James Suckling (95-96)

A powerful and intense red with blackberry, blueberry and ultra fine chewy tannins. It’s so long and energetic. Dense center palate.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2023 Sansonnet is a deep, powerful wine from the Lefévère family. Blackberry, chocolate, new leather, licorice and a kiss of sweet French oak inform a sumptuous Saint-Émilion that delivers on all counts. Extroverted and plush, Sansonnet is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This is a terrific edition.

Wine Advocate (97)

From the lightest, sandiest soils in the Gras Châteauneuf stable, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is a blend of 80% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 2% Cousoise. Befitting its origins, it's the most perfumed of the three wines this year, with floral, rose-like notes, a veritable potpourri of spice and herb shadings and a vibrant core of red berries. It's labeled (like the others) at 14% alcohol but feels lighter on the palate, soaring in silky arches of intermingled red berries and delicate tannins, then lingering elegantly on the finish.

Wine Advocate (95-97)

Still in foudre, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Habemus Papam looks to have softened considerably since I tasted it last year. Floral-herbal notes accent ripe cherries, while the palate boasts a wonderfully rich, creamy texture. Full-bodied, with supple tannins, this tour de force is long, silky and elegant.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

It's hard to choose a favorite among Santa Duc's 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but Le Pied de Baud stands out for the seduction of its smoky, floral nose. Raspberry and red cherry flavors are pristine and plump, etched by fine strokes of fur, charred earth, violet and tea leaves. An opulent but freshly balanced blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault framed by fine, persistent tannins. Approachable already but should improve further through 2030 and hold further.

Wine Advocate (96)

Marked by aromas of resinous herbs, roses and raspberries, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud is an enthralling blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault from the Le Pied de Baud lieu-dit, in the south of the appellation. Raspberries, strawberries and redcurrants all make appearances, supported by crisp acids and silky, just-ripe tannins. Young Benjamin Gras is looking for tension in his wines, and this wine captures that elusive quality, lingering tautly on the mouthwatering finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)

Lastly, the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a beauty boasting killer notes of dark fruits, crushed rocks, pepper, garrigue and scorched earth. This seriously good 2015 has building richness, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish, all suggesting short-term cellaring will be your friend. It will keep for two decades of more.

Wine Advocate (95-97)

A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues is less aromatic than it was last year, folding in darker notes of black cherries and chocolate. Yet it's still wonderfully full and textured, with a plush, velvety feel and a long finish. It seems to grow in aroma and flavor the longer it's in the glass, always a good sign.

Vinous (93)

The 2020 Pouilly-Fuissé Les Courtelongs 1er Cru, which comes from north-orientated vines on red limestone soils, is very harmonious on the nose, perhaps more understated than other cuvées from Saumaize-Michelin. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, very saline in the mouth, hints of bitter lemon and a dab of spice, very persistent on the finish. An intellectual (as well as quite delicious) Pouilly-Fuissé in the making.

Burghound (89-92)

An intricately layered nose freely offers up its combination of ripe white and yellow orchard fruit, especially peach, and less floral but spicier aromas. The rich, textured and vibrant flavors possess very fine mid-palate density that brims with dry extract on the sappy finish that is supported by lemon-tinged acidity. This is a big and powerful St. Véran that isn't elegant but offers much to like. 2024+ Sweet Spot Outstanding

The Savart & Dremont Ephemere 018 Grand Cru NV is an esteemed Champagne born from the illustrious vineyards of Ambonnay and Verzenay in France. This sparkling gem, envisioned by the wine maestro Savart and Dremont, is an exquisite blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, skilfully nurtured to yield a refreshing essence. The cultivation process involved in making this wine is sustainable viticulture, which utilises an exceptional blending method.

On degustation, the Savart & Dremont Ephemere 018 Grand Cru NV unfolds an intriguing array of flavours, wherein initial hints of brioche and ripe peach capture your attention, followed by subtler notes of white flowers and citrus zest. The finish leaves a delightful creamy texture and a pronounced minerality that celebrates the wine's impressive age. Through its rigorous production process to its distinguished character, the Ephemere 018 undeniably elevates Savart & Dremont's reputable portfolio, making this Champagne an absolute must for every connoisseur's cellar.

James Suckling (92-93)

A solid red with a dense palate of ripe fruit, chewy tannins and a savory finish. This shows structure and reserve. Excellent second wine from Rauzan.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Tasted blind. Rich and rather opulent nose. Simple and easy with good refreshing raciness. Could be Rauzan-Ségla? Good and complete. Really zesty. Likely to be VGV.

Decanter (94)

The Séguinot’s roots in Maligny date back to 1590. This is a complete Fourchaume from Jean-François Bordet which balances the richness, concentration and intensity of Fourchaume with fresh acid, a lovely mineral undertow and complexity of flavour. Disarmingly drinkable already, this has the potential to age and become a memorable Fourchaume in three to four years.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

From one of the prime terroirs in the appellation, the 2015 Côte Rôtie Lancement is another full-bodied, modern-styled beauty from this team. Violets, plums, incense and exotics spices all emerge from the glass and it has ripe, sweet tannin and a great finish. Made from 100% Syrah aged two years in new Burgundy barrels, it should have two decades of longevity.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2018 Sergant, which impressed from barrel, has a captivating bouquet of precise black cherry, wild strawberry and rose petal aromas that waft from the glass. The palate is well balanced with fine-grained tannins, a silky-smooth texture and beautifully integrated oak toward the finish. This is a top-quality Lalande de Pomerol, a bit of a hidden gem. Go seek!

Wine Enthusiast (94)

93-95 Densely structured wine, full of honey, cinnamon, and sweetness. The acidity gives just the right counterpoint.

Wine Advocate (95)

Close in quality to the profound 2007 is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Grandes Grenachieres d-Hippolyte. A stunning expression of old vine Grenache, it boasts abundant notes of raspberries, licorice and kirsch intermixed with hints of forest floor and underbrush. With good acidity, precision and freshness as well as a deep, full-bodied, voluptuously textured mouthfeel, this superb example of old vine Grenache should drink well for 15+ years.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru has a sophisticated nose of blackberry, loamy damp soil, raspberry and light cracked black pepper aromas that build nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp bead of acidity; very harmonious. White pepper and clove appear toward a finish that leaves the tongue tingling after it has departed. Superb.

Indulge in the fillip of sensory discovery with the Singla Rivesaltes Ambre Heritage du Temps 1961. Tended in the sun-drenched vineyards of the Rivesaltes AOC, Southern France, each grape brings forth an inherent vivacity that transcends time. This vintage articulates its rich heritage through its nuanced amber hue and captivating blend of fruit and spice. The palette of this fortified wine is delicately complex, reflecting the region's distinctive terroir with a mature spectrum of taste.

Harvested by the renowned Singla, reputed for their commitment to biodynamics and unparalleled craftsmanship, the authenticity of their production process is palpable. Their conscientious interplay of tradition and innovation resonate in every sip, bringing forth layers of mellow sweetness to balance the robust character this vintage is celebrated for. An embodiment of the family's lineage and passion, the Singla Rivesaltes Ambre Heritage du Temps 1961 is a testament to the idyllic Rivesaltes landscape and its extraordinary capacity for wine production.

James Suckling (93)

Blueberries and minerals, with floral undertones follow through to a full body and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Subtle and structured. Try after 2018.

James Suckling (94-95)

A dense, beautifully integrated red with blackberry, blueberry and chocolate character. It’s full-bodied with ripe tannins and a fresh, focused finish. Shows lots of blue fruit and flowers at the end. Siran does it again, after a gorgeous 2018.

The Wine Independent (99)

The 2005 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, it slips confidently out of the glass with notes of creme de cassis, baked plums, cracked black pepper, and pencil shavings, plus wafts of sandalwood and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush and juicy, featuring soft acidity and a long, beautifully poised finish. In a sweet spot for drinking now, this can cellar a further 20 years+.

James Suckling (97-98)

This is a very polished and precise young wine with beautiful depth and intensity. Full and sexy. It shows blueberry and black currant character with walnut and chocolate undertones. The tannins have a lovely texture. Joy to taste.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)

Floral edge, with a ton of crayon and cocoa bean, love the sculpted character, bitter aniseed and fennel, characterful and hard to resist, sappy and juicy with mouthwatering finish, just beginning to flirt with its drinking window. Official organic conversion began in this vintage, with certification coming in 2019. Fabien Teitgen technical director.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)

Floral edge, with a ton of crayon and cocoa bean, love the sculpted character, bitter aniseed and fennel, characterful and hard to resist, sappy and juicy with mouthwatering finish, just beginning to flirt with its drinking window. Official organic conversion began in this vintage, with certification coming in 2019. Fabien Teitgen technical director.

Wine Advocate (97+)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm redcurrants, baked blackberries and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, dried roses, underbrush and pencil lead plus a waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a fantastic core of densely packed red and black fruits, framed by wonderfully ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

Wine Advocate (97+)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm redcurrants, baked blackberries and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, dried roses, underbrush and pencil lead plus a waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a fantastic core of densely packed red and black fruits, framed by wonderfully ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

The 2018 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 60% new French oak. Its dense purple color is followed by an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, blueberries, camphor, scorched earth, chocolate, and tobacco. It's young and unevolved, yet the purity is off the charts, and it slowly gives up more spice and floral notes with time in the glass. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it's an incredibly concentrated, powerful wine that has plenty of baby fat covering serious amounts of underlying structure and tannins. It has some up-front appeal from an educational standpoint, yet really needs a decade of bottle age and is going to keep for 30-40 years in cold cellars. It comes closest in my mind to a mix of the 2010 and 2016.