2024 Futures
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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.
J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez moyennement intense, fruité et subtil. Délicat à l'attaque, parfumé au milieu, le vin fond sur le palais, délicatement séveux et parfumé. Corps et longueur moyens. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 90-92/100 "Oily and textured in the glass, the 2024 Clos Floridène Blanc offers up scents of mint, apricot, dried flowers, chamomile and spice with light tropical overtones that hold it all together. This is a gorgeous dry white from the Dubourdieu family."
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Clos Floridene Blanc has a clean and fresh, sea spray-tinged bouquet with good complexity and hints of Vervain in the background. The palate is well balanced, crisp and poised, with fine weight and a tang of orange rind and peach skin toward the finish. Given the price, this comes highly recommended.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 47 % Sémillon - 52 % Sauvignon - 1 % Muscadelle
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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.
Bettane & Dessauve : 93-94/100 « Robe pâle, nez miellé aux accents de noisette, d’acacia et de fleurs, avec une touche minérale ; bouche pleine, fruitée, onctueuse et énergique, finale longue où des notes boisées apportent de la complexité. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Blanc sec is a very serious dry white. Acacia flowers, lemon peel mint, white pepper and chamomile are some of the notes that grace this exquisite, brisk white that impresses from start to finish. Readers will not want to miss this captivating 2024. The price ? Ridiculously low."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 90-92/100 "The 2024 Doisy-Daëne Grand Vin Sec has a pretty nose, with finely delineated apple blossom, dewy meadow and light white peachy scents emerging with time. The palated is well balanced, with a bright entry that mixes orange rind, nectarine and sour lemon notes, leading to a cohesive and persistent finish. It is very fine and revitalizing."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 100 % Sauvignon blanc
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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!
J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur pâle, aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, fruité et précis. Délicat à l'attaque, délicieux en milieu de bouche, avec un corps fondant, le vin finit agréable et un peu discret dans la persistance. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 88/100 "The 2024 Les Arums de Lagrange has a pretty nose with orchard fruit and light chamomile scents. The palate is well balanced and the 50% new oak is neatly integrated, with grapefruit and stem ginger on the finish. This has a nice "punch" to it"
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 70 % sauvignon blanc, 16 % sémillon, 14 % sauvignon gris
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Second wine from Château Valandraud.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96 "The 2024 Valandraud Blanc is magnificent. Bright, aromatic and sculpted, the 2024 sizzles with tension and energy. There's plenty of substance beneath, however. Lemon confit, white flowers, slate, chalk and mint are all beautifully delineated in this captivating, dynamic white. The 2024 is fabulous. That's all there is to it."
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur jaune vert. Beau nez intense, fin, pur, fruité et subtil. Moelleux à l'attaque, suave en milieu de bouche, très aromatique et légèrement compoté, le vin finit long et agréable. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 92-94/100 "The 2024 Valandraud Blanc is less expressive than the Virginie at the moment, but there is more concentration and honeysuckle scent that evolves in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a tangy, orange pith and mandarin-tinged entry. It has a keen line of acidity with a composed and persistent finish. I like the energy here."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 55 % sauvignon gris, 40 % sauvignon blanc, 5 % 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.
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Couhins Blanc is a regal, elegant wine. Readers who want to enjoy a world-class dry white that is still affordable will delight in this gorgeous, sculpted offering from Couhins. Slate, chalk, mint and white pepper drive through a core of citrus-inflected fruit. Couhins Blanc is one of the finest dry whites of the year. If recent pas vintages are any indication, it should also be a steal."
Bettane & Dessauve : 91-92/100 « Nez très agréable, aux notes fleuries et miellées. Bouche généreuse et riche, avec de la salinité et une belle vivacité. Bien fait, plein de caractère. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « L’acidité tranchante, l’éclat citronné font presque oublier l’indéniable profondeur de matière de ce pur sauvignon sur substrat calcaire, tendu comme une arbalète. »
J-M Quarin : 90/100 « Couleur jaune pâle. Nez intense, fin et fruité. Bouche au port très élancé, se développant savoureuse et dynamique, vers une finale longue et parfumée. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- 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.
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc has lilting peach skin and Japanese yuzu scents of good intensity and delineation. The palate is well balanced with just a dab of orange rind on the entry. Waxy-textured with zippy acidity, it is a little linear on the finish but this should gain depth during its élevage."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 88-90/100 "The 2024 L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc is a tasty second wine. Pliant and supple, with lovely forward fruit, L'Esprit has a lot to offer. Bright floral top notes extend the fine, saline finish. This is all class."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- Sauvignon blanc 70 %, Sémillon 30%
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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Since the 2023 vintage, Doisy-Daëne has been making a confidential cuvée (1,200 bottles) from its oldest Semillon vines, planted on the limestone plateau of Barsac. Entirely vinified in barrels, this 100% Semillon on limestone is an intense, straightforward wine, with intense aromas of vine peach and a lovely sapid freshness on the finish.
Bettane & Dessauve : 92-93/100 « Bouche légèrement perlante mais qui exprime un registre florale marqué, avec des notes de terpènes à la manière d’un riesling, jolie acidité et fruité agréable. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Blanc sec Sémillon syr Calcaire is another mind-blowing dry white from Doisy-Daëne. Rich, creamy and ample, with all the freshness and brilliance conferred by the limestone soils of Barsac, the Sémillon sur Calcaire is positively stellar. Orchard fruit, apricot, white flowers, salt and white truffle build into the resonant, palate-staining finish. This is world-class all the way. Stated simply, Doisy-Daëne's Sémillon sur Calcaire is a new reference point for dry white in Bordeaux."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 89-91/100 "The 2024 Sémillon Sur Calcaire has a more complex and, as you might expect, limestone-influenced bouquet compared to the Doisy-Daëne Grand Vin Sec, with touches of grass clippings and light patisserie aromas on the nose. The palate is well balanced with a brisk opening. It has fine depth with a slightly oily texture, although this needs a little more complexity to come through on the finish. I am intrigued to see how it will show once in bottle."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Deuxième millésime de ce pur sémillon de Barsac, contrepoint du sec de sauvignon produit ici depuis 1948. Le boisé est prégnant à ce stade (barrique d’un vin) mais ne masque pas le relief et l’allonge de la matière, d’une densité supérieure, ferme de bout en bout, tendue vers son objectif final, autoritairement borné par une sensation de tranchant crayeux. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 100 % Sémillon
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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.
Bettane & Dessauve : 92/100 « Nez délicat et épanoui, légèrement fumé, sur des agrumes et une belle typicité du sauvignon. Bouche en contraste, vigoureuse avec une longue finale vive. »
J-M Quarin : 88/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez intense et sauvignonné. Bouche caressante, au fruité frais, un brin coulante, mais parfumée dans la persistance. Le boire jeune. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Carbonnieux Blanc is redolent of lemon peel, chalk, slate, mint and white pepper. This brisk, refreshing dry white bristles with tension and saline-infused energy. It will drink beautifully over the next handful of years, maybe more."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Bien constitué, tonique, porté par une vivacité franche, ce classique offre un fruit encore assez variétal, veiné de bois frais, relevé de notes de fleur d’acacia et de pointe d’ortie. Tout semble en place. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 67% Sauvignin blanc, 33% 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).
Bettane & Dessauve : 92-93/100 « Nez élégant, fruit précis et floral, avec une jolie minéralité. Bouche dense et vigoureuse, pleine de saveur, avec une grande vivacité en finale. Beaucoup de personnalité. »
J-M Quarin : 90/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez moyennement intense. Nuances de poire et de framboise. Bouche délicate, aux arômes délicieux, évoluant savoureuse et parfumée dans la persistance. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Latour-Martillac Blanc is very classy wine that shows just how appealing the vintage is for whites. Brisk and finely cut, with notable textural depth, the 2024 is incredibly attractive. Citrus peel, white flowers, slate, mint, chalk and white pepper all race out of the glass. The 2024 has real depth and resonance. This is such a classic."
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Latour-Martillac Blanc has a composed and more complex bouquet than some of its peers: hints of apricotn pear and a touch of beeswax emerge with time. The oak is nicely integrated. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity. This is a little more lime-driven than expected, but there is fine tension towards the finish and decent length. Good potential."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « Pâle, réservé, il s’exprime avec beaucoup de netteté mais tout en subtilité, à l’image de suggestions miellées et florales qui viennent sobrement complexifier le fruit. La matière est remarquablement dense, servie par l’acidité du millésime sans être dominée par elle, la saveur longue, encore timide mais d’une grande sérénité. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- 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.
Vinous (N. Martin): 89/100 "The 2024 Caillou Blanc Talbot was matured in 30% new oak and contains more Sauvignon Blanc this year (83%)due to a new parcel. It has a fresh nore with red apple, tangerine and light chamomile scents that unfold in the glass. The palate is well balanced with an attractive, slightly waxy texture and a fine bead of acidity, with a dash of lemongrass emerging on the finish. This should constitue fine early drinking."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 83 % Sauvignon Blanc, 17 % 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.
Bettane & Dessauve : 92/100 « Belle palette aromatique, ananas, fleurs blanches, acacia et miel, bouche généreuse, avec une belle amplitude, des arômes persistants, de la vivacité et du rebond en finale. »
J-M Quarin : 91/100 « Couleur jaune pâle. Nez intense, fin, au fruité mûr. Touche de truffe. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, délicat au toucher, avec un déroulé aérien et du goût, le vin fond sur le palais, très difficile à cracher. C'est bon ! »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc is a potent, layered wine endowed with tremendous textural presence. Vinifaction and elevage in oak, with considerale bâtonnage, yields and especially rich, almost old-school-Burgundian character. This is a wine that will change perceptions about what white wines from Bordeaux are and what they can be."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 88-90/100 "The 2024 Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc comes across a little oaky on the nose at present, so the question is how well that will integrate during its élevage and in bottle. The palate is more peachy and tropical in style, which might lend it wider appeal, but I have encountered more complex vintages in recent years."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Expressif, musqué (melon), bien mûr, le fruit se pare d’une réduction sympathique, “bourguignonne” qui donne un relief certain à la saveur. La matière montre de la générosité et de la ressource. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 84% Sauvignon blanc, 16% 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.
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité et subtil. Bouche grasse à souhait, avec de l'éclat dans la saveur et un corps fondant. Ensemble délicieux et bien difficile à cracher. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Suduiraut Vieilles vignes Blanc Sec emerges from 45-year- old vines. Rich, textured and wonderfully deep, the Vieilles Vignes is seriously impressive. The 2024 is not quite as effusiveas some earlier vintages, but that is probably a good thing for the long term. Readers will find a potent, deep white loaded, with personality. Pear, marzipan, white flowers, mint and chamomile build into the deep, resonant finish. Floral notes and brisk acids resonate on the close."
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Suduiraut Vieilles Vignes Blanc Sec has a fresh nose with green apple, white peach and subtle chamomile scents that deliver great vigor and delineation. The palate is fresh and crisp on the entry with a keen line of acidity. Surprisingly strict and tensile, it has ample weight with a twist of lime and nettle on the finish. Very good potential."
Bettane & Dessauve : 92-93/100 « Joli blanc, vif, agréablement fruité, intense, sans excès de tension avec des notes salines. On aime son caractère équilibré qui traduit les prédispositions de ce millésime pour les blancs. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- Sémillon 56%, Sauvignon blanc 44%
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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.
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur jaune clair. Brillante. Nez intense, fin, fruité, subtil et fumé. Ample à l'attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, le vin caresse le palais sur un gras délicat, en gagnant de la puissance dans la persistance. Très belle longueur savoureuse. Un grand succès du millésime. Ma meilleure note donnée à ce cru en Primeurs à égalité avec le 2022. Bravo ! »
Bettane & Dessauve : 93-94/100 « Magnifique nez complexe, entre fumé, fruits blancs mûrs, tilleul, bergamote et menthol ; bouche généreuse, dense et aromatique, enveloppante, avec une vivacité impressionnante en finale. Un vin puissant et dynamique, plein de charme. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 92-95/100 "The 2024 Malartic-Lagravière Blanc is super. Vivid and expressive in the glass, with super balance, the Blanc is a delight. Lemon confit, mint, sage, chalk and light oak inflections build effortlessly. Lees-stirring builds texture. All the elements are so well balanced. Malartic-Lagravière Blanc is a highlight in 2024."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Malartic-Lagravière Blanc has a wonderful bouquet that is pure charm, with freshly sliced green apple, citrus lemon and touches of crushed stone. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is expertly balanced with satisfying weight and depth. The 2024's acidity deftly counters its concentration, giving way to a lightly spiced and quite persistent finish. Excellent."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « L’expression est déjà ouverte, presque volubile, longue en saveur, détaillée et suggestive. La matière demeure assez fluide, alerte mais en retrait par rapport à la séduction des parfums et des saveurs. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- Sauvignon 69%, Sémillon 31%
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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.
Vinous (N. Martin) : 90-92/100 "The 2024 Lilium, which is a selection of juice at the press that is aged in WineGlobes for eight months, has a light but pleasant and finely delineated bouquet with apple blossom, granite and hints of white asparagus. The palate is well balanced fresh and lively, with a brisk opening that gains a little more viscosity towards the finish, where one finds light wild peach notes. This is thoroughly enjoyable."
La Revue du Vin de France : 89-91/100 « Une proposition qui tranche par son amabilité et son immédiateté, un corps frais, aérien, mais tout en rondeur déjà suggestive, cajoleuse, avec de délicates suggestions aromatiques florales et lactées. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 100% sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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Full-bodied, fat and with a characteristic vanilla woody taste, the dry white wine of Lynch-Bages plays the charm and fabric card. Less than 4000 cases produced each year, far insufficient for global success.
J-M Quarin : 92/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez intense, au fruité mûr et subtil. Bouche immédiatement juteuse et très savoureuse, se développant sur un corps fondant, à la fois suave et dynamique. Persistance longue. Ensemble incrachable. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 89/100 "The 2024 Blanc de Lynch-Bages, aged in 50% new oak and bottled in March, has an appealing nose with well-defined scents of fresh and vibrant with crisp acidity, lime and lemon peel, quite "zingy" towards the finish. Envoy this over the next five or six years."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93/100 "Just bottled, the 2024 Blanc de Lynch-Bages is a gorgeous, refreshing dry white to drink now and over the next handful of years. Lemon peel, white pepper, mint and chalky undertonesare beautifully delineated. There's a bit more Muscadelle in this year's blend, but that is not especially apparent. Instead, Sauvignon Blanc drives the feel here."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 50 % cabernet sauvignon, 50 % merlot.
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The great white wine of Ch. Valandraud, with a sparkling sap and balance. With only 4000 bottles produced, it is a nugget that will do wonders on the table in 5 years (to take advantage of its youthful brilliance) or in 15 years.
A blend of predominantly Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, topped up with Semillon.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96 "The 2024 Valandraud Blanc is magnificent. Bright, aromatic and sculpted, the 2024 sizzles with tension and energy. There's plenty of substance beneath, however. Lemon confit, white flowers, slate, chalk and mint are all beautifully delineated in this captivating, dynamic white. The 2024 is fabulous. That's all there is to it."
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur jaune vert. Beau nez intense, fin, pur, fruité et subtil. Moelleux à l'attaque, suave en milieu de bouche, très aromatique et légèrement compoté, le vin finit long et agréable. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 92-94/100 "The 2024 Valandraud Blanc is less expressive than the Virginie at the moment, but there is more concentration and honeysuckle scent that evolves in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a tangy, orange pith and mandarin-tinged entry. It has a keen line of acidity with a composed and persistent finish. I like the energy here."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 55 % sauvignon gris, 40 % sauvignon blanc, 5 % sémillon
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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.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc hasit all. Powerful yet elegant, deep yet light on its feet, the 2024 is a wine of contrasts and harmony that will thrill readers for many years to come. Nothing in particular stands out rather it is the wine's balance that carries the day. Chamomile, crushed flowers, chalk and hint of new oak run throught a core of citrus-tinged fruit. The long, sustained finish is remarkable. Superb."
Bettane & Dessauve : 96/100 « Subtil et racé avec un fruit expressif, des notes de tilleul, de rose ancienne, de bergamote et une grande minéralité. Bouche enveloppante alliant vivacité et salinité. Un vin charmeur. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has just a tad more Sauvignon in the blend this year. There is impressive intensity on the nose with scents of apple blossom, orange cordial and hints of yellow flowers. It unfolds wonderfully in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a winsome, slightly resinous texture, notes of ginger-infused orange pith and wild peach flavours. Very harmonious and tensile on the finish, this is gearing up to be a superb Domaine de Chevalier Blanc that could well end up at the upper end of my banded score."
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, délicat au milieu, avec un corps caressant, le vin évolue savoureux, vers une longue finale vive et citronnée. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Robe pâle et reflets verts. Distinction et réserve dans l’expression aromatique, très pure, sans marque d’élevage voyante. Magnifique élan de fraîcheur en bouche, matière intense sans être glycérolée. Beaucoup de fond et de sérénité dans ce blanc d’avenir. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 75% SAauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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Sophisticated white wine from Pape-Clement, with a balance of tone and concentration that is always perfectly defined. Its 2020, precise, intense, discreetly woody and less smoky than usual, will be among the greatest Bordeaux whites of the decade.
Bettane & Dessauve : 95/100 « Nez net et intense, avec un grand fruit et un fumé racé, accompagné de notes de chèvrefeuille et de violette. Bouche dense, franche et ample, offrant une vraie consistance, beaucoup d’arômes et une longue finale vive et minérale. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Pape Clément Blanc is stellar, rich and deep, the 2024 stands out because of its textural density and almost phenolic feel. The 2024 is being raised in 50% oak (one-third new), 40% foudre and 10% a mix of ceramic, cement and stainless steel. Citrus confit, dried herbs, white pepper and chalk build as this imposing, structured white shows off its distinctive personality."
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur jaune clair, aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, fruité et subtil. Touche complexe de framboise et de fruits blancs. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, parfumé au milieu, avec de la grâce dans le toucher, le vin fond au palais, juteux, savoureux et long. Retour des nuances aromatiques décrites au nez. C'est très bon. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 43% Sémillon, 50% Sauv. Blanc, 7% Sauv. Gris
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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.
Bettane & Dessauve : 95-96/100 « Nez racé et complexe, avec un fruit pur, une grande minéralité, des notes florales et mentholées. Bouche voluptueuse, pleine de réserve, alliant pureté, allonge, tension, vivacité et une touche d’amertume en finale. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur pâle. Très beau nez, très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité et subtil. Touche de citron très rare dans ce cru. Evolution très parfumée dans le verre. Bouche aérienne à souhait, au toucher gracieux, au corps minutieux et fondant. C'est magique et incrachable. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is complex, dynamic and an absolut delight. Everything about the 2024 speaks to class. Brisk acids drive through a core of citrus fruit, almond, mint, chamomile and white pepper. More than anything else, I admire the wine's tension and energy. Clean saline notes extend the dry, bracing finish."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc needed a bit of aeration in the glass, eventually revealing scents of Anjou pear, gooseberry, white flowers and light flinty aromas. The palate is well balanced with lilting nectarine, pear and stem ginger notes. Fine weight and depth, with a judicious touch of spice towards the finish. The sapidity and linearity of this impressive Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc mean it should repay cellaring."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « L’expression aromatique de cet assemblage, classique pour la propriété (90 % sauvignon blanc, 5 % sauvignon gris et 5 % sémillon), est distinguée – un discours détaillé sans être roboratif. Le déroulé de la matière, cristalline, retient plus encore l’attention, avec une très belle allonge, ponctuée par une impression à la fois de grain tannique et de grain de sel. L’acidité du millésime est incorporée au propos du vin, elle participe à sa construction sans s’imposer au premier plan. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 90% Sauvignon blanc, 5% Sauvignon gris, 5% Sémillon
- Organic certification:
- 2019
-
Ultra-confidential white wine from Cos d'Estournel, with a predominance of Sauvignon Blanc (75%) on a terroir located at the northern tip of the Médoc. The proximity of the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean gives the wine its freshness, its mineral notes and its marine accents.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Cos d'Estournel Blanc is one of the best editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Rich and ample, the 2024 possesses notable textural richness but also a good bit of moderating vibrancy. The balance here is simply superb. Lemon confit, almond, white flowers and chalk build into the layered, resonant finish."
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur jaune, aux reflets verts. Nez très aromatique, fin, subtil et pour la première fois citronné. Il évolue superbe à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, parfumé au milieu, avec un corps fondant, le vin caresse le palais et s'achève long sur une touche citronnée, savoureuse et originale dans ce cru. C'est très bon. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Cos d'Estournel Blanc has more delineation and tension than the Pagodes on the nose. It's more citrus-driven with touches of yuzu and lime. The palate is fresh and bright on the entry, with a keen line of acidity and an intense lemon peel- and orange zest-tinged finish. This is a very fine Cos d'Estournel Blanc that will be difficult to resist in its youth."
Bettane & Dessauve : 91/100 « Energie et finesse, c’est l’un des blancs secs dont nous préférons le style dans le bouillonnement actuel du retour de cette couleur en Médoc. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12%
- Blend:
- 60 % sauvignon blanc, 40 % sémillon
-
The dry white wine of Mouton-Rothschild, very confidential (1000 cases produced per year).
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur pâle, aux reflets jaunes. Nez intense, au fruité légèrement compoté, mâtiné de menthol et de sauvignon. Juteux et large dès l'entrée en bouche, puis savoureux au milieu, le vin fond délicat, délicieux, parfumé, uni et néanmoins nerveux. C'est incrachable. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 89-91/100 "A little more strict than other Left Bank whites, the 2024 Aile d'Argent has a bright nose with lime flower? Conference pear and light peach skin scents. The palate is well-balanced with a citrus-infused entry, a keen line of acidity and dab of ginger on the finish."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Aile d'Argent is very fine. Silky, aromatic and brisk, the 2024 is impecably done. White pepper, chalk, slate, mint, lemon peel and marzipan are some of the many notes that take shape in the glass. Attractive tropical overtones from the Sauvignon Gris add lift. There's a bit more lees-stirring than in most years, and also a bit of malolactic fermentation, both of wiwh work so well within the wine's framework."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 84 % cabernet sauvignon, 10 % merlot, 6 % petit verdot
-
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.
J-M Quarin : 90/100 « Couleur dorée. Nez intense, pur, fruité et vanillé. Ample à l'attaque, riche en milieu de bouche, le vin fond sur le palais, puissant et aérien à la fois. Il s'achève long, très bon, sur des nuances d'agrumes. Difficile à cracher !
Vinous (N. Martin) : 89-91/100 "The 2024 Haut-Bergeron has an understated bouquet with acacia honey, peach skin and light beeswax aromas. The palate is smooth and harmonious. This is not a concentrated Sauternes, but it retains admirable balance with an easy-drinking, slightly Germanic finish. Fine, though I have encountered better vintages in the past."
La Revue du Vin de France : 88-92/100 « Riche, glycérolée, la matière est probante. Elle demeure ramassée en bouche, encore très juvénile, avec une timidité aromatique qui, à ce stade, fait ressortir la liqueur. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 80 % Sémillon, 20 % Sauvignon Blanc
-
Administered by the Rothschilds (Mouton) since 1996, Coutet has joined the leading pack of the biggest Sauternes after Yquem. Like Climens, it is a true Barsac, pure and remarkably subtle, but with a more marked liquor. Since 2005, Coutet has been in great shape! In a rare feat, the exceptional 2020 vintage came top (ahead of Yquem) in the Revue du Vin de France's ranking of Sauternes 2020 « un sommet de pureté, de précoce harmonie, de naturel ! ».
Bettane & Dessauve : 95/100 « Robe dorée, nez crémeux et miellé, jolie touche rôtie avec un bois bien intégré ; bouche moelleuse mais fraîche, sur les agrumes et l’abricot, avec une belle longueur en finale. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Coutet has quite an intense bouquet with beautifully defined lemon thyme and light peach aromas. The palate is well balanced with a vivacious opening, lively apricot and quince notes and concentration effortlessly offset by the silver thread of acidity. Composed and persistent on the finish, this is a superb Coutet."
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Coutet is a dense, voluptuous Sauternes. Orange peel, apricot jam, passion fruit, pineapple and white flowers convey tons of exoticism. Ample and resonant on the palate, with superb depth, Coutet is outstanding in 2024"
J-M Quarin : 92/100 « Couleur jaune doré, aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fruité, subtil et vanillé. Délicat en entrée de bouche, suave au milieu, avec un corps fondant, le vin s'achève savoureux et distingué, sur une bonne longueur. C'est très bon. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « La pureté du fruit est d’emblée saisissante. La liqueur svelte mais profonde (132 g/l), appliquée, est portée par une tension acide supérieure, une veine fraîche longue et fondue. Il y a beaucoup de relief dans ce vin, complet, sobre, cristallin, qui s’affirme avec une brillante évidence à ce stade très précoce de sa vie. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 98,9 % Sémillon, 1 % Sauvignon Blanc, 0,1 % Muscadelle
-
Doisy-Daëne may never be the sweetest wine in its sector, but its expression and aromatic refinement are unrivalled. A pure Barsac, brilliantly orchestrated by Denis Dubourdieu until 2016. The 2014 vintage was rated 94-96/100 by the Revue du Vin de France « with pure fruit and generous liquor, it is balanced by the finesse and minerality of the soil »; 96/100 for the 2016 vintage « sparkling, crystal-clear fruit, the pure character of the Barsac terroir ».
Bettane & Dessauve : 94-95/100 « Nez sur les notes de pierre à feu ; bouche bien boisée, rôtie, autour de 140 g de sucres, avec une légère amertume et une finale fumée. Bon équilibre dans l’ensemble. »
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur pâle. Nez intense, fruité et botrytisé. Bouche aérienne à souhait, au corps fondant, avec un goût de citron vert dans la persistance. C'est long et très bon. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-95/100 "The 2024 Doisy-Daëne is redolent of apricot, tangerine oil, baked apple tart, pineapple and spice. Bold and luscious in feel, Doisy-Daëne is quite overt in 2024. It offers ample body to match its abundant curves and sexy, flamboyant profile."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Doisy-Daëne is a little more backward on the nose than expected, with finely delineated peach skin, beeswax and wild honey scents emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a very peachy opening, then apricot and quince join the chorus line. As usual, the acidic thread keeps this Barsac on its toes and there is real intensity and sustain on the finish that leaves you wanting more. Bravo."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « Une liqueur racée, intense, cohérente, d’une classe manifeste. La proximité du fruit signe l’identité du cru ; il suggère ici admirablement la poire fraîche, juteuse, sa chair fondante ou craquante. Le centenaire de l’acquisition de Doisy-Daëne par la famille Dubourdieu, en 1924, est ainsi dignement fêté ! »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 75% Sémillon - 25% sauvignon blanc
-
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.
Bettane & Dessauve : 94/100 « Robe dorée, nez sur l’abricot et le safran, avec un fruit frais et compact ; bouche assez légère mais bien rôtie. La finale est marquée par une légère amertume. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Rayne-Vigneau has a relatively light bouquet that doesn't quite deliver the complexity of recent vintages, though it is clean with pleasant dried honey aromas. The palate is better, with ample weight, fine acidity and dried honey mixed with peach and marmalade notes that lead to a stem ginger-tinged finish. One of the more early-drinking vintages from Rayne-Vigneau, but it has class."
J-M Quarin : 91/100 « Couleur jaune, aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, fruité et même noble. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, suave au milieu, le vin évolue sur un corps un brin collant avant de finir plus savoureux et long. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Plus en finesse qu’en puissance, avec une matière harmonieuse, présente, mise en mouvement par une acidité “piquante”. On cherche les tendances aromatiques, pour l’heure peu évidentes à définir. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Rayne-Vigneau is a powerful, authoritative wine. Candied lemon peel, marzipan, dried flowers, mint and light tropical inflections fill out the layers. Rayne Vigneau offers terrific persistence, capped off with a slightly phenolic edge that adds quite a bit of character."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 72% Sémillon, 28% SauvignonBlanc
-
In the commune of Preignac, Suduiraut offers a wine that reflects its geographical position: halfway between Sauternes and Barsac. The latest vintages are dazzling in terms of contained power and aromatic distinction.
According to Bettane & Desseauve (Guide 2025), “Yquem is the only wine that can still do a little better”.
Bettane & Dessauve : 97/100 « Somptueuse finesse aromatique, avec un botrytis pur et frais, et une harmonie idéale de constitution liée à l’équilibre alcool, acidité et sucre. Finale interminable sur les agrumes dans la grande tradition du cru. Un grand classique du château en préparation. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur jaune, aux reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, fruité, subtil et botrytisé. Devient complexe à l'aération dans le verre. Ultra minutieux en entrée de bouche, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin fond sur le palais, complexe et raffiné. C'est long, très bon et incrachable. 100 % sémillon. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Suduiraut offers up a beguiling mix of passion fruit, mango, pineapple and tangerine oil. Even with 130 grams of residual sugar, the 2024 is not an especially opulent Sauternes. I especially admire its freshness. What a beautiful and expressive wine."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Suduiraut is very pure on the nose, less intense than the previous two vintages, offering wild honey, peach skin and light nectarine scents. The palate is well balanced with a fine thread of acidity. It is not as dense or unctuous as recent vintages, but there is wonderful tension with a pure and quite sensual finish. Excellent."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « L’échantillon offre une liqueur modérée, aux contours bien définis, mais sans extravagance ni flamboiement aromatique. Au vu de la qualité et de l’intensité des trois derniers millésimes à Suduiraut, on reste dans l’expectative… Il est possible que le vin cache son jeu. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 14%
- Blend:
- Sémillon 100%
-
The only 1er cru classé in the commune of Sauternes with Yquem, Guiraud offers rich, voluminous, powerful wines with a formal classicism. Certified organic since the 2011 vintage.
Bettane & Dessauve : 96-97/100 « Robe dorée plus foncée, nez boisé et crémeux, bouche intense sur le safran et le rôti, avec des notes d’orange amère. Belle longueur, bon équilibre malgré ses 155 g de sucres. »
J-M Quarin : 96/100 « Couleur jaune clair, au reflets verts. Nez intense, fin, subtil, noble et complexe. Ultra minutieux en entrée de bouche, avec une grande classe dans le toucher et beaucoup, beaucoup de goût, le vin fond sur le palais tout à la fois délicat, délicieux, noble et profond. Grande persistance incrachable. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Guiraud is a bold, luscious Sauternes. Apricot jam, chamomile, passion fruit, spice and burnt sugar convey notable intensity to match the wine's creamy, ample feel. Guiraud is a rich heady Sauternes, but all the elements are impeccably balanced."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Guiraud, now under the aegis of winemaker Sandrine Garbay, has a very assured and detailed bouquet with wild honey, peach and light apricot scents, with a touch of vanilla pod tucked underneath. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a keen line of acidity, gaining weight as it moves toward the clementine-tinged finish. What a gorgeous Guiraud!"
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « Guiraud 2024 présente une teinte dorée plutôt soutenue. Le nez se présente ouvert, exotique, richement botrytisé, évoquant tour à tour la mangue, la goyave… Il affiche une plénitude et une séduction immédiates, avec une magnifique lisibilité du fruit, à la fois rôti et frais, dont la saveur prime sur la puissance de la liqueur. Guiraud s’affirme avec une sensualité et une exubérance rare dans le millésime. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- Sémillon (62%) et Sauvignon blanc (38%)
- Organic certification:
- 2011
-
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.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2011
-
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.
Bettane & Dessauve : 90-91/100 « Les tannins se fondent avec une précision parfaite, offrant un corps équilibré. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Puyguéraud is promising. In 2024, Puyguéraud is not quite as dark or powerful as it can be, but that is not a bad thing. Crushed flowers, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco lend notable aromatic presence. The profile in 2024 is distinctly red-fruit leaning which I find quite attractive. This is very nicely done."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 87-89/100 "The 2024 Puyguéraud initially comes across as a little blowsy on the nose compared to its peers, although it settles in the glass with black cherry and blueberry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite supple in the mouth with raspberry and tayberry towards the finish."
La Revue du Vin de France : 88-89/100 « Le retour du malbec. Un beau jus plein, juteux, joliment ciselé. Une structure avenante, sanguine en finale. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 84 % Merlot, 14 % Cabernet Franc, 2 % Malbec
-
Since its acquisition in 1998 by Mr. De Neipperg (Clos de l'Oratoire, Canon-La Gaffelière, La Mondotte), d'Aiguilhe has been part of the new generation of very ambitious wines that bring the appellation of the Côtes de Castillon to a new level. It has just won a second star in the 2023 guide of the Revue du Vin de France.
Bettane & Dessauve : 91-92/100 « Ce blanc issu de sélections massales de Sancerre offre une belle chair de fruits blancs et d’agrumes. Subtil, délicat et frais, sa bouche présente ce qu’il faut de rondeur en attaque et une bouche qui possède une longueur marquée par une touche saline. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 90-92/100 "The 2024 d'Aiguilhe offers an attractive mix of red-toned fruit, cinnamon, blood orange, new leather and rose petal. Medium in body, with vibrant freshness, d'Aiguilhe is a delight in 2024. All the elements are so nicely integrated."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 85-87/100 "The 2024 Château d'Aiguilhe, soft red berry fruit, orange pith and light mocha scents form the nose that just needs a little more delineation. The palate is rounded on the entry, very soft and fleshy in texture and a little confit-like on the finish. It just lacks grip and substance on the finish."
La Revue du Vin de France : 91-92/100 « 20 % de cabernet franc. Une belle attaque de bouche, toujours suave, un grain enrobant. Cœur de bouche un peu léger. Deux foudres ont désormais intégré l’élevage pour diminuer les sensations boisées. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 90 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc