Bordeaux

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pomerol

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: Top-flight modern Lalande de Pomerol which does admittedly show a quite opulently oaky nose, but which also has the volume and depth of fruit to complement it. Round and mouth filling, succulent and long, it is delicious drinking now.

Beautiful deep ruby red with tints at rim showing no signs of ageing as yet. Rich, powerful and many-layered nose of red fruits, dark spice, fresh oak and cocoa. Supple, velvety palate with fine, crisply elegant tannins. Fresh lingering finish with menthol flavours. A charming, easy-to-drink wine which will go down well with any fine food.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon

Tasting notes: Pale gold with an extraordinary complex nose of summer fruits, peaches and apricots. Rich and concentrated - it drinks exceptionally well now and will last for at least another 10 years.

Gilded with fine gold, the dress is more than promising. This 2020 offers a bouquet of remarkable complexity with aromas of ripe apricots, pineapple, mango and honey. On the palate, a smooth, rich and refined liquor instantly invades the palate with a great freshness. This is delicious and is undoubtedly a rich and subtle wine from great origin.

VEGAN

Region: France, Bordeaux, Cotes du Bourg

Grape variety: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) & Malbec (5%)

Background: Côtes de Bourg is a 'Right Bank' appellation; Merlot is always the dominant grape here. The inclusion of a tenth of Malbec is unusual; little of this variety is seen in the Gironde these days. The 7-hectare estate is run with passion and precision by Corinne Baudouin, who succeeded her mother and her mother before her. The Côtes de Bourg appellation is some 12km NW of Bordeaux city. The wines are invariably easy drinking and fun, a world away from the stuffy, aristocratic appellation of Margaux, just across the estuary. The wines offer superb value for money, especially during better vintages.

Tasting notes: Chunky and robust, with a dashing deep hue and lifted scents of pine, dark berries and fruitcake. Full and intense wash, with assertive tannins supporting juicy flavours of plum, beetroot and kelp. Complex and intense.

Food pairing: Go all out and match with slow-cooked lamb shanks on a bed of Colcannon mash and roasted root vegetables.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney - produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Medium bodied and partially aged in oak, it’s easy, fruity and supple enough to drink quite young. A French bistro sort of wine. Although it is a young red, it is ready to drink now, with attractive, easy fruit and soft, supple tannins.

A special cuvée, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was made from two parcels of vines in a single block, and aged in small French oak barrels. A full bodied wine, it's ripe enough to drink young or keep it for years.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney – produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Medium bodied and partially aged in oak, it’s easy, fruity and supple enough to drink quite young. A French bistro sort of wine. Although it is a young red, it is ready to drink now, with attractive, easy fruit and soft, supple tannins.

Expert opinion

Previous Vintages: Château Bauduc (Bordeaux Supérieur) 2017

The year of the frost, nevertheless this has come out of it rather well. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a good concentration in the glass, with a dusty and claretty hue. The nose is restrained when compared to other vintages, with savoury notes of dried cranberry and blackberry, in a taut and crunchy just-ripe style, touched with vanilla caramel presumably from the oak. Medium bodied, cool and restrained on the palate, the taut vibe continues here with damson stone and cranberry fruit, and a touch of black pepper. Lightly textured, with dry and lightly grained tannins, and fresh acidity, this is good to drink now. From a 2021 Update. 89/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

Château Bauduc (Bordeaux Supérieur) 2016

This was a benevolent vintage in the region, providing volume and good quality, and the latter aspect shows here. As always it is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. In the glass it shows a surprisingly modest concentration, with a gentle claretty red hue. The nose hints at some early evolution here, with scents of spiced and degraded red cherry fruit, with a medicinal twist. The palate, meanwhile, shows a cool and supple style, with a little silky edge. I see that medicinal twist coming in again, along with notes of red pepper, red cherry and a touch of coconut. Fresh and lightly composed, and for drinking over the next few years. From a 2021 Update. 90/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

'These are excellent-quality wines - reds as well as whites - consistent and easy to enjoy. One to follow.' 

Inside Bordeaux, by Jane Anson. Published by BBR, 2020.

“Wonderful plummy fruit and liquorice and leather scent. Soft, feathery tannins and just the right amount of mid weight. Not hugely complex, but presses all the right buttons for this level of Bordeaux. Very pleasurable claret.”

Richard Hemming MW, Jancis Robinson.com

“Today this is a model estate for Bordeaux, the white wines clean cut and vibrant, the reds increasingly good. And yet they remain affordable.”

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com

“Red, pink and white, they are utterly drinkable, each possessing a classic, mouthwatering Bordeaux texture and easy going fruit.”

Oz Clarke

Region: France, Bordeaux 

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney – produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Refreshing, juicy and really tasty on the palate.  

The house rosé at Rick Stein's for a decade! 

Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein’s House Rose – Delicious. 

Expert opinion for previous vintages 

Château Bauduc Rosé (Bordeaux) 2019

I can’t say I spend any time drinking much (or indeed any) rosé, nevertheless this one won me over. It has a great colour, a peachy sunset-pink, and most importantly a nose of fresh rather than sweet or confected fruit, all crisp strawberry and leafy raspberry, with nuances of peach stone, pear and acacia. It has such delicious vigour on the palate, showing weight but also poise and energy, the substance cut by a fresh acidity and citric energy. It is so delicious and so fresh, with a long, tingling finish too. Bottled under Stelvin screwcap. From a 2021 Update. 92/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

“The Bauduc Rosé is something of a revelation… It is a delightful wine. Aromatically I find delicate red fruits, with notes of peach and tangerine. It shows a lovely structure in the mouth, possessing the feel of a white wine, light and fresh, and imbued with vibrant acidity. This is really good…”

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com

“Very pale pink. Fresh, red fruit aromas - raspberry and redcurrant nuance. Clean and dry on the palate but with an underlying ripeness of fruit. The freshness is what appeals. Delicious.”

James Lawther MW, Contributing Editor for Decanter magazine

“The other day I had Chateau Bauduc’s lovely Bordeaux Rosé, which goes against the region’s general trend of harvesting late by picking grapes (merlot and cabernet) early to keep the style fresh, dry and modest in alcohol (12% abv). You can buy the wine, which stocked at Rick Stein’s restaurants and Gordon Ramsay’s, direct from the chateau.”

Fiona Beckett, The Guardian

Tasting notes: With warm, fragrant cherry characters, this is extremely attractive on the nose. The palate is expressive, with dark morello cherry and loganberry fruit and a subtle vanillin character from the use of oak. The tannins are ripe, fine grained and well-integrated. Layered and charming, this wine gives an over-riding impression of balance. Classic margaux.

Reviews 

89 points Wine Enthusiast: Big, ripe fruit emerging from soft, dusty-textured tannins makes this a wine that is already pleasurable. Black fig and plum juice fruits roll comfortably around the mouth, balancing well, and maturing quickly. (3/ 2009)

89-91/100 Wine Spectator: Lots of blackberry and liquorice character follows through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Well done."

90/100 Robert Parker - April 2015: Another truly exceptional wine from the Sichel family, the 2012 d’Angludet has a deep ruby/purple colour, a sweet floral, blueberry and blackcurrant-scented nose with a touch of liquorice, light tannins, low acidity and a nice, fleshy mouthfeel. This is a sexy, mouth-filling and satisfying wine from both a hedonistic and intellectual vantage point. Drink this sleeper of the vintage over the next decade.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Merlot (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) & Petit Verdot (10%)

Background: Château d'Angludet is a wine estate in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux's northern Médoc wine region. La Réserve d`Angludet is the new name that has been given to the second wine from Château Angludet.

Aging: 12 month of ageing, 50% barrels (30% new french oak) & 50% amphorae

Tasting notes: Fine deep cassis berry flavours with gentle rounded tannins.

This cuvee stands out thanks to the richness and elegance usually found in the first-label of Margaux wines. A deep garnet hue with deep purple tints and a generous bouquet, where red fruits harmonise perfectly with spicy, earthy notes, vanilla and masterfully restrained toastiness. The well balanced palate displays smooth, lingering extract, prolonged by an aromatic back-of-palate of blackcurrant and violet.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc

Background: Since it acquired Château d'Argadens, Maison Sichel has put in place a vast renovation programme, with the aim of making the wine a benchmark within the Bordeaux category. After 12 months in oak barrels, d'Argadens red is a thoroughly modern Bordeaux with lots of concentrated fruit and an attractive, supple balance. Not surprisingly, it gets consistently high marks in tastings and competitions. Château d'Argadens also makes a white wine.

The excellent terroir produces robust and soft fruited wines with concentration and balance. Château d'Argadens is one of the best Bordeaux Supérieur around.

After a comprehensive renovation of the vat room, building a cellar, and restructuring the vineyards, Sichel raised the viticultural level to the highest possible standards---essentially they farm this Bordeaux Superieur vineyard with the same approach they use in their Grand Cru Classé vineyards!

Tasting notes: Clad in a beautiful hue of garnet, this wine has a rich, open bouquet that reveals intense aromas of ripe, concentrated blackberry fruit and elegant oak. The same impression of generous fruit is found on the powerful, rich and chewy palate, which is structured by taut, dense tannins and lingers to a long, ample and spicy finish.

Awards

Gold medal - Concours de Bordeaux 2015

Bronze medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2015

VEGAN

Region: France, Bordeau, Medoc

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petit Verdot

Tasting notes: Dense, with dark cocoa, graphite and roasted spice notes embedded in a core of fleshy plum sauce, currant paste and blackberry confiture. The long, racy finish smoulders with dark fruit.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Graves

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Background: Chateau Trebiac Graves is skilfully managed by Arnaud de Butler, Château de Trébiac lies on a gravel plateau at Portets, 35 km south of Bordeaux. Over the past five years, both the estate's vines and winery have been completely rehabilitated. This really is the product of this exceptional gravel terroir on the Plateau du Portets, crafted with painstaking care by Arnaud de Butler.

Tasting notes: This wine is a beautiful, intense garnet red. Red berried fruit (cassis, redcurrant) predominate in an expressive bouquet, together with smoky, more mineral notes.

Oak aged in French barrels for three months giving a bouquet of dark chocolate and toast. The palate offers a fruity finish with velvety tannins. This wine will age beautifully. 

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet & Merlot

Background: Château Fonplégade's name (literally "fountain of plenty") was derived from the historic 13th century stone fountain that graces the estate's vineyard. It quenched the thirst of passing pilgrims for hundreds of years, and continues to provide sustenance to the estate's vines in the driest vintages. Grapevines have thrived at this exceptional site, perched on the limestone plateau that is home to Saint-Emilion's finest vineyards, since the late 1500s. In 1852, legendary wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased the estate and built the elegant château that still stands on the property. Enchanted by the terroir, history and grandeur of the estate, with its ancient Roman pathways and graceful vine rows, Denise and Stephen Adams acquired Château Fonplégade in 2004 and spent 15 years tirelessly revitalizing the vineyards, renovating the cellar and lovingly restoring the château.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour with a generous nose of fresh red fruits and spice. Full-bodied, round mouthfeel supported by an elegant acidity (from the limestone terroir). Remarkable mineral focus.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Tasting notes: Château Guiraud 2009 is a beautifully harmonious wine. Intense, ripe pineapple mingles with lemon and lime marmalade notes of botrytis whilst a seam of wet-stone minerality adds freshness. This, in conjunction with the crisp acidity, makes this a very sophisticated Sauternes. Château Guiraud 2010 has a spectacular balance and freshness always reinforce by 35% of sauvignon. It presents intense aromas, hawthorn flowers, fresh fruit, with a minty note which characterizes the vintage. The feeling in mouth is magnificent, soft, but robust. The tonic feeling of the botrytis is amplified by a great freshness. Mouth aromas strengthens up the nose: the botrytis now shows them crystallized, of great precision and purity. The aftertaste is long. The sugar power never gives heaviness: It is the magic of natural sugars sublimated by botrytis.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc (35%) & Merlot (65%)

Tasting notes: Ripe, sweet and fairly intense. Firm, grippy structure. A touch tighter and longer than stablemate Simard.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Tasting notes: Ruby colour with a flowery blackcurrant scented nose leads in to a fleshy palate of black fruit intermingled with liquorice and a hint of truffle.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Estephe

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Background: Chateau Phelan Segur is located in the eastern part of Saint-Estephe in Bordeaux. The chateau lies on gravelly alluvial soils that were deposited 650,000 years ago. Xavier Gardinier and his three sons now look after the 70-hectare estate. It is planted with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot which have an average age of 35 years.

Winemaking process: During the harvest, the grapes are hand-picked and screened then aged in half new barrels for between 14 and 18 months.

Tasting notes: It shows attractive red fruits with good balance, ripe tannins and attractive freshness. Accessible and flavoursome.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (8%) & Petit Verdot (7%)

Tasting notes: Ruby colour black reflections, frank nose that opens on aromas of stewed fruit, candied fruit, notes of toasted wood, animal tip, good balance on a fairly fleshy and full wine, the character is pretty with finesse, frankness, tannins are ripe, good frank and straight lengthening on finesse.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape Variety: Merlot

Background: A fabulous vintage, this wine is expressive and typical of great right-bank wines. It hails from the lassagne family who’ve been managing their estate for three generations. The vineyard in the commune of Abzac is small at 4 hectares and is situated on welldrained soils with vines of around 30 years old.

Tasting Notes: This elegant wine has a generous bouquet of overripe cassis and black berry fruit, highlights by a hint of spice. The palate is rich and elegant, revealing moderate tannins and crunchy extract imparting length and balance. Delicious return of fruit on the finish. Rich, ripe Merlot with well-structured tannins.

Food Pairing: This Merlot pairs well with red meat, rich sauce based dished, matured cheese and pasta.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (35%) & Petit Verdot (3%)

Background: Bruno Borie explained that St Julien had a little less rain than its neighbours, so the resulting berries are very small, up to 15% below average. This effect, combined with a later harvest, has maximised ripeness, creating Bruno’s richest ever vintage for tannins and sugars – yet this is brilliantly supple and full of cedar, spice and pepper notes.

Tasting notes: Powerful, silky, and very aromatic, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou beguiles with its bouquet, its balance, its remarkable finesse and its lengthy finish.

Review: 92/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, March 2021: "The 2018 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, aged 12 months in two-third new barriques. It has a pH of 3.75, 15% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 96. Deep garnet-purple coloured, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant notes of crushed blueberries, baked plums and blackcurrant cordial with hints of bouquet garni, underbrush, clove oil and cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing earthy. Not a second wine as such, because it comes from a dedicated part of the vineyard, the blocks for La Croix de Beaucaillou are generally located on the south bank of the La Mouline steam."

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Merlot (60%) &  Cabernet Franc (40%)

Background: The Premier Cru Classe Château Angélus takes its name from the three church bells of the town of Saint-Émilion whose tolling has always been audible from the estate’s vineyards. This legendary property was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the family de Boüard de Laforest has carefully guarded its exceptional legacy.

The Château Angélus vineyard is located in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The vines are planted in clay-sand-limestone soils.

Winemaking process: The high levels of rainfall during the winter and spring allowed the soils to build up a significant water reserve, which helped throughout the year to preserve the balance of the vineyard. The 2020 vintage stood out for both prolonged drought and for the capacity of the soils (clay and limestone) to provide perfect balance by drawing on water reserves. The summer conditions were ideal to ensure good ripeness and yield healthy, balanced grapes rich in polyphenols. Balanced and complete, 2020 is a perfect synthesis of its two illustrious predecessors, 2018 and 2019.

The vinifications were carried out in oak and stainless steel vats for the Merlot, and in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc. A pre-fermentation maceration, carried out in certain vats according to the specificities of the grapes, was followed by an alcoholic fermentation and then a post-fermentation maceration of 1 to 3 weeks. The juice ran off was immediately transferred to barrel. Lasting 20 to 22 months, the ageing took place in new French oak barrels for the Merlot and certain Cabernet Franc batches. A specific ageing was carried out in 30 hl casks for the Cabernet Franc, which was selected for its aromatic richness.

Tasting notes: It has a deep red colour. The Cabernet Francs, with their crunch and quality, magnify this great Angelus. A touch of cashmere tannins, great sweetness, and spicy notes. They compete in elegance with the Merlots. Ending with an epic length, this is an Angélus with an unusual flavour that that is perfect for tasting and will defy time.

The colour is shiny and beautifully dense, the wine displays a dark, almost black colour. Purple nuances testify to the perfect ripeness of the grapes. The nose is aromatic, the nose blends delicious fruity fragrances (black fruits, wild cherries, blackberries) with elegant floral notes (peony, violet).

The refined tannins display a round and voluptuous structure. Fresh and harmonious, the palate seduces with its extreme elegance and purity, exuding the precision of Merlot and the character of Cabernet Franc.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Estephe

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 

Tasting notes: Dark inky purple core and hue. Fine purity, intense with violet scented dark fruit, wild berries, cassis and tobacco leaf. Fine density of fruit on the palate, layered with finely tuned tannins and good oak integration. Fresh and digest with a long and pure finish.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan

Grape variety: Semillon (50%) & Sauvignon Blanc (50%)

Tasting notes: In the glass, it shows a light yellow with green reflections. The white wine convinces with a beguiling bouquet of ripe Mirabelle plums, green tea, nectarine skin and a fine vanilla touch. The middle palate shows grapefruit, verbena and lemongrass. A juicy, classy and lively pleasure.

Reviews

Bettane & Desseauve - Rated area (2023 guide) 3*Stars (A high quality production, which can serve as a reference in its sector): 'This cru was long famous first for its white wine, one of the most complete of Léognan, then also its red, at its best one of the most brilliant illustrations of the character of pessac-léognan. The last decade marks the return to the best level of white fieuzal. The new cellars, ultra efficient, with many small vats of various capacities, concrete, stainless steel or wood, now allow Stephen Carrier, the director, to make haute couture.'

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide to the Best Wines of France - Graded domain (guide 2023) 1*Star (Stars in the making or quality winemakers with good level production, you will not be disappointed by tasting the wines of these estates): 'This classified growth located in the south of Léognan produced some of the greatest whites of Bordeaux in the 1980s. After being sold in 1994 to Banque Populaire, Fieuzal declined until 2001. It was that year that Irish businessman Lochlann Quinn bought it, then hired Stephen Carrier from Champagne as director. From then on, the vintage found an excellent level, with an obvious search for body, holding and tannic elegance in the reds, and freshness now with the entry on the scene of councillor Thomas Duclos. With failures (2013) and great successes (2008), whites gradually reconnect with their whole, intense and guard-like character.'

James Suckling - Rated area (2023 guide) Recommended

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Rated domain (2023 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%) & Malbec (15%)

Tasting notes: Deep purple colour, rich notes of blackberry and cocoa, plump palate with ripe soft tannins.

The wine’s colour is strong, but not excessively so and lets us perceive a refined style, already displaying the large proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend. The nose is expressive on notes of fruit and lots of spice; it reveals ripeness and is very fresh. On the palate, this wine is charming, with surprising fullness, smoothness and also a lot of depth.

Award: Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

VEGAN

Region: France, Bordeau, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) & Merlot (77%)

Background: The estate was once part of Château Angélus and is still owned by the same family.

Tasting notes: This wine is rich in opulent black fruits and solid tannins.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Merlot (43%) & Petit Verdot (4%)

Tasting notes: In its depth and intensity, the robe of Château Palmer 2019 recalls the purple of Tyre. From the first aromas escaping the glass we are captivated: notes of black fruits and the most precious spices mingle in a bouquet of extraordinary complexity that will continue to reveal itself over time. The texture lives up to the Cru’s reputation: an endless carnal sensation pervades our palate, revealing tannins of subtle finesse yet remarkable depth. This Château Palmer, anchored very deeply in its terroir, is built to defy time.

Reviews

James Suckling - 99 Points: “So much sweet tobacco, stone, brambleberry and currant on the nose. The palate is full and compact with very polished tannins, yet they are solid and sturdy and run the length and width of the wine. Energetic acidity. Very structured and powerful, yet agile and impressive. Historic feel. From biodynamically grown grapes. This needs at least six years of bottle age to soften. Try after 2027.”

Vinous - 99 Points: “The 2019 Palmer is beautifully defined on the nose with pencil lead infused black fruit, crushed stone, and hints of pressed flowers. Amazingly well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and exquisitely sculpted tannins, unerring symmetry with a crescendo towards the utterly harmonious and persistent finish. This exudes a sense of completeness. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.”

Decanter - Jane Anson - 98 Points: “Iris and violet aromatics swirl out of the glass. In the mouth, things are velvet in texture and packed with concentrated cassis puree and blackberry fruit, gentle spice, soft charcoal and sappy tannins, with the whole thing just slowly expanding and building through the palate, tightening its grip as it reaches the close of play. The Palmer signature of energy and precision is here in spades, and altogether the wine is both measured and elegant, with textbook floral Margaux character, while being extremely juicy, creamy and enjoyable, with a mouthwatering salinity on the finish - up there with the very best vintages of this estate. Low SO2, as has been the case for a few years now in line with biodynamic principles. Back to normal yield this year of (a very welcome I would imagine) 45hl/ha. Harvest September 19 to October 19. 60% new oak, likely to be in barrels for the first year then large sized oak casks for the second year. 55% of overall production in the 1st wine.”

Jeb Dunnuck - 97 Points: “The 2019 Château Palmer is even richer, with a stacked, full-bodied, concentrated profile as well as beautiful notes of ripe black cherries, blackcurrants, lead pencil, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. I love its mid-palate, it has building, ripe, yet substantial tannins, tons of fat and glycerine, and a gorgeous finish. I don't think it will ultimately match the 2009, 2016, or 2018, but it's nevertheless a brilliant wine as well as one of the stars of the show from Margaux. It will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age (it already offers pleasure) and have 30-40 years of overall longevity. Best after 2022.”

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 96 Points: “The 2019 Palmer is a rich, dramatic wine that soars from the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries and berry fruit liqueur mingled with notions of violets, rose petals and sweet spices. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's powerful and immensely concentrated, with an enveloping core of lively fruit that largely conceals the wine's ripe, powdery structuring tannins. Concluding with a long, penetrating finish, it's a brilliant rendition of the contemporary Palmer style from Thomas Duroux and his team. Best After 2027 Rating 96+”

Wine Spectator - 94 Points: “Shows the powerful fruit of the vintage, with waves of dark plum, warmed cassis and cherry compote flavours driving through, inlaid with a graphite edge and backed by an iron note on the finish. Features good underlying energy and everything is knit tightly, without the toothy grain typical of the vintage. Very solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024.”

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac

Grape variety: Cabernet & Malbec

Tasting notes: Opaque ruby and vibrant purple rim. Very restrained aromas hint at red cherry, raspberry and cedar. The palate has excellent concentration and texture. Tannins are firm but beautifully refined. Delicate with a refreshing, vibrant, long finish.

This has a slightly restrained nose at first but it opens up to reveal sumptuous aromas of wild berry fruit, graphite, cassis and plum. A fabulous multi-dimensional texture on the palate fills the mouth and crisp acidity brings perfect balance; great intensity of flavour, exceptional length, and a staggering quality to the abundant tannins; really fine. It is hard to find fault in truth, and worrying to think that we usually find Lafite grows in complexity over the next couple of months, so it will become even better!

Critics’ reviews

Jancis Robinson - 19/20 - jancis robinson.com, Apr 2011: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot. Now, will this be the only time I ever get to see this wine, before it all migrates east? Very intense dark blackish crimson. Lovely Lafite scent – recognisable member of the family with a hint of oyster shells. But some extra breadth, even fat, this year. Hugely ambitious. Dense and quite dry on the end. But with Lafite breed and race. Somehow manages to have real roundness, covering the notable acidity and doubtless tannins which are very difficult to discern. Already a marvel and a pleasure to taste. Lovely, lovely balance.

Robert Parker - 98/100 - Wine Advocate- Feb 2013: The 2010 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (a 3% difference from the barrel sample shown two years ago), achieved relatively high alcohol of 13.32%, according to administrator Charles Chevalier. The wine is very impressive, not as fleshy, flamboyant and massive as the 2009, but nevertheless, a big, rich, full-throttle Lafite-Rothschild meant to age a half century or more. Deep purple, with notes of white chocolate, mocha, cedar and charcoal as well as hints of vanillin and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied yet has that ethereal lightness that makes it a Lafite. Rich, with good acidity, precision and freshness, this is a slightly zestier version of the 2009 as well as more restrained and structured than that particular vintage. It will need at least 10-12 years of cellaring and keep for 50+ years.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting notes: Beautiful dark colour tinged with bright red. Generous nose of ripe fruits with a jammy touch. The palate is heady, dense and balanced, delivering more of the same ultra ripe aromas.

This 2019 shows a deep garnet red colour with shades of purple. Expressive and flattering, the nose evokes a basket of ripe black and red fruits with hints of exotic spices. Equally charming and fruity, the palate is full, rich and warm, supported by silky tannins, a sign of great maturity of the grapes, with a fine fresh finish. A gourmet Bordeaux.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Tasting notes: Laced with dark fruit flavour (cassis, blackberries, plums and more) with delicious complexity and just the right amount of oak. Chateau Les Moines offers a perfect balance of spiced fruit and oak that will have you wanting more. The beauty of Cru Bourgeois wines is that they sit just below the Cru Classé levels and are continually evaluated. This means you get excellent, well tested wines that aren’t just relying on a famous name that offer incredible value.

Reviews

Jane Macquitty, The Times 9/4/2021: "Top Cabernet Sauvignon: Classy cru bourgeois claret, with gorgeous, rich, tarry, beef tea fruit."

Jonathan Ray, The Spectator: "A fine Cru Bourgeois claret that always goes down a storm with readers and rightly so. A blend of 70 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 per cent Merlot from a 10/10 vintage, its resolutely in its prime with buckets of spicy, plummy fruit, and should be knocked back with abandon."

Tasting notes: With as much Merlot in the blend as the 1990 and 1996 the quality of this wine is as good as any vintage that winemaker Paul Pontallier can remember. When we tasted the 2004 Chateau Margaux we found it to be as fabulous and exciting as the 2000 had been at a similar stage. The nose was simply beautiful - ripe, fine sweet, elegant and powerful with huge potential. The palate is expansive and multi-faceted. Alongside Latour, this is one of the two wines of the vintage.

2004 was born in conditions closely resembling those of 1996: the same unsettled summer weather, the same lovely early autumn, the same rainy harvest… Last minute rain though in no way modifies the body of a wine, nor weakens its muscle; it only takes away a bit of fatness, which gives it a finer silhouette. Château Margaux 2004 is therefore a great classic vintage. There is great finesse and above all purity on the nose in this subtle combination of floral, fruit and spice aromas; all are clearly present, but no single aroma dominates. On the palate, the tannic structure is tight-knit, fine and tender. The general impression is firstly balance, precision, freshness and finally an air-light grace which can only be found in great Margaux.

Reviews: Wine Advocate - 94/100 - Neal Martin - 01/03/2017 – Tasted September 2016: The 2004 Chateau Margaux has always been a promising wine and here, served blind against the First Growths, it finally proved that patience is necessary when it comes to such wines. It has an exquisite bouquet with brilliant delineation, scents of redcurrant, raspberry coulis, cold stone (almost flint-like) with pencil-lead and cedar lending it a Pauillac-like sense of aristocratic flair. The palate is extremely well balanced with a supple opening, nigh perfect acidity with a surprisingly citric undercurrent that lends so much freshness and tension. While it does not have the weight and power of say, 2000, 2005 or 2009, it cruises along with utmost harmony and you become smitten by its charms - something that is perhaps in short supply among the First Growths in this vintage. This is excellent.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: Delivers a pure beam of cassis, raspberry and cherry, with lightly toasted spice notes and a firm plum skin edge holding sway on the finish. Stretched out somewhat already, this seems nicely tuned and has good buried minerality.

Reviews

Simon Staples, Berrys’ Fine Wine Director: 'Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 2011 is outstanding and the second best red wine of the vintage for me, just behind Ch. Latour, and I do mean just! A superb blast of cool and racy Cabernet blackcurrant fruit is at the centre of this divine beast. This does not taste like a 2011 at all, as it has meat on its bones and ripeness, flair and gravitas. There is a super succulent finish that lasts minutes and I really see this as a legend in the making. It reminds me of the brilliant 2006 and it might lead the way of pricing too this year. Come on Mouton, you can do it!'

Wine Advocate 92/100 - Neal Martin - 31/01/2017 - Tasted April 2016: 'Tasted at the Mouton-Rothschild vertical in London, the 2011 Mouton-Rothschild is probably the weakest of the releases between 2008 and 2012, although that would be unfairly disparaging what is a perfectly respectable, if rather unexciting Mouton. Here, it has those graphite and cedar aromas present and correct, the former a little more accentuated and with a light sea-spray note emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with cedar and a slight peat-like note infusing the black fruit, rigid in its youth but nicely delineated. As I discerned out of barrel, what it lacks is that peacock's tail on the finish, bolting out of the exit door before you have really got to know each other.'

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (40%) & Petit Verdot (5%)

Tasting notes: This wine very elegant blackish colour boasts all the characteristics of a great vintage. The bouquet is appealing. On the palate the explosion of strawberry, blackberry and raspberry flavours combines with light, pleasantly silky tannins. The overall impression is smooth and fruity. The finesse of the cabernets and the roundness of the merlots once again turn out to be perfectly complementary. This is a great, racy wine, a perfect expression of its deep-gravel terroir and a wine that offers a new dimension.

The nose is very expressive, with ripe red fruit aromas as well as spicy nuances. The middle palate is velvety and full-bodied with rich, smooth tannin. This is a wine of substance, with a great balance between ripe aromatics, finesse, elegance and a long aftertaste.

Reviews

James Suckling: 'Love the aromas of currants and black cherries with blackberries and sandalwood. Full body, round and soft tannins and a savoury finish. Shows brightness of fruit and intensity. Attractive balance. Drink in 2021.'

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 'Medium garnet-purple in colour, the 2015 Olivier is a little reticent at this youthful stage, offering exciting glimpses at fragrant earth, black raspberries, black cherries and red currant scents with suggestions of mossy bark, bay leaves and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with mineral and earth-laced red and black fruits with firm, grainy tannins and a lovely herbal lift on the finish.'

Region: France, AOC Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec

Tasting notes: Dark ruby with some bricking. Shy nose combining floral scents, dark stone fruits, spice and toast touches. Lovely smooth, ample texture framed by fine tannins. Still reticent with a spicy mid-palate and vegetal finish.

A wine with a beautiful, sustained garnet colour heralding in a pleasing nose of small berried fruits with spicy touches. The generous, well-balanced palate is tautly structured over a carefully managed, well-integrated tannic base. A pleasant Bordeaux with real character, ideal for sharing over a family meal.

Food pairing: This wine will be associated with grilled or roasted meat, duck breast or accompanied by a cheese platter.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc & Merlot

Tasting notes: This wine presents the richness, elegance and classicism typical of Saint Emilion. The nose is a mixture of ripe fruit with toasty notes, vanilla and a hint of leather. The chewy attack supplied the Merlot is offset by fine vivacity which imparts freshness and a creamy texture. The persistent finish is borne along by taut tannins wrapped in generous extract. Very well-balanced wine, best drunk after a few years' cellaring.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Carménère

Tasting notes: A Second Growth of real complexity, its attractive nose has a wonderfully floral perfume. The well-integrated tannins and nicely judged acidity combine to produce a benchmark palate. There is real potential here. The racy freshness of the vintage is present and the coolness on the finish is rewarding. Ever so generous, delicious, fresh and juicy.

Tasting notes: Velvety, fresh and fruity, the wine charms from the outset while already showing the structure of a Grand Vin. Its attractive mineral character gives it smoothness, and it expresses the richness of its terroir with great delicacy.

Reviews: Wine Advocate-Parker: The 2014 Les Pagodes de Cos, now in bottle, seems to be wasting no time in appeasing those who like to drink their Bordeaux young. (And why not? This is a deuxième vin after all.) The nose is open and generous with blackberry fruit tinged with dark chocolate and a touch of mint, the graphite element not evident here as it was in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, very well-judged acidity and very fine focus. Like the Grand Vin, this is not an exotic or flamboyant Cos d'Estournel, but no way would you describe it as lean. There is an easy-drinking approachable nature to this Les Pagodes de Cos, without precluding it of precision and length, whilst the graphite note pops up right at the finish and on the aftertaste. This delightful wine should be drinking from 2018 and over the next decade. Tasted February 2017.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%) & Petit Verdot (5%)

Tasting notes: Ripe and spicy, this is a smoothly textured wine. Its wood aging and creamy texture are rich, opulent and generous. With tangy acidity in the background, this dense wine is already impressive. 

Critical Acclaim

James Suckling - 94 points: "Blackberry and plums sit amid violets, earthy notes and gentle, hazelnut oak. The palate delivers attractively smooth, supple tannins that carry long flavours of fresh dark cherries. Try from 2020."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90 Points: "Medium to deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2015 De Fieuzal is scented of lovely ripe plums and crushed red currants with touches of forest floor and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, firm and grainy with great freshness cutting through the earthy layers, it finishes long."

Regioon: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc

Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: A fine texture with rich tannins and powerful structure give this wine its richness. The wine, under the ownership of Californians Denise and Stephen Adams, is concentrated and juicy, super ripe, a sign of the high proportion of Merlot in the blend, and full-bodied.

ORGANIC

BIODYNAMIC

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc

Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Generous black fruits and mineral notes. Rich and big on the palate with velvety and sweet tannins. Great length.

Reviews

94/100 Points, VertdeVin: The nose is fleshy, gourmand and offers a fine richness as well as a fine freshness/concentration. It reveals notes of boysenberry, fleshy raspberry and more slightly crushed cassis associated with touches of liquorice stick, lilac, chocolate and spices. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a beautiful precision, a beautiful minerality, a good freshness, finesse, precision as well as gourmandize. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy raspberry and more slightly cassis cream associated with touches of red berries, vanilla, chocolate/tonka bean, subtle touches of sweet spices as well as fine hints of mild tobacco, caramelization and an imperceptible hint of lilac/lily (in the background). Tannins are slightly firm.

Vinous 94 - Robert Parker 93 - Decant 92: Medium-bodied, the palate is soft-spoken and elegantly played with soft, well-managed tannins and lovely freshness, finishing earthy.

93-95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate # 236, April 2018: The deep garnet-purple coloured 2017 Fonplegade has quite a spicy nose sporting notes of anise, cloves, fenugreek and black pepper over a core of warm black plums and blackberries plus a waft of potpourri. Medium-bodied with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, it features bags of vibrant black fruits and a long, spicy finish.

ORGANIC

BIODYNAMIC

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc

Background: Folks have been making wine at Fonplegade – perched on the limestone that is home to Saint-Emilion’s finest vineyards – since the 16th century. And although the Chateau was included in the original 1955 classification of Grand Cru status, quality has shot even further upward since the estate was acquired by Denise and Stephen Adams in 2004. Their changes have been pioneering. First and foremost, they led the charge to handle the vineyards via biodynamic principles – the ultra-level beyond organic farming that has caught on through much of the wine world though is not as common in Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: This well-balanced wine is ripe, with dense black fruits shot through with age worthy tannins. Poised and already offering fruitiness and ripeness built for long-term aging, this wine will be ready from 2026.

ORGANIC

BIODYNAMIC

Region: France, Bordeaux, Medoc

Grape variety: Merlot (46%), Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) & Petit Verdot (4%)

Winemaking process: At the end of February, the onset of the vines’ budburst almost two weeks ahead of schedule signalled the launch of what would be a very early vintage. March brought heavy rainfall, which made working the soil considerably more difficult, only to be followed by a damp spring with mild temperatures, conditions all too conducive to the spread of mildew. Throughout April and May, the vineyard would require superlative care to keep us on course for a healthy harvest. In mid-May, a return to warm, dry weather would set the stage for an ideal flowering period, raising hopes of a lovely vintage indeed.

In June, the summer weather arrived and settled in to stay. By the end of July, the berries had begun their colour change under a bright and constant sun, allowing for an early synthesis of polyphenols. Although the heat waves of August subjected the vines to a good deal of hydric stress, intense thunderstorms brought a welcome breath of fresh air: the Merlot grapes gorged themselves while the Cabernet, which weren’t as far along in their cycle, retained their small size. The return to dry weather at the end of August fostered the concentration of the tannins and marked a promising conclusion to the ripening process.

The harvest began on September 15th, with the Merlot picked in the cool of dawn and the Cabernet gathered between the drops of thundershowers. The harvest ended two weeks later on September 29th. In the vat room, the fermentations proceeded smoothly and the blending was carried out over two sessions in mid-November, for the most part during the run-off. Marked by the year’s eminently favourable climate, the 2020 vintage of Château Palmer is on par with 2018 in terms of structure, boasting sunny Merlot, fine and powerful Cabernet, and a terroir of brilliant clarity.

Tasting notes: The colour is deep and dark. The nose blends, with harmony and indulgence, fragrances of soft fruits, spiced flowers and fresh, slightly minty herbs.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Estephe

Tasting notes: Fine and elegant full-bodied wine with a nose marked by aromas of fresh black fruit. Its structure is harmonious, despite its young age, with aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry typical of the Merlot varietal; along with toasted notes. Beautiful aromatic persistence.

Tasting notes: Intense ruby colour. Notes of plum, raspberry, currant, cherry, floral, fine herbs, toast and mineral. It has good acidity. Elegant and long finish.

Tasting notes: There is a generous and floral approach before the lovely fluid interplay between tannin and fruit on the palate. The wine then settles and confidently delivers its Haut-Brion calling card of sweet, open-textured savoury fruit.

Region: France, Bordeau, Pomerol

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, faint ochre brightening on rim. Ripe dark berry fruit, delicate plum, noble wood and nougat, a hint of cardamom and orange zest. Juicy, complex, fine sweetness, ripe wild berry fruit, vivid tannins, mineral and long, ripe sweet cherry, but also some tannic bite on the finish, savoury aftertaste.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Aging: Barrel-aged for 12 months in 32% new oak

Tasting notes: Blackberries and freshly ground spice evolve in to a beautifully restrained chewy palate of bramble fruit with a creamy elegance from this sensational vintage.

Reviews: 90/100 - Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 30/04/2015: ‘Another truly exceptional wine from the Sichel family, the 2012 D’Angludet has a deep ruby/purple colour, a sweet floral, blueberry and blackcurrant-scented nose with a touch of liquorice, light tannins, low acidity and a nice, fleshy mouthfeel. This is a sexy, mouth-filling and satisfying wine from both a hedonistic and intellectual vantage point. Drink this sleeper of the vintage over the next decade.’

Region: France, A.O.C Bordeaux

Grape Variety: Merlot

Tasting Notes: Intense and deep garnet colour with bluish fringes. The expressive, fine and complex nose delivers notes of fruit such as blackcurrant and blackberry, liquorice and truffles. The attack on the palate is very rich, the mid-palate delivers supple and velvety tannins enhanced by a touch of freshness and a bouquet of fruit associated with spicy notes (pepper and cloves).

Food Pairing: Meat skewers, beef, poultry, vegetable gratins.

Region: France, Margaux

Grape variety: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot & 5% Petit Verdot

Tasting notes: Endowed with a beautiful intense ruby colour, this Margaux delivers a pleasant bouquet of spicy notes and black fruits. In the mouth the wine is concentrated, generous without being capricious, very expressive, supported by high quality tannins which sign a persistent finish. An elegant, expressive Grand Vin of great distinction, the product of an exceptional terroir and crafted with care.

The Sichel range comprises wines that are representative of the label of origin and vinified with the highest levels of competence but which remain affordable. They are quality wines produced to bring guaranteed pleasure. This wine stands out thanks to the richness and elegance usually found in the first-label of Margaux wines. Generous bouquet of red fruits, spicy, earthy notes, vanilla and masterfully restrained toastiness. Beautifully smooth mouthfeel, elegant but with plump fruit and moderate tannins.

Food pairing: A great match for a fine cut of grilled meat or a well-garnished cheese board, but whatever the case over any informal meal.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc

Background: Eighty percent of the vineyard is made up of sandy gravel, the remaining 20% being deep earth that is a mixture of clay, limestone and gravel. The plots have a heterogenous soil on a subsoil that introduces numerous aromatic nuances. At the bottom of the slopes the presence of natural springs ensures perfect drainage of the vineyard and prevents the stagnation of humidity.

Tasting notes: Fuller-bodied, sweet. Lush on the nose with a well-balanced palate of apricot preserve, marzipan, spice, and dates. Finishes with refreshing acidity and mineral-salt notes.

Food pairing: Pairs well with desserts, Foie Gras, and blue cheeses.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac

Grape variety: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot & 1% Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: The wine is deep and dark, with a lustrous purple hue. The intense and elegant nose displays seductively scented blackberry and blackcurrant aromas, combined with floral notes of iris and touches of spice and cedar wood. A luscious, succulent attack leads into a beautifully balanced, fresh and harmonious palate on which bigarreau cherry flavours are enfolded in a structure of sapid, patrician tannins. Sustained by an exquisite minerality, the long, lingering finish releases a succession of spicy fresh fruit notes.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 36%, Petit Verdot 4% & Cabernet Franc 5%

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Merlot

Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour, with red berries, and white flowers notes. It has a complex mix of spices and dark fruits, and a long wood finish.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape Variety: 100% Merlot

Background: A 100% Merlot, no sulfites added wine that will delight wine lovers. An exciting discovery, and a fine tribute to Maison Sichel’s founding year.

A wine without added sulphur, crafted using the methods of yesteryear, yet resolutely contemporary, authentic and based on environmentally friendly methods. To create this wine without the addition of sulphur, the technical team at Maison Sichel select perfectly ripened grapes in impeccable condition from the best-quality parcels. Making wines without sulfites added calls for very special precautions and huge technical skill to ensure that the wines will keep and to prevent any risk of microbiological accidents. The absence of sulfites added is good news for anyone who loves young wines. Discover it for yourself…

Tasting Notes: In the glass, a beautiful Bordeaux with purple hints. A supple wine developing a complex nose with notes of red and black fruits. The palate continues with this pleasant sensation of freshness, with a full and generous body, without any harshness. The balance and expression of fresh fruit reflects all the elegance of the Merlot grape variety, easy to drink, supple and greedy. Ideally, savour this wine while it is young; serve it at a meal with friends for example or serve cooled for a festive aperitif.

Awards:

Concours de Bordeaux 2023 - Silver

Challenge International du Vin - Bourg et Blaye 2023 - Gold

VEGAN

NO SULPHITES

Region: France, AOC Saint-Emilion

Grape variety: 42% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc & 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting notes: This deep purple wine opens with nuances of ripe and candied fruit (blackcurrant, cherry) underlined by notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Supple, the attack opens the way to a perfectly balanced, tasty and aromatic palate. The finish lingers on a velvety texture, confirming the finesse and undeniable charm of this beautiful bottle.

Food pairing: It will go wonderfully on meat in sauce as well as on a nice piece of grilled beef.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: The wine shows a beautiful red color, deep and brilliant, with very elegant purple hints. The nose kicks off with a charming and expressive bouquet revealing aromas of multiple red fruits mixed with toasted and vanilla notes. The palate is made of precision, an unctuous and fleshy mouth developing with fruit fullness, shaped by attractive tannins as dense as they are harmonious. The mouth perfectly prolongs the feeling of freshness, balance and delicacy enhanced by perfectly controlled wood aging. A wonderful Bordeaux to be opened without delay.

Region: Bordeaux, France

Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: The purple bursts illuminate the dark depth of this wine. Its scents express all its complexity, they marry black fruits with spices with a slight smokey note. The flowers close this aromatic parade with other pleasant plant scents. The approach in the mouth goes through the sweetness and smoothness of smooth, elegant and slightly juicy tannins. It is accompanied by an explosion of fruity notes, complemented by an endless pinch of liqourice.

Food Pairing: This Chateau Dillon pairs well with dishes that contain game, beef or lamb.

Awards:

Gold Medal Independant Winegrowers Competition 2022

James Suckling February 2022 - 90/100