Saint Émilion & Satellites

Release date: 25/6/2021

2020 marks a new chapter for this well placed estate on the plateau in St Emilion. Tiny for Bordeaux standards at just 6.5HA - but perfectly formed, it came to the market this year and was2020 marks a new chapter for this well placed estate on the plateau in St Emilion. Tiny for Bordeaux standards at just 6.5HA - but perfectly formed, it came to the market this year and was immediately in the sights of the local grandees like Angelus and Clos Fourtet. With some quick-thinking one of the family's young generation, Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse, managed to secure enough backing to take control and keep this fabulous Chateau in the family who have been here since 1847. Nicolas Thienpont and Stéphane Derenoncourt consult here - but Joséphine has put her own stamp on this 2020 which has been well received by the critics.. Sadly we were unable to taste this year - but having seen her work at La Tour Carnet before and knowing the incredible materials she is now working with at the historic family estate it seems this marks an exciting new dawn for Beauséjour Duffau Lagarosse. Rating: 0 L&S (Jun 2021)

Release date: 25/6/2021

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)

Release date: 24/6/2021

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.

Tasting note: Very dark purple, almost inky in the way it coats the glass. A real heady nose of dark fruits (cassis, plum, black cherry), sweet spice, fruitcake & cedar. This is a big wine, with bags of structure on the palate. The ripe tannins dominate at the moment but you can still get that richness of fruit coming through. Needs at least 10-15 years in the cellar but that patience should be well rewarded. L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 23/6/2021

The second wine of Château Quintus, the 2020 Le Dragon De Quintus is one impressive looking barrel sample, offering lots of cassis and black cherry fruits as well as medium to full body, ripe, softThe second wine of Château Quintus, the 2020 Le Dragon De Quintus is one impressive looking barrel sample, offering lots of cassis and black cherry fruits as well as medium to full body, ripe, soft tannins, plenty of tobacco, earth, and green flower notes, and outstanding length on the finish. It doesn't have the richness of the Grand Vin but has lots of class and should drink well for 10-12 years or more. Rating: 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 23/6/2021

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)

Release date: 21/6/2021

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)

Release date: 21/6/2021

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)

Release date: 21/6/2021

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)

Release date: 18/6/2021

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)

Release date: 18/6/2021

This is an excellent second (from a separate plot) wine, bright, poised and delicious. Fruit ripeness is just at the point where it is teetering on the brink between deep, spicy and textured whileThis is an excellent second (from a separate plot) wine, bright, poised and delicious. Fruit ripeness is just at the point where it is teetering on the brink between deep, spicy and textured while still remaining fresh and juicy. Great stuff. Mildew made an impact but not drought, so ended up with 40hl/ha yields. Harvest September 4 to 23, 30% new oak. 3.53pH. Drinking range: 2023 - 2036 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 18/6/2021

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)

Release date: 18/6/2021

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)

Release date: 15/6/2021

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)

Release date: 15/6/2021

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)

Release date: 15/6/2021

There is an unfortunate green streak running through this wine from the shy nose to the grainy tannins on the finish. Slightly unripe and slightly too sour, it is hard to shake these flavours and soThere is an unfortunate green streak running through this wine from the shy nose to the grainy tannins on the finish. Slightly unripe and slightly too sour, it is hard to shake these flavours and so this wine is, unfortunately, out of balance. Rating: 15+? Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 14/6/2021

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple with a nose of black fruits; cassis, black cherry, sweet spice and cedar. Quite a sweet feel to the fruit on the palate then a very drying sensation from90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple with a nose of black fruits; cassis, black cherry, sweet spice and cedar. Quite a sweet feel to the fruit on the palate then a very drying sensation from the tannins. Good acidity on the finish. A nicely made wine that should benefit from 8-10 years of cellaring.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 14/6/2021

Market Insight: There are still no scores for the 2019 Beau-Séjour Becot, 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-Séjour Becot, 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)

Release date: 9/6/2021

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)

Release date: 2/6/2021

The 2020 Sansonnet has a tightly wound nose that opens nicely with aeration, revealing blackberry and wild hedgerow, light rose petal and iris scents and a touch of potpourri; the oak is very wellThe 2020 Sansonnet has a tightly wound nose that opens nicely with aeration, revealing blackberry and wild hedgerow, light rose petal and iris scents and a touch of potpourri; the oak is very well assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry and lightly spiced with a dash of white pepper. A classically-styled Saint-Émilion that continues a strong run of form for the estate. Excellent. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

Enjoyably sleek, plenty of freshness and clarity of fruit. A little tight through the mid palate that pauses the momentum, but this will fill out over ageing, and offers a ton of potential for futureEnjoyably sleek, plenty of freshness and clarity of fruit. A little tight through the mid palate that pauses the momentum, but this will fill out over ageing, and offers a ton of potential for future pleasure. Jean Luc Thunevin has been consultant for the past three years, but in global strategy rather than winemaking - all winemaking decisions are made by Annabelle Corbin and her cellar master Nicolas Fabre. A yield of 44hl/ha, 77% of production went into the first wine. Aged in a mix of barrels and glass wine globes. Harvest September 8 to 19. Drinking range: 2026 - 2042 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

The 2020 Clos de l’Oratoire is very cohesive on the nose of plush blackberry, raspberry, melted tar and light licorice scents, the latter becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate isThe 2020 Clos de l’Oratoire is very cohesive on the nose of plush blackberry, raspberry, melted tar and light licorice scents, the latter becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and quite firm and structured, with gentle grip on the entry and good acidity. Tightens up toward a finish that doesn’t want to give everything away at this prenatal stage. Give this 3–4 years once in bottle. because it has long-term potential. Drinking range: 2027 - 2047 Rating: 89-91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

This wine has a spectacular colour – the deepest black/red of the vintage! The nose is intensely brooding with spicy oak and macerated black fruit and there is a wave of tannin which follows theThis wine has a spectacular colour – the deepest black/red of the vintage! The nose is intensely brooding with spicy oak and macerated black fruit and there is a wave of tannin which follows the fruit throughout the tasting experience. While this might sound a little oppressive it is quite the opposite. This is an energetic, regal, layered wine with superb class and extraordinary length. The oak spice is cleverly judged and it matches the exoticism of the plum and black cherry fruit. This is a seriously impressive 2020. Rating: 18.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

The 2020 d'Aiguilhe is bright, punchy and so expressive. Clean mineral accents cut right through a core of blueberry fruit. Graphite, lavender, spice and mocha linger on the clean, bracing finish.The 2020 d'Aiguilhe is bright, punchy and so expressive. Clean mineral accents cut right through a core of blueberry fruit. Graphite, lavender, spice and mocha linger on the clean, bracing finish. Medium in body and vibrant, Stephan von Neipperg's Côtes de Castillon is superb in 2020. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 2/6/2021

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)

Release date: 1/6/2021

Confident and structured, offering a velvet texture and dense plum and blackberry fruits, plenty of punch with ground coffee on the finish. Now one of the largest estates in St-Emilion at 58ha.Confident and structured, offering a velvet texture and dense plum and blackberry fruits, plenty of punch with ground coffee on the finish. Now one of the largest estates in St-Emilion at 58ha. Olivier Desmond technical director. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 91 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 28/5/2021

This is extremely tough and sinewy and the finish is loaded with dried out oak and unripe skin tannin. There is little or no joy to be found here.This is extremely tough and sinewy and the finish is loaded with dried out oak and unripe skin tannin. There is little or no joy to be found here. Rating: 15+? Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

Managing tannins is one of the lines that needed walking in 2020, and the warmer soils of Quinault compared to Cheval needed particular care. You find some traces of the solar nature of the summer onManaging tannins is one of the lines that needed walking in 2020, and the warmer soils of Quinault compared to Cheval needed particular care. You find some traces of the solar nature of the summer on the nose, with eucalyptus, black pepper and rosemary spice, but there is freshness on the palate, well balanced and with density to the blackberry and black cherry fruits, finishing up with again the eucalyptus that is found in the aromatics, and a generous kick of spice. This is tightly structured, it is expertly handled but I would suggest looking to the 2019. Harvest September 3 to 23. 10 days over 30°C during that time. Drinking range: 2024 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

The 2020 Montlandrie was picked September 18–25 and matured in 40% new oak. It has an exuberant, ripe bouquet, a mixture of red and blueberry fruit, crushed violets and potpourri aromas surfacingThe 2020 Montlandrie was picked September 18–25 and matured in 40% new oak. It has an exuberant, ripe bouquet, a mixture of red and blueberry fruit, crushed violets and potpourri aromas surfacing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, sweet and sensual, although I find less complexity on the finish compared directly with its siblings, La Chenade and Les Cruzelles. Still, this will give several years of drinking pleasure. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 88-90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

Another gem from Denis Durantou, the 2020 Saintayme should be snatched up by savvy readers, as it’s a year-in, year-out value, and in a vintage where Merlot excelled, it’s a real standout. BlackAnother gem from Denis Durantou, the 2020 Saintayme should be snatched up by savvy readers, as it’s a year-in, year-out value, and in a vintage where Merlot excelled, it’s a real standout. Black cherries, mulberries, camphor, chocolate, and subtle oak notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, balanced, and has a great mix of richness and freshness. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years. Rating: 91-93 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 27/5/2021

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)

Release date: 27/5/2021

A terrific showing on multiple occasions, the 2020 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne boasts a deep purple hue as well as a rich, fresh, yet powerful style in its earthy red and black fruits as well asA terrific showing on multiple occasions, the 2020 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne boasts a deep purple hue as well as a rich, fresh, yet powerful style in its earthy red and black fruits as well as notes of graphite, chocolate, and background oak. It starts out rich and decadent, yet like a lot of 2020s, it shows more and more freshness and vibrancy as it sets in the glass. Along with the 2019, I suspect it’s one of the top wines from this estate. Rating: 92-94 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Release date: 26/5/2021

A burst of ripe berry fruit on the nose, this has the most gorgeous depth of expression. More tannic than in many years, but not bitter or tight. An excellent wine, walking the line of power andA burst of ripe berry fruit on the nose, this has the most gorgeous depth of expression. More tannic than in many years, but not bitter or tight. An excellent wine, walking the line of power and sappy juice. Purity of fruit expression is clear. 3.32pH. Certified biodynamic.10% new oak the rest in large sized oak vats and amphora. Unfiltered and unfined. Drinking range: 2023 - 2036 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 26/5/2021

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)

Release date: 25/5/2021

The 2020 Berliquet is the first wine that shows a real change in direction under its new ownership and the team headed by Nicolas Audebert. Bright and chiseled with energy this mid-weightThe 2020 Berliquet is the first wine that shows a real change in direction under its new ownership and the team headed by Nicolas Audebert. Bright and chiseled with energy this mid-weight Saint-Émilion is quite promising. Crushed red flowers, mint, sweet red berry fruit. There is still a bit of grittiness in the tannin, but this is a decidedly more finessed style than the wines of the recent past. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Release date: 21/5/2021

Pierre Taix has a deft hand when it comes to getting the most out of this small, organically farmed vineyard in a prime site of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion. There's a lavish wave of ripe, darkPierre Taix has a deft hand when it comes to getting the most out of this small, organically farmed vineyard in a prime site of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion. There's a lavish wave of ripe, dark berry-fruit on the nose. Good weight and body on the palate with those polished dark berries again, some nice spice notes too. Very fine-grained tannin and a good slug of pert acidity adds 'ping' to the well set frame. The dark fruit is joined by a hint of salinity as you reach the finish of this polished and charming St Emilion. Good drive and tension throughout - lovely wine in the vintage another under the radar winner here from the right bank..L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 21/5/2021

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)

Release date: 20/5/2021

Release date: 20/5/2021

So full of deeply-drawn berry fruit, fresh and juicy with touches of liquorice bud and rosemary, thirst quenching and yet thirst inducing in that amazing way that limestone can both refresh and makeSo full of deeply-drawn berry fruit, fresh and juicy with touches of liquorice bud and rosemary, thirst quenching and yet thirst inducing in that amazing way that limestone can both refresh and make you thirst for more at the same time. An excellent Moulin St Georges, and such a step up from the more sandy soils that you find at Fonbel and the two Simard estates in this year's range of Vauthier-owned wines that this alone can help you understand how to navigate 2020. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 20/5/2021

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 would be surprising if this didn't rapidly take off.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 19/5/2021

For the second year running this historic estate has produced a brilliant wine that has really caught our attention. David Suire who for years worked with Nicolas Thienpont at Larcis Ducasse is inFor the second year running this historic estate has produced a brilliant wine that has really caught our attention. David Suire who for years worked with Nicolas Thienpont at Larcis Ducasse is in charge and making spectacular wines. Merlot on the limestone plateau of St Emilion has been notable this year and tasting this you can see a perfect example of what is possible. Crisp and firm feel - beautiful dark berry fruit has cut and drive. This is serious and sophisticated with wonderfully polished tannins that give a perfect frame for the well-packed core of fine fruit, Its all here and will slowly develop with time - overwhelmingly there is a charming coolness here - as in the very best Right bank 2020s.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

Roteboeuf, despite being at the quality level which could let them vie for a spot amongst the six Classé 'A' of St Emilion, do not bother with classifications, instead allowing the market to dictateRoteboeuf, despite being at the quality level which could let them vie for a spot amongst the six Classé 'A' of St Emilion, do not bother with classifications, instead allowing the market to dictate demand. Their higher elevation on the ‘tertre’ means they are frequently the last to pick and this, along with the soil, has countenanced the richness of the 2020 with freshness and tension. It was as if this wine were built for the vintage and was one of our highlights at tasting.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

Made by François Mitjavile, who is perhaps better known for Tertre Roteboeuf in St Emilion, Roc de Cambes is a 12 hectare vineyard with very old vines that overlooks the Gironde in the Côtes deMade by François Mitjavile, who is perhaps better known for Tertre Roteboeuf in St Emilion, Roc de Cambes is a 12 hectare vineyard with very old vines that overlooks the Gironde in the Côtes de Bourg. The blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec and on the day we tasted it was embarrissingly good compared to some of the Grands Vins in the same line up. Very refined sweet fruit but not over ripe (helped by being on the edge of a cool estuary). Delicate tannins, super tensile length.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

80% Merlot with the balance being made up of Cabernet Franc. Similarly refined like Roc de Cambes but more damson, loganberry and fragrant blueberry. Structurally very together and harmonious. Lovely80% Merlot with the balance being made up of Cabernet Franc. Similarly refined like Roc de Cambes but more damson, loganberry and fragrant blueberry. Structurally very together and harmonious. Lovely wine and as it was the last of the wines tasted that day, easily swallowed.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 18/5/2021

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)

Release date: 18/5/2021

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)

Release date: 18/5/2021

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)

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

Composed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Couvent des Jacobins has an alcohol level of 14.5% with a pH of 3.68. It is aging for an anticipated 12 to 15 months in FrenchComposed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Couvent des Jacobins has an alcohol level of 14.5% with a pH of 3.68. It is aging for an anticipated 12 to 15 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it strides confidently out of the glass with notions of baked blackberries, black cherry preserves and stewed plums, plus touches of damp soil, espresso and licorice with a waft of wild mushrooms. The medium to full-bodied palate is quite tightly wound with plenty of black fruit layers intertwined with mineral and exotic spice nuances, framed by grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing with a lively lift. This is the first year that this label is officially certified organic, by ECOCERT France. Drinking range: 2027 - 2042 Rating: 92-94 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (May 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

Clean and precisely-spliced black fruits, austerity in the tannins and a mocha, grilled coffee bean edging through the finish. Good quality and well balanced, intense to the point of slightly bitterClean and precisely-spliced black fruits, austerity in the tannins and a mocha, grilled coffee bean edging through the finish. Good quality and well balanced, intense to the point of slightly bitter on the final moments. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Release date: 4/5/2021

Bright plum colours full of flesh and bright fruits. Muscular on the attack, with poise and focus, and pulsating with blueberry fruits and saline-drenched minerality. Good stuff, enjoyable andBright plum colours full of flesh and bright fruits. Muscular on the attack, with poise and focus, and pulsating with blueberry fruits and saline-drenched minerality. Good stuff, enjoyable and impressively balanced with a grilled, smoked rosemary finish. 20% new oak, 30% amphora. Freres Todeschini are the owners here. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

The 2020 Angélus was given 30–40 minutes to open. It has a very intense nose of multilayered blackberry, blueberry and wild strawberry scents, crushed violet and hints of iodine. It is quintessentialThe 2020 Angélus was given 30–40 minutes to open. It has a very intense nose of multilayered blackberry, blueberry and wild strawberry scents, crushed violet and hints of iodine. It is quintessential Angélus in many ways, sleek and smooth, harmonious and seductive. Those qualities also come through on the palate. This is framed by fine tannins, the Cabernet components coming through strongly on the midpalate. Quite ferrous in some ways, allspice and subtle minty notes lending complexity toward the finish. It is not quite as persistent as the recently tasted 2018 from bottle, but it comes across a little more chiseled and intellectual. Drinking range: 2027 - 2055 Rating: 95-97 L&S (May 2021)

The 2020 Croix de Labrie is superb. Rich, pliant and wonderfully expressive, it dazzles right out of the gate. Inky red fruit, rose petal, cinnamon, cedar, new leather and mint all build in theThe 2020 Croix de Labrie is superb. Rich, pliant and wonderfully expressive, it dazzles right out of the gate. Inky red fruit, rose petal, cinnamon, cedar, new leather and mint all build in the glass. Silky and plush, with terrific balance, the 2020 is shaping up to be a real jewel of a wine. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

Beautiful aromatics, vibrant, full of clarity and bright fruit delivery. Plum, blueberry, bursting with juicy life. Keeps delivering on the palate also, sprightly and vibrant, and soaked inBeautiful aromatics, vibrant, full of clarity and bright fruit delivery. Plum, blueberry, bursting with juicy life. Keeps delivering on the palate also, sprightly and vibrant, and soaked in limestone, wet stone personality. Has good depth of flavour, with a kick on the finish. Will age well, this is great stuff, a brilliant example of St-Emilion limestone. A buy! First year certified biodynamic with Biodyvin (certified organic since 2013). A yield of 35hl/ha. Drinking range: 2026 - 2044 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Made by Pierre and Nicolas Seillan, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is from 50 to 60 years old vines and composed of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestoneMade by Pierre and Nicolas Seillan, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is from 50 to 60 years old vines and composed of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone soils. A classic Saint Emilion - a mouth full of a cushion of ripe fruit and fine velety tannins, but there's more too, as there's a coherent shape and a fine grip that makes it interesting and the freshness that keeps the whole thing harmonious. Good value. L&S (May 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)

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)