2024 Futures
The label « bio » indicates wines from biological viticulture or viniculture, subject to the official certification after the bottling.
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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."
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."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- Sauvignon blanc 70 %, Sémillon 30%
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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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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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- 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.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2011
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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 !
J-M Quarin : 92/100 « Couleur sombre, intense, aux reflets pourpres. Nez pour l'instant discret. Jolie entrée moelleuse, suivie d'un développement juteux et savoureux et d'une bonne présence générale. Bonne longueur à la tannicité discrète et enveloppée. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- 72 % merlot, 28 % cabernet franc
- Organic certification:
- 2012
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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.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 91-93/100 "The 2024 La Dauphine is another impressive wine for the year. In 2024 La Dauphine emerges only from parcels on the limestone plateau, a decision that resulted in only the best 15% being bottled. Darkl cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and dried herbs all build in the glass, framed by mineral undertones that wrap it all up in style."
J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur sombre et vive. Nez moyennement intense, au fruité mûr. Bouche pour l'instant marquée par le bois. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 90-92/100 "The 2024 La Dauphine has a pretty bouquet with light violet scents and neatly integrated oak. The palate is well balanced with supple tannins and a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is a successful 2024."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-93/100 « Beau vin dont se dégage immédiatement une dimension calcaire. Une trame profonde soutenue par un élevage soigné moitié foudres, moitié barriques et amphores. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 75 % Merlot, 25 % Cabernet Franc
- Organic certification:
- 2015
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Started in 2003, the Clos Louie adventure is a textbook case: a dolly vineyard (2.3 ha) on a beautiful clay-limestone terroir of Castillon, careful biodynamic cultivation, double manual sorting during the harvest, low-intervention vinification, gentle maturation in 500-litre demi-muids.
Louison et Léopoldine is the other Clos Louie wine, a tribute to Cabernet Franc (80%) from 50-year-old vines. Clean, bright fruit and remarkable aromatic freshness: a real nugget!More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2012
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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.Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Clos Puy Arnaud is one of the revelations of the vintage. Deep, powerful and resonant, with no hard edges, the 2024 is positively stellar. Dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, pomegranate and rose petal stain the palate. Clos Puy Arnaud is without question one of the wines of this very challenging year. Considering that the property is 100% biodynamic, this performance, including yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare, is simply unreal. Elevage will be about 12 months in a combination of demi-muid, barrique, amphora and porcelain. The blend is 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, quite a bit more Franc than usual."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « Superbe intensité aromatique pour ce vin à la fois plein et délicat. Archétype du bordeaux contemporain, très bel élan en final, très salivant. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 60% merlot, 40% cabernet franc
- Organic certification:
- 2009
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Started in 2003, the adventure of Clos Louie is a textbook case: doll's vineyard (2.3 ha) on a beautiful clay-limestone terroir of Castillon, very old vines (150 years old!) mostly Merlot and red tail malbec, careful biodynamic cultivation, double manual sorting during the harvest, little interventionist vinification, gentle maturing in 500-litre demi-muids. A true artist's wine, absent from the guides but that informed amateurs know well.
Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-90/100 "The 2024 Clos Louie is a rich, burly Côtes de Castillon. A blast of dark fruit, espresso, licorice, spice and menthol races across the palate. This potent 2024 could turn out to be quite good if the tannins are polished with elevage."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 86-88/100 "The 2024 Clos Louie has a light nose with dark plum and briar scents that have a pleasant edginess to them. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins, but I appreciate the blackberry, cassis fruit and the composure on the finish. Fine."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « Très belle approche florale, une aromatique aérienne, et surtout cette délicatesse de texture d’entrée de jeu. Un beau délié et un certain raffinement tannique. Une belle réussite. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2012
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Couhins' clear progress, seen in white wine since 2009, is now being felt in red wine. Here, it is not power that is sought but balance, aromatic delicacy and palatability.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 92-94/100 "The 2024 Couhins is seriously impressive. Dark and pliant, with notable mid-palate intensity. Couhins is terrific. I am tempted to say it surprisingly good, except the level of performance here is no longer a surprise. Dried herbs, lavender, blue/purplish fruit, licorice and light mocha notes linger on the persistent, sculpted finish. Bravo! "
J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et vive. Nez très aromatique, au fruité frais. Délicat en entrée de bouche, aromatique au milieu, le vin caresse le palais avant de prendre un peu plus de fermeté dans la persistance, mais sans dureté. Longueur moyenne. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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A family estate reawakened in 2011 by the arrival of son Paul Garcin, a former rock musician on the Bordeaux scene. An instant switch to organic and biodynamic viticulture, to produce intuitive, artist's wines that are immediately sapid and have a strong pleasure note. As a deliberate iconoclast, Paul Garcin makes a point of offering different facets to each Haut-Bergey vintage: a classic cuvée vinified and matured in the tradition of Bordeaux's great growths, the more contemporary Cuvée Paul, and single-vineyard cuvées highlighting their respective terroirs.
An approach hailed by the Revue du Vin de France: "A modern vision and the ability to reinvent oneself without betraying: Haut-Bergey symbolises the current vitality of Bordeaux's most historic vineyard".La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « L’expression aromatique tranche par sa liberté, ses notes de cassis frais et de raisin mûr qu’on a l’impression de toucher du doigt. Matière leste, sans gras mais très franche et savoureuse. On sent un réel aboutissement du fruit dans ce propos qui reste du côté de la délicatesse, de la légèreté. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Organic certification:
- 2015
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Practically abandoned in 1993 when Mr. and Mrs. Cathiard bought it, Smith Haut Lafitte is today one of the 10 greatest vintages of the Bordeaux left bank. The road they have travelled is truly admirable, and the Cathiards have spared no effort: restoration of the vineyard, construction of a vat room and underground cellar, introduction of state-of-the-art equipment, conversion to organic viticulture...
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur rouge sombre, intense, aux reflets pourpres. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité, subtil et complexe. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, avec un gras fin qui parcourt le palais, le vin caresse, puis monte en finale, long et complexe. Ensemble délicieux et surtout déjà incrachable. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 91-94/100 "The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte is raw and not fully formed. Today the tannins are imposing. There's good energy and depth in the glass, but the 2024 is very backward. Floral and spice notes emerge with air, but for the time being. Smith Haut Lafitte is a bit of mystery."
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte has an understated bouquet that I appreciate, with schents of blackberry, raspberry, light rose petal and India ink that gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, extremely well balanced and very refined, with a linear and correct finish. This is a classy Smith Haut Lafitte that will provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure."
La Revue du Vin de France : 91-93/100 « La robe est très vive sans être saturée. La qualité du fruit est patente dès le premier nez, les petites baies rouges se détaillent avec netteté, fondues à des suggestions humiques, chlorophylliennes et épicées fort distinguées. On retrouve cette expression en bouche, portée par une matière svelte, des tanins fins et étirées, une allonge sur la menthe fraîche et le graphite, mais aussi une sensation de canalisation par le bois frais de la barrique. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 67 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 27 % Merlot, 5 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Petit Verdot
- Organic certification:
- 2019
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Totally surrounded by classified growths, La Gurgue enjoys a privileged terroir, and the attentive care of Mrs Villars (also owner of Ferrière, classified growth of Margaux, and Haut-Bages-Libéral, classified growth of Pauillac), voted Winemaker of the Year 2024 by La Revue du Vin de France. Certainly the best quality/price/pleasure ratio in the appellation.
La Revue du Vin de France : 91-92/100 « Ce petit cru de Claire Villars-Lurton est régulièrement délicieux et accessible. Un vin tendre et délié avec un fruit savoureux et un équilibre très digeste. Il pourra se boire sur sa jeunesse. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 90-92/100 « The 2024 La Gurgue is still coming together in elevage. It offers very good depth, even if the tanins need time to fully integrate. Yields were punishingly low at 12HL per hectare. Claire Villars-Lurton chose not to chaptalize the 2024. Time in the glass brings out pretty floral overtones that complement a core of red-toned fruit. There’s good potential here. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12%
- Blend:
- 60 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 % Merlot, 15 % Petit Verdot
- Organic certification:
- 2015
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A small Margaux classified growth (24 ha), Ferrière is a traditional Margaux, frank and pleasant, moderately powerful but perfectly balanced. Its capacity for ageing is undeniable. Certified organicsince 2015, Ferrière was doubly certified biodynamic in 2018, with the Biodyvin and Demeter labels. Awarded Best Winemaker of the Year 2024 by Revue du Vin de France, Claire Villars-Lurtonet has pushed her Margaux cru to the top. Bravo!
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « Avec ses 12,2° d’alcool, le vin est particulièrement friand, souple et délicieux. Il déroule une bouche tout en équilibre. Tout à fait dans le sens de l’année, délicatement épicé en finale, c’est un margaux très accessible, dans l’air du temps. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 92-94/100 "The 2024 Ferrière is a potent, savory wine. Petit Verdot plays an important role in this blend, as it did relatively well in 2024 in terms of yields. Dark blue-toned fruit, dried herbs, white pepper, lavender, sage and spice lend notable complexity throughout."
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Ferrière has more Petit Verdot, which makes up 18% of the blend. I find this much more successful than its stablemate La Gurgue on the nose with blueberry and blackberry aromas. It's quite floral in style, with touches of violet coming through with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip on the entry. This is a gutsy Ferrière, which I mean in a good way, with a deft pepperiness on the finish. It is worth seeking out."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12%
- Blend:
- 70 % Cabernet Sauvignon,18 % Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 2 % Cabernet Franc
- Organic certification:
- 2015
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In organic conversion from 2013, Durfort-Vivens was one of the very first classified growths in the Médoc to claim and display organic certification from 2016. M. Bettane is one of its most fervent defenders: "the quality/price ratio remains absolutely unique at this level of quality of terroir and work.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 92-94/100 « The 2024 Durfort-Vivens is laced with dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, spice and mocha. It offers gorgeous texture and fine balance. The pliant, creamy mid-palate is especially appealing. The 2024 is naturally still coming together, but it is a striking, beautifully rendered wine. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-95/100 « La belle série se poursuit et le cru défend son style, réussissant encore en 2024 à combiner un admirable raffinement de tanins avec un toucher de taffetas et une structure solide en milieu de bouche. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 94,5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Merlot, 0,5 % Cabernet Franc
- Organic certification:
- 2016
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Palmer, a Cru apart from the Margaux, delivers an original interpretation of the appellation with wines that are always charming, melting and voluptuous, which explains its 50% Merlot grape variety.
La Revue du Vin de France : 97-98/100 « Le château a produit 5 000 caisses du grand vin en 2024. C’est un Palmer extrêmement séduisant, structuré, au fruit explosif. L’assemblage contient un peu plus de cabernet qu’à l’habitude, ce qui le rend très séveux, vertical, tendu, mais aussi diablement juteux et ultra précis dans ses contours. Un des vins les plus complets du millésime. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Palmer is aged in 50% new oak for the first few months before it is transferred into 3,000-liter foudres. There is quite a stylistic difference between the Palmer and Alter Ego on the nose: this is more sensual and displays more fruit concentration. Blackberry, blueberry, slate and light graphite scents unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and less voluptuous than recent vintages with an uncommon sense of symmetry, finely chiselled tannins and impressive tension on the slightly peppery finish. Excellent."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-97/100 "The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/Purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2018
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Second wine of Gruaud-Larose. In a rather powerful and tight register, Sarget is a serious and convincing Saint-Julien, with substance, at its best after 5 to 7 years of ageing.
Vinous (A. Galloni): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a bold, juicy second wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Succulent red cherry/plum fruit and sweet spice notes are pushed forward. Soft contours wrap it all together while pretty floral accents lift the finish. This mid-weight Saint-Julien is a delight."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 86-88/100 "The 2024 Sarget de Gruaud Larose has a light but pleasant bouquet with blackberry and wild hedgerow scents. It's quite sedated–in a good way. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, dark berry fruit laced with cedar at its core and a peppery if slightly short finish."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 3% Cabernet franc, 3% Petit Verdot
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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The best cru bourgeois of Saint-Julien (it could easily have been classified in 1855), kept by the Saint-Pierre team, even owner, and in very good shape in the last vintages. The Médoc's best value par excellence.
J-M Quarin : 91/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr et légèrement fumé. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, avec un déroulé précis et fondant, le vin s'achève séveux sur une tannicité minutieuse. Longueur normale. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Gloria has a light nose with blackberry, leather and loamy aromas that require a bit of coaxing from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with rigid tannins, moderate depth, gentle grip and a slightly blocky finish. It's not close to the peaks that Gloria can achieve (and there have been several in recent years), but this is a swarthy Saint-Julien that should mellow with bottle age."
Vinous (A.Galloni): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Gloria is soft, fruity and very easy to like. Sweet red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, lavender and mocha are nicely pushed forward. Gloria is very nicely balanced. It's a real charmer in 2024."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Le côté séduisant, ouvert et friand du vin est ici bien mis en avant avec un fruité qui tapisse le palais et s’allonge bien. Il termine sur des tanins sapides et une pointe saline salivante. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 56 % cabernet sauvignon, 32 % merlot, 5 % petit verdot, 7 % cabernet franc
- Organic certification:
- 2024
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Of all the second classified growths in St-Julien, Gruaud-Larose is the most vigorous and massive in young wine. But, the magic of the terroir, it acquires softness and finesse if it is given time to age. Its quality/price ratio puts it ahead of the other second classified growths of St-Julien!
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et vive. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur et fruité. Délicat en entrée de bouche, délicieux au milieu, avec du goût, un corps fondant, le vin s'étire en finale, parfumé et délicat. C'est très bon. Observez comment le petit degré d'alcool ne pénalise en rien la densité de ce vin. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-94+/100 "The 2024 Gruaud Larose is very fine. Dark and ample, with gorgeous presence, the 2024 has so much to offer. Dark blue/purplish fruit, new leather, gravel, spice, lavender and dried herbs build effortlessly. Readers will find a Saint-Julien endowed with notable textural depth. The finish is perhaps just a touch narrow, but elevage may very well help with that."
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Gruaud-Larose has an impressive bouquet for the vintage with pure blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light pressed flower scents. This leans a little toward Margaux in style. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and quite saline, with sappy black fruit laced with notes of black olive tapenade. Not a persistent Gruaud Larose insofar as there is no peacock's tail on the finish, yet it has a statesman-like classicism that you could not find 10 or 15 years ago."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 81 % cabernet sauvignon, 17 % merlot, 2 % cabernet franc.
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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Since 2009 and the acquisition by Mr. Lorenzetti, we can talk about a new vintage wine classified in Pauillac. Unworthy of his ranking, Pédesclaux had until then disappeared from the Bordeaux scene. The ambition and resources of the new owner are there: complete overhaul of the installations, acquisition of new plots of land ideally located. The first vintages offer the image of a supple and easily accessible Pauillac, at a price that defies all competition in the appellation.
J-M Quarin : 91/100 « Couleur rouge sombre, intense. Nez un peu discret, mais fin, au fruité mûr, évoluant légèrement fumé à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux à l'attaque, savoureux au milieu, avec une nuance un peu vive, le vin avance très fruité, vers une finale de longueur normale. L'élevage devrait l'embellir. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 92-95/100 "The 2024 Pédesclaux is one of the finest wines. I have tasted here in some time. The move to increase the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend over the last 15 years is starting to pay some serious dividends. Expressive savory notes lead into blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, menthol and grilled herbs. This is beautifullly done."
La Revue du Vin de France : 91-93/100 « Il repose sur une proportion importante de cabernets, sauvignon et franc. Le vin est tendu, avec un fruité acidulé, des notes épicées qui apportent de la complexité à la finale. Il se montre déjà très séduisant, on pourra en profiter rapidement ou l’oublier en cave. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 68 % cabernet sauvignon, 21 % merlot, 10 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot
- Organic certification:
- 2022
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Since 2010, Claire Villars (also at Ferrière and La Gurgue), puts back in the saddle Haut-Bages Liberal. With a qualitative terroir (adjacent to Latour), this certified organic wine since 2019 has become, for a reasonable price, the good deal of Pauillac.
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 « Le cru continue sa progression dans l’expression de la finesse, tout en gardant une belle structure. Ce 2024 est tout en équilibre, avec un grain délicat et une jolie finale allongée. Sans aucun doute une affaire pour les amateurs de vins friands et accessibles. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 91-93/100 « The 2024 Haut-Bages Libéral is a classy, polished wine. Silky contours meld around a core of succulent red-toned fruit, white pepper, blood orange and cinnamon. The 2024 is airy and a bit lighter texturally than most vintages, but all the signatures of the property are quite present. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Haut-Bages Libéral has a lucid purple hue. The nose is a little timid at first but opens with a few swirls of the glass, revealing blackberry; wild hedgerow and light tobacco scents. The palate is medium-bodied, reserved in style and grainy in texture, with lighter tannins than the previous vintages and a graphite-infused finish. Unashamedly classic Pauillac in style, this is a successful biodynamic wine taht has a spring to its step."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 94 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Merlot, 1 % Cabernet Franc
- Organic certification:
- 2019
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Contiguous to Mouton-Rothschild, Pontet-Canet is in good vintages the very type of great Pauillac, straight and racy. The first of the Grands Crus Classés to be certified "organic" (in 2010), Pontet-Canet has been at the top of the Médoc since 2000.
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Le vin se distingue une nouvelle fois par son élégance et son soyeux, avec une texture délicate mais un cœur de bouche juteux et une finale enrobée, très posée. Un beau classique qui ravira par son équilibre et son harmonie. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Pontet-Canet is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted here in some time, as in a long time. Brisk acids and beams of tannin shape a mid-weight, classically built Pontet-Canet unlike any I have tasted. The 2024 is not an abvious wine, it does not have the opulence of most recent years, rather it is a wine that impresses with its energy, tension and class. Floral, spice and mineral notes stain the palate in this vibrant, beautifully sculpted Pontet-Canet. The 2024 is seriously impressive, but it is also less immediate than what was once the norm because of shift towards a style that favors greater energy and vibrancy than in the recent past. The evolution here is going to be fascinating to follow in the coming year."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Pontet Canet has a very pure bouquet with black cherry, wild strawberry, cassis and light violet scents vying for attention. This is not quite as complex as the '22s I tasted a few months earlier. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, a keen line of acidity and veins of blue fruit commingling with black pepper and light graphite notes. Cohesive on the finish, there is an attractive linearity to this Pontet Canet, with satisfying sustain that delivers about as much precision as anyone could hope for in this vintage."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Blend:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 52% Merlot 43% Petit Verdot 4% Cabernet Franc 1%
- Organic certification:
- 2010
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As its name indicates, Bellegrave is on the crown of alluvial gravel of the Isle. With application, Mr. Bouldy has been offering for 40 years a true artisanal Pomerol, fresh, with velvety, energetic tannins and excellent keeping qualities.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2012
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This beautiful 24-hectare estate has been run by Alain Moueix since 1992. He applies the same philosophy and methods as at Fonroque (Saint-Émilion): organic farming since 2015, biodynamic certification in 2018, search for freshness and elegance through controlled extractions... Mazeyres offers delicate and measured wines, without blush, with a great finesse of flavor that increases even more in recent vintages.
Vinous (N. Martin) : 87-89/100 "The 2024 Mazeyres just comes across a little simplistic on the nose, a little Médoc in style with gravel-tinged dark red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and slightly powdery in texture with pliant tannins and a soft landing on the finish. This is nicely balanced but early-drinking."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-91/100 « Joli toucher de bouche, soyeux et velouté, qui surprend par son équilibre. L’acidité, plus mûre que la moyenne du millésime, soutient une matière sapide sans jamais heurter. Le fruit noir s’entrelace à des nuances végétales racinaires, apportant de la profondeur, avec un léger décalage aromatique. La finale saline et les tanins traçants prolongent le vin avec justesse et finesse. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 90-92/100 "The 2024 Mazeyres is a deep, polished wine. Dark and ample, the 2024 possesses very good balance. Black cherry, leather, spice and menthol are front and center. This sample shows a very slight sign of oxidation in the bouquet that is typical of wines raised with minimal SO2. Even so, this is promising."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Organic certification:
- 2015
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The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur vive, d'intensité normale. Nez intense, fin, fruité et subtil, évoluant truffé à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, puis rapidement très aromatique et soyeux, le vin évolue juteux, vers une finale profonde et incrachable. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 88-90/100 « Élaboré depuis les 7 hectares orientés plein ouest en face d'Ausone, ce Moulin cherche la légereté, avec des arômes racinaires et d'orange sanguine. Il conclut sur une allonge vigoureuse. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 89-91/100 "The 2024 Moulin Saint-Georges is all charm. Soft, plummy and forward, the 2024 offers up an attractive mix of blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, menthol and violet. There's a touch of sweet oak from the 100% new barrels, but the 2024 has enough depth to handle it. Pliant contours wrap it all together very pretty wine for the year."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 80 % merlot, 20 % cabernet franc
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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As well maintained as Canon-La Gaffelière (same owner), under the direction of Mr. Derenoncourt, Clos de l'Oratoire offers practically the same fullness and intensity for half the price.
Vinous (N. Martin) : 86-88/100 "The 2024 Clos de l'Oratoire has a light bouquet with briar, cranberry pencil box aromas. This at least has more character and presence than the Clos Marsalette or d'Aiguihe. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and delicate tannins, though it does attenuate toward the finish and leaves you wanting more."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2020
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An oenologist by training, Ms. Papon-Nouvel owns two tiny properties at the bottom of Saint-Émilion near Canon-La Gaffelière: Petit Gravet Aîné (2.4 ha) and Clos Saint-Julien (1.3 ha), where the vines are mainly old cabernets francs. From the vine to the cellar, she manages all the stages in the production of her wines on her own and, whatever the vintage, her talent as an instinctive winemaker gives wines of natural elegance and exemplary sweetness.
J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur sombre et intense. Nez un peu discret, sentant bon les fruits mûrs. Touche florale. Juteux à l'attaque, savoureux en milieu de bouche, le vin se développe aromatique et très agréable sur une longueur moyenne, mais avec beaucoup de goût. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 87-89/100 "The 2024 Petit Gravet Ainé has a straightforward bouquet with kirsch and blueberry scents that gradually reveal a touch of cola. It just misses some complexity compared to previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, lightly tannic and fleshly but doesn't have much grip. Though smooth in texture, it doesn't quite translate its 90% Cabernet Franc as well as, say, the 2022."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Organic certification:
- 2011