Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98-100)

This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined with around 15% press wine. Not the concentration of 2022, but in many ways showcasing the essence of Lafite more squarely, and this will delight anyone lucky enough to own it in future years. 45hl/h yield, highest since 2015, harvest September 7 to 29. 100% new oak. New cellar underway, due for completion in 2027. I am giving it 10 years to begin entering its opening window, a little less than usual but it will make no difference to how long you can cellar it.

Vinous - Neal Martin (100)

The 2000 Lafleur is a benchmark wine that prefigures the estate's wines in the 21st century. Though I have tasted it a dozen or so times from bottle, this was my first time in magnum…and what a wine! Showing only modest bricking at its rim, the nose is a symphony of aromas, an aromatic Pandora's Box: blackberry, wild hedgerow, black truffle, pencil box and gravel give way to more red fruit and rose petals. The palate has a heavenly balance with perfectly pitched acidity that effortlessly counterbalances the sheer weight and density of this wine. Previous examples have warned me away from cracking this open, but despite its larger format, this example is the first that entertains the notion of drinkability. That said, the 2000 is clearly a Pomerol that will span decades. The grandeur of this Lafleur is entrancing. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

An absolute monster of a wine, the 2005 Château Lafleur is epitome of this vintage with its dense, massive style. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, its deep plum hue is followed by a rich, powerful, full-bodied Lafleur that has lots of ripe currant and darker, smoky black fruits as well as notes of scorched earth, saddle leather, and flowers. It has a stacked mid-palate, an inward, concentrated mouthfeel, ripe yet still present tannins, and a great finish. It’s still in need of another 5-7 years, if not a decade of bottle age, and will probably see its 100th birthday in fine form.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

Beautifully handled, with layers of grilled cocoa bean, caramel sweetness that places you squarely in Pomerol at the decade mark, pure pleasure, satin texture, fragrant cumin spice, edges of violets and crushed roses as it opens up through the glass. Exceptional, years ahead. Gorgeous. Just 13.5%abv in 2014, so this is a jump up in terms of ripeness, takes it on effortlessly. 20% new oak, Guinaudeau family owners.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

If tasting the 2019 Château Lafleur doesn't just blow you away, I'm not sure what will. A perfect wine, if such a thing exists, it offers such a complex, singular profile in its black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, licorice, exotic flowers, white truffles, and sandalwood. On the palate, it has serious structure, yet the tannins build with time in the glass, and the mid-palate density and balance are so flawlessly integrated, you have to actually hunt for the structure. Pure, sensationally rich, and at the same time elegant, with awesome depth of fruit, this is what wine dreams are made of. It might be the finest young wine to ever pass my lips. It needs a solid decade of bottle age, 15 years would be even better (it will still blow your mind any time over the coming decade), and it will evolve gracefully over the following 30-40 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

If tasting the 2019 Château Lafleur doesn't just blow you away, I'm not sure what will. A perfect wine, if such a thing exists, it offers such a complex, singular profile in its black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, licorice, exotic flowers, white truffles, and sandalwood. On the palate, it has serious structure, yet the tannins build with time in the glass, and the mid-palate density and balance are so flawlessly integrated, you have to actually hunt for the structure. Pure, sensationally rich, and at the same time elegant, with awesome depth of fruit, this is what wine dreams are made of. It might be the finest young wine to ever pass my lips. It needs a solid decade of bottle age, 15 years would be even better (it will still blow your mind any time over the coming decade), and it will evolve gracefully over the following 30-40 years.

Immerse your refined palate in the remarkable experience of the Lafleur Saint-Jean Pomerol 2014. Made in the prestigious region of Pomerol in southwestern France, this exquisite full-bodied red wine showcases the deft craftsmanship of the Guillot family, highly esteemed winegrowers for centuries. Lafleur Saint-Jean Pomerol 2014 is a seductive blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, skilfully harvested from the fertile soils of their own estate.

Aged in fine French oak barrels for 12 months, the wine possesses a sophisticated balance of intense fruit flavours coupled with an earthy backbone. Expect mouth-watering notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cherry, lifted subtly by complex undertones of truffle and tobacco. Lafleur Saint-Jean Pomerol 2014 is a wine that enchants the senses, with its bold, velvety texture and an enduring finish that encapsulates the passion and dedication of its maker.

Indulge in the magnificence of Lafleur Saint-Jean Pomerol 2014 - an exemplification of superior French winemaking.

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.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

94-96 Barrel sample. Lots of new wood here, maybe too dominant. But it is a stage, because the fruit weight is also there to give a wine of considerable complexity, dry and solid.

Vinous (94)

The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced.

Vinous (94)

The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Looking at the Grand Vin 2022 Château Laroque, it checks in as 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc raised in 60% new oak with a mix in larger formats, as well as a portion in foudre. Gorgeous black raspberries, spring flowers, graphite, and truffly mineral and crushed stone-like nuances all shine in this stunningly complex, medium to full-bodied effort. With ripe, polished tannins, perfectly integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins, it's going to drink well for at least 30 years. The alcohol here is a healthy 14.7 with a pH of 3.4. This is an absolutely gorgeous wine! Buy a case for your cellar. You can thank me later.

Vinous - Neal Martin (97)

The 2012 Latour…wine of the vintage? It has to be a serious contender. In this blind taste-off between the five First Growths, its quality shines through. With exceptional delineation on the nose, it just oozes class with precise black fruit, crushed stone, mint and light sous-bois. The palate is perfectly balanced with a fine line of acidity, as precise as a Swiss watch, gently building to a finish that delivers the structure one expects from a Latour. Sheer class. Tasted blind in Bordeaux.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

Touch of reduction, with flint and gunsmoke adding focus and interest. Stands out for its grip and tension and a feeling of depth to the stone and citrus fruit. Touches of green apple and gooseberry also.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.

The Wine Independent (94)

The 2019 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little coaxing to bring out notes of blackcurrant pastilles, stewed black and red cherries, and baking spices, leading to an earthy undercurrent of mossy tree bark and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a very serious backbone of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the taut black fruits, finishing on a mineral-tinged note. This wine should age well!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall structure. There's terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall structure. There's terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character.

James Suckling (92-93)

A dense, layered white with cooked-apple, honey and lemon aromas and flavors. Layered and flavorful with a zingy, mineral finish. 80% sauvignon with 20% semillon.

Wine Advocate (94+)

The 2021 Léoville Barton has turned out beautifully in bottle, wafting from the glass with notes of cassis and plums mingled with subtle hints of pencil shavings, menthol and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, it's layered and refined, built around lively acids and a chassis of sweet, powdery tannin that will reward some bottle age with greater plenitude. It's a real success.

Wine Advocate (94+)

The 2021 Léoville Barton has turned out beautifully in bottle, wafting from the glass with notes of cassis and plums mingled with subtle hints of pencil shavings, menthol and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, it's layered and refined, built around lively acids and a chassis of sweet, powdery tannin that will reward some bottle age with greater plenitude. It's a real success.

Falstaff (100)

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on rim. Fine oak, a hint of nougat, dark berries underneath, some cardamom, dark cherries, a hint of candied oranges. Powerful, taut, tightly meshed, fresh acidity, spicy, supporting tannins, a hint of chocolate on the finish, convincing balance, mineral and very long lasting, cherries on the finish, a vin de garde, can also be tasted young with a few hours in the carafe, enormous future potential.

Falstaff (100)

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on rim. Fine oak, a hint of nougat, dark berries underneath, some cardamom, dark cherries, a hint of candied oranges. Powerful, taut, tightly meshed, fresh acidity, spicy, supporting tannins, a hint of chocolate on the finish, convincing balance, mineral and very long lasting, cherries on the finish, a vin de garde, can also be tasted young with a few hours in the carafe, enormous future potential.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2019 Les Cruzelles is a very serious wine. Black cherry, gravel, graphite, cloves, leather and smoke confer a real feeling of gravitas. Inky and explosive, with tremendous resonance, the Cruzelles is a winner and without question one of the stars in this range from the Durantou family.

James Suckling (94)

Glorious aromatics with currants, flowers, stones and light mushrooms. Medium to full body and fine tannins that are long and polished. Super linear, structured and long. Drink in 2019.

James Suckling (99)

A beautifully layered red with blackcurrant, hazelnut and lead-pencil character and fine, velvety tannins. Full-bodied and reserved. It’s like a tightly knit ball of polished tannins that are cashmere in texture. So very long and impressive. Give this time. A terrific Lynch. Better after 2027.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2020 Malartic-Lagravière, which represents just 40% of the total production, was cropped at 26hL/ha. It has a very delineated nose with intense blackberry, raspberry, sous-bois and incense aromas that just "sing" of Pessac-Léognan. The palate is medium-bodied, finely-knit tannins, fresh and vibrant with beguiling purity. Harmonious and silky smooth, it belies the depth and complexity of this marvelous Malartic. This is superb and it will mature beautifully in bottle.