Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

James Suckling (96-97)

Fantastic depth of fruit with layers of firm, chewy tannins that are medium-grained and long in the mouth. Full and dynamic. One of the best ever.

The Drinks Business (93-95)

Cantenac Brown (Margaux; 73% Cabernet Sauvignon; 27% Merlot; aging in oak barrels, 60% of which are new; tasted at the UGCB press tasting). Very classy and elegant on the nose, with a seductive gentle suggestion of oak influence – vanilla and sweet spice, but all very restrained. Graphite, walnut skin and a delightful hint of the cedar to come. Deep rich berry fruit, with pleasing floral elements (more than I recall in recent vintages) – lily and peony. Pure, precise, fresh and focussed with good if not massive concentration and lovely balance and harmony. Excellent wine-making is on display here with a series of pitch perfect choices that reinforce the identity and terroir typicity of this exciting wine.

The Drinks Business (93-95)

Cantenac Brown (Margaux; 73% Cabernet Sauvignon; 27% Merlot; aging in oak barrels, 60% of which are new; tasted at the UGCB press tasting). Very classy and elegant on the nose, with a seductive gentle suggestion of oak influence – vanilla and sweet spice, but all very restrained. Graphite, walnut skin and a delightful hint of the cedar to come. Deep rich berry fruit, with pleasing floral elements (more than I recall in recent vintages) – lily and peony. Pure, precise, fresh and focussed with good if not massive concentration and lovely balance and harmony. Excellent wine-making is on display here with a series of pitch perfect choices that reinforce the identity and terroir typicity of this exciting wine.

James Suckling (96-97)

This is a 2005 Malescot in the making. And that was stunning. I love the blueberries, chocolate and nuts on the nose and palate. The finish lasts for minutes with so much . Goes on and on. I want to drink this! Wow.

Vinous - Neal Martin (86)

The 2020 Chevalier de Lascombes, matured entirely in one-year-old barrels, has a tightly-knit bouquet with cranberry and raspberry fruit and light floral scents. The palate is fresh on the entry with quite firm tannins, a touch of balsamic infusing the red fruit with a hint of bitterness on the finish. So-so.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88-90)

The 2021 Chevalier de Lascombes offers light red cherries and strawberry fruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins and fine acidity. This is quite cohesive with nicely integrated oak. A decent Deuxième Vin.

Indulge in the coveted Clos Margalaine 2012; an eloquent manifestation of winemaking skill, hailing from the prestigious Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Crafted by an esteemed producer, the considerable attention given to its making is evident in every sip. The illustrious terroir offers an exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon blend with Merlot, embodying a splendid balance, abundance of flavours and skilful structure.

Fermented in stainless steel vats, the Clos Margalaine 2012 portrays an essence that brims with robust red-fruit flavours, partnered with refined tannins and an enduring finish. The 14-month maturation in oak barrels lends a charming complexity and depth, resulting in a wine that requires patient cellaring yet rewards abundantly when uncorked.

A sure delight for the discerning palate, the Clos Margalaine 2012 stands a testament to the fine interplay between superb grapes, masterful vinification, and the magnificent Bordeaux terroir. Appreciate the timeless artistry of this extraordinary representation of French viticulture.

The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 captivates with its entrancing allure. As a second wine from the illustrious Château Prieuré-Lichine estate in the prominent Margaux appellation, it reflects the well-respected terroir of Bordeaux with elegance. The vintners skilfully concoct a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, which endows the libation with its complex, multi-faceted character. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 is matured in 30% new oak barrels for a period of 14 months, resulting in a harmonious fusion of fruit and oak, culminating in stunning depth and balance.

Savour the wine's expressive bouquet draped in blackcurrant, cherry, and spicy oak. It delivers a smooth, rounded palate adorned with well-integrated, ripe tannins. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2010 is a superb reflection of Margaux's extraordinary terroir and the exceptional expertise housed within the revered Château Prieuré-Lichine estate.

The

Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2015 exhibits the nobility synonymous with the prime vineyards of Margaux, the acclaimed appellation in France's revered Bordeaux region. This varietal, unveiled by Château Prieuré-Lichine, is a robust manifestation of unique terroir combined with innovative winemaking techniques. A harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the classic Bordeaux tradition, the Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2015 unfolds a deep, ruby hue and layered notes of blackberry, pepper and rich cedar. Exceptional maturity is achieved via meticulous aging for 14 months in French oak barrels, imbuing the spirit with an exquisite tannic structure. The producer, Château Prieuré-Lichine, boasts an enviable legacy of viticulture dating back to the 18th-century, consistently delivering wines that exemplify complexity, longevity and grace. The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2015, whilst truly a stand-alone marvel, awakens when paired with robust flavours, gracing the senses with its unrivalled finish.

The Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2021 is a sophisticated blend from the world-renowned Bordeaux region of France. This exquisite wine is gracefully composed of premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, offering an unparalleled drinking experience. The producer, Château Prieuré-Lichine, a respected fourth growth Margaux, remains committed to traditional winemaking methods. Each stage, from meticulous vineyard management to slow barrel ageing, is artfully handled to author a dynamic, full-bodied wine.

Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2021 showcases a harmonious meld of dark fruit and spice character, encapsulating the classic elegance of the Margaux appellation. Its multi-layered palate underlines seductive notes of ripe berries, integrated with velvety tannins and a lingering finish. The nuanced, luxuriant vintage does justice to its storied lineage, affirming its place amongst the elite Bordeaux wines. An indulgence for any fine wine connoisseur, Confidences de Prieure Lichine 2021 invites you to experience the quintessence of refined French winemaking.

Wine Spectator (90)

Plenty of blackberry, currant and cherry character. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. A mellow and well-defined '96. One of the best Issans in ages. Best after 2000. 10,000 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

94-96 A very structured wine, retaining great acidity and freshness. The tannins cut right to the heart of the wine. The aftertaste is solid and chunky.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

94-96 A very structured wine, retaining great acidity and freshness. The tannins cut right to the heart of the wine. The aftertaste is solid and chunky.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2012 Château d’Issan, builds on the richness of the second wine and adds more body, structure and density. It has an inky purple color and a stunning nose of spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as touches of incense and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and stunningly concentrated, this 2012 is a great success in the vintage, one of the superstars. Moreover, its precociousness suggests it could be drunk in the next 4-5 years or cellared through 2025. I underrated this wine dramatically in my report of April, 2013 (Issue 206).

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95+)

The 2015 d'Issan is a total knock-out. Spectacularly ripe and intense, the 2015 exudes richness in all of its dimensions. Super-ripe dark plum, lavender, spice, savory herbs, iron, smoke and new leather add myriad shades of nuance to this super-ripe, decidedly hedonistic Margaux. A powerful, dense wine, the 2015 is going to need a number of years before it is close to being ready to drink. I was quite impressed with d'Issan both times I tasted it. The 2015 has really come along nicely. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, aged in 50% new oak. Eric Boissenot consults.

James Suckling (96-97)

This is so energetic for a young d’Issan with lots of white pepper, crushed stones and blackberries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and great length. One of the greatest ever. Superb depth and intensity to this real Bordeaux. Wow.

James Suckling (93-94)

This sneaks up on you with a pretty density of ripe fruit such as plums and strawberries. Full body, layered and ripe tannins set this young wine up for a tannic and fruity finish.

James Suckling (93-94)

This sneaks up on you with a pretty density of ripe fruit such as plums and strawberries. Full body, layered and ripe tannins set this young wine up for a tannic and fruity finish.

James Suckling (96-97)

This is a very pure expression of cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants, blackberries and tar. Wet earth, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Extremely racy, intense finish. This is super precise. Classical.

James Suckling (96-97)

This is a very pure expression of cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants, blackberries and tar. Wet earth, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Extremely racy, intense finish. This is super precise. Classical.

James Suckling (97-98)

Extremely floral and fruity with currants and blackberries. It’s full-bodied and very layered with delicious, dense character. Full-bodied with dusty, layered tannins. Rich, but not heavy. Long and chewy on the finish. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% malbec.

James Suckling (97-98)

Extremely floral and fruity with currants and blackberries. It’s full-bodied and very layered with delicious, dense character. Full-bodied with dusty, layered tannins. Rich, but not heavy. Long and chewy on the finish. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% malbec.

Vinous - Ian D'Agata (87-90)

Opaque purple-ruby. Pungently aromatic notes of geranium, lavender, cilantro and violet dominate black fruits on the nose. Light and smooth in the mouth, with fresh black fruit flavors and better balance than the almost too perfumed nose suggests. The long finish features youthfully chewy tannins and a strong saline quality, not to mention very good juiciness.

James Suckling (94)

Blackberry, blueberry and sweet-tobacco aromas. Full-bodied, dense and layered with ripe tannins and a chewy yet polished, tannic finish. A young Bordeaux with plenty of structure and focus. A blend of 71 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 29 per cent merlot. Try after 2022.

James Suckling (94)

Blackberry, blueberry and sweet-tobacco aromas. Full-bodied, dense and layered with ripe tannins and a chewy yet polished, tannic finish. A young Bordeaux with plenty of structure and focus. A blend of 71 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 29 per cent merlot. Try after 2022.