2024 Futures
In the "Top of the Top" category, we group together the podium (i.e. the dozen or so most exciting wines with the best scores of the vintage) of what we consider to be the most reliable tasters and which we regularly report on:
- Michel Bettane, bettanedesseauve.com
- Jacques Dupont, Le Point
- La Revue du Vin de France
- Jean-Marc Quarin (quarin.com)
- Bernard Burtschy (burtschy.com)
- Antonio Galloni and Neal Martin (vinous.com)
You will see in good place the most prestigious domains, therefore the most expensive, but also several challengers who create the surprise...
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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."
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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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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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 ! ».
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
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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 ».
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
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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”.
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%
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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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Although Les Carmes is adjacent to Haut-Brion and its vines were once part of those of Haut-Brion, the wines produced there are radically different from those of its prestigious neighbour. Due to a particular subsoil with the presence of clay, the vines are mainly Cabernet Franc (42%) and Merlot (40%) and the wines, deep and tasty, have an immediate generosity more typical of the right bank than the left bank. The new team set up following the acquisition in 2010 immediately propelled Les Carmes to the top of the Pessac-Léognan's wines.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "Seamless and silky in the glass, with superb balance, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of the wines of the vintage. All the elements are so weel balanced, always a sign of a superior vintage at this address. Floral notes, spice, leather and mocha run through a core of layered, beautifully persistent dark red fruit. Harvest took place between September 17 and 25, during one of the rare windows with little rain. As always , Les Carmes is done with a high percentage of stems (52%), specifically 100% for the Cabernet Franc, 50% for the Merlot and 20% for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is 70% new oak barrels, 19% 18HL foudre and 11% amphora. New oak is already very nicely integrated, another sign of a superb vintage. The 2024 is a brilliant effort by the team led by Technical Director."
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur sombre et presque noire. Nez intense, fin, pur, fruité et légèrement fumé. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, suave au milieu, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin glisse, fond jusqu'en finale où il rebondit profond, un tantinet austère, mais sans se départir de son gras. Persistance normale. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion contains more Cabernet Franc at 48% of the blend. This has impressive fruit concentration on the nose with redcurrant and blackberry fruit, hints of cassis and a dab of dark chocolate. Fine delineation. After time, there is something that nods to the Northern Rhône without losing typicité. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with fine tannins, a subtle pepperiness imparted by the whole bunches and a tingle of pain d'épices towards the finish. Very harmonious and very delicious, this should provide 20 to 25 years of drinking pleasure. 13.2% abv."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Cette interprétation du millésime est à la fois fidèle et ambitieuse. « Le propriétaire nous a donné les moyens de sélectionner », affirme Guillaume Pouthier, et cela se ressent dans la densité pleine de nuances de la robe, l’évidence du fruit et une forme de plénitude gracile. Les merlots ayant coulé, la dominante cabernets (48 % de franc et 29 % de sauvignon) est marquée ; la vendange entière appliquée sur plus de la moitié des raisins. La prise de bois canalise la bouche, en même temps que l’élan donné par la veine acide, sans que le naturel du fruit (impression “ligérienne” ?), supérieur à tout ce que nous avons goûté dans le millésime, n’en soit affecté. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 48 % cabernet franc, 29 % cabernet sauvignon, 23 % merlot
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Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur rouge bordeaux, intense, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, fin, fruité, subtil et noble. Magnifique entrée en bouche, très aromatique, à la texture de rêve. L'ensemble, complexe et noble, fond sur le palais, délicat, délicieux et incrachable. Un monde brillant de minutie. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Haut-Bailly has a perfumed bouquet built around redcurrant, cranberry and wild strawberry fruit. It's quite floral in style with finely delineated touches of freshly-rolled tobacco and wilted rose petal. The palate is creamy on the entry and velvety in texture, with finely chiseled, lace-like tannins. It is very well balanced with one of the few sensual vintages that you will find from this year. This will be much earlier drinking than other vintages, but that does not detract from what will be one of the most pleasurable 2024s to drink."
Vinous (A. Galoni) : 92-94/100 "The 2024 Haut-Bailly is an elegant, classy wine. Soft sensual contours lend notable charm. The 2024 is an especially aromatic, perfumed Haut-Bailly. Its mid-weight structure is best described as Burgundian, for lack of a better term. Silky tannins frame it all in style. Readers should expect a decidedly understated, quite Haut-Bailly."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 « L’aspect visuel est plutôt tendre. L’expression aromatique conjugue un fruit très frais, framboisé, suggestif, avec de jolies notes chlorophylliennes, de tabac aromatique, cadrées par un boisé frais qui reste à bonne distance. La matière est certes mince mais savoureuse et surtout harmonieuse, témoignant d’un travail tout en délicatesse, jusqu’à la finale, délicatement armée par de petits tanins, à peine saillants. À aucun moment le vin ne cherche à surjouer le millésime. Grâce lui en sera rendue au fil de son évolution, une sagesse interprétative dont le bien-fondé est accrédité par la dégustation du 2021 aujourd’hui ! »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
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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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Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Superbe couleur sombre, aux reflets noirs. Nez intense, fruité, subtil, pur et noble. Touche crémeuse à l'évolution dans le verre. Ample à l'attaque, caressant et juteux en milieu de bouche, le vin évolue savoureux et fin avec de la grâce dans le toucher et le déroulé. Il va loin juteux et noble. Quel goût ! »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion has a beautifully defined bouquet with pure, mineral-led black fruit, hints of blueberry and a subtle sea spray influence. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins. Fresh and vibrant, this La Mission feels very cohesive and sophisticated. No, there is not the depth and persistence of a top-drawer vintage, but its noticeable complexity is a cut above."
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion is such a classy wine. Strong floral and savoty notes meld into a core of plum, blackberry, gravel, spice, leather, tobacco and incense. Medium in body, with no hard edges, the 2024 is delight. It offers lovely freshness and energy throughout. There is a bit of graininess in the tannin, a reminder of the challenges of the growing season."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 « La différence de profil avec Haut-Brion est particulièrement nette en 2024, beaucoup plus que sur le millésime 2023. L’échantillon se livre sans se faire prier, avec une ouverture aromatique et une disponibilité remarquables, un corps charnu, en largeur sans être véritablement puissant, un fruit frais mais aux accents suaves, une structure relativement discrète et une allonge harmonieuse mais moindre que celle de Haut-Brion. Tout est en place et on sent beaucoup de bonne volonté dans ce vin qui semble décidé à exprimer rapidement ses qualités. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 51 % cabernet sauvignon, 46,5 % merlot, 2,5 % cabernet franc
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Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Haut-Brion is dark and brooding in demeanor, but obviously not as tannic of forbidding as it can be in the early going. All the Haut-Brion signatures are very much present, but they're portrayed in a decidedly understated style that speaks to the personality of the year. Black fruit, scorched earth, spice, tobacco and leather build with time in the glass. The 2024 is a super-classy Haut-brion. There's gorgeous substance here."
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Magnifique couleur sombre et intense, aux reflets grenat. Nez intense, fin, fruité, subtil et même complexe que je mettrais bien volontiers dans le Médoc tant le cabernet domine l'expression. Dense dès l'entrée en bouche, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin évolue juteux, savoureux, sur une texture impeccable et un goût unique. Longueur normale. Ensemble encore plus éblouissant si l'on considère qu'il y a là 51 % de la récolte. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Haut-Brion has an altogether more polished, powerful and fruit-driven bouquet than La Mission at the moment. Black and blue fruit, black olive and subtle sea spray scents emerge with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant and focused, with fine tannins and an engaging underlying sapidity coming through with more weight and sustain on the finish. This is a very capable Haut-Brion that will not kowtow to the challenges of the 2024 season-rather, it seems to relish them."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Il faut reconnaître à ce vin le talent de dépasser le propos habituel du millésime sans surjouer la partition. La dégustation est dominée par la distinction de la structure tannique, serrée, exigeante mais finement tramée, très longue. Elle est suivie par une veine acide qui fait ressortir l’éclat ténébreux d’un fruit plus noir que rouge. La chair est en retrait, mince mais sans creux. Cette impression de sveltesse, de fluidité, n’empêche pas le vin d’apparaître complet, racé et armé pour la garde. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 47,2 % cabernet sauvignon, 37,5 % merlot, 15,3 % cabernet franc
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Under the direction of Henri Lurton, Brane-Cantenac has gained in recent years in fullness and density and has become one of the leading growths of the appellation along with Palmer and Rauzan-Ségla and even the most authentically Margalese of them all. Let there be no mistake, behind a typically Margalaise elegance and delicacy that encourages tasting it too young, Brane-Cantenac needs time to blossom and reveal itself.
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Une fois encore, il affiche un style explosif et spectaculairement fruité. Un vin superbe de précision, dessiné par des cabernets purs et ciselés, avec des tanins en dentelle et une finale juteuse. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur sombre, pourpre et intense. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité, subtil, pur et complexe. Un des plus raffinés du millésime. Nuances de cerise et de réglisse à l'agitation du verre. Corps minutieux dès l'entrée en bouche, se développant très aromatique au milieu, avec de la classe dans la texture et un port élancé qui fond, fond, puis se trame tout en douceur, long et subtil, avec beaucoup de goût et de noblesse. C'est incrachable. Avec son petit degré d'alcool de 12°6, ce vin fera un malheur sur les tables ! »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Brane-Cantenac is shaping up to be a gem. Blood orange, crushed flowers, spice, mint and chalk confer notable brightness. The 2024 is marked by a strong red-fruit character, bright acids and mid weight structure, all of which make for a super classic, if somewhere nervy, Brane-Cantenac. There's quite a bit of potential here."
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Brane-Cantenac, with no Petit Verdot or Carménère included in the blend this year, has a refined bouquet, understated at first, opening with black fruit, graphite and deft touches of wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit on the entry. With fine grip and very fresh, this is a Brane-Cantenac leaning more toward Pauillac in style as it is sometimes wont to do. Lightly peppery on the finish, this is an elegant Margaux."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 77 % cabernet sauvignon, 22 % merlot, 1 % cabernet franc.
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An exceptional terroir classified in 1855 at the top of the second classified growths (with Mouton-Rothschild). Classicism in its purest form, an exemplary Margaux and certainly the cru classé whose style is the closest to that of Château Margaux.
Vinous (A. Galloni): 95-96/100 "The 2024 Rauzan-Ségla is magnificent. One of the top wines of the Left Bank, Rauzan-Ségla possesses tremendous textural density and mind-blowing balance. Dark fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and new leather are all dialed up in potent, layered Margaux that offers stunning harmony and incredible purity. At this stage, Rauzan-Ségla is on wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Elegant yet powerful, the 2024 is simply magnificent."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Le vin impressionne par son ampleur et sa définition. Le nez ouvre sur une corbeille de fruits rouges et la bouche enchaîne avec une belle vivacité, une touche d’épices, du volume et des tanins au grain très fin. Un futur classique qui ne craindra pas les années. Le château est certifié bio depuis 2024. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Rauzan-Ségla has a fuller bouquet than the Deuxième Vin, with pure black fruit, a hint of violet and a splash of India ink–refined rather than powerful. The palate is medium-bodiedand tensile, with lighter tannins than the '20 or '22, poised and quite linear in style. A dash of black pepper and graphite emrges towards the liquorice-tinged finish. Clearly, this is a more approachable Rauzan-Ségla."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 14.5%
-
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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No other vintage can better express the magical association that is so difficult to obtain simultaneously finesse and power. A first growth without rival in its style!
La Revue du Vin de France : 96-97/100 « Le cru peut encore une fois s’appuyer sur la qualité de ses célèbres cabernet-sauvignon. Leur état sanitaire, leur maturité et leur rendement n’ont pas trop souffert des conditions du millésime. On les retrouve donc logiquement dans la trame du vin. 2024 est un margaux de grande finesse, très élégant et parfumé, avec des tanins de dentelle et une finale acidulée. Le blanc est remarquable de fraîcheur et d’équilibre, avec une superbe longueur. »
J-M Quarin : 96/100 « Couleur rouge sombre, intense et belle. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur et fruité, sentant bon les fruits noirs. Aérien dès l'entrée en bouche et immédiatement accompagné de la texture si minutieuse et inénarrable propre à ce cru, le vin fond sur le palais tout en s'élançant en finale, savoureux, séveux et long. C'est impressionnant de délicatesse et de profondeur. Et je suis convaincu que l'élevage patinera plus encore la fin de bouche. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Château Margaux contains slightly less Merlot (5%). It has a sophisticated bouquet in the context of the growing season, with black fruit, pressed violet and hints of pencil box that almost lend a Pauillac-like allure. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth. This is clearly a leaner Château Margaux compared to, say, the 2020 or 2022, but it is razor-sharp with superb tension and mineralité. Unapologetically classic in style with modest length, this noble First Growth will benefit from four to five years in bottle."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 93 % cabernet sauvignon, 5 % merlot, 1 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot
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Even if their evolution always involves a period of austerity, Léoville-Barton wines have a supreme class and elegance, due as much to the advanced age of the vines as to meticulous work. Always praised by the critics, as in 2015 "fine, sapid and very long, lots of class on the palate, with a juicy side and superb texture", rated 97/100 by the Revue du Vin de France.
La Revue du Vin de France : 95-96/100 « Difficile de ne pas succomber au charme de ce vin au fruité éclatant. La bouche déroule des saveurs de fruits frais avec une grande gourmandise et il termine sur une signature tannique toujours ultra soyeuse. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Léoville-Barton is a very beautiful wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, new leather, graphite, crushed rocks, mocha and spice all meld together. A wine of classical build, Léoville-Barton is also wonderfully deep and expressive. Today, all of its energy is directed inwards, but there is a lot of wine here. I can't wait to taste this from bottle."
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, au fruité mûr. Nuances d'encre et de cabernet sauvignon à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, le vin évolue juteux, un brin sur le bois, vers une finale plutôt austère pour le millésime. L'élevage le patinera. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Léoville Barton has an open bouquet with black fruit, potpourri and light sous-bois scents–quintessentially Barton. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and sapid in style with slightly powdery tannins on the entry and a little sinew on the finish that should be abraded during barrel maturation. This is a finely crafted Léoville Barton."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 92 % cabernet sauvignon, 6 % merlot, 2 % cabernet franc
-
With the help of Michel Rolland, Léoville-Poyferré has gained in depth since 1993, voluptuousness of texture and ability to age. It is now approaching the quality of its prestigious neighbours in which it is landlocked: Léoville-Las Cases and Pichon-Lalande. The competition between the three Léoville is intense but Léoville-Poyferré now prevails with an easier, more voluptuous approach, and a superior quality/price/pleasure ratio.
La Revue du Vin de France : 95-96/100 « Comme à son habitude, le cru est assez flamboyant, épaulé, avec de la puissance et de la richesse, mais il n’est pas dénué de raffinement. Un ensemble charnu, persistant, de bel équilibre. Très prometteur. »
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, subtil et parfumé. Délicatement moelleux en entrée de bouche, avec du goût et un corps qui se trame lentement, le vin évolue juteux et persistant sur des tannins enveloppés. C'est très bon. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré, quasi-Pauillac in style, offers quite backward black fruit, hints of melted tar and graphite on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and quite succulent with fleshy ripe tannins, tobacco-laced black fruit, brown spices and light undergrowth. With a fine supple landing on the finish in typical "LP" fashion, this constitutes a delicious, early-drinking Poyferré that will be more approachable than other vintages."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-92/100 "The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré offers notable brightness to match its mid-weight personality. Floral and spice notes open into a core of dark red-and black-toned fruit with good persistence, the 2024 is an understated Léoville-Poyferré. Today, it feels a bit compact, which also attenuates the fruit to some degree."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 64 % cabernet sauvignon, 27 % merlot, 8 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot
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Emblematic cru of the Médoc by its architecture as well as by the delicacy of its wines, internationally sought-after. Beychevelle has taken another step up in finesse and aromatic precision with the commissioning in 2018 of its new vat room, and is now on first-name terms with the commune's second growths.
Vinous (A.Galoni) 95-97/100 "The 2024 Beychvelle might very well be the wine of the vintage in Saint-Julien. It is certainly among the very best I tasted on the Left Bank. Plush, inky and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2024 is so silky and inviting. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha and spice are some of the many notes that stain the palate. The sustained, resonant finish is a thing of beauty."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-95/100 « Belle réussite pour ce cru au joli milieu de bouche, avec du charnu. Il enchaîne sur des tanins polis et intégrés. L’ensemble est charmeur et prometteur. »
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, crémeux insoupçonnable au nez, le vin caresse fond et s'achève un brin ferme. Longueur normale.et subtil. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très savoureux, avec une touche vive. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Beychevelle has a nicely composed, warm and sensual bouquet with plush blackberry, cassis and touches of violet. The 42% Merlot is very expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with, again, quite luxuriant tannins that lend this Beychevelle more comeliness than you would anticipate given the growing season. Perhaps it just misses a little sustain on the finish, but othrwise, this is a fine Saint-Julien. 13.3% alcohol."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 55 % cabernet sauvignon, 42 % merlot, 3 % petit verdot.
-
Since the arrival of Bruno Borie in 2003, Ducru-Beaucaillou has been flying from success to success. No one has forgotten that, until 1980, Ducru was the greatest of the Médoc's second growths, a position it is now regaining. Bravo !
La Revue du Vin de France : 97-98/100 « Cette année encore Ducru est en lice pour la palme du raffinement. Le vin est fantastique de définition et de précision avec un immense respect du fruit. Saluons la qualité des tanins, l’allonge et la rétro-olfaction montante, fruitée, florale et épicée. »
Vinous (A.Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky tannins give the 2024 its distinctly mid-weight, lithe personality. Readers will find a gracious Ducru built more on persistence and nervy tension than size or opulence. Blue/black fruits, lavender, cloves, menthol and chocolate open over time. It will be fascinating to see how this ages."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 92-94 "The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou matured entirely in new oak, as usual. The 100% new wood slightly impedes on the aromatics at the moment, masking some of the attractive blackberry and cassis scents tucked underneath. The palate is medium-bodied and, again, the oak is very vocal at the moment. Quite marine-influenced on the finish, this Ducru-Beaucaillou has impressive sapidity, although the key question is how that wood will assimilate in bottle. Only time will tell."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
-
Intended for very long ageing in the cellar (at least 10 years even in small vintages), the wines of Léoville-Las Cases represent in each vintage one of the most perfect and purest expressions of the Médoc vineyard. As Wine Advocate has written, "Léoville-Las Cases looks more and more like Lafite rather than its close neighbour Latour".
Every vintage, Léoville-Las Cases is one of the contenders for the title of "best Bordeaux of the year", as once again with its 2020, rated 98+/100 by M. Galloni "Las Cases is one of the wines of the 2020 vintage, there is no doubt about that" and 99-100/100 by the Revue du Vin de France "a superlative wine for its depth, richness, but above all its definition".
La Revue du Vin de France : 97-98/100 « Le nez profond et frais introduit encore un très grand Las Cases. En bouche, pas de doute, sa précision, son éclat et sa persistance en font un modèle du millésime. Son tour de force consiste à allier une impressionnante puissance et une grande finesse en finale. Il déroule une fantastique allonge. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, pur, fruité et subtil. Touche inédite de violette. Ample à l'attaque, très savoureux en milieu de bouche, avec de la classe dans le déroulé et un brin de vivacité, le vin s'étire long, juteux et même noble. C'est très bon. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Léoville Las Cases has a backward, almost surly bouquet with introverted black fruit, cedar, touches of cumin and light sea spray scents. Superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with less structure than the last two vintages, yet it upholds wonderful balance with lace-like tannins. With crisp black fruit and beautifully assimilated new oak, this fans out towards the finish. It is paradoxically a more conservative Las Cases in keeping with the limitations of the growing season, but I suspect it will gain weight and sustain with time in barrel."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 84 % cabernet sauvignon, 11 % cabernet franc, 5 % merlot
-
Bought in 1986 by the AXA group, initially under the leadership of Mr. Cazes (Lynch-Bages), Pichon-Longueville Baron regained its best form in the powerful and distinguished style of the great Pauillac. It must be said that a small half of its vines are located next to those of Latour, on a first growth terroir! For the Revue du Vin de France: "Pichon-Baron is at the top in the last vintages".
La Revue du Vin de France : 95-96/100 « Le vin affiche une grande race et beaucoup de profondeur. Un Pichon à la trame sérieuse, avec beaucoup de volume et une belle chair qui l’enrobe. Les tanins sont mûrs, avec un grain fin. L’allonge est admirable. Il ira loin. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Beau rouge sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, fin, pur et fruité. Nuances de violette et réglisse zan à l'agitation du verre. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, puis de suite très savoureux, avec du corps et un déroulé très enrobé et même suave, le vin s'achève long, sur une tannicité présente, mais parfumée. Qu'il est agréable de retrouver du tannin et du bon en finale, c'est si rare cette année. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Pichon Baron is a very sexy wine. Deep and layered on the palate, with fine depth, the 2024 exudes balance. Sumptuous black cherry, mocha, new leather, licorice, menthol, lavender and pine are all dialed up. There's gorgeous breadth and overall presence here. The Cabernet Sauvignon is quite high at 87%, but it is really the wine's balance that speaks loudest. Here, too, the reduction of new oak to 70% really helps wine speak with precision."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 92-94/100 "The nose of the 2024 Pichon Baron is immediate and well-defined, with mineral-driven black fruit, a touch of pencil box and subtle estuarine scents. It is quintessential Pichon Baron. The palate is fresh and delineated on the entry, endowed with a core of sapid black olive tapenade-infused black fruit. I appreciate the energy that comes through, especially towards the second half, which maintains a sense of symmetry. It will be earlier drinking compared to the 2020 or 2022, but it is a successful Pauillac in the context of the challenging growing season, though it might require a little more time in bottle."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 87 % cabernet sauvignon, 13 % merlot
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Mr Rouzaud (Champagne Roederer) acquired it in 2007 and has since strengthened the technical team by adding the advice of Mr Boissenot. Pichon-Comtesse remains faithful to the style that has made it so successful, as dense, suave, charming, enchanting and above all endearing.
La Revue du Vin de France : 95-96/100 « La grande classe ! le vin est étincelant et précis, dans la veine des derniers millésimes, servi par des cabernets qui fournissent la colonne vertébrale. Cette colonne est enrobée par une chair finement moelleuse. Très grande allonge avec une pointe mentholée. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Très beau rouge sombre et intense. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, sentant bon le cabernet sauvignon. Profond à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très savoureux au milieu, avec un corps au dessin de cabernet sauvignon, du goût et un déroulé impeccable, le vin finit long, juteux, séveux, sur une persistance de fruits noirs. »
Vinous (A; Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Pichon Comtesse de Lalande is plush, sensual and inviting. Succulent dark-toned fruit, sweet spice, new leather, mocha, chocolate and lavender build nicely. Here, too, the tannins are so polished, so refined. The 2024 is an especially elegant Pichon-Comtesse. It's also very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Bravo."
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Pichon Comtesse de Lalande is clearly driven by Cabernet Sauvignon on the nose. Predominantly black fruit, freshly rolled tobacco and light cedar scents unfold in the glass, resolutely classic in style, strict yet focused and defined. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, evidencing the much lighter extraction exacted by Nicolas Glumineau. This results in an impressive balanced Pichon-Comtesse, lightly spiced with hints of cracked black pepper towards the finish, dare I say, cut in a "Lafite" style. Though without the ambition of the '22, this keeps within the limitations set by the growing season. I can imagine this Pauillac slipping down the throat with ease in its flush of youth."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 83 % cabernet sauvignon, 14 % merlot, 3 % cabernet franc
- Organic certification:
- 2024
-
Mouton-Rothschild's upgrade in 1973 from second to first grand cru classé was as legitimate as it was deserved in view of the quality of its terroir, a plateau of 90 hectares of deep gravel to the north of Pauillac, with Lafite-Rothschild as a neighbor. Despite this promotion, and even though it regularly tops the rankings in tastings, Mouton-Rothschild remains to this day the least expensive of the Médoc's premier crus classés. Its powerful, full-bodied style and its ability to age well have led Mr. Bettane to write "perhaps the most formally perfect wine in the Médoc...".
La Revue du Vin de France : 96-97/100 « C’est un Mouton de grande classe qui est né en 2024. Le vin, profilé par ses beaux cabernets (93 % de l’assemblage), offre distinction et éclat. Le nez exhale un parfum subtil et complexe, très floral. La bouche est persistante, avec des tanins très doux, un toucher soyeux et raffiné. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Beau rouge sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité, subtil. Moelleux en entrée de bouche et plutôt gras au milieu, avec du goût et de la puissance, le vin monte dans le dernier tiers du palais. Il finit long, juteux, séveux, avec un brin de vivacité qui reste à fondre. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Mouton Rothschild has an understated bouquet with blackberry, cedar and graphite scents that take their time to unfold. The nose possesses very fine delineation though the oak is a little more prominent at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied and quite linear in style with fine tannins. A less flamboyant Mouton Rothschild in keeping with the style of the vintage, the 2024 discretely gazins depth towards the finish and reveals a dash of white pepper on the altertaste. Classy, very classy."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-95/100 "The 2024 Mouton-Rothschild is embryonic. Dark, poxerful and imposing, the 2024 is deeply intriguing, but also a wine that is going to need time to be at its best. Today, the tannins feel a bit brooding, the wine's mid-weight structure notwithstanding. The 100% new oak needs to integrate, but this is barrel sample."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 93 %, Merlot 7 %
-
Appointed cellar master in 1994, Mr. Chevallier focused on developing Lafite-Rothschild wines without losing any of the characteristic bouquet of blackcurrant, graphite and cedar. This objective was quickly achieved, placing Lafite at the top of the 1st classified growths (this was already the case in 1855), and revered as such by the Chinese market. The incredible qualities of Lafite's terroir make it a unique vintage and give Cabernet Sauvignon (more than 90% present each year) its most beautiful aromatic expressions.
The great 2020 vintage was awarded the supreme score of 100/1000 by the Revue du Vin de France: "Spectacular, bordering on perfection".
La Revue du Vin de France : 97-98/100 « Voilà un vin à ne pas mettre entre toutes les papilles. Il faut aller chercher ce 2024 à 96 % de cabernet-sauvignon. Il est très sérieux, profond et complexe mais pas expansif. Ce qui le caractérise ? Son harmonie et son incroyable longueur. Un Lafite ultra racé et prometteur. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur sombre, aux reflets noirs. Nuances vives. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité, subtil et floral. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très parfumé au milieu, le vin fond sur le palais, délicat, savoureux, avec un joli retour de la saveur dans la persistance. C'est très bon. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Lafite-Rothschild is a sensual, elegant wine very much in the style of the year. Plush and enveloping, with lovely forward fruit, the 2024 is very Lafite, perhaps a bit reticent, but super-expressive just the same. Black cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and a kiss of espresso all build in the glass, framed by quintessentially finessed Lafite tannins. The 2024 is sublime. I expect it will be one of the to be one of the wines in the Médoc when all is said and done."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 95-97/100 "The 2024 Lafite-Rothschild has an understated and typical Lafite nose with crushed stone infusing the black fruit, black olive tapenade and marine scents. It comes across as astatesmanlike, which is just how you want your First Growth, even in a tricky vintage like this. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh saline notes on the entry. Tensile from the start, this has very impressive focus and is a tad more peppery than previous vintages. This is an assured Lafite-Rothschild with a very seaweed/Japanese wakame-tinged finish. Very promising and one of the very few "cerebral" Left Bank wines in 2024."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 96% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
- Organic certification:
- 2024
-
The acquisition of Calon-Ségur in 2012 by a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel (a French bank) heralds the great awakening of this famous terroir of gravel on limestone, in one piece and entirely surrounded by a wall (a unique fact in the Médoc). All of Bordeaux wants Calon-Ségur to be as fabulous as those of the middle of the last century after a 15-year investment plan.
La Revue du Vin de France : 95-96/100 « Nous retrouvons un Calon de grand équilibre et saluons le beau travail sur la texture du vin, point fort ici, avec un grain d’une finesse admirable. Le vin est très posé, avec un fruit explosif, une finale de grande ampleur qui s’épanouit dans un registre frais, avec une minéralité saline. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Calon Ségur is shaping up very nicely. Dark and ample, with terrific balance, the 2024 is another strong wine from the team led by Technical Director Vincent Millet. Readers will find a Calon Ségur of inner strenght, its deceptively mid-weight structure notwithstanding. The 2024 is a wine of restraint and class more than power, never a bad thing at this property. The 100% new oak is very nicely balanced, even in the early going. This has great potential."
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, pur, fruité et suave, se développant floral, réglissé et fumé dans le verre. Magnifique entrée en bouche, ample, juteuse et soyeuse, puis le vin fond, noble dans son déroulé vers une grande longueur séveuse et délicatement parfumée par un fond boisé subtil. C'est incrachable ! Calon Ségur navigue de plus en plus fréquemment dans 90 % de cabernet. Improbable il y a quelques années ! »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Calon Ségur has a well-defined bouquet, with more prominent wood than previous recent vintages, which consequently obscures the property's DNA. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit tinged with black olive. It's quite lively, with a liberal sprinkling of white pepper and thyme. I admire the freshness of this Saint-Estèphe and there is decent length on the finish. This is not a top-ranking Calon-Ségur, but it should still provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 82 % cabernet sauvignon, 9 % merlot, 8 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot
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The very high quality of Cos d'Estournel's recent vintages is impressive, placing it undoubtedly among the first great classified growths of the Médoc. A single qualifier comes to mind when we think of Cos d'Estournel: monumental, for its wines as well as for its cellar.
La Revue du Vin de France : 95-96/100 « “Raffinement” est sans doute l’adjectif qui qualifie le mieux ce Cos d’Estournel 2024. Le vin ne manque cependant pas de volume, avec un cœur de bouche dense et une finale montante. Avec moins de 13° d’alcool il se montre particulièrement digeste, sans pour autant manquer de potentiel de garde. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, pur et fruité. Touche légèrement boisée à l'agitation du verre. Ample à l'attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin fond en finale, puissant, séveux et très long. C'est incroyable de ressentir une telle puissance avec un si petit degré d'alcool ! »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-98/100 "The 2024 Cos d'Estournel could very well be one of the wines to the vintage. Bright and vibrant in the glass, with tons of energy, the 2024 impresses with its vertical structure, depth and overall balance. Blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, lavenderand mocha are beautifully delineated throughout. The 2024 is super-classic. The modest 12.8% alcohol is notable, especially because that also means there is less extraction of wood. Cos Is one of early favorites in 2024."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2024 Cos d'Estournel has an atypically powerful bouquet, revealing black fuit laced with graphite and gravelly scents. The palate has a Pauillac-like entry that's fresh but certainly intense. There's plenty of grip in this Cos d'Estournel that's a little sweeter and reassuringly persistent on the finish compared to its peers. It does not deliver the mineralité of a top-flight Cos d'Estournel, though there's certainly much more fruit intensity than you would expect given the growing season. I observed more classicism during my second record, which suggests that the depthof fruit may become more prominent during barrel maturation."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12.5%
- Blend:
- 60 % cabernet sauvignon, 38 % merlot, 1,5 % cabernet franc, 0,5 % petit verdot
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After 43 vintages, Mr Charmolüe sold the estate to Mr Bouygues in 2006. The change of ownership was accompanied by a spectacular project designed to bring Montrose into the 21st century: use of geothermal energy, installation of photovoltaic panels, recycling of CO2 from alcoholic fermentation...
There has also been a change of style in the wines, with a move towards greater aromatic complexity and textural refinement. Montrose nevertheless remains a wine of great breed, resting on a powerful tannic architecture and reserved for the most patient connoisseurs.La Revue du Vin de France : 96-97/100 « Le cru poursuit son impressionnante série, il faut dire qu’il ne néglige aucun détail pour produire le plus grand vin possible. Ce dernier est désormais élaboré avec le cœur du terroir (une autre cuvée, différente de la Dame, sera d’ailleurs bientôt mise sur le marché). Le vin est multi-dimensionnel, avec une pureté de bouche exemplaire, mais surtout une matière qui se déploie très longuement et s’étire sur des tanins très civilisés. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Montrose exudes Cabernet Sauvignon character in its aromatic savoriness and tannic structure. In fact, the 2024 has the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever. Tightly wound today, the 2024 impresses with its energy and focus. There's a bit less mid-palate and overall heft than most years, as well as a brighter fruit profile. Floral, spice and mineral overtones lend brightness throughout. The 2024 is a super-classic, nervy Montorse that will need a number of years to be at its most expressive. Aging projected to be 18 moths, with 60% new oak."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 Montrose has a well-defined and very able nose that demonstrates classicism, fine delineation and a little more florality than the Terrasse III. The palate is medium-bodied with very finely chiselled tannins and a keen line of acidity. This symmetrical Saint-Estèphe is blessed with an elegant, sapid and reassuringly precise finish that the estate seems to have honed in the last few years. It does not have the unbridled ambition of, say, the 2020 Montrose, but it is exceptionally well crafted and will become a fine Saint-Estèphe."
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Beau rouge sombre, aux reflets vifs. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur et subtil. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, parfumé au milieu, le vin évolue fondant, savoureux, avec de la classe dans le toucher. Bien construit, il s'achève long et très bon. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 80 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 17 % Merlot, 3 % Cabernet Franc.
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Delicately perfumed (the aromatic bouquet is always very floral, with violets and peonies in the lead) and elegantly suave whatever the vintage, La Conseillante occupies a special place among the greatest Pomerols, perhaps the most endearing of them. Its finesse and superiorly sensual and refined texture are reminiscent of the great wines of the Côte de Nuits (on the Vosne-Romanée side). However, behind the apparent friendliness of La Conseillante lies a wine of great energy and excellent ageing potential.
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 La Conseillante has a clean and focused bouquet, with quite pure scents of blackberry, boysenberry and light blueberry. This is clearly without the flamboyance of a warming vintage, yet with ample freshness and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced, with slightly grainy yet fine tannins. This is a La Conseillante that wisely stays within its means. Quite strict on the finish, it's a nimble Pomerol that will drink earlier than say, the 2020, 2022 or 2023."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 95-98/100 "The 2024 La Conseillante is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Vertical and explosive, with spectacular depth, the 2024 is an eye-opening wine, with regard to both the potential of the property and the vintage. In 2024, La Conseillante separates itself from the pack by a wide margin. It may ultimately not merit the very highest of scores, but it will almost certainly come close. Dark blue fruit, violet, spice, new leather, menthol and licorice stain the palate all the way through the creamy finish. Conseillante is a very serious wine. Technical Director Marielle Cazeaux made all the right choices in a very challenging year in which yields were reducted by 50% in the field and then through strict selection in the cellar."
La Revue du Vin de France : 84-96/100 « Marielle Cazaux continue de faire briller La Conseillante et livre une interprétation aérienne de 2024. L’âme de ce millésime réside dans la délicatesse du toucher animé par une fraîcheur ligérienne, tout en gardant de la chair et un velouté de tanins. Très nuancé, ce vin fait partie des réussites du millésime. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 14%
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Vieux Château Certan is one (the last?) of the very few Bordeaux grands crus where the owners, Alexandre Thienpont and his son Guillaume since 2011, are still the only cellar masters on board. Thanks to its Cabernet Franc (30% on average), Vieux-Certan offers a firm, distinguished and refined version of Pomerol, closer to Lafleur than Petrus. Its 2022 vintage has been showered with praise, as in Vinous, where the two tasters (Galloni and Martin) each rated it 100/100.
Vinous (N. Martin) : 95-97/100 "The 2024 Vieux Château Certan contains a higher proportion of Cabernet this year (23% Sauvignon and Franc combined). That Cabernet is articulated on the nose: graphite and light tobacco scents percolating through the mainly black fruit. This has plenty of freshness and more fruit than some other Pomerol cuvées. The palate is medium-bodied, but there is much more weight and density on the back palate than nearly all of its peers. Distinctly peppery and quite spicy in style, this is one of the few to transcend the strict limitations of the growing season. In some ways, it is an uncompromising VCC that does not have the finesse of the greatest vintages I have tasted over the years, yet there is flavour and substance packed inside this nascent wine. Deeply impressive. This is one of the very few '24s that will oblige bottle age."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-96/100 "The 2024 Vieux Château Certan is a delicate, elegant wine driven by its strong floral component from the significant presence of Cabernets in the blend this year. Silky tannins add to an impression of restraint. I can't remember tasting a young VCC with this equilibrium, one that approaches a Burgundian textural feel, for lack of a better word. The 2024 opens with a bit of time in the glass, but it is a decidedly understated, calm VCC. I can't wait to see how it ages."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Un vin de grande classe, très “VCC”, porté par des cabernets francs traçants (20 %) et un équilibre remarquable entre droiture et velouté. La bouche est fine, de mi-puissance, avec une texture de cachemire et une sapidité florale (fleur de vigne, fleur d’oranger) très nuancée. Les tanins de graphite, presque médocains, rappellent les 9 % de cabernet sauvignon et sont soutenus par 5 % de presse bien intégrés. L’élevage (deux tiers de fûts neufs) accompagne un style serein et ancré, tout en subtilité et en relief. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 14%
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A talented and demanding winemaker, Mr. Durantou, at the service of a great terroir flush with Pomerol's church (between Lafleur and Clinet), has revealed and propelled L'Église-Clinet among Pomerol's finest crus. L'Église-Clinet is undoubtedly one of the most subtle in terms of aromatic precision, fine grain and satiny texture. Much too soon lost in 2020, Mr. Durantou fortunately has three daughters, united and determined to continue their father's work with brio.
J-M Quarin : 96/100 « Couleur rouge sombre, aux reflets noirs. Intense. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité, sentant bon les fruits noirs, puis les fleurs à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux dès l'entrée en bouche, particulièrement aromatique au milieu, avec un corps dense et beaucoup de goût, le vin évolue savoureux et complexe vers une grande longueur, tout à la fois séveuse et fondante. C'est remarquable pour l'année. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet takes time to unfurl generous black cherry, mint and cassis aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with chiseled tannins that frame the mineral-driven black fruit. It's not the most powerful L'Eglise-Clinet I have ever tasted at this stage, but you have to admire the manner in which this just builds toward the finish whilst retaining poise and tension. The 2024 is a wonderful Pomerol that will age effortlessly in bottle."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-96/100 « Le nez, réservé, nous rappelle le pedigree de ce cru de plateau, et distille de fines notes de fruits bleus et de violette. Le toucher est particulièrement savoureux, avec des tanins serrés, une définition acide vibrante, une grande allonge. Une des meilleures réussites de l’appellation. »
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "The 2024 L'Église-Clinet is brilliant and intensely aromatic in its first impression. Vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and rose petal soar from the glass. Readers will find a vertical, explosive L'Église-Clinet that impresses with its poise and balance. The 2024 deftly marries finesse and power to a degree I have seldom seen here in the past. Superb."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 90 % merlot, 10 % cabernet franc