The Outsiders 2020: Modern Greats From Across The World

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: 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: 15/6/2021

Tight berry fruits from the first nose, blackberry and bilberry. An impressive Baron de Brane with concentration and poise, juice through the finish and careful extraction so that the plentifulTight berry fruits from the first nose, blackberry and bilberry. An impressive Baron de Brane with concentration and poise, juice through the finish and careful extraction so that the plentiful tannins are not intrusive. Good stuff, if austere. Another wine where the word classic seems to work. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 91 Jane Anson, Decanter (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: 8/6/2021

Market Insight: I've spoken a lot about how much value you can get from Bordeaux in the context of the global market - Grand Puy Lacoste is perhaps the epitome of this. It doesn't hold especiallyMarket Insight: I've spoken a lot about how much value you can get from Bordeaux in the context of the global market - Grand Puy Lacoste is perhaps the epitome of this. It doesn't hold especially strong benchmarks (you can pick the 2010 up for £350/6) but each vintage is worth exploring when you consider just how outstanding this Pauillac is for the money.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: 27/5/2021

This is completely delicious. Warm feel on the attack - but good bright line gives juicy bounce. Svelte and complete. Polished sleekness, but not too slick. Their new Air-Pump's soft extraction isThis is completely delicious. Warm feel on the attack - but good bright line gives juicy bounce. Svelte and complete. Polished sleekness, but not too slick. Their new Air-Pump's soft extraction is evident, a great tool in a vintage like this. No hard edges, no really dark notes, but certainly has some 'classic' claret lines and the fine grippy feel of the vintage. Core of fruit is good though with plum flesh and nice spice. Red fruit lifts the darker shadows. Lots of crisper firmer notes too of hedgerow berries. Pert and no excess. Just a really smart, uplifting feel. Tannins are fresh and chalky but ‘just-enough’. The team here compare 2020 to 2010 - but with more complexity. A very successful Cantemerle. One not to miss for the cellar. L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 25/5/2021

The 2020 Berliquet has an open, quite generous bouquet of high-toned, quite floral aromas (iris and violet petals) mixed with Dorset plum, bilberry and wild strawberry. The palate is medium-bodiedThe 2020 Berliquet has an open, quite generous bouquet of high-toned, quite floral aromas (iris and violet petals) mixed with Dorset plum, bilberry and wild strawberry. The palate is medium-bodied with a medicinal, menthol-tinged opening, ripe and again, generous. The candied finish just needs to show a little more restraint. Fine, but it will have to manifest more elegance and composure by the time of bottling. Perhaps it was unfair to pour this against the 2020 Canon, also owned by the Wertheimer family, but it highlighted the difference between their respective terroirs. Drinking range: 2025 - 2038 Rating: 88-90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Release date: 25/5/2021

The wine here is aged half in traditional new oak barrels - and the remainder in small concrete eggs. The results are very good! Aromatic and nicely floral on the nose, red fruits here but soon turnsThe wine here is aged half in traditional new oak barrels - and the remainder in small concrete eggs. The results are very good! Aromatic and nicely floral on the nose, red fruits here but soon turns quite dark and serious. Attractive shape and feel overall, but really quite intense with a dark fruit line at the core. Lovely polished tannins don't completely hide the firm frame. Finishes with an admirably 'Trad' feel and flow. Very good.
The hot and dry summer means that the 2020 harvest is smaller than 2019 by 10-15%. a much repeated story this year. However, the La Lagune team are really pleased with how the vines coped with the drought and put their resilience down to the organic farming that has been practiced here for years.L&S (May 2021)

Release date: 2/9/2020

Le Petit Clos is the second wine of Clos Apalta, it even comes from the same vineyard as the 'Grand Vin', and benefits from the exact same care both in the vineyard and in the chai. However, this isLe Petit Clos is the second wine of Clos Apalta, it even comes from the same vineyard as the 'Grand Vin', and benefits from the exact same care both in the vineyard and in the chai. However, this is a very different expression of the place - with a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend it is a completely individual style and is totally delicious!. Organically certified this little sister is a superbly attractive wine - one of our favourites in a tasting of all these new releases - and also, refreshingly, it is one of the most well-priced. Excellent value and totally joyous.L&S (Sep 2020)

Lustrous mid gold. Dried apricot, orange blossom and citrus peels on the nose, suffused with nutmeg, clove and coffee cream, and an earthy, spicy, saffron-like note. Richly sweet and unctuouslyLustrous mid gold. Dried apricot, orange blossom and citrus peels on the nose, suffused with nutmeg, clove and coffee cream, and an earthy, spicy, saffron-like note. Richly sweet and unctuously textured, but with a streak of acidity that balances beautifully, and gives a preserved-grapefruit and lemon flavour. Fantastic length. Drinking range: 2020 - 2040 Rating: 18 Tim Jackson MW, www.jancisrobinson.com (Apr 2021)

Average temperatures 2.7°C over average, combined with 20% of the normal rainfall from mid August to the end of July made makes this a naturally rich, low-yielding vintage (40% less than average, notAverage temperatures 2.7°C over average, combined with 20% of the normal rainfall from mid August to the end of July made makes this a naturally rich, low-yielding vintage (40% less than average, not helped by a hail storm in July), with a gloriously gourmet 145g/ha residual sugar, and a pH level of 3.95. As ever with Yquem, patience was the key, taking in the grapes slowly but surely over 17 days harvest that extended well into October. The results in the glass are intense and glossy, full of satin-textured apricot and white peach flavours. There are exotic fruits of pineapple and mango but winemaker Sandrine Garbay has kept a focus on fresher flavours of lime zest and citrus that balance out the natural richness and concentration. Pretty closed right now, but there is power and balance here, an excellent Yquem. Drinking range: 2022 - 2050 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, Decanter (Aug 2020)

Sweet tobacco, walnuts, blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full body, yet ultra-fine tannins and a super long finish. Superb finesse and polish. Drink after 2023, but already fabulous.Sweet tobacco, walnuts, blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full body, yet ultra-fine tannins and a super long finish. Superb finesse and polish. Drink after 2023, but already fabulous. Drinking range: 2023 - Rating: 97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2019)

The season began with important water reserves in the soils of our Seña vineyard, due to the rains recorded from May to October totaling 344 mm, 29% above the historical records of 266 mm for thatThe season began with important water reserves in the soils of our Seña vineyard, due to the rains recorded from May to October totaling 344 mm, 29% above the historical records of 266 mm for that same period. This provided ideal hydric conditions in the soil, which along with the mild temperatures recorded during spring, allowed a bud break aligned with the historical dates and perfect flowering. In return, thanks to a warm December the fruit set was simply excellent.
The ripening period maintained the trend of perfectly moderated temperatures. January provided delicate cooler temperatures just like November, thanks to a significant number of cloudy days that reached a heat summation 5% below historical records, delaying veraison in one week.
After this cooling pause, grapes were ready for a long and tender ripeness time, perfectly backed up by February and March that scored almost identical heat summations to the historical records. Yields were a little higher than historical averages for all varieties in the vineyard, except for Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 6% and 3% lower than average, respectively. Once the harvest came to an end, the beautiful ripeness and uniqueness of the intense aromatics arising from the grapes were captivating, faithfully representing the greatness of the vintage and our exceptional Seña terroir.
Barrel Aging 22 Months 85% new French oak barrels, 15% Stockinger foudres Winemaker's notes (Sep 2020)

Clos Apalta 2017 remains inherently true to its origins. Deep garnet in appearance, the wine reflects the intense colour of carmenere grapes and typical aromas of ripe fruits. On the bouquet, anClos Apalta 2017 remains inherently true to its origins. Deep garnet in appearance, the wine reflects the intense colour of carmenere grapes and typical aromas of ripe fruits. On the bouquet, an abundance of aromas, including redcurrant, raspberry and wild strawberries, reflects the stunning complexity of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and carmenere. On the palate, the initial wave of berry fruits, underpinned by soft, silky tannins, is pursued by contrasting touches of black olive, blackcurrant and liquorice. Incredibly long and taut on the finish, revealing exquisite, delicate tannins, and expressing the great elegance of the Apalta terroirs. • 48% - Carmenère• 26% - Cabernet Sauvignon• 25% - Merlot• 1% - Petit VerdotWinemaker's notes (Sep 2020)

In the last few years, a handful of wines from Chile and Argentina—often French owned—have been released in September through the Place de Bordeaux, the network of négociants that sell most of theIn the last few years, a handful of wines from Chile and Argentina—often French owned—have been released in September through the Place de Bordeaux, the network of négociants that sell most of the Bordeaux wines and some of the leading wines from other regions. The 2017 Cheval des Andes is one such wine. 2017 saw an early harvest, but they started picking on the 6th of March and continued until the 10th of April, more or less normal dates, early but not so much. The varietal break down this vintage comes to 62% Malbec and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the wine is slightly riper and higher in alcohol than 2016 (this 2017 is 14.2% alcohol). The different plots fermented separately with selected yeasts, and the élevage lasted for 15 months and was in 50/50 new and second use barrels, 90% of them French and the rest made with wood from Eastern Europe. They used 45% Bordeaux barrels, 45% 400-liter barrels and, for the first time, a 2,500-liter oak foudre. This is clearly the darkest of the trio of vintages I tasted together here—2015, 2016 and 2017—but all three have the elegant and powerful profile, the luxurious and creamy character found in the best Bordeaux wines in the last few years, wines of power with precision, concentration, energy and finesse. This seems to combine the clout of the 2015 and the freshness of the 2016 and feels something in between those two vintages. Their work in the vineyard toward the maturity of the tannins meant the challenge in 2017 was to not let the grapes ripen too fast and too early. The work is different for Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, to get round tannins in Cabernet and get some tension in Malbec, the contrary of the normal tendency of the varieties. 2017 has less ripeness than the 2015 but more density than the 2016. The texture is velvety, precise and harmonious. This year, they introduced a larger foudre for 10% of the wine, with the aim to reach 20%, so that volume is increasing every year. I think this is showing more precision, and in a more challenging year, they managed to keep the quality on par with 2016. They have changed the label this year, to a cleaner and more elegant label that also reflects the direction the wine is going in. 81,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2019. Drinking range: 2020 - 2034Luis Gutierrez, www.robertparker.com (Aug 2020)

The 2010 Palmer is one of the superstars of the vintage, a blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, which is just slightly different than what I indicated two years ago. TheThe 2010 Palmer is one of the superstars of the vintage, a blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, which is just slightly different than what I indicated two years ago. The alcohol level hit 14.5%, and the wine comes across like a more stacked-and-packed version of their 2000. It is tannic and backward, but has a sensational black/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, barbecue smoke, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, with oodles of glycerin but a relatively healthy pH, this wine has a precision and freshness that belie its lofty alcohol and extravagant concentration. This is a sensationally rich, full-throttle Palmer that could well end up being one of the all-time great wines made at this estate. It needs a good 7-10 years of cellaring and should keep for 50 or more years. There’s no question that Thomas Duroux and the staff at Palmer are producing wines of first-growth quality, and have been for nearly a decade. Rating: 98+ Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Mar 2013)

One of the flagship cuvées, the 2018 Côte A Côte checks in as 48% Grenache, 26% Mourvèdre and 26% Syrah that’s aging in plenty of new oak. Loads of blackberries, chocolate, ground herbs, and graphiteOne of the flagship cuvées, the 2018 Côte A Côte checks in as 48% Grenache, 26% Mourvèdre and 26% Syrah that’s aging in plenty of new oak. Loads of blackberries, chocolate, ground herbs, and graphite nuances give way to blockbuster style, powerful yet elegant beauty that has silky tannins and a great, great finish. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise over the following decade Rating: 95-97+ Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Sep 2020)

45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot. 100% Estate grown fruit from L’Aventure Vineyard. Very low yield: 1.5 to 2 tons per acre (with 2100 vines per acre). 90% new French oak and45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot. 100% Estate grown fruit from L’Aventure Vineyard. Very low yield: 1.5 to 2 tons per acre (with 2100 vines per acre). 90% new French oak and 10% 1-year-old French oak with malolactic fermentation in barrel. No fining, no filtering. Length of aging: 15 months. Drink: 15+ years.Winemaker's notes (Mar 2020)

Very aromatic with blueberries and blackcurrants, as well as red licorice. Floral, too. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and lightly chewy. Lovely depth of fruit here. Rich and flavorful. Extremely wellVery aromatic with blueberries and blackcurrants, as well as red licorice. Floral, too. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and lightly chewy. Lovely depth of fruit here. Rich and flavorful. Extremely well done for the vintage. Shows more finesse and tightness than 2016. Very classic. One-third of the production. Try it. Drink after 2022, but already delicious. Rating: 95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Sep 2020)

The 2017 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine is a barrel sample blended of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, projected to age 24 months in 100% new French oak. Medium to deepThe 2017 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine is a barrel sample blended of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, projected to age 24 months in 100% new French oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it features lovely crème de cassis, blackberry preserves and spice cake scents with touches of plum preserves and dried Provence herbs plus hints of tree bark and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with energetic fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and finishing with a lovely minty lift. 7,700 cases are expected to be made Rating: 94-97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (Apr 2020)

A remarkable wine for the year, the 2017 Opus One is a dense, full-throttle beauty. Plush fruit and soft, silky contours give the 2017 its racy personality. Exotic, beautifully perfumed andA remarkable wine for the year, the 2017 Opus One is a dense, full-throttle beauty. Plush fruit and soft, silky contours give the 2017 its racy personality. Exotic, beautifully perfumed and impeccable in its balance, Opus One is one of the most complete wines of the vintage. In 2017, Opus One has a distinctly red-toned fruit profile that distinguishes it from the surrounding vintages. Rating: 95+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Sep 2020)

A barrel sample blended of 53% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Optimus is deep ruby-purple in color and scented of crème de cassis, baked blackberries, chocolate mint,A barrel sample blended of 53% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Optimus is deep ruby-purple in color and scented of crème de cassis, baked blackberries, chocolate mint, wet clay, crushed blueberries and faint notions of lilac with an undercurrent of exotic spices. The palate is medium to full-bodied with lovely layering of spiced black and blue fruits, a detailed, finely pixelated frame and great freshness, finishing with loads of ripe fruit. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle! Rating: 94-96 Erin Brookes, www.RobertParker.com (Feb 2020)

This is such a beautifully nuanced red with tobacco, dried herbs, wet earth and currants. Some leather and rose petals, too. Full-bodied and chewy, yet refined with great polish. It’s rich andThis is such a beautifully nuanced red with tobacco, dried herbs, wet earth and currants. Some leather and rose petals, too. Full-bodied and chewy, yet refined with great polish. It’s rich and intense at the same time. Very focused center palate. Broad layers of tannin and fruit. A blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% carmenere, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Better after 2024, but already a joy to tasteJames Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Sep 2020)

Essence of framboise is joined by layers of garrigue-like complexity, rich, meaty notes and a generous dusting of Asian five spice blend in the stunning 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à JacquesEssence of framboise is joined by layers of garrigue-like complexity, rich, meaty notes and a generous dusting of Asian five spice blend in the stunning 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin. This is full-bodied but incredibly silky, combining great purity, richness and length into a seamless, elegant package that should give immense pleasure for decades to come. Drinking range: 2025 - 2045 Rating: 98-100 Joe Czerwinski, www.robertparker.com (Aug 2020)

Just bottled, the 2017 Solaia is naturally going to need time to come together. Even in the early going, though, it shows all the richness and opulence that is typical of the year, with terrificJust bottled, the 2017 Solaia is naturally going to need time to come together. Even in the early going, though, it shows all the richness and opulence that is typical of the year, with terrific aromatic expansiveness and tons of persistence. I can't wait to taste it with a bit more time in bottle Rating: 95+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Sep 2020)

The 2017 Masseto is fabulous. A wine of tremendous inner perfume and sensuality, the 2017 dazzles from start to finish. Although not the most potent or structured Masseto, the 2017 impresses with itsThe 2017 Masseto is fabulous. A wine of tremendous inner perfume and sensuality, the 2017 dazzles from start to finish. Although not the most potent or structured Masseto, the 2017 impresses with its breathtaking finesse. The flavors are vibrant and remarkably pure from start to finish. Blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, spice, lavender and licorice all come alive in the glass. I have a hard time thinking of a Masseto with this much sheer allure at the outset. Masseto has so often been a wine of impact, but the 2017 says it all with finesse. It spent 22 months in 100% new oak, a bit less time than is typical, and finished its aging in tank, decisions taken to preserve as much freshness as possible. Drinking range: 2025 - 2042 Rating: 97+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jan 2021)