Jeb Dunnuck (93)

Coming from 100% Merlot (all the Cabernet Franc went to the Grand Vin), the 2022 La Gravette De Certan comes from younger vines and spent 18 months in 50% new French oak. It's a forward, sexy second wine that has a ripe, voluptuous style in its red and black fruits, truffly earth, camphor, and flowery incense. Beautiful textured and medium to full-bodied, with solid, polished tannins and terrific overall balance, it's perfect for drinking any time over the coming 15 years or so.

The Graviere 2018 is a fine wine epitomising the celebrated terroir of Bordeaux, France. Crafted by the seasoned winemakers at Château Graviere, this classic red blend comprises predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Harvested at perfect ripeness, the grapes provide a well-rounded flavour profile and distinct character to Graviere 2018. Precisely crafted using traditional winemaking techniques, the wine reflects the rich heritage of its acclaimed vineyards. This vintage presents an expressive nose of dark fruits, while the palate is elegantly layered with nuances of ripe cherry, truffle, and a touch of earthiness. A notable balance of silky tannins and vibrant acidity give it a striking length unseen in contemporaries.

Graviere 2018, with its exceptional structure, shows promise of longevity and will continue to evolve in the cellar. The elegant complexities of this sublime Bordeaux wine render it ideal to accompany a gourmet meal, making each sip an unforgettable indulgence. A celebrated expression of the region's winemaking prowess.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2014 La Gurgue is bold, powerful and delicious. Succulent red cherry, plum, tobacco, smoke, dried flowers and licorice add character. Plush and inviting, but with a good backbone of tannin and acidity, the 2014 will drink well for a number of years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)

The 2020 La Gurgue is a rich, luscious wine deeply informed by tiny yields of 16 hectoliters per hectare as opposed to 35-40 or so. Plush, silky and voluptuous, the 2020 impresses right out of the gate. Rich red berry fruit, blood orange, pomegranate and spice build effortlessly in the glass. The 2020 has more Petit Verdot in the blend because of shatter in the Cabernet and Merlot. Aging is in 40% new oak, 40% concrete eggs and 20% new oak. It's a sleeper in this vintage.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)

The 2021 La Gurgue is a deep, almost shockingly potent, wine. A blast of dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and licorice hits the palate. This flamboyant, generous Margaux is sure to find many admirers. The 2021 is naturally still coming together, but it is hugely promising. The tannins just need a bit of polish here.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)

The 2021 La Gurgue is a deep, almost shockingly potent, wine. A blast of dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and licorice hits the palate. This flamboyant, generous Margaux is sure to find many admirers. The 2021 is naturally still coming together, but it is hugely promising. The tannins just need a bit of polish here.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89)

The 2016 Le Haye has a playful bouquet with orange sorbet laced red berry fruit, more open and generous than its appellation peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannin. This is quite saturated in style, with candied orange peel lacing the pretty, almost Margaux-like finish. This is a delight. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89)

The 2016 Le Haye has a playful bouquet with orange sorbet laced red berry fruit, more open and generous than its appellation peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannin. This is quite saturated in style, with candied orange peel lacing the pretty, almost Margaux-like finish. This is a delight. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)

The 2017 La Haye is gorgeous. Soft, floral and refined, La Haye shows the more restrained side of Saint-Estèphe. Crushed red berry, spice and floral notes are all beautifully lifted throughout. The 2017 is classy and polished to the core, which makes it a total sleeper in this vintage. The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and, unusually, Malbec.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (86-88)

The 2019 La Haye is a plump, juicy Saint-Estèphe that will drink well right out of the gate. Cedar, tobacco and earthy accents add lovely aromatic complexity. The 2019 is not terribly complex, and some angular contours remain, but it is quite good for what it is - a tasty Cru Bourgeois to enjoy in its youth.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (86-88)

The 2019 La Haye is a plump, juicy Saint-Estèphe that will drink well right out of the gate. Cedar, tobacco and earthy accents add lovely aromatic complexity. The 2019 is not terribly complex, and some angular contours remain, but it is quite good for what it is - a tasty Cru Bourgeois to enjoy in its youth.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (86-88)

The 2019 La Haye is a plump, juicy Saint-Estèphe that will drink well right out of the gate. Cedar, tobacco and earthy accents add lovely aromatic complexity. The 2019 is not terribly complex, and some angular contours remain, but it is quite good for what it is - a tasty Cru Bourgeois to enjoy in its youth.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)

The 2020 La Haye has a slightly herbaceous nose, although there is decent black fruit mixed with mulch/earthy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine acidity. Quite mineral-driven, culminating in a fresh, tensile finish. One of the appellation’s hidden gems.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)

The 2020 La Haye has a slightly herbaceous nose, although there is decent black fruit mixed with mulch/earthy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine acidity. Quite mineral-driven, culminating in a fresh, tensile finish. One of the appellation’s hidden gems.

Vinous - Neal Martin (87-89)

The 2021 La Haye has a perfumed, graphite-tinged bouquet, quite Pauillac in style and nicely proportioned. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grippy tannins and a little chewy, leading to a muscular finish. This will need to muster more finesse by bottling time, but there is some potential here.

Wine Spectator (89)

Pretty berry, chocolate and vanilla character, with medium body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Lacks a bit of punch, but a very good wine. Best after 2006. 17,500 cases made. -JS

James Suckling (91)

This is racy for a 2006 with plenty of tobacco, berries and hints of mushroom. Light, stylish earthy character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a pretty finish with lovely tension. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (93)

One of the most beautiful wines of the vintage, the dark ruby/purple-colored La Lagune exhibits sweet cassis, camphor, truffle and white chocolate notes presented in a dense, medium to full-bodied, silky textured personality. Filled with purity, finesse, elegance and authoritative flavor intensity, this 2008 is already drinkable and should continue to evolve for 15+ years.

James Suckling (96)

This shows an enchanting nose of roses, violets and other flowers. It's also fruity but very subtle. A full-body, super-structured red with an excellent backbone of ripe yet firm tannins. Goes on for minutes. Don’t touch for five or six years. Try in 2019.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2014 La Lagune has a tightly wound bouquet that may have closed down since I last tasted it. It begins to open with blackberry, graphite and wet limestone scents, quite strict and focused, but very well defined and showing great clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, and density with a little chalkiness showing towards the second half. I like the tension and energy, lingering long in the mouth. It will need several years in bottle but it will be worth the wait. Tasted at the La Lagune vertical at the château.

Decanter (94)

The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.

Decanter (94)

The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.