2025 Futures
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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 (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."
Bettane & Desseauve : 95/100 « Fusion de suavité, de vibration dès le début de bouche, La Conseillante offre un cœur de bouche crémeux très stylé qui diffuse ses accents floraux avec une touche d’orange sanguine jusqu’à sa finale. C’est un modèle de sensualité. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « 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. »
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."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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."
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. »
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."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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 (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."
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."
Bettane & Desseauve : 94-95/100 « Arômes de fruits noirs juteux, accompagnés de notes florales subtiles évoquant la violette. Texture soyeuse et pure, attaque sensuelle suivie d’une bouche harmonieuse où les tannins sont puissants et raffinés. La finale est longue et élégante. Grand potentiel. »
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. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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A doll-like vineyard comprising 4 pure Merlot parcels, located between Lafleur-Pétrus, Le Pin and Trotanoy. Henri Parent, owner and son of the late Mme Péré-Vergé, is committed to producing at La Violette the most melting, radiant and exuberant version of Pomerol. All this under the guidance of oenologist Michel Roland, who has made La Violette a showcase for his expertise: the search for the most accomplished maturity, manual de-stemming grain by grain, complete vinification in barrel, etc. The critics have succumbed to the charm of La Violette.
Critics succumb to La Violette's charm: “A great wine of emotion that touches the heart as much as the mind” for M. Bettane, “More than ever, La Violette offers a unique experience in Pomerol” for La Revue du Vin de France.
La Violette is undoubtedly the most sensual and extrovert Pomerol, but also one of the rarest (800 cases per year).J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, pur, fruité et profond. Ample à l'attaque, minutieux en milieu de bouche, très aromatique, le vin fond sur le palais, juteux et dense. C'est long, complexe et noble. Bravo ! »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-95/100 "The 2024 La Violette is a sensual yet powerful Pomerol. Blue/Purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, chocolate and espresso all meld together. La violette is vinified entirely in Franch oak barrels. It's an approach that seems especially well-suited to this wine, as the wood amplifies flavor intensity. In recent years, La Violette has shed some of the heavy extraction that was penalizing in the past."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-93/100 « Particulièrement profond et sapide. La vinification en barrique apporte un enrobage bienvenu dans ce millésime filiforme ; elle apport de l’amplitude, du dynamisme. Son relief acide de belle qualité promet à ce pomerol une belle capacité de garde. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 La Violette has a gorgeous bouquet with pure black cherries and crushed violet scents–well defined while retaining that opulent style. The palate is medium-bodied with plush tannins in its signature style, not as complex as the best vintages but it maintains balance and purity to the end."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Like Pétrus, Le Pin is 100% Merlot. But if Pétrus has adopted a more classic style in recent years, Le Pin remains a hedonistic wine, often exuberant, sometimes even exotic. And unlike Pétrus, Le Pin is much rarer (500 cases per year).
Bettane & Desseauve : 95/100 « Accents de cèdre et de résine avec des touches florales vaporeuses. Le tannin caressant donne une profondeur qui se prolonge parfaitement en finale. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur sombre, intense, vive et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité, subtil et truffé. Gras à l'attaque, gras en milieu de bouche, parfumé, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin fond à la fois juteux, aérien et en même temps dense. C'est superbe ! C'est du Le Pin. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 93-95/100 "The 2024 Le Pin has a relatively light, delineated bouquet of red berry fruit and touches of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine lattice of tannins. Very elegant and harmonious with a deft touch of white pepper, this is a delightful, slightly ferrous Pomerol that will drink well for 15 to 20 years. It just sashays along without a care in the world. 13.05% abv."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « Loin du style plantureux du cru, 2024 tempère la générosité classiquement exotique de ses merlots sur graves et offre une interprétation al dente. Dans un style pur, à 13°, il arbore des tanins crayeux, une mi-puissance, avec une finale rappelant le pétrichor. L’apport modéré de fût neuf (65 %) devrait respecter cette matière. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-92/100 "The 2024 Le Pin is aromatic and light on its feet, with lovely perfume but less in the way of mid-palate pliancy or persistence. Perhaps I caught Le Pin at an awkward stage, but my distinct impression is of a wine marked by elements of dulution and very fragile balance. Elevage will be critical. Wines like this can sometimes blossom in bottle, so we will see."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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A small vineyard of 8 ha of old vines (70% Merlot), owned by Clos Fourtet. Superb wine, balanced and fruity and tasty, for a very modest price, which rightly became a grand cru classé in 2012. Totally agree with La Revue du Vin de France "The best quality/price ratio in Saint-Émilion".
J-M Quarin : 91/100 « Beau rouge sombre, intense. Nez très aromatique et fruité. Fondante et séveuse à la fois, avec de la classe dans le toucher et un joli rebond aromatique final. C'est bon ! »
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Côte de Baleau excludes the sandy stretches of the vineyard this year, so 33% of the production was sacrificed. This has a pretty, fragrant bouquet with red cherry, blueberry and touches of violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A bit pinched at first, it is fresh if just missing substance toward the finish. This is a thoroughly enjoyable Côte de Baleau."
Bettane & Desseauve : 90-91/100 « Pulpeux avec un toucher de tannin soyeux, il séduit du début à la fin de bouche. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Côte de Baleau is soft and plummy, with good forward fruit and solid balance, all in the understated style of the year. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice and chocolate are nicely pushed forward. In 2024 most of the blend is from parcels planted on clay and limestone, while those on gravel were left out. Elevage will be critical, especially in softening the tannins."
La Revue du Vin de France : 87-89/100 « La dominante de merlot est inhabituelle dans ses proportions (95%), car le cabernet franc sur les sables était trop faible pour entrer dans l'assemblage de la famille Cuvelier (Clos Fourtet). Sa tendresse fruitée le rend très avenant. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Created in 1985, Clos La Gaffelière is now independent, with its own winery and vat room. Made from the estate's clayey foothills, the blend is predominantly of Merlot and entirely aged without new wood, giving it a pure, delicate fruitiness (cherry, redcurrant).
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Historically owned by the Malet de Roquefort family (Ch. La Gaffelière) since 1819, but sold in 1959 as part of an estate, Château Puyblanquet was returned to its original owner in 2021. This 19-hectare single vineyard, situated on a clay-limestone ridge to the east of the appellation, now benefits from the same care as its big brother. It's no surprise, then, to find in its wines the charm and finesse of texture that have made Ch. La Gaffelière such a success. According to the Guide Bettane & Desseauve 2025, this is “the greatest revelation in Saint-Émilion in recent years”.
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Puyblanquet has an open and expressive bouquet with black cherries and cassis, quite floral with pressed violet emerging with time. Thepalate is smooth and velvety on the entry with ripe tannins, similar to its stablemate La Gaffelière. It boasts good weight with a slightly powdery finish. Excellent."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Puyblanquet is a very pretty wine from the Malet-Roquefort family. Dark cherry, mocha, espresso, licorice, plum and spice all meld together in this mid-weight Saint-Émilion. Plush contours wrap it all up. This stylish, pliant wine has a lot to offer. I especially admire its mid-palate depth, which was hard to come by in 2024. This could be a real sleeper."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Fombrauge, the largest vineyard in Saint-Émilion with 57 hectares, has been offering since its purchase by Mr. Magrez (1997) structured wines that do not deny their terroir, full, gourmet and devilishly seductive thanks to a luxurious maturing process.
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Fombrauge se recentre sur trois terroirs de plateaux calcaire et la côte sud de Saint-Émilion. Les 90% de merlot et 10% de cabernet franc sont élevés en bonne part en cuve béton (30%). Une dimension calcaire se profile et accompagne ce vin de bout en bout, en bouche comme en aromatique. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 90-93/100 "The 2024 Fombrauge is supple, forward and open-knit, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking upon release. Supple contours wrap around a core of plum, dark red cherry, spice, new leather, cedar and rose petal. This is a very different style than the past because of the reduction of new oak and gentler winemaking overall. There is a bit of firmness on the finish that needs time to resolve. Hopefully, elevage will take care of that. Aging is 70% in oak (50% new) and 30% in a combination of ceramic, cement and stainless steel."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Quintus' second wine, Le Dragon de Quintus, is more infused than extracted, delicately wooded, with a beautiful balance between fresh fruit and velvety tannins. A sapid and sensual Dragon.
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 " The 2024 Dragon de Quintus opens with very pretty floral aromatics. Medium in body and gracious, the 2024 is quite attractive. Macerated cherry, cinnamon, rose petal and blood orange are very nicely delineated. The Dragon is perhaps on the lighter side, but its balance is impeccable. This is such an attractive wine."
J-M Quarin : 90/100 « Beau rouge sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, pur, fruité et subtil. Moelleux à l'attaque, suave et rond en milieu de bouche, le vin s'étire en finale, persistant et subtil, sur une longueur normale. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 88-90/100 " The 2024 Dragon de Quintus presents tightly wound dark berry fruit intermixed with light marine scents on the nose. The palate offers a bit more flesh but still feels rather lean on the mid-palate, needing more weight and rondeur on the finish. However, there is freshness here, and appreciate the peppery aftertaste.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Small vineyard of 8.8 ha north-east of Saint-Émilion, property Garcin (Clos l'Église, Barde-Haut) since 2013. Their aim is not to produce yet another "competition animal" but a generously fruity, delicious, creamy, easily and quickly accessible Saint-Émilion.
Bettane & Desseauve : 92-93/100 « L’attaque enveloppante précède une bouche souple et une finale enlevée et fraîche aux accents salins. »
J-M Quarin : 92/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, subtil, au fruité mûr. Touche originale d'orange confite à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très savoureux au milieu, le vin fond sur le palais, juteux, délicat, persistant et incrachable. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Poesia is higher-toned on the nose than the Barde-Haut, with blueberry and cassis fruit and a touch of blackcurrant pastille. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins that lend a fleshy mouthfeel. There is a little more rondeur towards the finish compared to the Barde-Haut, and more length. Recommended."
Vinous (A Galloni): 92-95/100 "The 2024 Poesia is a heady, racy wine. Black berry, plum, incense, licorice, chocolate, sweet French oak and soaring exotic inflections are some of the signatures. The super-ripe profile is quite distinctive, as is the wine's textural resonance. Sweet floral and spice top notes lift the finish."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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As well maintained as Canon-La Gaffelière (same owner), under the direction of Mr. Derenoncourt, Clos de l'Oratoire offers practically the same fullness and intensity for half the price.
Bettane & Desseauve : 91-92/100 « De bonne longueur avec une finale fraîche, bien dans le ton de ce que l’on attend du millésime. Le cabernet franc lui confère de la personnalité. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-94/100 "The 2024 Clos de l'Oratoire is a very beautiful. Dark, layered and vibrant, Clos de l'Oratoire has a lot to offer. The 2024 is a bit more on the refined side, a reflection of both the vintage and stylistic shift that has been in place for a number of years. Lavender, spice, licorice and espresso weave into a core of blue-toned fruit. Silky tannins wrap it all up in this stylish Saint-Émilion."
Vinous (N. Martin): 86-88/100 "The 2024 Clos de l'Oratoire has a light bouquet with briar, cranberry pencil box aromas. This at least has more character and presence than the Clos Marsalette or d'Aiguihe. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and delicate tannins, though it does attenuate toward the finish and leaves you wanting more."
Le Point : 17/20 « Fruits rouges, baies sauvages, note florale, fraise, bouche savoureuse, bon volume, vif en milieu de bouche, tonique, finale épicée, relevée. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2020
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The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur vive, d'intensité normale. Nez intense, fin, fruité et subtil, évoluant truffé à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, puis rapidement très aromatique et soyeux, le vin évolue juteux, vers une finale profonde et incrachable. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 92-93/100 « Vin expressif à la bouche veloutée et enveloppante. La finale de bonne longueur lui donne une belle personnalité. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Moulin Saint-Georges is all charm. Soft, plummy and forward, the 2024 offers up an attractive mix of blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, menthol and violet. There's a touch of sweet oak from the 100% new barrels, but the 2024 has enough depth to handle it. Pliant contours wrap it all together very pretty wine for the year."
La Revue du Vin de France : 88-90/100 « Élaboré depuis les 7 hectares orientés plein ouest en face d'Ausone, ce Moulin cherche la légereté, avec des arômes racinaires et d'orange sanguine. Il conclut sur une allonge vigoureuse. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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With today 11 ha, the vineyard of Valandraud allows Mr. Thunevin to tighten his selections for the great wine and his second, Virginie de Valandraud (there is a 3rd, Clos Badon, and even a 4th wine!). Rich in colour, always delicious with an elegant tannic structure, Virginie de Valandraud makes those who think that second wines have no soul lie.
Bettane & Desseauve : 91-92/100 « Nez frais et intense, profil mûr et frais, en bouche avec une texture crémeuse qui lui donne beaucoup de charme. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 90-93/100 "The 2024 Virginie de Valandraud is a dense, potent wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice and a good dose of new oak lend notable richness to the Virginie. Readers will find a dense, opulent Saint-Émilion. This is in line with the style of the Grand Vin in terms of its flamboyant fruit intensity."
J-M Quarin : 90/100 « Beau rouge sombre, intense. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr. Bouche suave, parfumée, évoluant tendre, juteuse et très difficile à cracher. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 88-90/100 "The 2024 Virginie de Valandraud has an intense black plum and cassis-scentend nose driven by the wood at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, pointed acidity and is quite spicy towards the pastille-like finish. Hopefully, this will soak up the oak with bottle age."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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This 17-hectare vineyard, located in the extension of Troplong-Mondot, forms a magnificent south-facing amphitheater. Under the guidance of Hélène Garcin (Poésia, Clos l'Église) and her husband Patrice Lévêque, Barde-Haut offers vintage after vintage intense, rich and opulent wines, without ever falling into the trap of over-ripeness.
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, subtil, au fruité mûr et floral comme jamais. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très savoureux au milieu, le vin fond sur le palais, très bien construit. Il évolue sur un gras fin avant de rencontrer un brin de tannicité à fondre à l'élevage. Longueur normale. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 91-92/100 « Des tannins parfaitement équilibrés. Les cabernets francs se font sentir pour donner de l’énergie. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Barde-Haut has a light but well-defined bouquet with blackcurrant pastille, raspberry and touches of cassis. The oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and lively with supple tannins. It's slightly powdery in texture, with a little attenuation on the finish. It will make a fine, early-drinking Saint-Émilion."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Barde-Haut is a very pretty, racy wine for the year. Supple contours wrap around a core of dark red plum, mocha, spice, new leather, cedar and licorice. All the elements are very nicely integrated. I especially admire the balance of aok, something that has not always been present in the past, along with the fine texture of the tannins. Although a bit softer than most years, Barde-Haut is very, very fine in 2024."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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An oenologist by training, Ms. Papon-Nouvel owns two tiny properties at the bottom of Saint-Émilion near Canon-La Gaffelière: Petit Gravet Aîné (2.4 ha) and Clos Saint-Julien (1.3 ha), where the vines are mainly old cabernets francs. From the vine to the cellar, she manages all the stages in the production of her wines on her own and, whatever the vintage, her talent as an instinctive winemaker gives wines of natural elegance and exemplary sweetness.
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Petit Gravet Ainé, mostly Cabernet Franc, is so distinctive. Mocha, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and macerated cherry lift the bouquet nicely. The 2024 is a bit strict on the palate, but that may change with élevage. This is very nicely done, if a touch reticent."
Bettane & Desseauve : 91-92/100 « Grande fraîcheur aromatique de l’attaque à la finale, donnant du tonus à la bouche élancée et subtile. »
J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur sombre et intense. Nez un peu discret, sentant bon les fruits mûrs. Touche florale. Juteux à l'attaque, savoureux en milieu de bouche, le vin se développe aromatique et très agréable sur une longueur moyenne, mais avec beaucoup de goût. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 87-89/100 "The 2024 Petit Gravet Ainé has a straightforward bouquet with kirsch and blueberry scents that gradually reveal a touch of cola. It just misses some complexity compared to previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, lightly tannic and fleshly but doesn't have much grip. Though smooth in texture, it doesn't quite translate its 90% Cabernet Franc as well as, say, the 2022."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2011
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The amateur looking for fine and easily digestible classified great wines should be interested in Fonroque. In organic cultivation since 2006 and biodynamic cultivation since 2008, Fonroque offers an original vision of the terroir of the Saint-Émilion plateau, made up of freshness, elegance and controlled, melting power. A “wine of emotion”, as Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve describe it.
Alain Moueix, its director (and former owner), is clearly showing the way forward for the future of Bordeaux's great wines, on all shores.J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense et très fruité. Gras et minutieux en entrée de bouche, avec un toucher fin, le vin glisse et caresse le palais avant de finir un brin vif dans la persistance. L'élevage le fondra. Bonne longueur séveuse. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 92-93/100 « La finale saline toute en fraîcheur met bien en valeur un corps élégant et caressant qui offre des saveurs généreuses. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Fonroque has a pretty nose with red cherry and wild strawberry fruit aromas that unfurl nicely in the glass. The oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied, sorbet-fresh and a little edgy with smooth tannins and a spicy finish that lingers. This is a commendable Saint-Émilion for the vintage."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Un Fonroque (26 % de bois neufs, 39 % foudres, 28 % amphores, 7 % en cuves béton ovoïde), filiforme cette année-là, mené avec tact. Il allie les notes acidulées de fruits rouges. Même sensation en bouche avec une jolie matière diffuse, pleine d'entrain et d'élan. Aucune fermeté, au contraire, déjà une certaine séduction pour ce secteur frais. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Fonroque is a soft, caressing Saint-Émilion from Alain Moueix. Supple contours wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, cinnamon, blood orange, cedar and pipe tobacco, Floral top notes extend the finish nicely."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2006
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From 2005, La Dominique, prestigious terroir adjacent to Cheval Blanc, L'Évangile and La Conseillante, returns in great shape. His velvety and sensual style places him halfway between Saint-Émilion and Pomerol : “the tannin texture is very Pomerol-like, then the silky, floral, firm follow-through continues with the class of the great Saint-Emilions” (Bettane & Desseauve).
Bettane & Desseauve : 93-94/100 « Les tannins enveloppent la bouche avec délicatesse, offrant une structure qui porte le fruit sans le dominer. La complexité se déploie peu à peu, en parfaite harmonie avec une texture soyeuse. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 La Dominique, matured in 50% new oak, is distinctly fresher on the nose than many of its peers. This is nowhere near as complex as the 2022 yet it conveys brightness and a sense of place. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with crisp, ripe tannins and a marine-influenced finish. It's a little reserved in style. This is not a blockbuster and nor should it be. It's just a well-crafted Saint-Émilion."
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 La Dominique is a very pretty wine for this reemerging Saint-Émilion estate on the Pomerol border. Creamy and textured, with lovely mid-palate presence and bright fruit, La Dominique is quite attractive. Supple contours wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and mocha, building into the soft, caressing finish. Production is down about 50% due to drastic selection."
La Revue du Vin de France : 88-90/100 « 50% des volumes de la propriété ont été consacrés au grand vin. La tendresse spécifique de La Dominique se profile : chair pulpeuse, allonge suave, avec ce soin apporté au moelleux de tanins. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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 : 93-94/100 « Nez poivré et floral, typique des cabernets francs. On retrouve cette aromatique dans une bouche énergique, parfaitement structurée. »
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez pour l'instant un peu discret, mais subtil. Joli fruité. Minutieux dès l'entrée en bouche et très vite très savoureux au milieu, le vin fond sur le palais, séveux et long, sur une jolie texture. C'est très bon. Après le grand succès du 2022, Catherine Papon ne lâche rien ! »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Clos Saint-Julien is a very pretty wine. Black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and lavender all meld together. The oak is not totally integrated just yet, but that is a question of elevage."
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Clos Saint-Julien has a perfumed, Margaux-like bouquet with a mélange of blueberry and blackcurrant fruit. This has fine delineation and the oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, decent weight on the mid-palate and just a bit of grip on the finish that bodes well for the future. This is one to keep an eye on."
La Revue du Vin de France : 87-89/100 « Une certaine suavité se dégage de ce vin, construit sur la légère pente sableuse et calcaire orientée au nord, à l'entrée de Saint-Émilion. Son toucher de bouche tout doux propose une allonge élancée. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2011
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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.Bettane & Desseauve : 96/100 « Grande précision aromatique entre fruits rouges et touches crayeuses, avec des touches salines qui enrichissent le bouquet aromatique et la texture en bouche. Cela donne au vin de la profondeur et une complexité supplémentaire. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 La Gaffelière confirms its place as one of the top properties in Saint-Émilion in this challenging vintage. Bright and dynamic in the glass, with terrific persistence, the 2024 sizzles with tension. Crushed flowers, mint, lavender and crushed rocks open in the glass. The finesse of the tannins is impossible to miss. The 2024 is not a huge wine, but its finesse is evident. Blue/purplish fruit, slate and clean mineral overtones extend the long, sculpted finish."
Le Point : coup de ♥ 17/20 "Fruits noirs, sureau, beaucoup de finesse, violette, bonne acidité en milieu de bouche, ronce, beaucoup de fond, tanins serrés, sérieux, vin de calcaire typé, amer fin. Très bon vin."
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Beau rouge sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez moyennement intense, au fruité pur et mûr. Touches de cerise et de fleurs à l'agitation du verre. La bouche se déroule tout en douceur pulpeuse, avec de la classe dans le toucher et un corps fondant. C'est délicieux ! Bonne finale parfumée. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 93-95/100 "The 2024 La Gaffelière has a very seductive bouquet with black cherries, boysenberry and light Indian ink scents unfolding in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with succulent tannins, impressive mid-weight density and a crisp, mineral finish. La Gaffelière has been on a run of form recently and the 2024 overcomes the challenges of the vintage with style."
La Revue du Vin de France : 90-92/100 « Immédiatement, le floral et la réglisse s'expriment au bouquet, dans ce vin profilé comme une flèche. Sa droiture et sa tension le rendent un peu ferme en finale à ce stade. Une sensation pierreuse signe la finale de cet assemblage 60% de merlot et 40% de cabernet franc. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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.
Bettane & Desseauve : 95/100 « Attaque délicate suivie d’un milieu de bouche où cohabitent des accents de fruits noirs et d’orange ainsi que des touches de fleurs épicées, prolongés par une finale fraîche et élancée qui dynamise cette sensualité. »
Le Point : 17.5/20 « Fruits noirs, baies sauvages, feuillage, bouche complexe, savoureuse, tanins racés, bonne fraîcheur, très savoureux, épicé en finale. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-96/100 "The 2024 Pavie Macquin is positively gorgeous. Silky, layered and voluptuous, the 2024 is so impressive right out of the gate. Plush contours wrap around a core of purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, spice, menthol and chocolate. All the signatures of this site come through loud and clear. Savory and floral notes supported by clean veins of salinity extend the persistent finish. Pavie Macquin shows what was possible in 2024 The choice to harvest everything in October (from the 3rd to the 8th) paid off big time."
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Pavie Macquin has an impressive bouquet for the vintage, quite composed and delineated with brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light rose petal scents. The palate is medium-bodied and nicely chiselled compared to its peers, with pliant tannins and a fresh, saline finish. It does not have the persistence of other vintages that fire on all cylinders, but this is a success for 2024."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 « Pavie-Macquin est le métronome de Saint-Émilion. Même dans les millésimes compliqués, ce vin au garde son d'identité unique. Peu flatteur à ce stade, l'assemblage de merlot (85%) et de cabernet franc (15%, une part anormalement basse due à des pertes). Cette part anormalement faible de cabernet franc exprime néanmoins de fines nuances réglissées et florales, et une certaine froideur aromatique. En bouche, il se profile ciselé, avec une grande élégance. Nous ne sommes qu'aux prémices d'un vin promis à de belles années de garde. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Beau-Séjour Bécot is now in the hands of the third generation, represented by Juliette Bécot and her husband Julien Barthe. These dynamic forty-somethings have no shortage of inspiration when it comes to producing “modern” wines, adapted to climatic challenges and consumer expectations: replanting in a north/south direction to avoid overheating the grapes, the choice of a new consultant oenologist (Thomas Duclot) who favors wines that are not overly demonstrative, early harvesting and measured extractions to preserve the freshness of the fruit, less new wood (55%) and the use of tuns and jars (20%) to lighten the tannic structure...
Since the construction of the new winery in 2023, the wines have excelled thanks to their elegant, uncluttered structure, their gourmet, fruity and floral aromas, and their dynamic, sapid finishes. For the Revue du Vin de France, as for us, “this is the archetypal Bordeaux that can be enjoyed now, but also put away in the cellar”.Vinous (A. Galloni): 95-97/100 « The 2024 Beau-Séjour Bécot is deep, vivid and wonderfully alive. Dynamic and explosive, with striking inner perfume, Beau-Séjour Bécot is hauntingly beautiful. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and rose petal soar out of the glass. Silky, refined tannins add to the wine's finesse. The increase of Cabernet Franc in the blend has added aromatic depth and textural elegance. There's a feeling of transparency here that is impossible to miss. Beau-Séjour Bécot has grown into one of the most distinctive wines in Bordeaux. Simply put, the 2024 is magnificent. That's all there is to it. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 95-96/100 « D’une grande subtilité où cabernet franc et terroir calcaire se combinent de la plus belle des façons. Vibrant et précis en bouche, complexe, avec du rebond en final. Long, persistant, portée par une fraîcheur de fleurs poivrées et une minéralité subtile. »
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « 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. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « Les sélections massales de cabernet franc (22 %) plantées il y a quinze pour accompagner les merlots portent leurs fruits. Il s'aligne parfaitement avec les derniers millésimes au château. Une superbe robe violine, pleine d'entrain. Sa distinction aromatique florale, très marquée par la violette, le place au sommet de Saint-Émilion en 2024. Sa silhouette finement dessinée, à la fois douce et traçante, conduit jusqu'à une finale extrêmement salivante. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Immediate neighbour of Pavia, Larcis-Ducasse was logically promoted to 1st Grand Cru Classé in 2012 due to its full south-facing hillside exposure and the brilliant work of the Thienpont-Derenoncourt tandem.
Bettane & Desseauve : 96-97/100 « Nez de fruits rouges et noirs purs avec des notes de pivoine, tannin moelleux, cœur de bouche éclatant avec des accents pulpeux d’orange sanguine et de mûre. La texture soyeuse et délicate est ponctuée d’une finale somptueuse. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 94-97/100 "The 2024 Larcis Ducasse is dense, powerful and imposing almost surprisingly so. All of the mid-palate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, lavender, chocolate and cinnamon meld together in the glass, but is the wine's mind-blowing balance that stands out most. This is another stellar showing from Larcis Ducasse. There's real potential here."
Le Point : 17/20 « Bien aromatique, mûre, élevage très précis, milieu de bouche bien en place, tanins veloutés, harmonieux, finale relevée. »
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-95/100 « Un parfum fruité très séduisant, tout en nuances. Il développe une certaine immédiateté au nez, avec ces 85 % de merlot accompagnés de 15 % de cabernet franc venus de la côte sud de Saint-Émilion, voisin de Pavie. On retrouve cette séduction première dans le premier contact tout en douceur de la bouche. Il se prolonge avec une ampleur particulièrement enveloppante, presque une sucrosité. Ce confort en bouche est très appréciable cette année, plus qu'ailleurs. La finale, poudrée et dynamique, s'élance avec beaux amers. »
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur noire, intense et belle. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr et subtil. Joli arôme de mûre. Délicat en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, le vin caresse le palais, sans cesse parfumé, vers une jolie finale persistante qui ne marque pas le tannin. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Larcis Ducasse offers strawberry and raspberry pastilles intermixed with vanilla on the nose, quite expressive even if it lacks a bit of complexity compared to the best vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly "thick" tannins that lend a bit more grip. The 2024 is a solid Saint-Émilion that lacks a bit of finesse but has flavour and density. It could come around if given a prudent élevage."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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 : 95/100 « Grande délicatesse du bouquet de fleurs sauvages, mêlé aux effluves de fruits noirs mûrs. Le fruit est dense, précis, profond, accompagnée par des tannins soyeux et soutenu par la fraîcheur saline et florale de la finale. »
Le Point : 17-17.5/20 « Besoin d'air, fruits rouges, cerise, juteux, sur la réserve à ce stade, profond, tanins serrés, feuillage, amer délicat. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-96/100 "The 2024 Canon La Gaffelière is all class. Delicate and pliant, the 2024 is another fine offering in this range from Stephan von Neipperg. Dark red-toned fruit, pomegranate, spice, blood orange, new leather and pipe tobacco build in the glass. Like all the wines here, Canon-La Gaffelière is on the lighter side, but it very much retains all of its signatures. Exquisite."
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 « Le vin est issu d'un assemblage judicieux (43% merlot, 43% cabernet franc, le reste en cabernet-sauvignon). Grâce à un élevage qui utilise moins de bois neuf (de 40 à 20%) et 20% de cuves, il exprime un fruité particulier supplémentaire. Ce millésime peu démonstratif convient bien à ce Canon-La-Gaffelière, établi avec une texture cajolante et longue. »
J-M Quarin : 90/100 « Couleur sombre, d'intensité normale. Nez d'abord discret et fruité, évoluant sur une note de framboise et de fleurs à l'agitation du verre. Bouche agréablement veloutée, au corps fondant et aérien. Longueur normale. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Canon La Gaffelière has a light and airy bouquet with tertiary red fruit and touches of tobacco coming through slowly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a tiny bit of greenness on the entry, although I feel it will assimilate with time. This just needs more density and grip on the finish, so it is a Canon La Gaffelière that I should broach in the medium term."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2014
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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 : 94/100 « Couleur rouge sombre, intense et belle. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr. Juteux à l'attaque, très minutieux au développement, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin fond au palais, aromatique et distingué. Bonne longueur. C'est superbe. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-95/100 "The 2024 La Clotte is a heady, engaging wine. Aromatic, deep and wonderfully dynamic, La Clotte shows the pedigree of this south-facing site. Rose petal, crushed flowers, mint, spice, cedar and tobacco all soar from the glass. Blood orange, red-toned fruit and white pepper open later. The 2024 is distinguished by its complexity and myriad shades of nuance. It is an especially fine 2024. Saldy, yields are just 22 hectoliters per hectare. As always, La Clotte speaks with eloquance."
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 La Clotte has one of my favorite aromatics amongst the Vauthier family's cuvées, with delightful wild strawberry, raspberry and iodine aromas, although it's quite tight on the nose at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth, almost silky opening, a fine bead of acidity and impressive precision on the finish. It is not as intense as the 2022 as you would expect, but this is a sophisticated Saint-Émilion."
La Revue du Vin de France : 91-93/100 « Le millésime a été dur à la propriété, avec des rendements de 25 hl/ha à cause de la coulure et du millerandage. Mais ce cru emblématique de la splendide vallée de Fongaban révèle une intensité aromatique particulière. Il est établi en demi-corps, d'une retenue qui pousse à l'introspection. La sève calcaire se révèlera avec le temps ! »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2023
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Rocheyron is the result of a friendly and professional partnership between Sylvio Denz (Faugères and Lafaurie-Peyraguey) and Peter Sisseck (Pingus). Since 2010, they have been investing in this small 8-hectare vineyard, located entirely on the asteriated limestone plateau characteristic of Saint-Émilion: tilling the soil, conversion to organic farming (certified in 2020), gentle vinification at low temperatures... Rocheyron is constantly progressing, and each year offers wines with an unequalled tannic softness.
Listed in the Revue du Vin de France guide in 2026.
La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 « Le vin espagnol naît au soleil, le vin de bordeaux naît dans le puits ». Peter Sisseck aime rappeler ce vieil adage pour évoquer ce millésime sauvé des eaux. Mais quelle réussite à Rocheyron ! D'abord de subtiles nuances aromatiques, à la fois florales, réglisse et cerise. C'est le fruité que l'on apprécie tant à ce stade, et pourtant si difficile à retrouver ailleurs. En bouche ? Une silhouette traçante, filiforme, imprégnée de son terroir calcaire tardif. Loin d'être un vin consensuel, c'est une flèche calcaire qui file jusqu'à une finale extrêmement revigorante. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 88-90/100 "The 2024 Rocheyron was picked from September to October 3 at 33 hl/ha, underwent has pumping over during extraction, and was matured in 10% new French oak and 10% in foudre. It offers red plum and crushed strawberry on the nose, with a slight confit-like quality. The palate has a fleshy entry, rounded in texture with pretty red fruit, but it lacks grip and backbone on the finish. As such, this latest iteration will be more for early drinking before broaching the excellent '22."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
- Organic certification:
- 2020
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Advised by Mr. Derenoncourt, Clos Fourtet regularly and unobtrusively demonstrates that the upper part of the Saint-Émilion plateau can produce wines as great as the Ausone or Pavie hillsides. Sobriety, depth, finesse and intensity are exemplary.
Bettane & Desseauve : 94-95/100 « Palette aromatique sur le fruit et des notes crayeuses qui apportent le salin à la finale encore compacte. Grand avenir d’un vin toujours difficile à juger à ce stade, mais qui fera une grande bouteille. »
Le Point : 17-17.5/20 « Touche de suie, fruits noirs, baies sauvages, élégant, beaucoup de finesse, tanins veloutés, note de réglisse, finale élégante, très beau grains de tanins. »
J-M Quarin : 94/100 « Couleur sombre, intense, belle, aux reflets grenat. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité et subtil. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, avec du goût au milieu, un corps élancé et savoureux, le vin fond sur le palais, avec un brin de vivacité dans la persistance. Mais c'est réellement incrachable. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-95/100 "The 2024 Clos Fourtet is a gorgeous, elegant wine. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and notable purity, Clos Fourtet impresses with its balance more than anything else. Dark Blue fruits, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and framed by bright chalky notes that lend freshness. In 2024, Clos Fourtet is built more on persistence than overt textural richness, as has, been the case in some recent vintages."
La Revue du Vin de France : 93-94/100 « À l'image de la propriété, le vin propose une élégante retenue aromatique, des nuances florales et de réglisse. En même temps qu'il est sombre, froid, presque impénétrable, le bouquet aromatique dévoile beaucoup d'éclat. Le vin, svelte cette année, est moins dense qu'à son habitude. Il évoluera lentement avec sa sensation calcaire particulière. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 92-94/100 "The 2024 Clos Fourtet is clearly a level-up from Le Closerie with pure, well defined and focused blueberry, raspberry, and blood orange scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is quite linear, keeping with the style of the vintage, so this doen't have a peacock's tail like the 2022. Yet this feels tensile and the limestone terroir shapes the mineral-driven finish. This is a well-crafted and delicious Clos Fourtet, a success given the challenges of the vintage."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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Second wine of Angelus, made in the same luxurious and distinguished style that has made the reputation and international success of this wine.
J-M Quarin : 93/100 « Couleur très beau rouge sombre, intense et vive. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr. Nuances de fraise. Moelleux en entrée de bouche et de suite très aromatique, le vin caresse le palais, puis monte en finale tout en douceur et avec du goût. C'est délicieux et très agréable. »
Bettane & Desseauve : 92/100 « La bouche déroule un tannin soyeux, fondant et présent, sur fond de fruits noirs et de menthe poivrée. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "Creamy and resonant on the palate, the 2024 Carillon is laced with dark cherry/plum fruit, new leather, spice, menthol, espresso and kiss of french oak. There's terrifictextural depth and resonance here. I especially like the way the 2024 explodes on the back end. This is beautiful done."
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Le Carillon d'Angélus has a perfumed, finely delineated and focused bouquet with violet-tinged black and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Tensile with touches of orange rind and Asian spices, there is decent concentration on the mineral-driven finish."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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 : 94/100 « Beau rouge sombre, profond, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, au fruité pur, mûr. Ensemble subtil et légèrement vanillé. Délicat en entrée de bouche, très savoureux au milieu, avec beaucoup de goût, ce vin monte lentement vers une longue finale séveuse, fruitée, florale, au grain fin. C'est très bon. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 93-95/100 "The 2024 Quintus is gracious, elegant and polished. Spice, tobacco, cedar and an exotic touch of blood orange give the 2024 lovely aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. There is a touch of new oak, but that should not be an issue with elevage. Here, too, the balance is very fine."
Bettane & Desseauve : 92/100 « Parfums floraux et fruités avec une touche délicate de poivre noir. Le tannin se montre svelte et élancé. »
Vinous (N. Martin): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Quintus is streets ahead of the second and third wines on the nose, with pretty black cherry and blueberry fruit, a little Margaux-like in style thanks to the violet scent. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit mixed with blood orange and crushed stone towards the finish. Touches of cracked black pepper and cumin linger on the aftertaste. Very fine."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028
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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)!
Bettane & Desseauve : 95/100 « Combinaison de fruits noirs mûrs (cassis, cerise noire, myrtille) et de notes plus subtiles de fruits rouges frais (framboise, fraise des bois). Des arômes de violette et de rose sauvage apportent une touche florale délicate. Les tannins sont subtils et parfaitement intégrés. »
J-M Quarin : 95/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Beau nez très aromatique, fin, pur, sentant bon les fruits noirs. Immédiatement délicieux dès l'entrée en bouche, très savoureux, avec du goût, de l'équilibre et une présence allongée, le vin glisse sur le palais, long, suave et complexe dans la persistance. C'est superbe ! Une grande réussite du millésime. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 92-94/100 "The 2024 L'If is an elegant, sleek wine. Crushed flowers, tobacco, cedar, incense, dried herbs and menthol give the 2024 lovely aromatic presence. L'If is light on its feet, with a bit less overt concentration than most years, but there's more than enough persistence to compensate for that, shaping the wine in a style that favors linear energy over volume."
Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 L'If has a fragrant bouquet, with mainly red fruit and slate-like scents. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced, with slightly chalky tannins and a little flesh on the mid-palate. Lightly spiced on the finish, this is a comparatively straightforward L'If compared to previous vintages that will serve as a fine earlier drinking Saint-Émilion."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Available early 2028