Jeb Dunnuck (97+)

The 2022 Château Gruaud Larose is largely Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 95% new barrels. It's an inky-hued 2022 that has a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and a beautiful, crushed stone-like minerality. This powerful, full-bodied Gruaud La Rose has plenty of mid-palate depth, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's probably best hidden in the back of the cellar for a decade if possible, but it should be incredibly long-lived. I think it's as good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château.

Jeb Dunnuck (97+)

The 2022 Château Gruaud Larose is largely Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 95% new barrels. It's an inky-hued 2022 that has a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and a beautiful, crushed stone-like minerality. This powerful, full-bodied Gruaud La Rose has plenty of mid-palate depth, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's probably best hidden in the back of the cellar for a decade if possible, but it should be incredibly long-lived. I think it's as good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château.

Jeb Dunnuck (97+)

The 2022 Château Gruaud Larose is largely Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 95% new barrels. It's an inky-hued 2022 that has a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and a beautiful, crushed stone-like minerality. This powerful, full-bodied Gruaud La Rose has plenty of mid-palate depth, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's probably best hidden in the back of the cellar for a decade if possible, but it should be incredibly long-lived. I think it's as good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château.

Jeb Dunnuck (97+)

The 2022 Château Gruaud Larose is largely Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 95% new barrels. It's an inky-hued 2022 that has a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and a beautiful, crushed stone-like minerality. This powerful, full-bodied Gruaud La Rose has plenty of mid-palate depth, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's probably best hidden in the back of the cellar for a decade if possible, but it should be incredibly long-lived. I think it's as good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château.

James Suckling (94-95)

A chewy and polished red with blackberry and blueberry character. Full to medium body. Fine and tensioned. Excellent finish. Salty. Blackcurrants at the end. 66% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, and 2% petit verdot.

James Suckling (94-95)

A chewy and polished red with blackberry and blueberry character. Full to medium body. Fine and tensioned. Excellent finish. Salty. Blackcurrants at the end. 66% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, and 2% petit verdot.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

Deep fruit, dark spices and graphite with wide yet polished, linear tannins. Full-bodied and intense with depth and structure. Long and chalky at the end. Big wine.

Discover the exquisite Le Petit Ducru 2022, a paramount embodiment of French sophistication. From the acclaimed Bordeaux region, Le Petit Ducru 2022 is the second wine of prestigious Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Holding a longstanding reputation for creating exceptional Bordeaux blends, the estate brings together finesse and intensity in the Petit Ducru. Produced under the expert guidance of winemaker Bruno-Eugène Borie, this claret is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, raising the bar for refinement and complexity.

This complex vintage boasts earthy undertones, mingling with vibrant black fruit notes, highlighting its superb balance and structure. Grown in Günz gravels, these vineyards' distinctive terroir imparts richness and depth to the wine, while ageing in French oak barrels lends subtle hints of spice and vanilla. Le Petit Ducru 2022 mirrors the meticulous crafting that defines Ducru-Beaucaillou's esteemed heritage, marking a splendid addition to any cellar.

Discover the exquisite Le Petit Ducru 2022, a paramount embodiment of French sophistication. From the acclaimed Bordeaux region, Le Petit Ducru 2022 is the second wine of prestigious Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Holding a longstanding reputation for creating exceptional Bordeaux blends, the estate brings together finesse and intensity in the Petit Ducru. Produced under the expert guidance of winemaker Bruno-Eugène Borie, this claret is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, raising the bar for refinement and complexity.

This complex vintage boasts earthy undertones, mingling with vibrant black fruit notes, highlighting its superb balance and structure. Grown in Günz gravels, these vineyards' distinctive terroir imparts richness and depth to the wine, while ageing in French oak barrels lends subtle hints of spice and vanilla. Le Petit Ducru 2022 mirrors the meticulous crafting that defines Ducru-Beaucaillou's esteemed heritage, marking a splendid addition to any cellar.

Discover the exquisite Le Petit Ducru 2022, a paramount embodiment of French sophistication. From the acclaimed Bordeaux region, Le Petit Ducru 2022 is the second wine of prestigious Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Holding a longstanding reputation for creating exceptional Bordeaux blends, the estate brings together finesse and intensity in the Petit Ducru. Produced under the expert guidance of winemaker Bruno-Eugène Borie, this claret is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, raising the bar for refinement and complexity.

This complex vintage boasts earthy undertones, mingling with vibrant black fruit notes, highlighting its superb balance and structure. Grown in Günz gravels, these vineyards' distinctive terroir imparts richness and depth to the wine, while ageing in French oak barrels lends subtle hints of spice and vanilla. Le Petit Ducru 2022 mirrors the meticulous crafting that defines Ducru-Beaucaillou's esteemed heritage, marking a splendid addition to any cellar.

Discover the exquisite Le Petit Ducru 2022, a paramount embodiment of French sophistication. From the acclaimed Bordeaux region, Le Petit Ducru 2022 is the second wine of prestigious Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Holding a longstanding reputation for creating exceptional Bordeaux blends, the estate brings together finesse and intensity in the Petit Ducru. Produced under the expert guidance of winemaker Bruno-Eugène Borie, this claret is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, raising the bar for refinement and complexity.

This complex vintage boasts earthy undertones, mingling with vibrant black fruit notes, highlighting its superb balance and structure. Grown in Günz gravels, these vineyards' distinctive terroir imparts richness and depth to the wine, while ageing in French oak barrels lends subtle hints of spice and vanilla. Le Petit Ducru 2022 mirrors the meticulous crafting that defines Ducru-Beaucaillou's esteemed heritage, marking a splendid addition to any cellar.

Decanter (94)

Fragranced and scented, so appealing, rich, vibrant, alive on the nose, black and blue fruits with purple flowers. Juicy and alive in the mouth, straight away the acidity makes the mark, clean and clear, with bite and tang, so thrilling, energetic and racy but then the tannins come in, slightly chalky, grippy and firm giving the texture - serious but with a touch of sweetness that gives a playful aspect. Well constructed, precise but weighty, intense and concentrated. A great wine that gives depth, complexity and persistence but with such great drinkability - and grand vin quality.

Decanter (94)

Fragranced and scented, so appealing, rich, vibrant, alive on the nose, black and blue fruits with purple flowers. Juicy and alive in the mouth, straight away the acidity makes the mark, clean and clear, with bite and tang, so thrilling, energetic and racy but then the tannins come in, slightly chalky, grippy and firm giving the texture - serious but with a touch of sweetness that gives a playful aspect. Well constructed, precise but weighty, intense and concentrated. A great wine that gives depth, complexity and persistence but with such great drinkability - and grand vin quality.

Decanter (94)

Fragranced and scented, so appealing, rich, vibrant, alive on the nose, black and blue fruits with purple flowers. Juicy and alive in the mouth, straight away the acidity makes the mark, clean and clear, with bite and tang, so thrilling, energetic and racy but then the tannins come in, slightly chalky, grippy and firm giving the texture - serious but with a touch of sweetness that gives a playful aspect. Well constructed, precise but weighty, intense and concentrated. A great wine that gives depth, complexity and persistence but with such great drinkability - and grand vin quality.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Cassis, graphite, smoky tobacco, violets, and a wonderful sense of minerality all emerge from the 2022 Château Léoville Barton, a riveting Saint-Julien that shows the style of this estate while bringing the richness and depth of the vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has enough tannins to warrant a decade of cellaring and will have 30+ years of prime drinking. I’d put this up with the finest Léoville Barton I’ve tasted, as well as with the truly greats of the vintage.