2023 Futures
To find out about the week's releases, go to our Latest News page.
You can also sort all the wines in our selection by release date.
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The star of Graves blancs, offering each vintage a very pure and straightforward wine, discreetly woody. It is not surprising to see this regularity in performance, as it is the own property of Florence & Denis Dubourdieu, hence the name of the wine.
Quarin : 91/100 « Délicat en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, avec un beau toucher soyeux et une énergie qui lui est propre, ce vin subtil fond au palais, aromatique et long. »
Galloni : 91-93/100 « The 2023 Clos Floridène Blanc is a heady dry white from the Dubourdieu family. Tangerine peel, chamonile, apricot and honeyed notes build in a creamy, layered white that shows the richer side of the year. Readers will find a voluptuous, extroverted wine that will shine at its brightest at the dinner table. »
Martin : 88-90/100 « The 2023 Clos Floridène Blanc has a lively and well-defined bouquet with yellow fruit, Granny Smith and light stony aromas. The palate is fresh and crisp with grapefruit and orange rind notes. It's a little pithier than its peers, with a slightly resinous finish. Fine. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 62 % Sémillon, 38 % Sauvignon blanc
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Family property of the Dubourdieu family. Always very bouquety and expressive, round with buttered notes, perfect to accompany a cheese platter.
Galloni : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Blanc Sec is stellar and also one of the most distinctive whites of the year. Rich, layered and super-expressive, the Blanc Sec possesses exceptional pedigree and structure. Dried apricot, lemon peel, sage and dried flowers build effortlessly in the glass. The 2023 is seriously intense, yet nothing whatsoever is out of place. It is also an absolute steal. Fabulous. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 100% Sauvignon
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The dry white wine of Lagrange, in a precise and pleasant style. As always in Lagrange, the quality/price ratio is there!
Quarin : 88/100 « Ample à l'attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, le vin caresse le palais, épicé et parfumé. Finale agréable, de longueur normale. »
Martin : 87/100 « Light pear and Golden Delicious scents emerge on the nose. It's quite pretty, if not the most complex white that you will find in the Médoc. The palate is balanced with white peach and Anjou pear and lightly spiced toward the finish. Drink it over the next two or three years. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 73% Sauvignon blanc, 12% Sauvignon gris, 15% Sémillon
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This classified growth, owned by INRA, has grown considerably since the Institute's researchers decided to apply the results of their most advanced research to it, and the arrival of Mr Derenoncourt as an advisor. In a rather lively and tense style, Couhins is today by its price the best deal among the white classified growths of Pessac-Léognan.
Revue du Vin de France : 90-91/100 « Pur sauvignon (dont 5 % de sauvignon gris) large et savoureux, offrant un généreux éventail d’agrumes mais aussi une belle allonge saline, calcaire, qui tient la bouche en éveil. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 90/100 « Net, élégant, parfumé, vif, un blanc réussi et très bordelais dans l’esprit. »
Le Point : 15.5-16/20 « Nez frais, fin, fruité pur, pêche jaune, bouche onctueuse, fraîche, finale saline. »
Galloni : 90-92/100 « The 2023 Couhins Blanc is a bit dense and textured in this vintage. Apricot, white flowers, mint and lemon confit build nicely, supported by a phenolic-like structure that adds character. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 96% Sauvignon blanc, 4% Sauvignon gris
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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Built on freshness and tension, Esprit de Chevalier distinguishes itself from the appellation's other second wines by its extra smoothness and remarkable aromatic richness (green mango, citrus fruit, white peach...). The development of a third wine is undoubtedly no stranger to this.
Martin : 95-97/100 « The 2023 L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc offers crisp sea-spray scents on the nose, complemented by Granny Smiths and light kiwi notes. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity. Notably saline on the entry, it possesses impressive depth, turning quite spicy with touches of white pepper on the persistent finish. This is one of those Deuxième Vins where you think: "Cor blimey...what's the Grand Vin like?" »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 65% Sauvignon blanc, 35% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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Very pale, crystalline colour, aromatic notes of lemon and grapefruit, lively and delicate on the palate, Carbonnieux is by its refined style the most Medoc style of Pessac-Léognan whites.
Revue du Vin de France : 91-92/100 « Vin toujours élégant et mesuré, déjà harmonieux, ses contours sont définis avec une grande netteté, tout comme le parfum évoquant la fleur d’acacia et, subtilement, la tarte au citron meringuée. S’exprimant au fil d’une acidité brillante, la matière garde un pied léger. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 90-91/100 « Précis, net, agréable, le vin très transparent et cristallin cache son vrai corps dans ce début de vie. »
Le Point : 15.5-16/20 « Nez frais, fruits blancs, agrumes, bouche délicate, vive, saline, gourmande. »
Galloni : 87-88/100 « The 2023 Carbonnieux Blanc is bright, chiseled and full of Sauvignon Blanc character. I find it a bit austere in feel, though. It lacks just that little bit of mid-palate texture that could take it to the next level. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 65% Sauvignon blanc, 35% Sémillon
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The Latour-Martillac white wine is aromatic, straightforward and has excellent ageing potential. It is one of the most consistent and interesting wines in the appellation, and holds up formidably well to ageing (10 years or more).
Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « Réservé, nuancé, texturé, il offre un fruit très sain, nuancé d’aubépine. Le développement en bouche est prometteur, vineux, avec une plénitude remarquable, autant de largeur que de longueur. Sobre, serein, distingué, ce blanc de matière prend date. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 90-91/100 « Bon corps, avec du gras apporté par le sémillon. Il est fait pour vieillir et surprendre son monde à 20 ou 25 ans d’âge. »
Le Point : 16/20 « Nez frais, fruité pur, fruits blancs, touche d'agrumes, bouche onctueuse, vive, juteuse, finale relevée, zeste de pomelo. »
Galloni : 89-91/100 « The 2023 Latour-Martillac Blanc is a tense, steel dry white. Lemon peel, chalk, white pepper, sage, mint and crushed rocks lend brightness and energy. I like the vibrancy here, but I just wish there was a bit more mid-palate creaminess. At this stage, the Blanc is a bit austere. Tasted two times. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon
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Based on Sauvignon (with a hint of Semillon), Caillou Blanc has been presented for 50 years as the archetype of Médoc dry white wine: pale colour, between delicate freshness and aromatic distinction (citrus fruits, bitter orange, honeysuckle), never too full or demonstrative. And always reasonably positioned in terms of price.
Martin : 88/100 « The 2023 Caillou Blanc has a pretty bouquet with orchard fruit, touches of orange blossom and grapefruit thanks to the 71% Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is fresh on the entry: green apple mixed with pear and a dab of lemongrass, with decent length. This is very Graves-like this year. Drink it over the next four to five years. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 71 % Sauvignon Blanc, 29 % Sémillon
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Known to produce Léognan's most voluminous and expressive white wine, Larrivet Haut-Brion has gained in freshness, precision and aromatic complexity since the arrival of Mr Lemoine (cellar master from Montrose), advised by Mr Derenoncourt, and vinifications in ovoid vats.
Revue du Vin de France : 91-93/100 ♥ Coup de coeur « Très belle matière ! Elle est encore en travail mais offre à ce stade beaucoup de relief et de saveur (pêche blanche et tilleul au premier plan), de la profondeur, avec un réel tranchant, un caractère incisif qui assure la cohésion de l’ensemble. »
Quarin : 91/100 « Couleur jaune pâle, aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, fruité et subtil. Délicatement charnu en entrée de bouche, avec de l'élégance dans la texture et des saveurs profondes de fruits blancs, fruits exotiques et fleurs, le vin fond au palais précisément accompagné par le bois. Bonne longueur savoureuse. »
Galloni : 94-96/100 « The 2023 Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc is a rich, exotic wine. Tangerine peel, spice, lemon confit and passion fruit build as this explosive, resonant white shows off its considerable pedigree. All the elements are so well balanced. Readers should expect a pretty overt style. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.60%
- Blend:
- 95% Sauvignon blanc, 5% Sémillon
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Alongside its famous Sauternes, Suduiraut has been producing for 20 years now a dry white wine for gourmets, made from 45-year-old vines and aged entirely in barrels.
Bettane & Desseauve : 94/100 « Très harmonieux dans ses équilibres, ses fines notes végétales, ses parfums d’agrumes frais et la manière dont s’intégre son acidité. Une vraie personnalité et une pleine réussite dans ce millésime. »
Quarin : 93/100 « Nez très aromatique, fruité, frais, subtil et légèrement vanillé. Juteux et soyeux dès l'entrée en bouche, aromatique et minutieux dans sa texture, le vin fond au palais. Il évolue lentement vers une finale profonde, bien difficile à cracher. C'est superbe. »
Galloni : 94-96/100 « The 2023 Grand Vin Blanc Sec Vieilles Vignes is superb. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, sage, mint and dried flowers all run through this super-expressive, savory dry white. There's real phenolic intensity to the Vieilles Vignes-a rich, deep white for the dinner table. Pretty floral top notes and a kick of tropical fruit brighten the finish. »
Martin : 90-92/100 « The 2023 Suduiraut Vieilles Vignes has a lifted bouquet with scents of orange pith, lemon verbena and light patisserie scents-finely delineated. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and lightly spiced with a tangy, austere but engaging finish. There's just a hint of stem ginger on the aftertaste. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13,8%
- Blend:
- 57% Sémillon, 43% Sauvignon Blanc
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With near-maniacal intransigence at every stage of its development, the Bonnie family delights us with each vintage with its white wine, very Sauvignon (80 to 90%), combining energy, supreme finesse and exemplary straightness.
Revue du Vin de France : 90-91/100 « Clair et expressif, déjà formé, dans un style soigné mais convenu, toujours très sauvignon, le blanc de Malartic affiche une belle allonge, avec une tonalité grillée un peu en avant par rapport à la perception du fruit. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 95/100 ♥ Coup de cœur « Remarquable intensité de caractère et de sève, rivalisera avec ses pairs du secteur dans l’expression typique du sauvignon à Léognan, entre notes de pin, d’acacia et de fleurs blanches. »
Le Point : 15/20 « Pêche jaune, pomelo, note anisée, bouche onctueuse, saline, finale relevée. »
Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur jaune vert. Nez intense, fin, subtil, fruité et complexe. Gras à l'attaque, ample au développement, aromatique, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin va ascendant entre le milieu et la finale. Il s'achève sur une belle saveur de poire mêlée au bois, sans jamais perdre sa texture délicatement grasse. Une expression générale rarement vue à Pessac Léognan. »
Galloni : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Malartic-Lagravière Blanc is a seriously beautiful wine. Explosive aromatics meld into a core of orchard and citrus fruits. Bright acids pull it all together. I especially admire the wine's inner perfume and balance. This is one of the better dry whites of the year. A kiss of French oak lingers. »
Martin : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Malartic-Lagravière Blanc has a taut, correct and, in some ways, conservative bouquet that takes time to unfold in the glass. But, I appreciate the tension and mineralité. Hints of petrichor and Granny Smiths eventually take control. The palate is very well balanced with a fresh lemon sherbet-, orange pith- and lemongrass-tinged opening. There's a very appealing texture and impressive weight on the finish. Overall, this is a superb white Malartic to drink over the next 20 years. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 80% Sauvignon, 20% Sémillon
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Like many Sauternes crus, Climens has been producing a confidential 100% Semillon cuvée since 2022. Thanks to precision work during pressing and ageing in glass globes, Lilium expresses with a great purity the aromatic richness of this emblematic Sauternes grape variety, in a great gourmet white wine with a silky texture.
Revue du Vin de France : 91-93/100 « La douceur du fruit est une caresse dans ce sec de sémillon gracieux, au corps aérien, à la saveur nuancée de verveine et de guimauve, abricotée au point qu’elle pourrait évoquer celle d’un condrieu. Une proposition très originale et séduisante, dont la liberté de ton peut surprendre. »
Galloni : 91-93/100 « Rich, creamy and beautifully textured, the 2023 offers up scents of apricot, passion fruit, pineapple and exotic white flowers. It's an especially tropical style of Sémillon, but bright acids provide a lovely counterpoint. »
Martin : 89-91/100 « The 2023 Lilium, the pure dry Sémillon from Climens, has a delightful, pretty, finely delineated bouquet with lemon rind and orange blossom scents. The palate is a little more honeyed on the entry compared to other dry Sauternes-a tad richer, with lemon curd and vanilla scents. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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In white, Domaine de Chevalier produces a model unique among its peers, made of tension, vivacity and energy. Its mineral side and its capacity to age (30 years and more) bring it closer to the greatest Burgundy whites.
Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « Le blanc de Chevalier se démarque par son développement particulièrement articulé, mais aussi par sa richesse et sa puissance. [...] L’allonge et la densité inscrivent le vin dans la sphère des grands vins blancs de texture et de garde. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 94-95/100 ♥ Coup de cœur « Admirable tension et parfums très élaborés avec les notes habituelles de pin et d’acacia, enrobées par la maturité des nuances de fruits. »
Le Point : 17/20 « Nez élégant, fruits blancs, notes florales, bouche raffinée, délicate, onctueuse, finale nette, saline, touche minérale. »
Quarin : 94/100 « Nez intense, fin, pur, fruité, suave et subtil. Touche de poire et de vanille. Délicieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, avec un toucher gras, le vin évolue juteux, long et parfumé. »
Galloni : 94-96/100 « The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is one of the best dry whites of the year. Creamy and expansive, with terrific brightness, this exudes balance. [...] I expect it will offer exceptional drinking for the next several decades. »
Martin : 94-96/100 « This has wonderful purity on the nose, revealing scents of lime, green apple and crushed stone-one of the most precise I have encountered at this early stage. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity that lends this white Pessac-Léognan superb focus. There's real intensity here, building with a sense of nascent confidence toward the mineral, almost slate-like finish. Very long and tender, this is a white Domaine de Chevalier from the top drawer.»More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14%
- Blend:
- 70% Sauvignon blanc, 30% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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Smith Haut Lafitte's white wine has built up a solid reputation over the past 20 years, even though it is not a grand cru classé (but neither are Haut-Brion blanc and Pape-Clément blanc). A happy marriage of wood and fruit, it always delivers a beautiful aromatic complexity, from lime blossom to citrus fruit, and a lively, rich, fine structure.
Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « La teinte dorée aux profonds reflets verts témoigne de la richesse du vin. Son style ne se dément pas, il est opulent, un sauvignon très mûr, aux touches confites évoquant le melon, la pêche rôtie ou encore la crème frangipane. Gras et allonge superlatifs, avec un caractère indéniablement solaire mais recadré par l’intéressante tension acide du millésime. La finale marque son passage par une impression d’extrait sec. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 95/100 « Merveilleuse onctuosité et grande longueur, maturité idéale des sauvignons et parfaite intégration du boisé. Grand vin. »
Le Point : 16.5/20 « Complexe, frais, agrumes, fleurs blanches, bouche pulpeuse, fruits jaunes, légère amertume salivante. »
Quarin : 95/100 « Jaune aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, fruité, avec une touche florale et vanillée. Vis à vis des deux autres vins blancs de la propriété, le toucher est ici cristallin et le déroulé y gagne une grâce captivante. Le vin évolue savoureux avec cette année dans les derniers instants un petit manque d'envolée dans l'ultime persistance, même si c'est très bon. »
Galloni : 94-96/100 « The 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is quite the extrovert. Apricot, passion fruit, mint, tangerine peel and pineapple all soar out of the glass. Medium in body, with gorgeous texture, the 2023 is quite showy. I imagine it will drink well with minimal cellaring. »
Martin : 95-97/100 « The 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc has a reticent bouquet at first, requiring a few swirls of the glass to reveal touches of orange pith, peach skin, wild fennel and light pressed white flower scents. The palate is very well balanced with a lovely creamy texture, counterbalanced by the taut line of acidity. Very poised and focused, it's somehow almost Corton-Charlemagne-inspired on the finish (perhaps due to the umami). This is a seriously fine white Pessac-Léognan. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 90% Sauvignon blanc, 5% Sauvignon gris, 5% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2019
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Straddling Barsac and Sauternes, Haut-Bergeron enjoys a quality terroir superbly exploited by the Lamothe family for 9 generations (!). It is the artisanal cru and the sure value of Sauternes, of which each vintage wins its share of awards in competitions and guides.
Martin : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Haut-Bergeron has a clean and precise bouquet with saffron-tinged white peach and apricot aromas, quite restrained but well-defined. The palate is excellent: very citrus-fresh on the entry, a superb line of acidity and a vivid, marmalade- and quince -driven finish that urges you back for more. Recommended. This is a Sauternes that punches above its weight. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
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Classified among the first growths of Sauternes during the classification of 1855, the vineyard of Rayne Vigneau (84 hectares, including 62 in one piece) is famous for its soil, which is well known to geologists, as it is composed of a great variety of precious minerals of Pyrenean origin. Without losing sight of these "luxurious" origins " Rayne Vigneau offers smooth, easily accessible wines with floral aromas that are particularly marked in their youth.
Revue du Vin de France : 95-98/100 « L’opulente liqueur est soutenue par un socle de fermeté qui ne quitte jamais la dégustation. C’est un grand vin complet, pur, encore proche du moût frais dans son expression miellée et citronnée, mais déjà d’une prestance remarquable. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 96-97/100 « Monumental et noblement rôti, long en bouche avec un cachet remarquable né de son terroir respecté par la vinification. Grand rapport qualité-prix. »
Le Point : 18/20 « Crème anglaise, séveux, bouche ample, riche, une liqueur pure et dense. Bon équilibre, long, un botrytis pur. »
Quarin : 95/100 « Bouche ample, suave, juteuse, avec de la profondeur dans la sucrosité, le tout sur un corps aérien et sans lourdeur. Très belle finale racée, accompagnée par des touches de réglisse et framboise. »
Galloni : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Rayne Vigneau is a wild, exotic Sauternes. Pear, jasmine, tropical fruit and hints of white truffle are some of the many aromas and flavors that give the 2023 its complex, wonderfully dynamic personality. Understated, airy and nuanced, Rayne Vigneau is compelling in 2023. »
Martin : 92-94/100 « The palate is sorbet-fresh on the entry with tangy marmalade, peach and saffron notes. There is an undercurrent of stem ginger that lends a bit more complexity on the finish. Once the aromatics cohere, as I am sure they will, this will constitute a fine Sauternes. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 72% Sémillon, 26% Sauvignon blanc, 2% Muscadelle
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Climens has been, for more than 50 years, the finest, the fruitiest and the most endearing of the Sauternes wines. Almost discreet in its first youth, Climens does not cease to develop and to refine itself in bottle. Biodynamic since the 2014 vintage. Magnificent 2016 "a fruit of an exemplary purity" noted 99/100 by the Revue du Vin de France.
Following 4 years of almost no production (none in 2017, 2018 and 2020, barely 1200 bottles in 2019), Climens changed hands in 2022.Bettane & Desseauve : 96/100 ♥ Coup de cœur « Grands arômes citronnés avec de la richesse en liqueur, beaucoup de caractère de terroir qui a besoin de temps pour donner la pleine mesure de son grand potentiel. »
Quarin : 91/100 « Couleur jaune clair. Nez intense, fruité et légèrement fumé. Très jolie entrée en bouche minutieuse, puis le vin fond avant de se montrer légèrement austère entre le milieu et la finale. L'expression manque. »
Galloni : 93-96/100 « The 2023 Climens is a dense, racy Barsac. Today is embryonic, but the potential is there. A wine of textural resonance, Climens offers up an exotic mélange of dried apricot, pear, spice, dried flowers, orange peel and passion fruit. I am very much looking forward to tasting this in bottle. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2016
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Mrs Papon-Nouvel is known for her 2 wonderful Saint-Émilion wines: Clos Saint-Julien and Petit-Gravet Aîné. But it also owns Peyrou, a small vineyard (10 ha) of the Côtes de Castillon in organic farming. Excellent and highly recommended.
Quarin : 88/100 « Couleur sombre et pourpre. Nez aromatique, au fruité mûr et crémeux. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, avec de l'éclat dans la saveur, le vin évolue juteux, tendre et néanmoins tramé dans la persistance. Ensemble toujours aussi agréable à avaler. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Organic certification:
- 2011
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Puyguéraud is the reference of the Côtes de Francs, producing with great regularity wines of very high level. The owner, Nicolas Thienpont, also manages Pavie-Macquin and Larcis-Ducasse in St-Émilion. Always well rated, Puyguéraud proves better than others that it is possible to taste a beautiful and great Bordeaux for less than 15 € a bottle.
Revue du Vin de France : 90-91/100 « Une jolie couleur violine, juvénile, un grain fougueux, un joli vin à l’attaque tendre et à la fermeté tannique. Bien défini. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 90/100 « Pivoine et fruits bleus se mêlent de belle façon. La bouche offre un profil vertical. »
Galloni : 86-88/100 « The 2023 Puygueraud is laced with dark red cherry, blood orange, plum, spice, dried herbs, mocha and licorice. It has good intensity but also dries out a bit on the close. This is the first vintage to include some Malbec in the blend. It will be interesting to see if this softens with élevage. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
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A 6 ha property (92% Merlot) acquired in 2011 by Mr. Thienpont (Pavie-Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse...). After a break-in period, Alcée takes off in 2016, standing out from its neighbours by its emphasis on finesse, minerality and distinction. A wine with more length than breadth.
According to the Guide Bettane & Desseauve 2025, “Alcée has become the favourite vintage of wine lovers looking for excellent value among Bordeaux wines”.
Revue du Vin de France : 91-92/100 « Issu d’un plateau calcaire, c’est un castillon de bonne constitution. Une chair dynamique, traçante. Idéal pour découvrir l’appellation. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 91-92/100 ♥ Coup de cœur « C’est à la fois énergique, soyeux, fin et raffiné. Progressivement, le vin se met en place et il donnera du plaisir très rapidement. »
Galloni : 88-90/100 « The 2023 Alcée is a dense, plush, explosive wine. Inky dark fruit, leather, licorice, mocha, sage and chocolate are all amplified to the maximum. Poor soils yielded an especially dense, opulent Alcée. There's just a bit of dryness on the finish. Tasted four times. »
Martin : 90-92/100 « Both samples were showing just a little reduction on the nose, though it opens in the glass with black cherries, boysenberry and light floral scents, violets and iris. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit, fine acidity, a more muscular Alcée here but at least there is freshness on the finish. The second sample at the end of my tasting exhibited more length and complexity and my score reflects this. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc
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A 4 ha plot selection from Château Rigaud, La Mauriane is not yet another luxurious cuvée on the right bank but a wine built on fine grain tannins where the brilliance and precision of the fruit prevail. A true gem in the right bank !
Quarin : 92/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, au fruité mûr et subtil. Un peu plus parfumé que d'habitude. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très savoureux au milieu, avec de l'éclat, le vin s'étire en finale, long, juteux, séveux et parfumé. Jolie enveloppe tannique. C'est très bon. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Organic certification:
- 2012
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80% Merlot, La Chenade is the almost second wine of the Cruzelles. Designed and conceived by Mr. Durantou (Église-Clinet), this is one of the best quality/price ratios on the entire right bank. In confidence!
Bettane & Desseauve : 88-89/100 « 100 % merlot un peu réduit au départ, mais qui s’ouvre sur des arômes floraux avec un velouté réjouissant. »
Quarin : 88/100 « Rouge sombre et pourpre. Nez moyennement intense, fruité et légèrement épicé. Bouche tout en douceur tactile, avec du fruit, du goût. Corps et longueur moyens. »
Galloni : 90-92/100 « The 2023 La Chenade, 100% Merlot this year, opens with gorgeous aromatics. Medium in body and vibrant, with terrific energy, the 2023 is all class. Cedar, tobacco and dried herbs add an attractive savory/floral character, while bright acids that pull it all together on the close. This is beautifully done. »
Martin : 89-91/100 « The 2023 La Chenade is quite intense, although perhaps missing amplitude usually bestowed by the Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely texture and a keen line of acidity, lightly spiced with gentle grip on the slightly savory finish. Very satisfying in the mouth, this is a sensual La Chenade that will provide for delicious early drinking. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.6%
- Blend:
- 100% Merlot
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Les Trois Croix is the personal property of Mr. Léon, who was technical director of Mouton-Rothschild for more than 20 years. He is dedicated to producing straightforward, digestible Fronsacs, among the most elegant and distinguished in the sector. The dresses are not the darkest but the power and harmony are there. In confidence!
Bettane & Desseauve : 90/100 « Beau toucher de tannin, grand charme, de l’énergie et une finale savoureuse sur les fruits noirs. »
Quarin : 89/100 « Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr. Juteux à l'attaque, savoureux en milieu de bouche, le vin évolue agréable et bien bâti sur une longueur normale et parfumée. »
Martin : 91-93/100 « The 2023 Les Trois Croix has a slight metallic trait on the nose, though there seems to be sufficient black fruit underneath. This improves in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. It's fleshy and ripe, with fine structure and a touch of mineralité on the finish. This is just one of the best Fronsac wines out there. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 83 % Merlot, 17 % Cabernet franc
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In 2008, Denis Durantou acquired this Château for which he fell in love at first sight. A splendid 12 hectare clay-limestone vineyard on the first line of the Dordogne hillside, Montlandrie is in Castillon (which it directly overlooks) the equivalent of Ausone in Saint-Émilion.
As in his other properties (L'Église-Clinet, Les Cruzelles, La Chenade...), Denis Durantou used all his know-how and perfectionism to produce a fresh and floral wine, with a crisp and juicy fruitiness. Few Bordeaux wines are as deserving of the term "vibrant wine" as Montlandrie.Bettane & Desseauve : 91/100 « Il y a plus de cabernets dans ce millésime et cela donne plus d’assise à la fin de bouche. On conjugue à la fois la puissance et l’élégance, avec une texture ferme et veloutée. Beau potentiel. »
Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et vive. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité et noble. Variation aromatique de la rive gauche à la rive droite et vice versa. Notes rares de violette dans ce cru. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, appuyé sur une texture raffinée, le vin évolue ascendant en finale. Il s'achève long, savoureux et complexe. »
Galloni : 91-93/100 « The 2023 Montlandrie is a rich, expansive wine. In 2023, the blend includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than in the past, and that comes through in the wine's textural breadth. Succulent dark plum, crème de cassis, lavender, spice, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs build effortlessly in the glass, culminating in a broad, resonant finish that is quite striking. This Montlandrie is such a gorgeous and complete wine. »
Martin : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Montlandrie has a different aromatic profile than previous vintages: black cherries, cedar and pencil shavings, very focused, more Left-Bank-meets-Right-Bank in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It's beautifully structured and judiciously spiced with gentle grip on the finish. Together with Les Cruzelles, these wines represent outstanding value for money. This will certainly age well in bottle. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc
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Certified organic since 2015 and with a vineyard that is entirely biodynamic, Château de La Dauphine aims, beyond its 350 years of history, to set an example of modern winegrowing that is mindful of environmental issues. The wines, with more finesse than extraction, lack neither substance nor charm. "La Dauphine is clearly one of Fronsac's benchmarks," says Mr Galloni.
Bettane & Desseauve : 92/100 ♥ Coup de cœur « Le cabernet franc joue un rôle de plus en plus important dans l’assemblage et cela garnit davantage la finale, qui gagne aussi en distinction. Suavité en attaque et en milieu de bouche. »
Quarin : 87/100 « J'espérais plus ! Goûté deux fois avec frustration. La chair manque. »
Galloni : 90-92/100 « The 2023 La Dauphine is a powerful, resonant wine. Blackberry jam, spice, licorice, chocolate and lavender are some of the many notes that come alive in this succulent, opulent Fronsac. Pretty top notes from the 20% Cabernet Franc add nuance. This is beautifully rendered. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Organic certification:
- 2015
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Under the leadership of M. Thunevin (Valandraud), La Vieille Cure presents a more greedy and less square profile than before and reveals itself as one of Fronsac's major properties.
Quarin : 87/100 « Bouche plus discrète qu'attendue. »
Martin : 89-91/100 « The 2023 La Vieille Cure has a pleasant nose with raspberry coulis and black berry fruit, touches of sous-bois evolving in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, impressive depth and focus. The oak is neatly integrated, with just a bit of hardness on the finish. It should mellow with bottle age and come good in the end. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc, 5% Cabernet sauvignon
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Beautiful vineyard of 10 ha (90% Merlot) in Fronsac, where the owner, Mrs. Rullier, invests herself without counting. We find his energy in Dalem, with wines, full and assertive but also endowed with a real elegance.
Bettane & Desseauve : 90/100 « Tannin soyeux et vertical de bonne longueur. Un 2023 qui devrait parfaitement évoluer. »
Quarin : 92/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité et légèrement truffé, digne d'un grand Saint-Emilion. Délicat en entrée de bouche, le vin se développe sur une structure à la fois présente et aérienne. Il fond délicatement au palais tout en s'étirant sur un déroulé juteux et noble. Longue finale parfumée, aux tannins fins. Bravo ! »
Galloni : 91-93/100 « The 2023 Dalem is packed with inky dark fruit, blood orange, plum and lifted floral overtones. The purity of the fruit here is compelling. The 2023 is another fine effort from proprietor Brigitte Rullier. Beautifully done. »
Martin : 92-94/100 « The 2023 Dalem has a very composed and concentrated bouquet, nicely focused and demonstrating assiduous use of new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, sorbet-fresh with hints of blood orange interwoven through its fabric. Quite persistent on the finish, this is a Dalem with tons of promise. Superb. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14%
- Blend:
- 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet franc, 1% Malbec
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Mr. Durantou (owner of Église-Clinet who died in 2020) produced only 1500 cases per year of his remarkable Lalande de Pomerol Les Cruzelles. Incomparably superior to the neighbouring Pomerol of the same price.
Bettane & Desseauve : 91/100 « Des accents floraux où la pivoine et la rose affichent une belle classe aromatique. Texture crémeuse du meilleur effet, cela se goûte parfaitement. »
Quarin : 90/100 « Nez très aromatique, au fruité bien mûr. Délicat à l'attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, savoureux, le vin glisse jusqu'en finale où il se distingue par une très bonne longueur aromatique bien accompagnée par une touche boisée tempérée. »
Galloni : 91-94/100 « The 2023 Les Cruzelles is a potent, deep wine. [...] Pretty floral and savory notes from the Franc give this mid-weight, dynamic, vibrant Lalande-de-Pomerol tons of charm. I especially admire its energy. Readers will want to give this a few years in bottle. »
Martin : 91-93/100 « The 2023 Les Cruzelles [...] has a delineated and focused bouquet. A hint of incense infuses the black fruit, while a subtle citric element tucks in underneath. The palate is wonderful, certainly more complex and mineral-driven than the La Chenade, possessing gentle grip and perfectly pitched acidity. it fans out with chutzpah on the peppery finish. Excellent. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
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Selection of the best parcels of Château de Carles (10 ha out of the 20 ha of the estate), certainly the finest and most ambitious wine of Fronsac, making since 2000 equal game with the best classified growths of the slopes of Saint-Émilion. A great wine that should be kept for at least 6 to 8 years.
Bettane & Desseauve : 89-90/100 « Beaucoup de gourmandise et un tannin qui se montre plus distingué que par le passé. »
Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur noire. Nez aromatique, au fruité mûr. Touche de goudron. Caressant à l'attaque, savoureux en milieu de bouche, avec un gras fin qui parcourt le palais, le vin s'étire en finale, encore marqué par son élevage en bois. Déroulé plus précis que jamais »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Blend:
- 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
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With 12 hectares cultivated in biodynamic farming, certified since the 2007 vintage, Clos Puy-Arnaud is one of the great Côtes de Castillon wines that have nothing to envy to neighbouring Saint-Émilion.
Uncompromising, the great wine that has made the estate's reputation is an authentic cuvée, straightforward, deep and made for laying down.Bettane & Desseauve : 91/100 « Beau raffinement avec un tannin délié délicat et un fruit vif et énergique. »
Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur sombre et intense. Nez un peu discret et fruité. Délicat en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, le vin glisse sur le palais, charnu, agréable, sur une longueur moyenne. »
Galloni : 90-93/100 « The 2023 Clos Puy Arnaud is a huge, powerful, intense wine with a ton of fruit density. This feels a bit heavy and overdone - unusually so. Sark fruit and mocha linger. We will see where this goes. »More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 14%
- Organic certification:
- 2009