2025 Futures
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Owned by the Lefévère family (Villemaurine, Valandraud), Sansonnet is a little gem east of Saint-Émilion. Its 7-hectare vineyard, a single contiguous plot overlooking Trottevieille, produces dense, round, and charming wines.
Bettane+Desseauve : 95-96/100 “Rich fruit, sensuality and freshness combine to create a silky, elegant texture. Peppery floral notes enliven a very long finish.”
J-M Quarin : 95/100 “Juicy, light, dense and fragrant on the palate, with a particular elegance and a strong return of the aroma on the finish, without any tannic harshness. It’s very good.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2025 Sansonnet is remarkable. Explosive and racy, it delivers floral overtones that meld into red/purplish fruit, blood orange, sweet spice and cedar. This is an especially mid-weight, refined Sansonnet, a wine that marries finesse with power. The long, resonant finish is so attractive, but everything about the 2025 speaks to superb balance. Élevage is 50% new oak, 20% once-used barrels, 20% foudre and 10% in amphora."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-93/100 “It is characterised by a rich maturity that envelops a refreshingly high acidity. The nose is reminiscent of a white wine, with notes of peach and blood orange. The palate evokes fruit compote with a zesty edge.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 91-93/100 "The 2025 Sansonnet comes from a seven-hectare vineyard close to TrotteVieille, 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon on hard limestone, aged 50% in new oak, lower than before when it was 70-80%, plus amphora and wooden vats. It has a powerful nose that manages to retain delineation, with layers of blackberry and bilberry fruit and a touch of vanillary new oak. This has a little more terroir expression than its "sibling", Soutard-Cadet. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins, actually more low-key than the aromatics imply, fresh acidity and decent sapidity on the finish. I am just seeking a little more complexity to materialise."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Merlot:
- 85%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 5%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 10%
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This 8-hectare vineyard, located on the outskirts of the village of Saint-Émilion, sits directly on the Saint-Émilion asterian limestone bedrock, which features an extensive network of underground quarries. Unlike the rounded Sansonnet, Villemaurine stands out for its freshness, its slender structure, and its aromatic vibrancy.
Bettane+Desseauve : 95/100 “Blackberry, blackcurrant and floral notes combine to create a charming bouquet. On the palate, it combines elegance and depth in a mature style.”
J-M Quarin : 94/100 “A hint of vanilla when the glass is swirled. Delicate on the palate at first, very refined in the mid-palate, with a graceful texture; the wine melts on the finish, which is long, succulent and fragrant, with no harsh tannins. It’s very good.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 93-95/100 "The 2025 Villemaurine is impressively deep and polished, even if there is some reduction. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, grilled herbs and lavender convey tons of textural intensity and sheer power. A reduction in new oak and the introduction of casks for both vinification and élevage are some of the recent developments here."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-93/100 “We should commend the skilful handling of this vintage, which has resulted in a wine with crisp fruit, intense citrus notes and a delicate texture. The palate is clear and pure, with velvety tannins.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 91-93/100 "The 2025 Villemaurine has a refined nose, mainly red fruit (strawberry and raspberry) with hints of pressed violet in the background. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with bright red cherry and strawberry fruit that dovetails into darker fruit towards the structured finish. There is a pleasing fluidity to this Villemaurine with a peppery aftertaste. Quite a serious wine."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14%
- Merlot:
- 80%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 5%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 15%
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Mrs Papon-Nouvel's other grand cru (with Petit Gravet Aîné). Same organic culture, same sensitivity, same style, with extra flesh and depth. Great wine! Great wine, logically promoted to grand cru classé in 2022.
Bettane+Desseauve : 96-97/100 “This silky wine is underpinned from start to finish by a refined mineral energy. It has the calibre of a Grand Cru Classé. A real favourite.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 « Clos Saint-Julien is magnificent in 2025. What a wine. Inky and explosive in the glass, but not at all heavy, Clos Saint-Julien has so much to offer. It's classic Saint-Emilion all the way. Plush contours and silky tannins totally envelop the palate. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur et subtil. Velouté dès l'entrée en bouche, avec de l'éclat dans la saveur et un déroulé au toucher raffiné, le vin évolue riche et profond en finale, avec une incroyable concentration aromatique. C'est délicieux. Cette minuscule propriété d’1,54 hectare fait merveille. »
Vinous (N. Martin) : 89-91/100
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2011
- Alcohol degree:
- 14%
- Merlot:
- 50%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 50%
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Dazzling success since 2015 of this great terroir just below Ausone: aromatic precision, superlative but harmonious depth, a big congratulations to Mr. Mallet (owner) and Mr. Derenoncourt (consultant). Since 2010, La Gaffelière is undoubtedly flying from success to success!
"We are here at the heart of what is most sensual and singular in Saint-Emilion", according to the Revue du Vin de France.J-M Quarin : 98/100 “Full-bodied on the attack, rich and complex on the palate, with plenty of flavour and a refined texture, the wine develops slowly with a velvety mouthfeel. It finishes with increasing depth, noble, profound and flavourful, with a long, lingering finish of violets. A sumptuous success.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 97-99/100 "The 2025 La Gaffelière soars out of the glass with magnificent intensity. Strong Cabernet Franc overtones and bright saline notes from the clay-limestone plateau are finely sketched with tremendous precision. The 2025 bristles with tension from start to finish. It's a phenomenal wine by any measure."
Bettane+Desseauve : 97/100 “Blackberry, graphite and aromatic herbs combine to create a complex bouquet. Velvety, well-structured and with a salty finish, the palate combines depth with a mineral edge.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 95-97/100 "The 2025 La Gaffelière [...] continues a strong run of form for this rejuvenated Saint-Émilion, with quite ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry scents, a dash of black pepper and brown spices, the Cabernet Franc shaping the aromatics and giving it a Pomerol-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, impressive weight, quite peppery and tensile; this maintains density and grip through to the long finish. This is a great wine that has great personality and charm."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 “The success of the limestone terroirs of the Saint-Émilion plateau in 2025 is confirmed by this resplendent Gaffelière. The nose is composed, precise and well-integrated, with velvety tannins, and the wine is dynamic overall. One of the best buys of this vintage.”
Le Point : 18/20 Coup de ♥ “Delicate nose, black fruits, liquorice, very elegant, deep, refined tannins, plenty of freshness, well-balanced, lingering. ”
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Merlot:
- 65%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 35%
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An ultra-refined great wine, with a mineral tension that is out of the ordinary in Bordeaux, the fruit of the great terroir of the Côte Pavie, but also of the complicity of Mr Nicolas Thienpont and Mr Stéphane Derenoncourt since 1994.
Terre de Vins : 96-98/100 Coup de ♥ "This 2025 is a wine of great stature. From the very first sniff, it displays depth and nobility, with richness and aromas centred on violets and elderflower. The attack is striking, the tannic structure coats the palate, and the tension is monumental. A truly great wine destined for the history books. This blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon has a very low pH, a result of the limestone terroir which imparts a tension found nowhere else. A truly great bottle, matching the quality of the vintage.”
Bettane+Desseauve : 96/100 “Already in fine form, it combines restrained power, a deep, silky texture and mineral energy. Ripe fruit and mineral notes linger on the palate. A must-have for wine lovers.”
J-M Quarin : 96/100 “A hint of resin when the glass is swirled. Delicate on the palate at first, flavourful in the mid-palate, with a lovely development and a slightly resinous flavour, the wine caresses the palate. It is long, flavourful and aromatic, with a consistently rich texture and well-integrated tannins.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "The 2025 Pavie Macquin is a powerful, structured wine. In most vintages, Pavie Macquin is sensual and silky, but the 2025 is quite tannic in this tasting. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, menthol, licorice, sage and lavender add to an impression of brooding density and pure power. Floral top notes lift the close. I can't wait to see how this ages."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-96/100 “Right from the nose, you’re immersed in the intense limestone character typical of the terroir, with the minerality taking precedence over the fruit. The balance is particularly striking in its freshness, thanks to the 22% Cabernet. Powdery tannins envelop a medium-bodied wine defined by its mineral tension, with a finish reminiscent of blood orange.”
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14%
- Merlot:
- 78%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 2%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 20%
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Owned by Mr. Neipperg (Clos de l'Oratoire, La Mondotte, d'Aiguilhe) at the foot of the hill Ausone.
Bettane+Desseauve : 96/100 “Ripe fruit, violet, graphite and a hint of pepper combine to create a complex bouquet. Velvety and well-balanced on the palate, it is underpinned by fine tannins and a classy finish.”
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 “This vintage impresses with the quality of its tannins, offering a high level of refinement. The velvety texture, enhanced by the 45% Cabernet Franc and 15% Sauvignon Blanc, is silky and gives way to a rich minerality, which blends harmoniously and smoothly.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 94-96/100 "The 2025 Canon La Gaffelière is bright and beautifully focused right out of the gate. Orange peel, sage, mint, pipe tobacco, dried flowers and mocha soar out of the glass. Floral aromatics and brisk saline notes are the signatures in a tightly wound Canon La Gaffelière that is going to need a number of years to be at its most expressive. I especially admire the energy here."
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2025 Canon La Gaffelière includes only 40% Merlot this year, the remainder, 45% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked between September 16 and 19. Matured in 30% new oak barrels, this has a tightly wound nose with blackberry, briar and chalky scents, the Cabernet Franc imparting light graphite scents. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry. licorice-tinged black fruit, again, a little chalky in texture, but there is more suppleness compared to the Clos de l'Oratoire on the finish. Promising."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2014
- Merlot:
- 40%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 15%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 45%
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Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
J-M Quarin: 95/100 “A deep, intense, vivid colour with bluish highlights. A very aromatic, refined, fruity and pure nose. Juicy and flavourful on the palate, with a very elegant development and plenty of flavour from the mid-palate through to the finish. A long, deep finish.”
Bettane+Desseauve : 94/100 “Red berries, dark fruits, floral notes and delicate chalky undertones combine to create a harmonious bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, taut and long-lasting, making an elegant impression.”
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-95/100 “The 2025 La Clotte is a powerful, layered wine that needs a few minutes in the glass to open. Lifted floral and savory overtones meld into a core of dark red cherry fruit, mocha, new leather, menthol, licorice and dried herbs. Bright saline notes follow, shaping the mid-palate and finish nicely. This needs time to unwind, but there's a lot of wine here. Gorgeous."
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 “The 2025 La Clotte [...] is quite subtle on the nose, demanding a little more coaxing than usual, delivering lovely violet scents that merge with the black cherry and blueberry fruit. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins. Perhaps on the mid-palate there is a veneer of new oak that will be subsumed during the élevage and barrel maturation. Moderate length, this is a fine Saint-Émilion from the Vauthier family (again)."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Merlot:
- 85%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 15%
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In 2012, Haut-Brion bought and combined two grands crus classés (Tertre-Dauguay and L'Arrosée) on the slopes of Saint-Émilion (Côte Ausone), and put a foot in the right bank, called Quintus because it is their fifth property (after Haut-Brion, La Mission HB, Laville HB and Latour HB).
Their first objective is to make fine, long wines, focusing on freshness and delicacy rather than power or density, more typical of the left bank than the right bank.
Second objective: to shine in the next Saint-Emilion classifications (its immediate neighbours are Ausone, Belair-Monange, Angélus and Canon, all 1st classified grands crus).J-M Quarin : 97/100 “Hints of blackberry and vanilla. Extremely delicate on the attack, very, very flavourful on the mid-palate, with a subtle richness that coats the palate; the wine develops into a juicy and intensely aromatic finish that retains all its qualities. This final third of the palate is simply magnificent. It’s incredible!”
Bettane+Desseauve : 95-96/100 “Morello cherry and pepper give rise to a mouth-watering bouquet. The Cabernet Francs add depth to the palate and create a complex finish. A very promising Quintus that is increasingly reflecting its exceptional terroir.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 92-94/100 "The 2025 Quintus [...] has the most opulent bouquet from Domaine Clarence Dillon, with lavish black cherries, cassis and blood orange scents, and a big bunch of violets developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte, smooth tannins. A little lower in acidity, yet it maintains balance and comes armed with a seductive, dark chocolate-tinged finish that is a bit of a guilty pleasure. Very luxuriant."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14%
- Merlot:
- 73%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 27%
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A small estate located near Troplong-Mondot and Valandraud, acquired in 2009 by Jacques Thienpont (already owner of Ch. Le Pin). A wine that is as exceptional as it is confidential (6 hectares)!
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 97-99/100 "The 2025 L'If is a total stunner. It's like no other vintage I have tasted thus far, perhaps because of the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Franc. Chalk, mint, white pepper, blood orange and jasmine are some of the many notes that gradually open in the glass. A saline edge shapes the brisk mid-palate and brilliant, chiseled finish. Magnificent. The best L'If to date."
J-M Quarin : 97/100 “Delicate on the palate at first, very, very aromatic in the mid-palate, with a rich texture; the wine melts on the palate, juicy and flavourful, with just a hint of oak. Excellent length.”
Bettane+Desseauve : 95-96/100 “Dark and red fruits create a deep bouquet. Dense yet light on the palate, it finishes with a velvety, lingering aftertaste of refined elegance.”
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 “Typical of the La Mondotte appellation, L’If is more mineral than fruity. It has a refined texture and restrained power, with a tangy freshness and fine, well-integrated tannins, prolonged by a chalky intensity, with very subtle aromas and hints of orchard fruit and blackcurrants.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 92-94/100 "The 2025 L'If is a mélange of red and blueberry fruit on the nose, hints of iris flower and just a hint of blood orange. Fine definition, quite understated in style. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannins on the entry, citrus-fresh and the limestone element shapes the profile on the finish. Bright acids, very tensile. It will be fascinating to revisit this L'If after bottling."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
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Troplong-Mondot and its formidable terroir dominate Saint-Émilion both literally (the commune's water tower adjoins the winery) and figuratively. Led by Aymeric de Gironde (formerly of Pichon-Baron and Cos d'Estournel) and benefiting from generous investment from reinsurer SCOR since 2016, Troplong-Mondot shines brightly, producing wines that are consistently fresh, flavourful and refined despite their high concentration.
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 97-99/100 "The 2025 Troplong Mondot is one of the most finessed wines I have ever tasted here. Dark, ample and explosive, with mind-blowing purity, the 2025 simply has it all. Hints of dried herbs, chocolate, menthol, licorice and blackberry infuse the wine with remarkable concentration and pure power. Even with all its natural richness, the 2025 is not at all heavy. A totally stunning Saint-Émilion, Troplong Mondot is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage."
Bettane+Desseauve : 97/100 “Blackcurrant, cedar and smoky notes open up an intense bouquet. The concentrated palate unfolds gracefully, with a perfectly balanced richness. A great success in this vintage.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 96-98/100 "The 2025 Troplong Mondot is has a very intense bouquet with black cherries, cassis and iris flower scents, and a hint of inkwell. Very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins, plenty of tension and minéralité. Vivacious and yet linear and correct, it delivers plenty of fruit but in a very controlled fashion. You can feel the tongue tingling on the finish. Classy and sophisticated, this will rank as one of the finest Troplong Mondots to date."
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 “It plunges into the local clay soils, with an intense mineral character, all delivered with aromatic precision and well-defined tannins. The texture is full-bodied and airy, with a crisp sensation, prolonged by an intense chalky salinity and hints of dried herbs.”
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Merlot:
- 85%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 13%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 2%
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Self-taught, Jean-Luc Thunevin and his wife Murielle got their start in the Bordeaux vineyards when they bought a tiny 0.6 hectare plot in Saint-Émilion, near Pavie-Macquin. Produced in minute quantities, vinified with the means at hand but with meticulous care, Valandraud soon made a name for itself, to the point of giving rise to the 'garage wine' movement in the 1990s.
Now boasting nearly 11 hectares of vineyards on the cooler limestone soils of Saint-Etienne de Lisse (on the eastern edge of the appellation) and a bioclimatic winery enabling gravity-fed vinification, Valandraud is a first growth in its own right, sharing the hedonistic, indulgent style of Troplong-Mondot.J-M Quarin : 98/100 “Delicate on the palate at first, incredibly aromatic on the mid-palate, with a refined richness that coats the palate, the wine develops into a juicy, noble and powerful wine, with some of the most nuanced tannins ever seen in this vintage. A powerful yet flavourful wine.”
Bettane+Desseauve : 97-98/100 “A dizzyingly deep bouquet, a creamy, silky attack, and deep, fresh tannins: it remains true to its hedonistic style whilst gaining in refinement.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 96-99/100 "The 2025 Valandraud is breathtaking. Itsthe first vintage made by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Marie Lefévère together. It therefore represents a changing of the guard, now that Lefévère and her husband, Christophe, have taken full ownership of the property after many years holding a minority stake. Vibrant and explosive in the glass, the 2025 Valandraud offers an exotic mélange of dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and mocha. There's gorgeous precision here, much of that coming from more finesse in the tannins. The 2025 is utterly magnificent."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 94-96/100 "The 2025 Valandraud [...] has an intense nose with black cherry, cassis and violet scents, more bold than the Virginie de Valandraud but perhaps slightly less delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins, very well balanced with good depth of fruit, spicier than the Virginie towards the finish. Good grip, more than the Virginie, this will require three to five years in bottle, but it has great potential."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 "A slight shift in style, becoming more refined whilst retaining the smoothness on the mid-palate and velvety tannins. The overall impression is a real success, thanks to the increased brightness of the fruit."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14%
- Merlot:
- 84%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 9%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 7%
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Become a first grand cru classé in 2012, just reward for 20 years of effort by Mr. Neipperg (Canon-La Gaffelière, Clos de l'Oratoire) on this small vineyard of 4.5 ha adjoining Troplong-Mondot. A very large Saint-Émilion, fleshy, intense and penetrating, but with a confidential production.
Bettane+Desseauve : 96/100 “Dark fruits, violets and a hint of pepper combine to create a deep bouquet. The addition of 30% Cabernet Franc adds complexity and a lively finish.”
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "The 2025 La Mondotte is powerful yet understated. A rush of black cherry, lavender, sage, menthol, licorice and espresso conveys tons of intensity. Gravel, scorched earth and dried herbs add classic Mondotte savory and mineral dimensions. Broad, chocolatey tannins support the explosive mid-palate and finish. This really sizzles with limestone-infused energy."
Vinous (N. Martin) : 93-95/100 "The 2025 La Mondotte comes from vines planted in the 1930s, with some recent plantings of Cabernet Franc added in this vintage. Another change is the use of 12-hectolitre foudres. This has an engaging, delineated bouquet with mineral-rich black fruit, hints of graphite and tobacco in the background, much more classical in style compared with earlier vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. Lovely texture, tensile and edgy, with a brisk, peppery finish that fans out with style. This is a sophisticated La Mondotte that should age gracefully."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2014
- Merlot:
- 70%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 30%
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A little gem of 6.8 hectares in a single block, perched atop the limestone hillside following Ausone and Belair-Monange and ahead of Canon, Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarosse remains the most understated of the Premier Grands Crus Classés. Owned by the Duffau-Lagarosse family since 1847, the estate began a new chapter in 2021 with the arrival at its helm of a young, committed female duo: Prisca Courtin, granddaughter of the founder of Clarins cosmetics, and Joséphine Duffau-Lagarosse, the ninth generation of this historic family. Together, they are breathing new life into the estate, with the ambition of fully revealing the potential of this exceptional limestone terroir, considered one of the purest, most subtle and delicate expressions of the Grand Coteau de Saint-Émilion.
Terre de Vins : 98-99/100 Coup de ♥ "The nose is enticing, with notes of cherries, ranging from pigeon’s heart to morello cherries. Hints of mint and violet also contribute to this noble bouquet. The attack is very flavourful and the tannins finally emerge with a lively, sap-like character. The wine dances on the palate and the black fruits are joined by red fruits, with a floral character, violet leading the way. This blend of 31% Cabernet Franc – which provides structure – and 69% Merlot – which charms – marks a milestone at Beauséjour, with an approachability in its youth. This distinctiveness does not detract from its ageing potential, for this wine is impressive in its balance and tension."
J-M Quarin: 97/100 “Intense, vivid, purple colour. Very aromatic, pure, fruity and slightly truffle-like on the nose, developing complex and deep aromas when swirled in the glass. Extremely delicate on the attack, very flavourful on the mid-palate, with a rich texture and a lovely fruity brightness; the wine melts on the palate, long, noble and full of flavour. A delicious wine that gives an impression of restraint.”
La Revue du Vin de France : 96-97/100 "A superbly composed wine, both in terms of aroma and texture. It impresses with its refinement and the delicacy of its floral and fruity aromas. The mineral finish is remarkable, highlighting striking tannic quality and a rare fruity precision. The texture is full, harmonious and luminous.”
Vinous (A. Galloni): 95-97/100 “The 2025 Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse is a fabulous, contemporary Saint-Émilion. Notes of lavender, rose petal and mocha lift the effortless bouquet. Silky tannins and deceptively mid-weight structure are some of the signatures. Stylistically, Beauséjour is one of the most aromatic, understated wines in Saint-Émilion. Bright red-toned fruit, spice and pomegranate unfold with time in the glass.”
Bettane+Desseauve : 96/100 "The precision of the body is complemented by a texture of great delicacy. Electric tannins, peppery floral notes and a delicate cherry finish combine to create a moving wine."
Vinous (N. Martin): 94-96/100 “The 2025 Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse [...] has a very nuanced bouquet with pure Morello cherry, blueberry and cassis fruit, violet and iris emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins, similar to those found on the Left Bank this year, edgy and tensile, energetic and certainly translating the limestone soils, hints of shucked oyster shell emerging with time. Finely balanced with impressive length, in some ways this is an uncompromising Saint-Émilion that is all about the terroir. Linear towards the finish, this will fill out, gain a bit of flesh during its élevage and it should require maybe three or four years in bottle before it's ready to rock 'n roll.”
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Merlot:
- 69%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 31%
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Ausone masterfully expresses all the glory of Cabernet Franc on limestone slopes. Alain Vauthier, now assisted by his children, has always managed Ausone's 7 hectares like a (very) grand cru Burgundy: row by row, even vine by vine. It is impossible to resist the indescribable complexity of Ausone's bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice-like, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Masterful!
Bettane+Desseauve : 99/100 "With its unique blend, this Ausone marks a turning point. Peony, wild strawberry, Kampot pepper and mineral notes combine to create a fine wine that is delicate, chalky and silky, and built to age for many years."
J-M Quarin : 98/100 “Delicate on the palate from the very first sip, with a subtle richness that coats the palate, the wine is smooth, juicy, meticulous and sophisticated. After the mid-palate, it rises to a finish with a touch of positive austerity. Excellent length.”
La Revue du Vin de France : 96-98/100 "Ausone makes the most of its limestone terroir, delivering a depth and a level of finesse that are rare. With 65% Cabernet Franc, the tannins are perfectly delicate, with a remarkable length reminiscent of elderflower. As the 2025 vintage has yielded a single label, the second wine, Chapelle d’Ausone, will not be produced this year.”
Vinous (N. Martin) : 96-98/100 "The 2025 Ausone represents the entirety of the vineyard this year after trial blends convinced the Vauthiers not to make a Chapelle d’Ausone. There is also 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend for the first time. Almost immediately, I noticed how that soupçon of Cabernet Sauvignon tilts the style of the Grand Vin in a different and, to my mind, positive direction. Beautifully defined, a little more sapid, perhaps just a tad less precocious than usual, there is a sense of classicism in this Ausone that I admire, terroir over growing season perhaps? The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, real depth, silky smooth, with layers of blackberry and raspberry fruit and hints of white pepper and clove. Very long, with a peacock's tail on the finish, this is a fascinating and alluring Ausone that will age with style."
Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "The 2025 Ausone is powerful, dense and packed to the core. Readers will have to be patient with the 2025, as it is quite reticent. Time in the glass brings out hints of blood orange, rose petal, mint and raspberry jam. It will be fascinating to see how the 2025 ages."
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2023
- Merlot:
- 30%
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- 5%
- Cabernet Franc:
- 65%
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.Predominantly Marsanne (vines over 50 years old), a Crozes-Hermitage Vieilles Vignes dry white wine, aromatic (apricot, peach, frangipane...) and fat, with a judicious touch of bitterness on the finish.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.Saint-Joseph Vieilles Vignes, with a dominant of marsanne, comes from 30 to 40 years old vines.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.Saint-Péray Vieilles Vignes: 50% marsanne (with 100 years old vines!) and 50% roussanne. On a background of honeyed and toasted notes, intense aromas of white flowers and quince, the freshness is well present and, in the mouth, the vivacity balances the roundness.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 75% Marsanne, 25% Roussanne
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.A blend of grenache, roussanne, clairette and bourboulenc, this white Châteauneuf plays the card of freshness and discretion. With aromas of white peach and orange blossom, its natural power will be fully expressed after 5 to 6 years of aging.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 40% Grenache, 25% Clairette, 20% Roussanne, 10% Bourboulenc, 5% Picpoul
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Since 1994, Maison Tardieu-Laurent has selected and matured wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Partnered until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favor elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections. Thanks to their precise selection of the best terroirs and their expertise in winemaking and ageing, Michel and his son Bastien produce great wines from the north to the south of the Rhône Valley.
Rated two stars in the Revue du Vin de France Guide.
100% Viognier (50 years old), from the appellation's best terroirs. A Condrieu that's restrained, expressive and complex, but not exuberant.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Viognier
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Since 1994, Maison Tardieu-Laurent has selected and matured wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Partnered until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favor elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections. Thanks to their precise selection of the best terroirs and their expertise in winemaking and ageing, Michel and his son Bastien produce great wines from the north to the south of the Rhône Valley.
Rated two stars in the Revue du Vin de France Guide.
Splendid Hermitage blanc, 80% marsanne (50 years old) and 20% roussanne (40 years old), with aromas of peach and acacia honey, and a characteristic touch of almond paste.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.Thanks to vines (Syrah) 60 years old, Michel Tardieu produces a 'grand' Crozes-Hermitage. Divided between fruit and minerality, in a round and silky style more Burgundian than Rhodanian, a perfect introduction to the Hermitage's wines.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 100% Syrah
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.This Saint-Joseph Vieilles Vignes is a perfect balance between the gourmet raspberry/cherry fruit (as in Hermitage) and the mineral tension of the schist and granite subsoil (as in Cornas). Syrah and serine (small syrah), aged 60 and over 100 years respectively.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13%
- Blend:
- 100% Syrah
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.Cornas from Syrah and small Syrah aged 60 years minimum. The austerity due to the schistose soil is perfectly balanced here by Michel Tardieu's talent as a breeder. A model for the northern Rhône.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Syrah
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.The rare Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is uncompromising, with Syrahs aged from 80 to over 100 years on two plots of land on the hillside, vinified 75% in whole clusters. Expect at least 15 years of cellar ageing.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Syrah
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.A new cuvée created in 2017, a Côte-Rôtie Vieilles Vignes from the heart of the hillside on the major terroirs of the Côte Brune. Phenomenal concentration, energetic tannin, a compact but refined wine, to wait at least 10 years before considering tasting.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Serine
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Since 1994, Maison Tardieu-Laurent has selected and matured wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Partnered until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favor elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections. Thanks to their precise selection of the best terroirs and their expertise in winemaking and ageing, Michel and his son Bastien produce great wines from the north to the south of the Rhône Valley.
Rated two stars in the Revue du Vin de France Guide.
More round and fleshy than Côte-Rôtie, with a texture of fat, melting tannins, the sunny side of the Hermitage hillside is perfectly brought out here, with all the complexity brought by vines aged 60 years or more.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 13.5%
- Blend:
- 100% Serine
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2021 Revue du Vin de France guide.The Côtes-du-Rhône Cuvée Spéciale is made with Grenache, a wine with soft tannins and a fruity character.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 95% Grenache, 5% Autres
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.
Blend of Grenache aged 80 years, Syrah (40 years) and Mourvèdre (40 years), on the clay-limestone slopes of Rasteau, a fleshy, generous wine, typical southern Rhône.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes: a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, firm and earthy vigour, in a style comparable to that of the Gigondas.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
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Since 1994, Michel Tardieu has been selecting and growing wines from very old vines and from the best terroirs of each appellation. Associated until 2007 with Dominique Laurent, known for the concentration of his Burgundy wines, Michel Tardieu has, because of the innate richness of the Rhone Valley wines, always sought to favour elegance and aromatic complexity in his selections.
Promoted two stars in the 2022 Revue du Vin de France guide.Built like a "small" Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this Gigondas is just as velvety, just as fruity, but slightly softer. Very strong majority of grenache (vines aged from 60 to more than 100 years), completed with syrah and mourvèdre.
More- Availability:
- Early 2028
- Alcohol degree:
- 14.5%
- Blend:
- 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre