on September 5th, until October 9th, an early start in this vintage. Aromatically this is tense and exciting, with dried red cherry and red plum, with a firm and floral character, lifted by notes of crushed chalk, sandalwood and violets. The palate is similarly tense and correct, with modestly textured and powdery fruit, with fine and tight-knit tannins, with plenty of fresh acidity and a fresh saline bite which comes from the limestone. This has a slightly juicy style this year, with great tension and a granularity to the structure, and it finishes with a clamping down of all that limestone grip. A very restrained and coolly composed style of Troplong-Mondot. The alcohol is 14.1%. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 10/6/2024

A wine made by Nicolas Thienpont and David Suire, this is 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, with a yield of 43 hl/ha. The nose here is intriguing, with a rather juicy expression of red cherry andA wine made by Nicolas Thienpont and David Suire, this is 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, with a yield of 43 hl/ha. The nose here is intriguing, with a rather juicy expression of red cherry and coffee bean, feeling a little grained, with a certain freshness and floral lift. Nevertheless the palate commences with an elegant and finely polished harmony, with a supple and finely polished core of fruits, wrapped in ribbons of toasted oak, dark chocolate and fine-boned, well-knit tannins. This presents greater harmony on the palate than the nose suggested it would, and has plenty of charged energy in the finish, and good length too. A promising Larcis Ducasse. Tasted three times. The alcohol is between 14% and 14.5%, says Nicolas Thienpont. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 10/6/2024

What strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to aWhat strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 7/6/2024

The 2023 Beau-Séjour Bécot is fabulous. Rich, opulent and explosive to the core, the 2023 offers up a heady mélange of dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, rose petal, blood orange and brightThe 2023 Beau-Séjour Bécot is fabulous. Rich, opulent and explosive to the core, the 2023 offers up a heady mélange of dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, rose petal, blood orange and bright saline notes. As always, Cabernet Franc plays an important role in shaping the aromatic and flavor profile. The 2023 is an absolute stunner. It’s the first vintage made in the new cellar. That's of course not enough of a track record to make any definitive assessments, but in the 2023, I see a wine with more aromatic presence, greater precision and more refined tannins than any recent vintage I can recall. In a word: magnificent. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2031 - 2053 Rating: 95-98 Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate (May 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

A plump and juicy wine with redcurrants and plums, as well as orange peel. Full and layered with round, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Generous fruit in this vintage.A plump and juicy wine with redcurrants and plums, as well as orange peel. Full and layered with round, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Generous fruit in this vintage. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

A blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Canon has a pH of 3.42 and it will age in barriques for 16-18 months, of which 50% are new. It is deep garnet-purple in color and sails out ofA blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Canon has a pH of 3.42 and it will age in barriques for 16-18 months, of which 50% are new. It is deep garnet-purple in color and sails out of the glass with bold notions of juicy blueberries, fresh plums, and Bing cherries, giving way to hints of black pepper, fragrant soil, and violets. The medium to full-bodied palate shimmers with energetic black and blue fruits, framed by super-satiny tannins and compelling tension, finishing long and fragrant. Absolutely ethereal! Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 98-100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

The 2023 Pavie Macquin was picked from September 18, finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 3, cropped at 48hl/ha. The nose offers a mélange of red and black fruit with light wilted roseThe 2023 Pavie Macquin was picked from September 18, finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 3, cropped at 48hl/ha. The nose offers a mélange of red and black fruit with light wilted rose petal and iris scents. The Cabernet Franc (17% of the blend) imparts loamy aromas. The palate is very svelte and creamy on the entry, but there is real depth and freshness here. Harmonious and poised, it fans out beautifully on the finish. This is more elegant and complex than the 2022, and my score reflects this. Superb. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

Plus damson and black cherry fruits, rich and ripe but balanced by tomato leaf, pumice stone. This is intense and concentrated, skilfully constructed showing fragrant cumin and turmeric spice thatPlus damson and black cherry fruits, rich and ripe but balanced by tomato leaf, pumice stone. This is intense and concentrated, skilfully constructed showing fragrant cumin and turmeric spice that lifts through the palate, opening to show black tea, blood orange, cocoa bean, mint leaf, totally delicious and speaks clearly of its limestone soils. Feels at the top of its game. Harvest September 18 to October 5, 72% new oak for ageing, Gerard Perse owner. Drinking range: 2033 - 2048 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

A 100% Merlot, the 2023 Saintayme evokes aromas of dark wild berries, mulberries, licorice and pencil lead, followed by a round, supple and juicy palate with a fleshy core of fruit and dense, richA 100% Merlot, the 2023 Saintayme evokes aromas of dark wild berries, mulberries, licorice and pencil lead, followed by a round, supple and juicy palate with a fleshy core of fruit and dense, rich tannins that assert themselves with a structured finish. Rating: 88-90 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

This is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was picked from September 10th for the Merlot, but mainly from the 18th, then followed by the Cabernet Franc starting onThis is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was picked from September 10th for the Merlot, but mainly from the 18th, then followed by the Cabernet Franc starting on September 20th and the Cabernet Sauvignon on September 30th. This is richer in Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, as it includes fruit from a parcel planted in 2021 for the first time. A beautifully pure and convincing nose here, expressive and bright, with a strong Cabernet expression of gorse flowers, orange peel, sweet blackcurrants and griottes. The palate is just as convincing as the nose, with a modest medium-bodied texture but a silky blanket of fruit draped over a firm grip of tannins. This one is going to need time, but it has all that it needs to get there. The alcohol is 14.5% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

Excellent depth of fruit, with tension, focus and precision. Medium to full body. Dense center-palate and a creamy-textured finish. Ripe, fine tannins.Excellent depth of fruit, with tension, focus and precision. Medium to full body. Dense center-palate and a creamy-textured finish. Ripe, fine tannins. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/5/2024

A really charming, bright and well-defined fruit profile on the nose of the 2023 from Château de Ferrand, with fresh and ripe raspberry and red cherry, swirled with softening layers of vanilla, toastA really charming, bright and well-defined fruit profile on the nose of the 2023 from Château de Ferrand, with fresh and ripe raspberry and red cherry, swirled with softening layers of vanilla, toast and dark chocolate. This is followed by a quite delicious style on the palate, harmonious and pure, with a sinewy and mouth-watering substance, balanced by an understated frame of sappy and well-knit tannins, leading to a modestly gripped finish. Fresh and perfumed, with an elegant poise but plenty of structure and the fresh acidity of the vintage, this is a restrained style which should evolve well. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 28/5/2024

A heady, exotic Saint-Émilion, the 2023 Grand-Mayne makes a strong opening statement. Readers will find a wine of dimension and textural resonance. Blackberry, chocolate, licorice, spice and driedA heady, exotic Saint-Émilion, the 2023 Grand-Mayne makes a strong opening statement. Readers will find a wine of dimension and textural resonance. Blackberry, chocolate, licorice, spice and dried herbs are all beautifully amplified. This is impressive. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 24/5/2024

The 2023 Laroque has an outstanding bouquet that shades many of its peers. It conveys transparency and mineralité at a higher level and leaves you wanting more. The palate is medium-bodied with fineThe 2023 Laroque has an outstanding bouquet that shades many of its peers. It conveys transparency and mineralité at a higher level and leaves you wanting more. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that frame the pure black cherry and raspberry fruit. There is structure here, and the finish is notably longer than other wines of its class. This is very impressive, and I can imagine it aging with style. Drinking range: 2027 - 2050 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

he 2023 Barde-Haut is a powerful, dense wine from Saint-Émilion's Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes sector. Ample and resonant, the 2023 wraps the palate in blue/purplish berry fruit, mocha, spice and newhe 2023 Barde-Haut is a powerful, dense wine from Saint-Émilion's Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes sector. Ample and resonant, the 2023 wraps the palate in blue/purplish berry fruit, mocha, spice and new leather. There's terrific breadth here. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

Love the bright fruit here, bright, zesty, real orange peel and tar, heavy spice but plenty of love. 45hl/ha, harvest September 7 to 29. 50% new oak, rest in stainless steel.Love the bright fruit here, bright, zesty, real orange peel and tar, heavy spice but plenty of love. 45hl/ha, harvest September 7 to 29. 50% new oak, rest in stainless steel. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The 2023 La Gaffeliere is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with fragrant scents of boysenberries, fresh juicy plums, and black raspberries opening out to hints of lilacs,The 2023 La Gaffeliere is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with fragrant scents of boysenberries, fresh juicy plums, and black raspberries opening out to hints of lilacs, Sichuan pepper, fragrant soil, and cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is exquisitely knit with filigree layers of black and red berries and floral accents, supported by plush tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long and perfumed. Wow! The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.50 Rating: 96-98 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The polish and finesse to this reflects classy and excellent terroir. It’s medium-bodied with dark-berry and stone character. Fine, chewy tannins. Liking this a lot. May be better than 2022?The polish and finesse to this reflects classy and excellent terroir. It’s medium-bodied with dark-berry and stone character. Fine, chewy tannins. Liking this a lot. May be better than 2022? Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

This is so full of energy. It’s full-bodied with electrified tannins and a long, long finish. So polish and focus here with exquisite balance and length.This is so full of energy. It’s full-bodied with electrified tannins and a long, long finish. So polish and focus here with exquisite balance and length. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 d'Aiguilhe, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, reveals aromas of dark wild berries, cassis and mulberries intertwined with a gently oaky touch. More structuring than ClosThe 2023 d'Aiguilhe, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, reveals aromas of dark wild berries, cassis and mulberries intertwined with a gently oaky touch. More structuring than Clos Marsalette, the Pessac-Léognan owned by the Von Neipperg family, it’s medium-bodied, concentrated and rich with structuring tannins and an oaky, firm finish. Drinking range: 2025 - 2030 Rating: 89-91 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

I typically have a weakness for Canon-la-Gaffelière in the von Niepperg portfolio, but this year it's the 2023 La Mondotte, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, that stands out as theI typically have a weakness for Canon-la-Gaffelière in the von Niepperg portfolio, but this year it's the 2023 La Mondotte, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, that stands out as the highlight of the range. Revealing aromas of dark berries, licorice and petals, framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and harmonious, with good depth at the core, supple tannin and a penetrating finish. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

The 2023 Canon la Gaffelière offers up aromas of minty berries, plums, pencil shavings, dried herbs and bay leaf, followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and crunchy palate underpinned by tangyThe 2023 Canon la Gaffelière offers up aromas of minty berries, plums, pencil shavings, dried herbs and bay leaf, followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and crunchy palate underpinned by tangy acids and chalky tannins. It's a blend of 35% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 22/5/2024

Aromas of cherries, dark chocolate, spices and violets introduce the 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine that's charming and harmonious on the attack, displayingAromas of cherries, dark chocolate, spices and violets introduce the 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine that's charming and harmonious on the attack, displaying a touch of youthfully grippy tannin on the finish. The blend contains fully 25% Cabernet Franc. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

Vibrant ruby plum, rich in texture, as are all of these St Emilion Grand Crus Classés in in the vintage, with a swirl of black chocolate and capsicum, highly charged, plenty of impact, good liftVibrant ruby plum, rich in texture, as are all of these St Emilion Grand Crus Classés in in the vintage, with a swirl of black chocolate and capsicum, highly charged, plenty of impact, good lift through the palate, flash of heat. Great quality, skilful winemaking, one to admire but not sink into. A brilliant location, this has the potential for a far greater score, 70% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2029 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne is stellar. Soaring floral notes from the Cabernet Franc give Grand Corbin Despagne its distinctive personality. Pliant and inviting, the 2023 has so much to offer.The 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne is stellar. Soaring floral notes from the Cabernet Franc give Grand Corbin Despagne its distinctive personality. Pliant and inviting, the 2023 has so much to offer. Black cherry, lavender, spice, new leather and sweet pipe tobacco are beautifully delineated. Sweet floral accents reappear on the finish. The 2023 is impeccable, not to mention wonderfully individual. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 21/5/2024

The juice, the salinity, the plump fruits and the pleasure bursting out of this glass are off the scale. Expect waves of fleshy red cherry, raspberry, squid ink, tar and smoked grilled caramel,The juice, the salinity, the plump fruits and the pleasure bursting out of this glass are off the scale. Expect waves of fleshy red cherry, raspberry, squid ink, tar and smoked grilled caramel, tannins full of sinew. All picked in one day, Henri Mitjavile winemaker alongside his father François Mitjavile. 100% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2028 - 2042 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 16/5/2024

The 2023 Bellefont Belcier demonstrates this property's continuing renaissance, exhibiting more density and seriousness as the team starts to get the best out of their holdings on the plateau ofThe 2023 Bellefont Belcier demonstrates this property's continuing renaissance, exhibiting more density and seriousness as the team starts to get the best out of their holdings on the plateau of Saint-Émilion overlooking the slopes that surround the château. Offering up aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of burning embers and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, powdery structuring tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2024)

Release date: 16/5/2024

This has a creamy texture with round tannins, very attractive ripe fruit and a juicy finish of blackberry and chocolate. Medium to full body. More balanced than 2022?This has a creamy texture with round tannins, very attractive ripe fruit and a juicy finish of blackberry and chocolate. Medium to full body. More balanced than 2022? Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The density of fruit grabs your attention, showing fullness and richness with blue fruit and a hazelnut undertone. Chewy at the end of the polished and solid palate. Structured young wine.The density of fruit grabs your attention, showing fullness and richness with blue fruit and a hazelnut undertone. Chewy at the end of the polished and solid palate. Structured young wine. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

The blend in 2023 is 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked on September 14th and 19th for the Merlot, 25th, 25th and 28th for the Cabernet Franc and October 5th for theThe blend in 2023 is 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked on September 14th and 19th for the Merlot, 25th, 25th and 28th for the Cabernet Franc and October 5th for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The yield was 38 hl/ha. The Vauthiers had to do a little saignée here, the true yield was 42 hl/ha, but they bled off 4 hl/ha to achieve the concentration and balance they desired. Beautifully fresh and pure Cabernet Franc aromas on the nose, with currants, roses, dark chocolate and toast. The palate presents a silky, relaxed and harmonious style, with nice but not tense concentration, so this certainly does not feel overdone. Lovely harmony though, the palate gliding along, just showing some structure and spicy energy at the finish. Such elegance and charm here, with a coherent length. A beautifully delineated Chapelle d’Ausone that will give great pleasure in eight or ten years time. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

I don't think I have tasted an Ausone like this. The purity of fruit and fluidity is so primary, like perfectly picked grapes with their juice. Then there is citrus freshness. It's muscular, withI don't think I have tasted an Ausone like this. The purity of fruit and fluidity is so primary, like perfectly picked grapes with their juice. Then there is citrus freshness. It's muscular, with toned tannins that caress the palate and give a seamless finish. This really could push the boundaries for the character of Ausone, in the way of finesse with structure. Watch it. 60% cabernet franc and 40% merlot. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

85 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc Continued improvement and tweaking at La Clotte make it one of the most intriguing wines in the Vauthier portfolio. With superb detail on the nose and a latitude of85 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc Continued improvement and tweaking at La Clotte make it one of the most intriguing wines in the Vauthier portfolio. With superb detail on the nose and a latitude of fruit and spice notes that roll into a palate of delicious depth and sappy acidity, this is an exciting wine that asks a good few questions. The finish is neatly marshalled with fine-grained tannins and a long, tense finish. Carefully put together and invigoratingly refreshing, too, this is a smart wine, and I can now see more clearly the Vauthiers' plans for this label. 17.5+/20 Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

From a 7 Hectare slope in front of Chateau Ausone - the Moulin Saint-Georges is a real winner in 2023. More broad and powerful in feel than some years - this remains an absolute charmer, but aFrom a 7 Hectare slope in front of Chateau Ausone - the Moulin Saint-Georges is a real winner in 2023. More broad and powerful in feel than some years - this remains an absolute charmer, but a charmer with some serious intent. A wonderful mulch of blue and deep-red berries is lifted by floral hits of pink blossom and even a whiff of violets. Imposing but with lovely layers and nuance. Owned by the Vauthier family from Ausone since 1921, this remains a real steal for Grand Cru Saint Emilion with such pedigree and heritage.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 15/5/2024

64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenère. Deeper and more structured than Simard (from the same portfolio), this is an expressive Fonbel that builds on the success of last year’s more64% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenère. Deeper and more structured than Simard (from the same portfolio), this is an expressive Fonbel that builds on the success of last year’s more expressive wine. It has a cooler, more penetrative style, superbly controlled oak, and a long, savoury finish. Once again, the tannins have been handled brilliantly here. This is a very assured wine, one that will open nicely over five years and hold itself well for a further ten and to that end, it gained its highest score from me to date. 17.5/20 Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

The 2023 Dragon de Quintus is a real success this year, revealing aromas of cassis, mulberries, dark wild berries and flowers. Moderately weighted and elegant, the wine on the palate is fleshy, roundThe 2023 Dragon de Quintus is a real success this year, revealing aromas of cassis, mulberries, dark wild berries and flowers. Moderately weighted and elegant, the wine on the palate is fleshy, round and seamless with a structuring, long finish. This is a blend of 71.6% Merlot and 28.4% Cabernet Franc. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 90-92 L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 14/5/2024

Brambled fruit, richly textured, with juice that runs through the palate bringing you into the heart of St Emilion. Push and pull in texture between grilled smoky oak and slate-scraping pumice stoneBrambled fruit, richly textured, with juice that runs through the palate bringing you into the heart of St Emilion. Push and pull in texture between grilled smoky oak and slate-scraping pumice stone tannins, this takes its time to open, well judged and skilfully constructed. 43hl/h yield, 42ha in production since addition of Grand Pontet in 2021. Audrey Bernard joined the technical team in March 2021 direct from Opus One, plus new director Mariette Veyssiere. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 13/5/2024

The 2023 Cheval Blanc is uncharacteristically backward on first meeting, and it takes time to really fire up its engines. Quite strict and focused (surprisingly so), the bouquet reveals black fruit,The 2023 Cheval Blanc is uncharacteristically backward on first meeting, and it takes time to really fire up its engines. Quite strict and focused (surprisingly so), the bouquet reveals black fruit, a touch of bilberry, with just a whiff of iris flower. The palate has wonderful symmetry, outstanding mineralité and ample tension. It's extremely pure, with less weight than the 2022 but perhaps a touch more nerve. Modestly grippy on the finish, this "serious" Cheval Blanc will deserve several years in bottle. It's cerebral…and I like that. The 2023 is very different from the 2022—a beautiful minor chord. Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 7/5/2024

Cocoa bean, liquorice, pomegranate, smoked earth, sage, anis, fennel, slate tannins, this combines nuanced and sinewy tannins with a generous supple expansion through the palate, building in powerCocoa bean, liquorice, pomegranate, smoked earth, sage, anis, fennel, slate tannins, this combines nuanced and sinewy tannins with a generous supple expansion through the palate, building in power and impact. Beautifully fragrant, measured and skilful. 50% in foudres for Cabernet Franc, 50% new oak for the Merlot. Harvest September 14 through to October 1, Benjamin Laforest winemaker, Stephane de Boüard-Rivoal owner. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 6/5/2024

The fruit character on the nose here is dark and concentrated, with a slightly smudged soft-focus definition. There is a touch of violet perfume to it though, which appeals, as well as some barrelThe fruit character on the nose here is dark and concentrated, with a slightly smudged soft-focus definition. There is a touch of violet perfume to it though, which appeals, as well as some barrel lactones. This is followed by a palate with a welcoming and gently polished substance, showing a little more presence through the middle than many of its peers, with a core of dark berry and bramble fruits dressed with dark chocolate. A nice grip to it in the end, and the tannins throughout feel ripe and completely integrated with the wine, with just a chalky polish to the end. This is really charming, the aromatic definition a trade off for the texture and quality of tannin. I suspect it will come out very well in the end. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/5/2024

A single block, just less than 1 hectare. La Grande Cote is a rugged, steep vineyard that is planted with a mix of 75 year old old vines. Its always hard to tell the exact blend as this is a trueA single block, just less than 1 hectare. La Grande Cote is a rugged, steep vineyard that is planted with a mix of 75 year old old vines. Its always hard to tell the exact blend as this is a true field blend, with Pierre harvesting it all at the same time and the grapes are co-fermented. Approximately 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2023 is just the second time this prized parcel has been separated from the La Mauriane blend - and it really does deliver something different. A powerful, tight core of deep red fruit. This has real drive and focus. Wonderful concentration of smashed red berries, some sophisticated floral aromatics and a sloosh of juicy concentration. Fascinating wine a real delight to taste - but the Grande Cote will take some time. The 2022 remains in barrel - as Pierre only bottles by the moon and when this coincides with a cool stretch of weather.L&S (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Trotte Vieille is a seriously impressive wine. Dark, resonant and explosive, the 2023 packs a huge punch. A blast of dark fruit, herbs, menthol, spice and licorice saturates the palate, withThe 2023 Trotte Vieille is a seriously impressive wine. Dark, resonant and explosive, the 2023 packs a huge punch. A blast of dark fruit, herbs, menthol, spice and licorice saturates the palate, with pretty floral and savory notes that play off all that richness. Superb. Drinking range: 2030 - 2053 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

Inky depths to Valandraud in this vintage, well constructed, intense sweet liqourice and black chocolate, starts out threatening a more old school feel for this wine, with crème de cassis dominantInky depths to Valandraud in this vintage, well constructed, intense sweet liqourice and black chocolate, starts out threatening a more old school feel for this wine, with crème de cassis dominant and high alcohols, but it is given focus and lift as it moves through the palate, with lilting aromatics of red roses, welcome pumice stone tannins, squid ink salinity, and mouthwatering freshness. Skilful, confident, impressive. 100% new oak for ageing, Jean-Luc Thunevin owner at this 10.7ha estate (currently replanting several plots, so 6.6ha in production). 40hl/ha yield. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 95-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

A 1.67 hectare plot of pure Merlot on the limestone plateau - average vine age of 55 years. Picked by hand on the 4th of October after a severe selection to drop any unsatisfactory grapes. TheA 1.67 hectare plot of pure Merlot on the limestone plateau - average vine age of 55 years. Picked by hand on the 4th of October after a severe selection to drop any unsatisfactory grapes. The destemmed grapes are fermented in wooden vats with temperature control (max 23C), and the malolactic fermentation and élevage take place in 500 litre barrels, of which 31% are new. 6000 bottles will be produced.Winemaker's notes (May 2024)

The aromatics here are perfumed with bright red cherry, peony and dark chocolate, and there is a fairly firm wrapping of oak here as well. The palate shows a charming texture, lightly juicy, open andThe aromatics here are perfumed with bright red cherry, peony and dark chocolate, and there is a fairly firm wrapping of oak here as well. The palate shows a charming texture, lightly juicy, open and expressive, with perfumed notes of peony and toast, but also a lot of spirity new oak on the first sample I tasted. Happily, less so on the second sample. Indeed, the second sample showed quite differently, as I found a lot domineering tannin clamping down on the finish on the first, and it felt overworked and richly oaked. The second sample presented the same rather juicy and crystalline fruits, with plenty of more tightly knit tannins, but without the same oak domination in the middle or end. A third sample was back to the oak again. A little difficult to judge with this much variation, but I have done what I can. Tasted three times. Rating: 89-91 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Violets and gunsmoke swirl upwards out of the glass, setting the scene for a sterling vintage at Jean Faure. Delicately boned, sappy blue fruit, this seduces slowly but surely, fantastic balance andViolets and gunsmoke swirl upwards out of the glass, setting the scene for a sterling vintage at Jean Faure. Delicately boned, sappy blue fruit, this seduces slowly but surely, fantastic balance and fully showcasing the potential of Cabernet Franc in the vintage. Often this wine is austere and needs time when tasting En Primeur, but the fragrance and the finesse is already on full display. Brilliant stuff. 30% new oak for ageing, along with 25% oak casks, 15% concrete eggs; 30% one year old oak barrels. Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

The 2023 Lassègue is terrific. In fact, it is one of the best wines I have tasted here. A rush of inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, mocha, cloves and chocolate are all dialed up to the maximum inThe 2023 Lassègue is terrific. In fact, it is one of the best wines I have tasted here. A rush of inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, mocha, cloves and chocolate are all dialed up to the maximum in this decidedly opulent Saint-Émilion. Lassègue is not at all subtle, but it has a ton to offer for lovers of rich, heady wines. This is the first vintage in which Cabernet Franc drives the blend. Oak impact, thankfully, has been moderated as well. It remains a pretty lush, super-ripe wine, but it is impeccably balanced. This a terrific effort from Pierre Seillan. Drinking range: 2027 - 2038 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

The blend is 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the yields were lower than the norm (35-36 hl/ha) at 28.75 hl/ha, the response to the mildew a bigger green harvest here,The blend is 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the yields were lower than the norm (35-36 hl/ha) at 28.75 hl/ha, the response to the mildew a bigger green harvest here, and a smaller crop. The picking was from September 13th to the 23rd. Despite these challenges the aromatics here feel pure and bright, with blackcurrants and blackberries, with a little lacing of confit fruit, toasty oak and dark chocolate. A very fresh style, impressive for this alluvial terroir, and this is also the impression on the palate, which is filled with textural and velvety fruit draped over a firmly expressed backbone of rather sweet but grippy tannin. This comes spiced with chocolate, crushed minerals and toast, before a along grip in the finish. An impressive Monbousquet here, especially for the vintage. It certainly has more chutzpah than Clos Lunelles, which is remarkable for the terroir. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 14.18% Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Beautifully fragrant, fresh, crunchy, juicy, anis, fennel, cut herbs, well judged ripe fruits, good balance. Merlot harvest September 6 to October 4 (interesting to note this, as many had finishedBeautifully fragrant, fresh, crunchy, juicy, anis, fennel, cut herbs, well judged ripe fruits, good balance. Merlot harvest September 6 to October 4 (interesting to note this, as many had finished the Merlot very early, and Cabernet Franc to October 3). 27% new oak for ageing, and yields of 45hl/h. 3.42ph. Drinking range: 2027 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)