Availability:
Pre Arrival Offers
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2022 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste Pre-Arrival OfferPauillac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenClosure: CorkA truly classic, age worthy style of wine from Pauillac, Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of those Fifth Growth wines that shine in great years, rivalling the very best from the region. This is most recently seen in the pairs of 2009/2010 and 2015/2016. Currently plantings on the 55 hectare estate are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Other Reviews....
A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a brilliant classic in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that exhibits beautiful structural refinement and purity of fruit. Classy and integrated, it is somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate's brilliant 1982.
95-97 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from 7 to 23 September and contains more Merlot due to the high quality of the fruit, matured in 75% new oak. There is 14.2% alcohol. Therefore, this lends this GPL a little more precocity and sensuality compared to other vintages, not cut from the same "classical" cloth as, say, the 2019 or 2020. Underlying this velvety veneer are enticing traits of freshly-rolled tobacco and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-sculpted tannins. Silky smooth in texture, so much so that it belies that backbone underneath. There is a peacock's tail of mineral-rich, quite peppery black fruit on the finish, completing a Pauillac endowed with huge potential. Drink 2030-2065.
96-98 points
Neal Martin - VinousA very structured and rich red with black berry and chocolate. Full-bodied with a solid core of fine tannins and a fresh and muscular finish. Dusty texture. Yet it remains bright and vivid. 3.55 pH. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot.
95-96 points
James SucklingGorgeous vibrant purple colour in the glass, deep and darkly scented, black bramble fruits, flowers, cinnamon, dark chocolate and liquorice. Firm and forward, this is generous but sleek, so you get power and concentration but also juicy liveliness, great tension and energy. I really do like the ease of this, it's not trying too hard but delivered with poise, punch and purity. An excellent wine that really over delivers - so well presented, detailed, finessed and refined but still with the strength coming at the end in the wave of liquorice, dark chocolate and wet stone terroir markers. A brilliant wine with potential to deliver such excellent drinking pleasure. I love it. 3.57pH. A yield of 38hl/ha. 60% grand vin, 40% second wine. Eric Boissenot consultant. Harvest 7-23 September. Yield of 38hl/ha. Ageing in French oak, 75% new. Drink 2027 - 2050.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterFlowers, blackberries, spice, cigar box, black currants, cherries, and cedar open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is sweet, fresh, spicy, chewy, and almost creamy in the dark, red, pit fruit finish. The wine is long, with intensity, complexity, and aging ability. The wine is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, 14.2% ABV, 3.57 pH. Picking took place September 7 - September 23. This is the earliest harvest in the history of the estate. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare. Only 60% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. This wine has the potential to score even higher when it is in bottle. Drink from 2027 - 2060.
95-97 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau Grand VillageBordeaux, FRANCE$57. 99Bottle$695.88 DozenClosure: CorkGiven they are under the same ownership of the Guinaudau family, Chateau Grand Village is often referred to as Chateau Lafleur’s second vineyard. The estate has been owned by the Guinaudau’s relatives for hundreds of years, however it was not until the year 2000 that they began to produce wine themselves from the property. Situated on the edge of the Fronsac region and classified as Bordeaux Superieur, the vineyard is planted to 79% Merlot and 21% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc). The terroir is similar to Saint Emilion with its mix of calcisol going down a foot or so to a bedrock mostly made up of asteria limestone. At Grand Village, they practice many of the same techniques employed at Lafleur, including pruning and de-budding adapted to each vine plant, crop thinning in summer and de-leafing. The grapes are picked by hand, followed by very careful sorting and selection. Grand Village also produces a white wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Semillon (15%), from a 5 acre plot.
Other Reviews....
The 2021 Grand Village, a blend of 48% Merlot (picked on the 17th and 24th of September) and 52% Cabernet Franc (picked on the 2nd of October), is undoubtedly one of the best values in Bordeaux, revealing a fresh, gourmand bouquet with aromas of raspberry, cassis, spring flowers and loamy soils. Medium-bodied, tense and elegant with a supple, velvety texture, it’s perfectly balanced with powdery tannins and a long, mouthwatering, sleek finish that enhances its drinkability. While it offers plenty of immediate charm, it also has the structure to age over the next decade. Drink 2024 - 2044.
93 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Feb 09, 2024)The 2021 Grand Village has a lovely bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of black olive, well-defined with nicely integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with a pliant entry and a fine bead of acidity, not a powerful Grand Village but indeed bestowed the elegance that has only been evident in recent vintages—just a lovely wine. Drink 2026-2038.
91 points
Neal Martin - VinousThe 2021 Grand Village (Lafleur) is stunningly good in the vintage. Gorgeous ripe black cherry and red plums give way to a chalky minerality as well as complex floral and violet notes that are something to behold. It's deep, medium-bodied, has terrific mid-palate depth, lots of salinity, and ripe tannins. It plays in the elegant, streamlined, focused style of the vintage but has impressive depth and concentration.
92 points
Jeb DunnuckSubtle floral and tomato leaf aromas, something herbal and earthy with exotic spices and red berry and cherry fruit - a nice complexity on the nose. Juicy and bright, a hit of acidity and salinity makes the mouth water straight away, tangy and alive, but pure and focussed. Not so deep, more streamlined but crunchy and crisp. Really get a sense of the tension to this wine which is nice. Almost quite dramatic in its brightness and focus. Fresh, fun and fruity. Ends chalky and mineral. Very easy to like this. Not light but streamlined, balanced and elegant. Great definition, energy and focus. Immediately impressive and upfront. Great to drink now/soon. Drink 2024 - 2034.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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- Nick's Import
2023 Chateau Gruaud Larose Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Julien, Bordeaux, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Gruaud Larose is a powerhouse. Rich and ample, with striking depth, the 2023 offers notable resonance from start to finish. Black cherry, blackberry, licorice and spice fill out the layers nicely. The 2023 is a big, potent Gruaud Larose that will need a number of years to be at its best. This is a terrific example of the vintage at its finest. Drink 2033-2063.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2023 Gruaud Larose was picked from September 11 to October 3 at 42hL/ha and matured in 95% new oak with 15% vin de presse. There was no saignée. There is a large difference between the Sarget and the Grand Vin this year: There’s much more complexity and purity here. Layers of blackberry, cedar and floral scents surface in the glass, all very composed with beautifully integrated oak (perhaps better than previous vintages). The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins—quite crisp and commendably saline, which really comes through toward the finish. This is a classic Gruaud Larose that confirms the ongoing improvement at this estate. Drink 2029-2065.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - VinousA complete knockout of a wine in 2023. Deep, vibrant purple in colour. Lots of milk chocolate, some exotic spices and black fruit touches on the nose, along with floral scents of roses and violets - smells gorgeous. Supple and filling, an immediate weight and texture on the palate, thick silk and ripe fruit, massy but then almost straight away quite clean and crisp. Forward and focussed, tannins RE supportive but so well integrated into the wine - almost a seamless expression - with plenty of underlying power. It’s delicious. Very drinkable, finessed and restrained, nothing overdone, no harshness. Everything feels in its place. Juicy and succulent cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with high mouthwatering acidity. A great wine, I love it because it’s layered and lifted, you can feel the sculpting with muscles on show and it feels very ‘put together’. There’s lots of strict Cabernet, but this has a touch of plushness which you can't help but smile at. A top buy in 2023. 40% grand production, taken from 60% of the estate. 15% press wine. Drink 2034 - 2049.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterTobacco leaf, cedar, red, with black currants, wet earth, smoke, and blackberries crowd into the perfume. On the palate, the wine is bright, fresh, juicy, classic, firm, crisp, and chewy, with layers of spicy, black, and red berries that linger. There is lift, and precision in this modern version of a classic Bordeaux. Give it some time in the bottle to fill out, and it is going to be even better! 2023 is the second, fully-organic vintage for the vineyard. The wine is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot, and 2.5% Cabernet Franc.12.62% ABV, 3.4 pH. Picking took place September 11 - September 25. Drink from 2029-2060.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau Gruaud LaroseSaint Julien, Bordeaux, FRANCE$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2021 Gruaud Larose is very impressive, exhibiting deep aromas of wild berries, cherries and cassis mingled with hints of licorice, violets and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's impressively rich and layered, with lively acids and ripe tannins, it concludes with a pure and penetrating finish. Classically balanced and intensely flavored, it's an elegant, beautifully made wine that is well worth seeking out. Three beautiful parcels of recently planted Cabernet Sauvignon, situated on deep gravel ideally adapted to this variety but hitherto planted with Merlot, make a contribution to the blend this year; but that's only one of the factors that explain why Gruaud has produced a 2021 that looks set to rival or surpass even recent and more propitious vintages such as 2018. The blend is fully 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 12% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, and it checks in at 12.5% alcohol. Congratulations are in order for technical director Virginie Sallette and the entire team at Gruaud Larose! Tasted twice.
94-95+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 Gruaud Larose was picked from September 23 until October 7, finishing with the Petit Verdot, and stopping several times to wait for ripeness in certain plots. It was matured in 95% new oak for a planned 18 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon clearly dominates the nose, the black fruit, graphite and touches of tobacco lending it a Pauillac-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with supple but quite firm tannins that frame the graphite-infused black fruit. Quite direct, and in some ways a no-frills Gruaud Larose, though that is not meant pejoratively. Classically styled claret – no more, no less. (12.55% alcohol) Drink 2026-2045.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - VinousDark in color, the wine kicks off with tobacco leaf, underbrush, herbs, olives, flowers and currants. On the palate the wine is soft, forward, fresh and fruity, with polished tannins, elegant textures and a round, sweet, red currant and black cherry finish. There is a nice spicy, fresh kick in the endnote of the classically-styled, bright, understated wine. Give it a few years to compose itself and it will show quite nicely. The wine blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, 12.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 23-October 7. The yields were low at 29 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2025-2055.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderBlack peppercorns, tobacco, ash, vanilla, cinnamon and cedar spice. A gorgeous mouthfeel straight away, the tannins so plump, not heavy or opulent but filling and ripe. This has a charming gentle aspect - a smooth, sleek texture with concentration. Supple and agile, there is lots of energy here, filled with red fruit flavours that have a delicate, sweet liquorice edge. Acidity does not overtake the fruit at all, just lifts the palate all the way through. Excellent work, immensely pleasurable, well framed with promise for long ageing. More Cabernet in the blend than usual. Ageing 14 months in French oak barrels, 15% new, the rest one year old. Drinking Window 2027 - 2048.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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- Nick's Import
2018 Chateau Gruaud LaroseSaint Julien, Bordeaux, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2018 Gruaud Larose is blended of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, with a pH of 3.88 and 14.2% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with bold black cherries, mulberries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial scents with hints of menthol, lilacs, licorice and cloves plus wafts of fallen leaves and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied with a taut core of ripe, densely packed, muscular fruit, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy. Very exotic Gruaud!
95-97 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine AdvocateThis is really generous and rolls off the tongue with ripe and velvety tannins and a fresh undertone. Full-bodied, firm and silky. Extremely long and flavorful. Very complex already.
95-96 points
James SucklingThe 2018 Gruaud Larose is inky, jammy and full-bodied. Crème de cassis, blackberry jam, spice, lavender and mint give the 2018 much of its extroverted personality. Gruaud Larose is one of the most extroverted wines on the Left Bank. The richness and elevated ripeness is evident in the 2018. It will be interesting to see what élevage brings. For my taste, Gruaud is on the edge of being too much. The blend is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc.
89-92 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous -
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- Nick's Import
2022 Chateau Guillot-Clauzel Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$225. 00Bottle$2700.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The best wine that Guillaume Thinepont has produced to date at this small estate is the 2022 Guillot Clauzel, an attractive blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc that exhibits aromas of blackberries, violets, iris and sweet soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished, with supple tannins and a suave, seamless, perfumed profile, Thienpont's decision to reduce the amount of new oak used to only 30% makes for even greater purity and expressiveness.
93-95 points
William Kelley- Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Guillot-Clauzel is a potent, heady wine that expresses all of the solar intensity of the year in its size. A reduction in new oak pushes the fruit forward. Blue/purplish fruit, licorice, lavender, grilled herbs and spices all open in the glass, framed by the slightly larger-grained tannins that are one of the signatures of this site. This powerful, dense Pomerol has a good bit of potential. Drink 2030-2052.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe wine pops with its nose of chocolate, black cherries, and flowers. But, the best part of the experience is the silky, creamy, sexy textures, and the layers of dark cocoa, and plums. The long sensuous finish is rich, fresh, and supple. This is an insiders secret in Pomerol. The production averages only 500 cases per vintage. If you are a fan of Pomerol, and you want to try something new, check it out. The wine blends 83% Merlot with 17% Cabernet Franc.14.5% ABV, 3.77 pH. Guillaume Thienpont of Vieux Chateau Certan is in charge of the estate. Drink from 2026-2050.
95-97 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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- Organic
2023 Chateau Guiraud Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$126. 00Bottle$1512.00 DozenClosure: CorkRanked one step down the Sauternes appellation pyramid from the legendary Chateau d'Yquem is Chateau Guiraud. The wine is produced from certified organic vines with an average age of about 20-30 years old. The cepage is 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing takes place in French oak for approximately 18 months.
Other Reviews....
The 2023 Guiraud, now made by former Yquem winemaker Sandrine Garbay, has a rather reticent nose at first, opening with orange pith and pear aromas. It just needs a bit more intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a tangy opening. It’s a little spicier than its peers—marmalade and stem ginger, with more peachiness toward the finish. It feels harmonious and poised, but I would wait until the aromatics open, so give it four to five years after bottling. Drink 2029-2055.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousYou really see the class and botrytis character here with clarity and focus. Notes of spice, mushroom powder, subtle apricot and honey. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and bright with nice sweetness at the end. A modern and precise Sauternes.
96-97 points
James SucklingVivid gold in colour, laced with white peach juice, grilled pear, stone fruits, lime juice, opulent but with sculpted lift and zest, this extends outwards and upwards through the palate, capturing the pleasure of 2023 sweet wines in Bordeaux. Has spice and character, gorgeously expressive even now, and will age with ease. Sandrine Garbay, long time winemaker of Yquem, is director at this 128ha estate, that has been farmed organically since 2011. Harvest began on September 27 and continued through to October 13.
96 points
Jane AnsonConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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- Nick's Import
- Organic
2023 Chateau Guiraud (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$62. 99Bottle$755.88 DozenClosure: CorkRanked one step down the Sauternes appellation pyramid from the legendary Chateau d'Yquem is Chateau Guiraud. The wine is produced from certified organic vines with an average age of about 20-30 years old. The cepage is 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing takes place in French oak for approximately 18 months.
Other Reviews....
The 2023 Guiraud, now made by former Yquem winemaker Sandrine Garbay, has a rather reticent nose at first, opening with orange pith and pear aromas. It just needs a bit more intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a tangy opening. It’s a little spicier than its peers—marmalade and stem ginger, with more peachiness toward the finish. It feels harmonious and poised, but I would wait until the aromatics open, so give it four to five years after bottling. Drink 2029-2055.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousYou really see the class and botrytis character here with clarity and focus. Notes of spice, mushroom powder, subtle apricot and honey. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and bright with nice sweetness at the end. A modern and precise Sauternes.
96-97 points
James SucklingVivid gold in colour, laced with white peach juice, grilled pear, stone fruits, lime juice, opulent but with sculpted lift and zest, this extends outwards and upwards through the palate, capturing the pleasure of 2023 sweet wines in Bordeaux. Has spice and character, gorgeously expressive even now, and will age with ease. Sandrine Garbay, long time winemaker of Yquem, is director at this 128ha estate, that has been farmed organically since 2011. Harvest began on September 27 and continued through to October 13.
96 points
Jane AnsonConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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- Nick's Import
2022 Chateau Guiraud (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$62. 99Bottle$755.88 DozenClosure: CorkRanked one step down the Sauternes appellation pyramid from the legendary Chateau d'Yquem is Chateau Guiraud. The wine is produced from certified organic vines with an average age of about 20-30 years old. The cepage is 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing takes place in French oak for approximately 18 months.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Giraud is very beautiful. In this vintage, Giraud is not quite as rich as it can be, and yet it still offers notable depth and nuance. Spice, ginger, orange confit and apricot jam open nicely in a mid-weight Giraud that shows terrific energy. Drink 2027-2047.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA refined and pretty Sauternes with crushed apple, spice and dried pear character. Medium body with a fresh spice and intense finish at the end.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe first vintage with Sandrine Garaby, formerly of Chateau d'Yquem in charge is the winner you knew it would be. The wine is intense, rich, deep, and manages to balance its layers of roasted, ripe, and over ripe pineapples, mango, candied orange, vanilla, almond, and apricots perfectly. The fruits are slathered with honey, yet they retain that all important freshness as well. Drink from 2025-2050.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Guiraud Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$126. 00Bottle$1512.00 DozenClosure: CorkRanked one step down the Sauternes appellation pyramid from the legendary Chateau d'Yquem is Chateau Guiraud. The wine is produced from certified organic vines with an average age of about 20-30 years old. The cepage is 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing takes place in French oak for approximately 18 months.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Giraud is very beautiful. In this vintage, Giraud is not quite as rich as it can be, and yet it still offers notable depth and nuance. Spice, ginger, orange confit and apricot jam open nicely in a mid-weight Giraud that shows terrific energy. Drink 2027-2047.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA refined and pretty Sauternes with crushed apple, spice and dried pear character. Medium body with a fresh spice and intense finish at the end.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe first vintage with Sandrine Garaby, formerly of Chateau d'Yquem in charge is the winner you knew it would be. The wine is intense, rich, deep, and manages to balance its layers of roasted, ripe, and over ripe pineapples, mango, candied orange, vanilla, almond, and apricots perfectly. The fruits are slathered with honey, yet they retain that all important freshness as well. Drink from 2025-2050.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2023 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal Pre-Arrival OfferPauillac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$82. 99Bottle$995.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Haut-Bages-Libéral is very promising, bursting with aromas of dark berries, cassis, pencil shavings and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and suave palate with an enveloping core of fruit, lively acids typical of this limestone terroir, and sweet, powdery tannins. It's a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot with a low pH of 3.48.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Haut-Bages Libéral is fabulous. Deep, layered and exquisitely beautiful, the 2023 bristles with tension. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, leather, menthol and licorice grace a wine of depth, richness and sensuality. It's a terrific effort from proprietor Claire Villars-Lurton. Drink 2030-2053.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA very pure and beautiful HBL with blackcurrant and mineral notes, like crushed stones, as well as a vivid freshness. Purity and brightness in the center-palate, with essence of cassis and a crunchy minerality from part of the vineyard in limestone. 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.
95-96 points
James SucklingThe 2023 Château Haut-Bages Liberal is gorgeous, with classic Pauillac cassis, cedar, and graphite notes as well as a beautiful sense of minerality. More medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a round, supple, yet focused mouthfeel, classy tannins, and a great finish. It's a stunning bottle of wine that will have some early accessibility yet also age gracefully.
94-96+ points
Jeb DunnuckGreat aromatics, really quite scented on the nose. Highly fragrant with purple flowers, damsons and rich black and red fruit. Great acidity, more juicy and fun than some Pauillacs with lots of energy and brightness. Really feel the vivacity to this wine, straight and clean, precise, not so much weight, the straight Cabernets are doing all the talking with some wet stone minerality on the back. Friendly, lovely and precise. Approachable, this doesn’t have the seriousness of some but this is well made with lots of freshness, mint, cedar and tobacco and liquorice on the long finish. 3.45pH. Drink 2030 - 2044.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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- Nick's Import
2022 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal Pre-Arrival OfferPauillac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$105. 00Bottle$1260.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral is lovely, bursting with aromas of blackberries and cherries mingled with notions of orange zest, rose petals and violets. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with lively acids and a bright, chalky finish, its low pH of 3.54 reflects a decade of organic farming and the limestone subsoils that characterize this sector of Pauillac.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral was picked from 6 to 26 September and is being raised in 40% new oak, plus 20% in concrete tanks and amphorae. Yields were 45hL/ha, higher than many other estates, which Clare Villars-Lurton cites as a result of their long-term application of biodynamic viticulture and use of cover crops. It has an entrancing bouquet with blackberry, briary, crushed stone and light estuarine scents, understated initially but rapidly gaining intensity. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and saline with sculpted tannins, stunning balance and a mineral finish. This is an outstanding, vivacious 2022 from proprietor Claire Villars-Lurton. Drink 2032-2070.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousLots of redcurrants and blackcurrants with some cassis as well as iron, tile, stone and hints of dried herbs. Full-bodied with lots of pretty structure and very juicy tannins. Lively and energetic. Exciting to taste. pH 3.54 and with 13.9% alcohol. From biodynamically grown grapes. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.
96-97 points
James SucklingThe 2022 Château Haut-Bages Libéral checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot that will spend 16 months in 40% new French oak. It's a ripe, medium to full-bodied, balanced Pauillac with a terrific sense of elegance as well as minerality. Classic Pauillac notes of ripe black fruits, leafy tobacco, lead pencil, and spring flowers emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannins, good acidity, and solid overall balance.
93-95 points
Jeb DunnuckRound and smooth, so pure, like silk, just so beautifully textured straight away with clear bite, bright fresh upfront fruit - tangy strawberries, raspberries and black cherries with powdery, chalky, and tense tannins giving both the frame but also a charming appeal. It’s intense but controlled and finessed. Maybe lacking a touch of fruity fleshiness right now but the Cabernet is at the fore, giving the backbone and the seriousness. So well executed -a shining star of an estate with such beautiful pure wines. The pH and alcohol is low with the acidity coming from the chalk and limestone terroir, all well integrated giving an elegant, very drinkable aspect while still having underlying power and direction. Crystalline with exceptional energy. 3.54pH. Ageing: 16 months, 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in barrels of one wine, 20% in amphorae. Drink 2028-2045.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterMint-leaf, flowers, plums, and black currants with peppery spices create the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, soft, energetic, spicy, and floral. There is a lot of energy, vibrancy and freshness in this wine. The crisp, chewy, red currant finish is spicy, long, and bright, with a dab of spearmint that comes in at the end of the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Merlot. 13.9% ABV, 3.54 pH. Picking took place September 6 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2045.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Haut-Bailly Pre-Arrival OfferPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$380. 00Bottle$4560.00 DozenClosure: CorkBased in Pessac-Leognan on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Bailly has 30 hectares under vine planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. As it is only recently that the wines have truly excelled, with knock out wines in 2005/2009/2010/2015/2016, they are one of the best values in Bordeaux, but also one of the hardest to find.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Haut-Bailly offers up aromas of dark berries complemented by accents of iris, lilac, rose petals, graphite and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, dense, it's layered and textural, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and a penetrating, saline finish. Vinified along traditional lines, it is a structured wine that will take some time to hit its stride, but at this early stage it appears suppler and more seamless than its 2020 and 2019 predecessors. A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc from grapes picked from September 7 to 27, it's maturing half in new barriques and half in one- or two-year-old barrels.
94-96 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Haut-Bailly was picked between 7 and 27 September and underwent a four-week cuvaison, taking longer to consume the sugar and was matured in 50% new oak. It has a bouquet that compels you just to sit and contemplate. It gradually unfolds with blackberry, raspberry, potpourri and iris flower scents, well-defined, not showy but suave. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Minerals, black pepper and clove off a gentle grip with an impressive crescendo. It will need a decade in bottle. This Haut-Bailly has a haunting beauty, the kind of wine that will bring people to tears! Drink 2033-2065.
96-98 points
Neal Martin - VinousIncredible complexity of aromas here with ripe currants and blackberries, but also dried flowers like violets and roses. Then there’s forest flower character such as bark, mushroom and sandalwood. Black truffles. Full-bodied with tight and chewy tannins that are polished and pure, with a solid and tight finish. It builds on your palate and frames the wine beautifully. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.
97-98 points
James SucklingThe 2022 Château Haut-Bailly is going to be one of the legendary vintages at this château, and it should be a no-brainer purchase for readers. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it has an incredible perfume of cassis, ripe black cherries, crushed stone, smoke tobacco, and wood smoke. Earning more than a few expletives in my notes, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and ultra-fine, silky tannins. Hold onto your hats, ladies and gentlemen, this is an incredible wine in the making!
98-100 points
Jeb DunnuckFragranced nose, purple fruits, blackcurrants, juniper, liquorice, crushed stones, salt, violets, roses, dark chocolate and cherries - perfumed, alive and expressive. Smooth, but generous with crunchy fruit and salty touches that come in and coat the super fine tannins with a powdery sensation that really fills the mouth. Nice terroir aspects, smooth, well textured and elegantly weighted. Gives dark fruit, subtle savoury tones with dark chocolate and herbal aspects giving nuance. Excellent length and freshness, it's graceful but almost a bit light in terms of fruit density and plushness - although the tannins are exceptional, really so sleek and silky with definition and detail. Feels well worked, gentle, confident and shiny. It's missing a touch more excitement and juicy liveliness but it’s extremely finessed and you can't fault the attention to detail of the tannins and the moreish quality they give. Great potential. 3.92pH. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. A yield of 30hl/ha. Consultants Christophe Olivier and Axel Marchal. Harvest 7-27 September. Drink 2029 - 2046.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterInitially, you find a display of flowers before moving on to all of its cigar wrapper, spice, blackberry, currant, black cherry, smoke, and hints of forest leaf in the perfume. Deeply concentrated, vibrant, and refined, the palate is packed with multiple-layers of perfectly, ripe, red fruits, a fabulous sense of purity, silky, soft, polished tannins, and ample lift in the finish, providing the backdrop to age, and evolve for decades. The wine blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Petit Verdot. 14.5% ABV, pH 3.92. Picking took place September 7 - September 27. The yields were only 30 hectoliters per hectare. This is in serious contention as the best vintage ever produced at Haut Bailly. Drink from 2027-2060.
98-100 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau Haut-BaillyPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenClosure: CorkBased in Pessac-Leognan on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Bailly has 30 hectares under vine planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. As it is only recently that the wines have truly excelled, with knock out wines in 2005/2009/2010/2015/2016, they are one of the best values in Bordeaux, but also one of the hardest to find.
Other Reviews....
A classic in the making, the 2021 Haut-Bailly wafts from the glass with aromas of dark berries and wild plums mingled with sweet spices, loamy soil, raw cocoa and violets. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and concentrated, with bright acids, ultra-refined tannins and a long, penetrating finish, it's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, only 22% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. With yields of a mere 19 hectoliters per hectare, it's impressively intensely flavored despite its quintessentially elegant, classically proportioned profile. In many respects, it may represent the Cabernet-driven modern-day alter ego of the superb Merlot-dominant 1998 Haut-Bailly.
94-95+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 Haut-Bailly is a dark, rather somber wine. The aromatics alone are captivating, but there are strong savory inflections from the high percentage of Petit Verdot in this year's blend. This deceptively mid-weight Haut-Bailly has plenty to offer. Spice, leather, tobacco and incense linger. The final blend also includes 10% press wine. Drink 2031-2061.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 Haut-Bailly is built around 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, the blend employing less Merlot and more Petit Verdot this year since the latter was not affected by frost. It was picked between September 27 and October 11 and matured in 50% new oak with 10% vin de presse. Allowed to open in the glass, it unfurls to reveal blackberry, briar, touches of crushed stone and cedar. The taut, fresh palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine acidity. This is back to the older style of Haut-Bailly in some ways; less opulent, in keeping with the style of the vintage, and delivering good weight on the finish, even if there is not the persistent aftertaste of previous vintages. The great virtue of this Haut-Bailly is the sapidity that marks the conclusion. The kind of Pessac-Léognan that needs to be decanted then poured at the dinner table. Drink 2029-2055.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - VinousLots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.
95-96 points
James SucklingThe 2021 Château Haut-Bailly checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's another elegant, pure, incredibly balanced wine from this château, offering complex aromatics (cassis, smoked tobacco, spicy wood, and earth), medium body, ripe, supple tannins, and a great finish. Hitting 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.9, this seamless beauty will drink nicely right out of the gate yet evolve for 25-30 years.
93-95+ points
Jeb DunnuckInitially you notice the blackberries, black plums, and black currants before moving on to the tobacco, flowers, spice, and smoke in the aromatic profile. Supple, refined, and elegant, perhaps the best way to describe the wine is modern chic, or modern classic if you prefer. The tannins are soft and polished, and the fruit is pure, clean, and fresh, with a salty, mildly-chalky, supple endnote. Although it is going to probably always be a bit reticent in character, you will be able to approach and enjoy this wine in its youth, as well as age it for more complexity. The wine blends 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The blend represents the highest percentage of Petit Verdot in the history of the estate. 13% ABV, pH 3.9. The harvest took place September 27 to October 11. The Grand Vin was produced from 50% of the harvest. 2021 is the first vintage produced in their new, state-of-the-art cellars. Drink from 2025-2055.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderSeductive blackcurrant and juniper with purple floral touches on the nose. Smooth texture with high acidity giving sharp strawberry fruit balanced by both savoury and mineral touches - slate, crushed stone, smoke, violets and dark chocolate - very much in the style of the vintage with no harshness or overt opulence but instead gives a pure sense of classicism, restraint and refinement. Elegant and well structured with a long determined finish - this will continue to deliver pleasure for a long time. 10% press wine. No chaptalisation. 30% grand vin. 3.9pH. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Yield 19hl/ha. First year in the new cellar. Drinking Window 2026 - 2045.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2020 Chateau Haut-BaillyPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$330. 00Bottle$3960.00 DozenClosure: CorkBased in Pessac-Leognan on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Bailly has 30 hectares under vine planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. As it is only recently that the wines have truly excelled, with knock out wines in 2005/2009/2010/2015/2016, they are one of the best values in Bordeaux, but also one of the hardest to find.
Other Reviews....
A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Haut-Bailly was harvested from the 9th to 25th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.3%. Deep purple-black in color, it prances out of the glass with naturally beautiful notions of fresh black cherries, violets, mulberries and boysenberries, giving way to hints of redcurrant jelly, star anise, tilled soil and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is delicately crafted with velvety/grainy tannins and fantastic freshness framing the perfumed red and black berry layers, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note.
96-98+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)The 2020 Haut-Bailly has developed into an elegant, richly-textured wine with all its elements in balance. Classy and polished to the core, the 2020 is a Haut-Bailly that favors finesse over power. It's a wine of extreme precision and persistence more than anything else. Red-toned fruit, dried flowers, spice and blood orange are some of the many notes that open over time. The 2020 spent 15 months in barrel, with 50% new oak. Drink: 2028-2060.
97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.
99-100 points
James SucklingAnother wine I underrated on release, the 2020 Château Haut-Bailly is just about pure perfection, and whereas the 2018 is closer in style to the 2009, this plays things a little closer to its vest and is reminiscent of the 2010. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it nevertheless cuts a focused, precise path across the palate and brings incredible purity in its darker fruits, smoked tobacco, cedar pencil, and Asian spice-driven aromas and flavors. The tannin quality here is off the charts, and this beauty has everything you could want from wine. It needs a solid 4-6 years (if not longer) to hit the early stages of its prime drinking window, and it's going to evolve for 50+ years. Drink 2023-2075+
99 points
Jeb DunnuckDeeply colored, the wine explodes with fresh flowers, tobacco leaf, cigar box, currants, blackberry, Allspice, licorice, savory herbs and smoke aromas. On the palate, the wine is intense, balanced, silky and refined. The fruits express purity, harmony, length and complexity, finishing with layers of currants, blackberry, herbs, pepper and plums that hold your focus for at least 50 seconds. Give this at least 10-12 years of age. It will evolve and provide sensuous tasting for at least 25 or more years after that. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc., 14.3% ABV, pH 3.9. The harvest took place September 9 to September 25. The Grand Vin was produced from 60% of the harvest. 2020 was the first vintage produced in their new cellars.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderRich in texture and colour, this has clear layers and complexity, a wine that you want to take your time with, slow down and enjoy. One that will take its time to age also. This has a precision and a clarity to the aromatics, and a gentle buzz of minerality that gives a physical reaction in the mouth. Less exuberant than the 2018 or 2019, making this a vintage that suits the style of Haut-Bailly. A slight austerity to the tannins on the finish gives a blueberry redcurrant edge. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend (now around eight years old), usually co-fermented with the Cabernet Sauvignon (sometimes with Cabernet Franc). IPT similar to 2016, 2010, 2005, but with a softness that comes from extremely ripe tannins. Strong potential for upscoring when it bottle.
96 points
Jane Anson - Decanter -
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2023 Chateau Haut-Batailley Pre-Arrival OfferPauillac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot that increasingly resembles its stablemate Lynch Bages in style. Offering up aromas of dark berries, plums, pencil shavings and creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with plenty of generously extracted, youthfully chewy tannin and a long, lusty finish.
91-93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley. Drink 2028-2043.
93-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis shows structure and focus, with creamy, powdery tannins and a very pretty, silky texture. Medium to full body with a solid line of tannins running through the wine. Blackberries and currants with a hint of crushed stone. Better than 2022?
94-95 points
James SucklingThe 2023 Château Haut-Batailley brings a much more focused, serious style while still staying in the elegant, vibrant style of the vintage. Based on 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot resting in 65% new oak, this deep purple-hued effort has classic Cabernet darker, almost blue fruits, graphite, tobacco, and chalky earth-like nuances as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. It's balanced and has beautiful tannins, as well as outstanding length. Tasted twice.
93-95 points
Jeb DunnuckConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2023 Chateau Haut-Brion Pre-Arrival OfferPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$975. 00Bottle$11700.00 DozenClosure: CorkLong before the 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion were renowned for their quality and style. When Thomas Jefferson visited the region in 1787 he noted the quality of wines in the area, creating his own hierarchy that listed Chateau Haut-Brion along with Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite and the finest wines of Bordeaux. This same elite group were later given First Growth status, and Haut-Brion remains the only estate outside of the Medoc to claim this honour. Located near the city of Bordeaux, the 48 hectare Chateau Haut-Brion vineyard is planted to 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot for the reds, while the whites are a mix of 51% Semillon and 49% Sauvignon Blanc.
Other Reviews....
The 2023 Haut-Brion exhibits a more Cabernet-inflected personality than the richer 2022, offering up a deep but youthfully reserved bouquet of dark wild berries, licorice, smoke and pencil lead mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, nicely integrated new oak and spices. Full-bodied, deep and velvety, it’s layered and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit structured around abundant but velvety tannins, concluding with a long, controlled finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the estate's successful 2006, it's a blend of 52.3% Merlot, 38.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9.1% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2025-2055.
95-97 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Haut-Brion was picked at the same time as the La Mission Haut-Brion, albeit the secateurs sheathed one day later, on October 6. The nose is less immediate than the La Mission and the fruit is a little darker: blackcurrant, juniper, hints of black olive and a light cedar scent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip and tension. This has superb energy, presenting a crescendo of flavors toward a complex and persistent finish that lingers in the mouth. There is real pedigree to this First Growth, and it will certainly give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. Drink 2030-2065.
96-98 points
Neal Martin - VinousThe 2023 Haut-Brion is superb. Silky, soft tannins enshroud a core of black fruit, gravel, chocolate, cloves and licorice, building into a potent, sumptuous, dazzling wine. Exotic and racy, with remarkable polish, this has a ton of potential. It’s an especially sensual, seamless Haut-Brion. All the 2023 needs is time—probably quite a bit of it, especially for readers who want a full-on Haut-Brion experience. Drink 2033-2083.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis is tight, yet so upright and proper, with a vertical line of fine tannin that runs true and deep. It’s medium- to full-bodied with an exquisite texture and a long, structured finish. 52.3% merlot, 38.6% cabernet sauvignon and 9.1% cabernet franc.
98-99 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin 2023 Château Haut-Brion checks in as 52.3% Merlot, 38.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's more focused and tight compared to its sibling, the La Mission Haut-Brion, but it has riveting purity in its black raspberry, currant, smoke, leafy tobacco, and scorched earth-like aromas and flavors. It's rich and full-bodied, with building tannins and a level of purity that's just about off the charts. As with most vintages of Haut-Brion, it should be given at least a decade of bottle age.
96-98 points
Jeb DunnuckA stand out wine from Haut-Brion this year and one of the most charming Primeur samples from the estate. A little sombre on the nose, quiet with dark fruit, blackcurrant and brambles. Not so open on the nose, but this wows on the palate - rich, dense for the vintage, weighty in the mouth, clearly ripe and so filling. Chewy and alive, this is brilliant with a buzz of acidity, a sharp, sour, tartness but all so excellently delivered. So charming and so cuddly, this wine wants you to adore it. Bright and voluptuous, and not many can say that in this vintage. Really so great and still with chocolate, mint, pepper, raspberries, and floral notes all the way through. A complete knock out because it has flesh, juice, brightness and style. 3.7ph 4.3 acidity 80 IPT - second highest year after 2010 for the concentration. 42% grand vin production. A potential 100-point wine. Drink 2034 - 2060.
98 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterEven the nose is vibrant this year. You instantly sense it in the perfume with its flowers, red currants, smoke, spice, and cherries. The wine is powerful, yet reserved, long, intense, silky, and vivacious. The fruit has this lift that elevates on the palate. There is richness, elegance, and purity here. But, what is most striking is that on the palate, the wine moves in every direction, covering both sides, as well as the roof of your mouth as the wealth of fruit lingers for over 60 seconds. Part of the success of the vintage is due to July, with its cloudy skies, providing protection from the sun, helping to keep ABV levels down. There is also less green harvesting taking place this year. It is important to note that not only are the harvest dates becoming earlier here, they are also finishing later. More attention is paid to finding phenolic maturity on a parcel by harvest basis, adding nuance and balance. In the cellars, the extraction was soft, at lower temperatures, adding the elegance in the wine. The wine blends 52.3% Merlot, 38.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9.1% Cabernet Franc, 14.6% ABV. 3.7 pH. Harvesting took place, September 4 - October 4. Only 42% of the harvest was placed into the grand Vin. Drink from 2030-2065.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Haut-Brion Pre-Arrival OfferPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$1599. 00Bottle$19188.00 DozenClosure: CorkLong before the 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion were renowned for their quality and style. When Thomas Jefferson visited the region in 1787 he noted the quality of wines in the area, creating his own hierarchy that listed Chateau Haut-Brion along with Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite and the finest wines of Bordeaux. This same elite group were later given First Growth status, and Haut-Brion remains the only estate outside of the Medoc to claim this honour.
Located near the city of Bordeaux, the 48 hectare Chateau Haut-Brion vineyard is planted to 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot for the reds, while the whites are a mix of 51% Semillon and 49% Sauvignon Blanc.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Haut-Brion shows considerable promise, revealing aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with notions of pencil lead, licorice, tobacco leaf, spices and incense. Full-bodied, broad and seamless, it's rich and muscular, with a deep, layered core of fruit framed by an ample endowment of tannin. This blend of 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc, the result is a lip-smacking exemplification of controlled power. Analytically, the 2022 possesses a similar level of tannins to the 2010, and a similar pH to the 2009, yet it is more suave and polished than the 2010 at the same stage, and seemingly more dynamic than the 2009.
95-97 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Haut-Brion comes across as a bit restrained, given the natural opulence of the year and the other wines in the Clarence Dillon portfolio. Deep and wonderfully layered, the 2022 possesses remarkable depth but also a bit less of the explosive energy that is such a Haut-Brion signature. I suspect that will come in time, as the 2022 starts to show quite a bit better with a little aeration. Violet, gravel, incense, leather, tobacco and scorched earth linger. Superb. Drink: 2025-2062.
97-99 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousCurrants and cedar with sandalwood and peaches. Fascinating aromas. Violets. Full-bodied with a crunchy and electric palate of primary fruit, with hints of tangerines and citrus. Great finish with structure and polish. 53.6% merlot, 35.4% cabernet sauvignon and 11% cabernet franc. Interesting to have such high merlot in the blend.
98-99 points
James SucklingSlightly better than its sibling La Mission Haut-Brion, the 2022 Château Haut-Brion has a full-bodied, concentrated, structured style that's going to demand bottle age. Cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and tobacco are just some of its nuances aromatically, and it shows the ripe, powerful style of the vintage. There are lots of tannins here, especially on the finish, and it's going to need 7-8 years in the cellar.
96-98 points
Jeb DunnuckMilk chocolate and blackcurrants on the nose, fragrant ripe black cherries and some floral notes. Sleek, supple, suave, really confident and shiny. This keeps the tension more than La Mission at this point with a vein of freshness and intensity. It’s not out to charm but it’s out to impress. Excellent construction, clean depth and power, tense, strict and streamlined, a touch of creaminess and saltiness. You get waves of flavour intensity with ripe, concentrated fruit, soft acidity and a clean stone freshness. Tannins fill the mouth with edges of both minerality and toasted spices. Calm and controlled, impressive with focus. 3.8pH. A yield of 35hl/ha.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterPicture walking into a flower show with a basket of fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar, and while that is not quite PC, it is the aromatic profile here. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, vibrant, lifted and floral. The wine is elevated, refined, soft, and silky with a refreshing, silky edge to the fruits in the finish. The wine is pure elegance There is nothing between you and the fruits. There is intensity, length, and a striking sense of purity. The wine lingers seamlessly for 60 seconds, or longer. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. 14.45% ABV, 3.83 pH. Harvesting took place August 29 - September 15. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare, with 50% of the harvest placed into the Grand Vin. This is not only in competition for wine of the vintage, it is one of the best vintages of Haut Brion ever produced. If you are an Haut-Brion fan with the disposable income, you cannot own enough of this future legend. Drink from 2030-2065.
98-100 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau Haut-BrionPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$1349. 00Bottle$16188.00 DozenClosure: CorkLong before the 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion were renowned for their quality and style. When Thomas Jefferson visited the region in 1787 he noted the quality of wines in the area, creating his own hierarchy that listed Chateau Haut-Brion along with Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite and the finest wines of Bordeaux. This same elite group were later given First Growth status, and Haut-Brion remains the only estate outside of the Medoc to claim this honour.
Located near the city of Bordeaux, the 48 hectare Chateau Haut-Brion vineyard is planted to 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot for the reds, while the whites are a mix of 51% Semillon and 49% Sauvignon Blanc.
Other Reviews....
A candidate for the title of wine of the vintage, the 2021 Haut-Brion unwinds in the glass with aromas of rich red and black fruit mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, licorice, black truffles, loamy soil and burning embers. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's elegant and multidimensional, with superb depth at the core, lively acids and ultra-refined tannins. Combining the classical proportions of the vintages of two decades ago with the viticultural and winemaking of today, it's a timeless classic in the making, but it's difficult to find an obvious analogy with an older vintage. When pressed, Jean-Philippe Delmas suggests a superior version of the 2014 vintage, and to me, a more concentrated, serious version of the 2012 vintage also comes to mind. What is clear, however, is that this is one of the real high points of 2021. The blend is 50% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, and it attained 13.8% alcohol—a percentage point or so lower than in 2020 or 2019.
96-98 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 Haut-Brion is all class, all finesse. Naturally the overt intensity of recent vintages is replaced by a more understated style in 2021. Silky tannins caress a core of dark cherry/plum fruit. Hints of lavender, new leather, cloves and menthol gradually open. The trademark Haut-Brion aromatics are going to need a number of years in bottle to develop. The 2021 is hardly a blockbuster, and yet in many ways it is so primary. Drink 2031-2061.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 Haut-Brion has a more extravagant, charming bouquet compared directly with the La Mission at the moment, offering copious blackberry, black truffle, undergrowth and menthol scents. The palate is very well balanced, harmonious and poised, with fine-grained tannins and an almost pixelated finish. This Haut-Brion seems to have reveled in the cooler growing season, and at 13.8% alcohol, there is almost a degree less than recent vintages. Jean-Philippe Delmas has fashioned a contender for wine of the vintage. Drink 2030-2065.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - VinousA very structured young Haut-Brion with blackberry, blackcurrant, black-olive and mushroom character. Medium to full-bodied with a driving balance of firm and ripe tannins and gorgeous fruit. 50.3% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon and 11.7% cabernet franc.
97-98 points
James SucklingAs with the Clarence, the 2021 Château Haut-Brion is a darker, richer, more powerful wine. Currants, smoked black cherries, graphite, chocolate, and tobacco notes all define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a straight, focused, beautifully precise mouthfeel, gorgeous yet substantial tannins, and a great finish. It's going to hit maturity in 7-8 years and have 30 years of longevity or more. The 2021 is mostly Merlot, checking in as 50.3% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11.7% Cabernet Franc, hitting 13.8% alcohol and resting in 73% new French oak.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckFlowers, tobacco wrapper, chocolate, burning wood, ash, cigar box, currants, black cherries, and spice. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, vibrant, lifted, and floral. The wine is elevated, refined, soft, and silky with a refreshing, silky edge to the fruits in the finish. There is richness and waves of fruit on the palate, but the waves are small and continuous. This is a good example of a modern classic Haut-Brion. The wine blends 50% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, 13.85% ABV. Harvesting took place September 13, finishing October 8, making this one of the longest harvest periods for Haut Brion. 48 hectoliters per hectare, with 43% of the harvest placed into the Grand Vin. Drink from 2027-2060.
95-97 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderOne of the absolute stand out wines on 2021 with an electric appeal almost unrivalled in the vintage. Blackcurrant leaf, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, rose petals, sweet cherries and bramble fruits on the nose. Incredibly lively and energetic on the palate with a burst of sharp, sweet and sour fruits that just fills the mouth coated by chalk, slate and pencil lead mineral tannins that give a intensity while the fruit persistency lingers above and through to the long finish. Such delicacy yet multi-layered and full of concentration, clear ripeness and power, though delivered with suaveness and style. Tannins are firm and robust, mouthfilling, no doubt about that, but they give the structure and frame to the plush and plump fruit which also has such a crystalline purity to it. I love the intensity and also these spicy bitter dark chocolate and liquorice elements on the finish which give nuance. Drinking Window 2028 - 2050.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2021 Clarte de Haut-Brion BlancPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$280. 00Bottle$3360.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A blend of 55% Sémillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2021 La Clarté de Haut-Brion exhibits aromas of crisp nectarine, citrus oil, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, lively and textural, it's beautifully balanced, concluding with a long, saline finish. It's worth serious consideration this year.
91-93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 La Clarté de Haut-Brion will give readers a very good idea of how compelling the vintage is for white wines. The second wine of both La Mission and Haut Brion Blanc, La Clarté offers a beguiling bouquet redolent of lemon confit, orchard fruit, mint and white flowers. Bright and steely, but with an extra kick of mid-palate creaminess, La Clarté is absolutely gorgeous today. Drink 2024-2031.
91-93 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc has a fresh lime, pineapple and orange zest bouquet, well defined with moderate acidity. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, taut and fresh, and quite harmonious toward the finish. Seductive white peachy notes linger on the aftertaste. Very fine. Drink 2024-2032.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - VinousFresh, yet creamy, with a medium body. Notes of salted lemons and herbs with smoked almonds. Supple, ripe and well balanced. 56% semillon and 44% sauvignon.
92-93 points
James SucklingThe second wine of Haut-Brion, the 2021 La Clarte De Haut-Brion Blanc is well worth seeking out, offering melon ball, crushed citrus, and honeyed mineral-nuances in a medium-bodied, clean, straight, balanced package. It shows the vintage's fresh, pure, chiseled style.
91-93 points
Jeb DunnuckWhite peach, flowers, yellow citrus, pomelo and yellow plums are all over the place here. Juicy and fresh, with a creamy, lemon and green apple finish, the endnote really keeps on going. The wine blends 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2023-2034.
94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderExpressive nose full of green apple, elderflower, honeysuckle, acacia, citrus zest and grapefruit. Lively and upfront, a rush of almost sweet but fresh lemon, peach and apple fruits, crunchy but with a lovely texture that gives a sense of weight on the palate. Full of life with direction and precision, a mouthwatering sensation as well as a full one. Great stuff here, so much character as well as purity of fruit and overall harmony. One worth seeking out. Drinking Window 2023 - 2040.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2020 Chateau Haut-BrionPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$1499. 00Bottle$17988.00 DozenClosure: CorkLong before the 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion were renowned for their quality and style. When Thomas Jefferson visited the region in 1787 he noted the quality of wines in the area, creating his own hierarchy that listed Chateau Haut-Brion along with Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite and the finest wines of Bordeaux. This same elite group were later given First Growth status, and Haut-Brion remains the only estate outside of the Medoc to claim this honour.
Located near the city of Bordeaux, the 48 hectare Chateau Haut-Brion vineyard is planted to 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot for the reds, while the whites are a mix of 51% Semillon and 49% Sauvignon Blanc.Other Reviews....
The 2020 Haut-Brion is more aromatically demonstrative than La Mission Haut-Brion, bursting with aromas of blackberries and raspberries mingled with licorice, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's rich and layered, with an enveloping core of fruit that's girdled by plenty of sweet, powdery tannin. Despite checking in at a similarly lofty alcoholic degree to the 2019, its more granular tannic profile tempers the vintage's sweetness of fruit and lends the wine a more classically proportioned, and more classically structured, profile. Drink: 2030-2065.
99 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (April 2023)The 2020 Haut-Brion is shaping up to be one of the wines of the year. Substance, depth and textural intensity elevate Haut-Brion into the realm of the sublime in 2020. All the elements are so wonderfully balanced. Inky dark fruit, gravel, lavender, violet and dark spice build as the 2020 gradually opens with some aeration. Wow.
97-99 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis is a superb Haut-Brion with incredible tannins that are wonderfully fine-grained. It’s really powerful. This is very primary with so much grape-generated tannin structure. Very, very long, going on for minutes. Seductive and friendly at the start and then takes you on at the finish with so much structure. Wine of the vintage?
100 points
James SucklingI finished my trip through Bordeaux with the 2020 Château Haut-Brion, and it was certainly a fitting cap to the trip. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue, the 2020 exhibits extraordinary aromatics of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, cold fireplace, and acacia flowers. An absolute blockbuster on the palate, this structured, full-bodied, massively concentrated Pessac builds incrementally, with ultra-fine tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Richer and more concentrated than both the 2018 and 2019 (there are some similarities to 2010), this is a legend in the making. The blend is 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all of which will spend 15-18 months in 77% new French oak. Hide bottles for a decade, and it should evolve for 50-75 years. Drink: 2033-2093.
100 points
Jeb DunnuckDark, ruby, garnet in color, the wine exudes cedar, cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, roasted cherries, herbs, spice box and forest floor scents. What is amazing here is the incredible level of density, because it is also light on its feet, perfectly balanced, poised and energetic. Texturally, this is surreal. Picture velvet and polished silk on your palate coating each berry. The fruit offers intensity, purity and length, with a finish that exceeds 60 seconds. The seamless finish could put a smile on the most jaded taster. Do not be concerned with the alcohol levels as there is no heat. All of that is buried in the wealth of fruit. If you have the money, this is one of the great vintages of Haut Brion that promises to evolve for at least 4-5 decades with ease. The wine blends 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.5% Cabernet Franc, 15% ABV. Harvesting took place September 7-September 29.
98-100 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConcentrated and persistent. This remains quite tight overall with clear power, push and generosity of ripe blackcurrants, fragrant black cherries, blueberries, liquorice, cocoa powder, clove and wet stone. The acidity and oak keep the elements all very centred but there’s no denying this is a statuesque wine that will need time to come around. Vivid, full and well framed. Drink: 2030-2060.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2023 Chateau Haut-Brisson Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Another very focused 2023 St.-Emilion with berry, chocolate and earth notes. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a bright, vivid and very long finish. Well-integrated tannins. This is one to watch. 95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Better than 2022.
95-96 points
James SucklingAnother killer Saint-Emilion, the 2023 Château Haut-Brisson is deep purple-hued, with a mineral-laced style in its ripe black fruits, violets, spicy wood, and graphite-driven aromas and flavors. It's a broad, ripe, seamless, full-bodied, weightless 2023 that has the vintage’s ethereal, weightless style, and it's a gorgeous wine in the making.
91-94 points
Jeb DunnuckAfter frost in 2021 and 2022, this estate came back in form this year, albeit with some Merlots from a lower section of the vineyard stricken by especially rapacious mildew. After careful sorting, the end result is a wine that exudes pleasing aromas of fresh red fruit and plum and palate tonicity with a medium finish. There are some austere tannins, however, which the barrel ageing should soften. Drink 2027 - 2040.
90 points
Panos Kakaviatos - DecanterThe core of flowers, herbs, cherries, and spice fill the nose and the medium-bodied palate. The soft-textured mid-palate, and finish delivers its bright, spicy, red fruits with a refined, refreshing, minty edge. You can enjoy this with pleasure just about on release, or age it for more complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, forward, soft, and fruity, with a chalky nuance in the plummy finish. The wine blends 95% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2038.
91-93 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2023 Chateau Haut-Marbuzet Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Estephe, Bordeaux, FRANCE$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Always one of the Médoc's most sensual wines, the 2023 Haut-Marbuzet wafts from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis and cherries mingled with cigar wrapper in violets, revealing little trace of its maturation in new barrels. Medium to full-bodied, supple and layered, it's deep and seamless, with an enveloping core of juicy, fleshy fruit framed by sweet, melting tannin. It's a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
92-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Haut-Marbuzet is terrific. Dark, vibrant and quite virile in its expression, the 2023 Haut-Marbuzet has so much to offer. Plum, blood orange, pomegranate, spice and new leather are some of the notes that leap from the glass. Today, the 2023 is quite primary in its intensity, yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. This is a fine showing. Drink 2028-2043.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis is super-refined and polished with a lot of depth and richness, offering a mix of blueberry and deep dark chocolate that adds up to its captivating character. It shows impressive intensity and length, achieving a harmony that is both beautiful and elegant. The tannins are already well integrated. Long finish.
94-95 points
James SucklingConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau HosannaPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$280. 00Bottle$3360.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2021 Hosanna is a fleshy, expressive wine, offering up aromas of sweet plums and berries mingled with spices, licorice, rose petals and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, broad and open-knit, it's a lively, charming wine that will likely take on more depth and structure with further élevage in barrel.
91-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 30, 2022)The 2021 Hosanna was picked from September 24 to October 6. It presents a beautiful bouquet of delineated, focused black cherries, blueberry and wilted violet scents, plus a hint of gravel in the background. The palate is fresh on the entry, presaging a typical solid structure, and quite saline, demonstrating much more grip and substance on the finish compared to, say, Latour à Pomerol or La Grave. Cellar this for 4–6 years if you can. Drink 2029-2050.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - VinousThis is silky and very fine with firm, seamless tannins that are just a tiny bit angular now. Medium body. Plenty of sweet mulberry, raspberry, wet clay and olive notes. Mocha at the end. Long.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe 2021 Château Hosanna isn't going to match the top vintages of this cuvée, but it's certainly up with the crème de la crème in this vintage. Sporting a vivid ruby/purple hue, notes of cassis, raspberries, tobacco, and scorched earth, medium body, and considerable elegance and purity, it's an incredibly pretty, floral, satisfying effort that makes the most of the 2021 vintage. I'd drink it any time over the coming 15-20 years.
92-94 points
Jeb DunnuckSpices, truffle, espresso, chocolate and red pit fruits with a strong note of flowers and a hint of licorice create the nose. On the palate, the wine is silky, energetic, fresh, supple, polished and vibrant, with layers of dark chocolate, cherries, black plums, coffee bean and blackberries. Yields were low this year at only 28 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place September 24 - October 6. Drink from 2025-2045.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderSmoked blackberries and ripe cherry fruit combine with green pepper, black pepper, roses and liquorice spice on the nose, the Cabernet Franc coming through in the aromatics. Devilishly sensual texture and depth of flavour on the palate, it doesn't shout but makes its presence known straight away affirming that it has power but also poise. It's well framed, the tannins so velvety soft and the fruit rich and concentrated - direct and driven - yet with a cool, salty mineral touch that lingers long on the finish. There is an intensity here but at the same time an elegance to the fruit presentation and the finish is elongated. It's charming and will gain further in weight and density over ageing. Drink 2027 - 2048.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2020 Chateau HosannaPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Sporting an opaque purple-black color, the 2020 Hosanna gallops out of the glass with bright, vivacious scents of crushed black and red plums, mulberries and redcurrant jelly, leading to underlying scents of powdered cinnamon, lilacs, pencil shavings and damp slate with a hint of wild sage. The medium to full-bodied palate is exquisitely constructed, giving lots of nuanced, tightly wound black fruits and earthy layers with a fine-grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
96-98 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)The 2020 Hosanna has a wonderful, compelling bouquet of deep and alluring scents of blackberry, raspberry, dried iris and incense, plus a subtle minerally element that becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with superb grip and density. The wine just fills the mouth (as banal as that sounds), but it has incredible volume and depth. Clockwork precision on the finish, which maintains great freshness, but this is clearly a Hosanna that will benefit from a decade in the cellar.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - VinousThis shows very intense, old-vine character with bark, black mushroom and dark fruit. Full-bodied and creamy with unique flavors of earth and fruit. Layered and soulful. The best Hosanna ever? Merlot and cabernet franc. 45% from old vines, dating from the late 1950s.
99-100 points
James SucklingThe 2020 Château Hosanna is up there with the crème de la crème of the appellation and is a true gem. Awesome cassis, candied violets, truffle, chocolate, and underbrush-like notes define the bouquet, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless, silky texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a rock star of a finish. This is another magical Pomerol from the Moueix family that you couldn't have enough of.
96-98 points
Jeb DunnuckDark in color, the wine is loaded with truffle, flowers, black and blue fruits and spice. Full-bodied with a serious depth of flavor, the wine is rich, supple, silky, long and intense. With the texture of velvet, the perfectly ripe, sweet, plums, cherries, blackberries, blueberries and dark cocoa holds on to your palate for at least 50 seconds. The purity here is just great. Give it a decade in the cellar and this will be a beauty. Clearly, this is the finest vintage of Hosanna ever produced.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider -
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2023 Chateau Joanin Becot Pre-Arrival OfferCastillon Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Joanin Bécot is a solid performance this year, evoking aromas of violet, flowers, dark wild berries and iris, followed by a precise, tense, juicy and savory palate that is fleshier than the 2022 vintage, with velvety tannins and a tense, ethereal and calcareous finish. It's a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2025-2040.
91-93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Joanin-Bécot is one of the best wines I have tasted here. Vibrant and floral, with explosive fruit, Joanin-Bécot has it all. Dark and resonant notes of rose petal, spice and blood orange lift from the glass. There’s terrific density, class and purity. All the elements are so well balanced. Tasted two times. Drink 2030-2043.
90-93 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA tangy and juicy red with orange-peel, dark-cherry and currant aromas and flavors. Hints of terra-cotta and salt. Medium to full body with freshness and verve.
93-94 points
James SucklingThe 2023 Château Joanin Bécot comes from limestone soils in the Castillon region and is mostly Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. It’s deep ruby/plum-hued and displays a gorgeous limestone character in its black raspberry and redcurrant-like fruits as well as spring flowers, spice, and chalky minerality. Brought up 65% new oak and hitting 14.7% alcohol, it's beautifully ripe, has medium-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. This is a hidden little gem of a wine.
90-92 points
Jeb DunnuckChalky, ripe black fruit on the nose with blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry and plum on the palate. Quite tense - there’s some linearity to this, direct and quite lean with a salty, liquorice and dark chocolate core. More juicy on the second taste with red fruits - cranberry and red cherry - alongside powdery tannins that fill the mouth. Charming though still straight and a touch lean with licks of wet stone and menthol freshness on the finish. 3.5pH. Drink 2027 - 2037.
91 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterCherries, flowers, crushed rocks, and stones, licorice, black plums, and cocoa display in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is loaded with sweet, ripe, black raspberries, cherries, and chocolate, with a refreshing salty-mint accent on the backend. The wine is a blend of 80% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. 14.1% ABV, 3.5 pH. The wine is produced from some of the oldest vines in the appellation, with the oldest vines dating back to 1870! Drink from 2026-2035.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Joanin Becot Pre-Arrival OfferCastillon Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from Juliette Bécot, the 2022 Joanin Bécot offers up aromas of dark berries, bay leaf, vine smoke and lilac. Medium to full-bodied, supple and incisive, it's a rich but vibrant wine that exhibits the potential of the Côtes de Castillon in vintages like this.
91-93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Joanin-Bécot is one of the best vintages I can remember tasting. Heady and explosive in the glass, the 2022 offers up copious red/purplish berry fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol and licorice all saturate the finish. This could be a Sleeper. Drink 2025-2034.
91-93 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousI loved the 2022 Château Joanin Bécot, which might be the finest vintage I've tasted from this château. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, harvested between the 15th and 26th of September and aged in 50% new barrels, it has a vivid purple hue as well as awesome aromatics of black raspberries, chalky minerality, and flowers. As with many of these top Castillon releases, it tastes like a top Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé and is medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and terrific balance.
92-94 points
Jeb DunnuckFull and fruity nose, expressive and ripe, nicely perfumed and expressive. Clean and clear, extremely mineral, graphite, pencil lead and flint stone notes on the palate alongside clear blue fruits, blueberries, blackcurrants and some red summer berries. Super smooth in terms of texture but also quite lean in terms of fruit flavour, this has bite and tang, a touch austere but also really quite juicy and floral too. Needs a bit of time, but feels precise and focussed with grip and intensity. I like the fruitiness, really quite upfront but keeping the liveness and energy. Succulent and nicely sweet touches with juicy acidity. Easy enjoyment, plush, mineral, all in balance. 3.6pH. 12% press wine. A yield of 39hl/ha. Drink 2026 - 2044.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterViolets, plums, cherries and licorice fill the nose. From there, the medium-bodied wine is opulent, fruity, deep and dark, with elements of chocolate, black plums, black cherries, spice and licorice on the mid-palate that carry through to the finish. The wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 15% ABV, 3.60 pH. Some of the vines used here date back 1870! Drink from 2025-2035.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2020 Chateau Joanin BecotCastillon Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2020 Joanin Becot has a deep purple-black color and fragrant notions of Morello cherries, black raspberries, stewed plums and violets, with hints of cardamom and Sichuan pepper, plus a touch of forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy, delivering compelling freshness and a beautifully harmonious finish.
90-92 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)This is very spicy with lots of crushed sea salt and cloves. Dark fruit, chocolate and blackberries. Very round, yet chewy. A luxurious red from this appellation. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
92-93 points
James SucklingThe combination of fresh, savory, spiced fruits, plums, mint and cherries is great from the get-go. Medium-bodied, soft, silky and pure, with a beautiful sweetness to fruits on the mid-palate, the wine ends with gentle polished kirsch and juicy plums. The wine is made from blending 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This is clearly a new level of quality for Joanin Becot.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderFull of life, with a blueberry coulis burst on the attack and raspberry leaf edging. Some austerity to the tannins, but settles in to the glass, and this should be ready to go within a year or two of bottling. A yield of 20hl/ha, low mainly from the hail at the end of May rather than the drought. They lost around 40% of the vineyard (also why less Cabernet Franc is in the blend than usual). Consultant Thomas Duclos, technical director Jean de Cornuaud. The estate is located in St-Philippe d'Aiguilhe, with a cooler terroir than Beausejour Becot, meaning harvest here was September 19th to October 9th.
92 points
Jane Anson - Decanter -
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2018 Chateau Joanin BecotCotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2018 Joanin Becot is blended of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot harvested September 24-27 and the Cabernet Franc picked on October 11. Yields were 46 hectoliters per hectare, and aging is set to occur in 50% new barriques, 25% in vats, 15% in amphorae and 10% in one-year-old barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with opulent, open-knit scents of exotic spices—star anise, fenugreek and cumin seed—over a core of plum preserves, baked cherries and blueberry compote with touches of bouquet garni, tilled soil and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers loads of rich, plushly textured black and blue fruit with an array of spicy sparks and a long finish.
90-92+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine AdvocateA fresh and pure style, with a gentle kiss of tobacco leaf sitting atop black cherry and dark plum purée flavors. A dash of cedar holds the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2023. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,750 cases made.
88 points
James Molesworth - Wine SpectatorA very pretty, subtle red with berry, meat and chocolate aromas that follow through to a medium body with round, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. 30% amphora. Very fine and drinkable now.
92 points
James SucklingEmerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty.
93 points
Jeb DunnuckThe 2018 Joanin Bécot is a very pretty wine marked by strong Cabernet Franc aromatics. Crushed red berry, mint, raspberry, sage and dried flowers all grace a mid-weight, silky Côtes de Castillon that is more about savory nuance than power. Drink it over the next decade or so.
90 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous -
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2019 Chateau Joanin BecotCotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, FRANCE$47. 99Bottle$575.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2019 Joanin Bécot is terrific. Classy and polished, the 2019 shows off terrific purity of fruit and expressive aromatics to match its mid-weight personality. As always, the Franc lends notable distinction. Drink 2024-2034.
90 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA perfumed nose of cherries, currants, plums, violets, clay and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fruity and balanced with a fresh, supple finish. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Drink from 2023.
91 points
James SucklingMulberries, ripe cherries, tobacco leaf, and chalky mineral notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Joanin Bécot, another pure, incredibly elegant, balanced beauty from this family. Readers who love vibrant, elegant, yet still concentrated and impeccably made Bordeaux will love this medium-bodied, seamless 2019 that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15. Drink 2022 - 2037.
92 points
Jeb DunnuckEvident freshness from the first moment, plenty of body to the savoury red fruits. Everything is in balance and you get both juice, deepening gourmet touches of chocolate shavings and salinity as it builds to the finish. Great stuff, and low SO2 additions. Drink 2023 - 2036.
92 points
Jane Anson - DecanterThe nose opens with flowers, espresso, cocoa, licorice and plums. The wine is soft, silky, fresh and polished on the palate allowing all of its sweet, ripe, black raspberries, plums, cherries coffee and licorice to shine through. The wine was made from a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2023-2034.
92 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider -
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2023 Chateau Kirwan Pre-Arrival OfferMargaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Kirwan is dense, resonant and impeccably balanced. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, menthol, spice and lavender are all dialed up in this decidedly intense Margaux. Kirwan packs quite the punch, but it is also neatly proportioned, not to mention incredibly delicious. Drink 2031-2053.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis shows notes of ripe dark berries with hints of licorice and orange peel. It’s very polished and refined with a solid center-palate. Medium-bodied and creamy on the finish.
93-94 points
James SucklingAnother brilliant wine from Margaux, the 2023 Château Kirwan reveals a deep blue/purple hue to go with a nicely oaked profile of ripe black fruits, leafy herbs, iron, violets, and spice. It's balanced, medium to full-bodied, has a supple, layered mouthfeel, remarkable purity, and a great finish. As with most 2023s, it's going to shine with just a few years of bottle age.
93-95 points
Jeb DunnuckFlowers, espresso, mint, black cherries, and spice nuances are easy to spot. Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, and refined, with a silky-edge to the finish, the fruits, chocolate accents, and a lifted, sweet endnote. Drink from 2028-2045.
91-93 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2023 Chateau L'Eglise Clinet Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$650. 00Bottle$7800.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 L'Eglise Clinet unwinds in the glass with brooding aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with baking chocolate, pipe tobacco and toasty new oak. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, with a sweet core of fruit framed by rich, powdery, generously extracted tannin, it's broad-shouldered and powerful, concluding with a long, expansive finish. It's a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14.6% alcohol.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked between September 10 and 14 and matured in 82% new oak. It has a stunning bouquet with enthralling delineation and focus, very intense with blackberries, raspberry, crushed stone, Earl Grey and a touch of blood orange. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and a dash of cracked black pepper. It's very harmonious and fans out brilliantly on the finish. It is surely going to vie with the stupendous 2022, and this ranks as one of the best wines of the vintage. Tasted on two visits at the beginning and end of my Bordeaux tastings. Drink 2032-2060.
98-100 points
Neal Martin - VinousThe purity and precision tof this young Eglise Clinet is exceptional, with finesse, intensity and fine tannins that last for minutes on the palate. It grows slowly and then builds and continues. The energy is terrific. Finishes long and confident. All about structure with finesse. The tannins really are refined and tightly woven. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
97-98 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin 2023 Château L'Eglise Clinet checks in as 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that's resting in 82% new barrels. It brings another level of density as well as purity, with fabulous notes of cassis, ripe black cherries, chocolate, smoked tobacco, iron, and spice, as well as a kiss of background graphite. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet very much in the vibrant, fresh, classic style of the vintage, it has ripe tannins and a gorgeous finish. It shines on all accounts, offering beautiful purity and complexity and plenty of richness, and it should have a broad, lengthy drink window.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckCrafted from deep rooted vines in both clay with clayey gravel, this estate succeeds like no other in expressing power from this appellation but without any hard or drying tannins, which one can encounter in 2023 from other estates. Cool and confident menthol, bright tangy red berry and blueberry fruit aromas introduce an almost Pauillac like palate whose tannic grip is happily balanced by blood red orange like freshness. Aging in 82% new oak, this wine was made from grapes picked before the September rains: the tannins show no rawness, but rather pristine ripeness. I love the linear focus enveloped with subtle succulence, ending with a long finish. Give it the full opportunity to improve in your cellar, not before 2033, when it will reward your patience fully. Drink 2033 - 2060.
97 points
Panos Kakaviatos - DecanterThe wine quickly focuses you on its floral characteristics paired with black raspberries, plums, black, with white cherries, dark chocolate, and just an edge of coffee beans. The palate however, is where the excitement takes place. The wine is opulent, rich, aromatic, concentrated, and long. The mark of freshness is there, but, you also experience the wine's elegance, and silky tannins, as well as its length, and width on the mid-palate, and finish. Interestingly, here, it was the moderate amount of sun hours that helped make the vintage as it shielded the grapes from the late summer heat wave. From a blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, 14.60% ABV. The harvest took place September 10-September 14. It is great to see continuing strong wines from the Durantou family. Drink from 2029-2060.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2023 La Petite Eglise Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
As usual, the 2023 La Petite Eglise is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14.4% alcohol. Wafting from the glass with aromas of plums and cherries mingled with notes of dark chocolate and truffle, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with a rich core of fruit, sweet tannins and good depth at the core, concluding with a broad, oak-inflected finish.
91-93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 La Petite Eglise is a serious, deep wine. It is one of the few second wines in Bordeaux that needs some time in bottle to be at its best. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, leather, menthol, spice and incense lend this large-scaled Pomerol a ton of distinction. A dollop of Franc (10%) adds tension and vibrancy. Drink 2028-2043.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA firm and racy red with blackberry, black olive, and orange peel. Just a hint of salt. Medium to full body. Tight center-palate with lovely tannins and a savory finish. Fresh and balanced at the end. Crunchy. Open. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe second wine of this fabulous Pomerol château, the 2023 Château L'Eglise Clinet La Petite Eglise is based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 9th to the 14th of September, that is resting in 82% new French oak. Coming from the same parcels every year, it has plenty of classic Pomerol darker, almost blue fruits as well as damp herbs, tobacco, and spicy nuances. Balanced and medium-bodied, with a supple, layered mouthfeel, it’s a beautiful second wine.
90-92 points
Jeb DunnuckFlowers, boysenberries, black cherries, cocoa, and plums are unmistakable in the nose. The palate is creamy, lifted, sweet, and fresh, with ripe, black cherries, freshness, dark chocolate, and the aftertaste aromas of spring flowers. Enjoy this while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.4% ABV. Drink from 2027-2042.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau L'Evangile Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$680. 00Bottle$8160.00 DozenClosure: CorkLong considered one of the top three wines of Pomerol (along with Petrus and Vieux Chateau Certan), Chateau L’Evangile is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and produce a full bodied, rich, opulent, and long lived wine. The Chateau is under the same ownership as Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Other Reviews....
Given the young average age of this estate's vineyards, its well-draining soils and the extreme vintage, I was a little apprehensive; but the technical team evidently took the conditions in their stride, harvesting the east-facing side of the vines (which sees the hottest afternoon sun) four days earlier. The resulting 2022 L'Evangile is beautiful, offering up aromas of raspberries, vine smoke, black truffles, violets and gravely soil. Medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, it's seamless and polished, with a bright core of fruit and powdery tannins that temper 2022's inherent sweetness of fruit to sophisticated effect. At this early stage, it appears that the estate's progress with regards to élevage continues too, as Evangile's creamy oak signature is much released, allowing the fruit—and this superb terroir—to take center stage. It's a blend of 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
95-97 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 L'Évangile is seriously impressive right out of the gate, dark, rich and enveloping. Dark-fleshed fruit, mocha, spice, leather and a kiss of new oak race across the palate. Texturally, the 2022 is gorgeous. One of the recent changes here (since the 2021 vintage) has been a reduction of wine that undergoes malolactic in barrel, from 100% down to 60-70%. More than anything, the 2022 impresses with its gorgeous inner sweetness and exceptional balance. In short, the 2022 is a classic Évangile. Drink 2032-2062.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousFresh, wonderfully refined and gorgeously polished and long, with very fine tannins. Medium to full body. Crunchy fruit and chocolate, hazelnut and spice. Exciting to see how this tensioned beauty will evolve. Wonderful clarity.
96-97 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin checks in as 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new oak, 15% in amphora, 10% in foudre, and the rest in used barrels. It has another level of purity and class, with ripe red and black cherries, leafy herbs, truffle, and spice-driven aromatics. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Pomerol offering beautiful tannins, a silky, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. Hitting 14.2% alcohol, with a pH of 3.84 and an IPT of 75, this classy, balanced Pomerol shines for its purity and finesse, and it should blossom with just short-term cellaring.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckSavoury notes on the nose, liquorice, cinnamon, spicy pepper with fragranced blackcurrant and black cherry and strawberry. Appealing juicines and fresh acidity, not at all sharp, but chalky balanced by a sleek frame, giving power and concentration but refreshing too with a crisp, wet stone bite that immediately offsets the acidity and fruit intensity. Doesn’t immediately shine out of the glass, this is more shy and calm. Definitely more straight and almost light in terms of expression (most of the power, opulence and oomph has gone into Blason), but this is extremely well made. So well constructed and delivered, just toned down, less shouty, more sophisticated, one to watch and will age wonderfully. 3.82pH. Ageing 10% foudre, 15% amphora, 50% new oak and the rest in one year barrels. A yield of 28hl/ha. Harvest 29 August - 14 September. Drink 2029 - 2050.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDeep in color, the wine pops with its nose of violets, black cherry, spice, cinnamon, and chocolate. On the palate, the wine quickly focuses you on its core of black cherries, black plums, spices, cocoa, espresso, and savory herbs. Elegantly textured, with softness, refinement, length and freshness, the finish has length, purity, and freshness on the back end that stands out. The is a complete change in direction from the recent vintages that were focused more on density. With the 2022, the wine is about its elegant nature. The wine blends 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc and .05% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% ABV, 3.8 pH. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place August 29 - September 14. The wine is aging in a combination of 50% new, French oak, 15% amphora and 10% foudres. Drink from 2027-2055.
95-97 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau L'EvangilePomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$575. 00Bottle$6900.00 DozenClosure: CorkLong considered one of the top three wines of Pomerol (along with Petrus and Vieux Chateau Certan), Chateau L’Evangile is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and produce a full bodied, rich, opulent, and long lived wine. The Chateau is under the same ownership as Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Other Reviews....
A blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 L'Evangile offers up aromas of plums, cherries and wild berries mingled with notions of rose petals, violets, licorice and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, with fine concentration and rich, powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the finish, this estate's rather low average vine age meant Evangile didn't suffer much from coulure this year, and the rainy growing season also spared young Cabernet Franc from hydric stress—explaining its historically high percentage in the 2021 blend.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 L'Évangile is a heady, sensual wine. Silky and pliant, with fabulous balance, L'Évangile is a stand-out. The blend includes 30% Cabernet Franc, high for the château, but what really stands out is the wine's balance. Red/purplish fruit, blood orange, rose petal and spice are all wrapped together by silky, pliant tannins. Franc aromatics and saline underpinnings extend the finish. Élevage is 50% new oak, 35% one year-old barrels and 15% amphora. Readers will find a super-classic Évangile that has tons of potential. I loved it. Drink 2031-2061.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 L'Évangile was picked September 21 to October 4, and matured in 50% new oak and 15% in clay amphora. It registers 14.0% alcohol and a pH of 3.65. This is very different and, unsurprisingly, far superior on the nose of black cherries, black truffle, crushed stone and a touch of orange peel; very focused and very Pomerol. The palate is medium-bodied, cohesive and elegant with supple tannins and fine acidity, yet there is real depth and a sense of nascent energy toward the finish. The young Cabernet Franc on gravel soils from the Chantecaille lieu-dit absolutely defines this 2021. A great success for this reenergized estate. Drink 2030-2070.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousA pure, creamy and well-structured yet very fine Evangile. Long and caressing. Very fine tannins. Lots of fresh dark fruit and savory, mineral character. Understated and classy. 69% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon.
96-97 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin 2021 Château L'Evangile includes more Cabernet Franc and is 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 50% new French oak, with 15% amphora. Beautiful blue fruits, violets, chocolate, and some gravelly earth define the bouquet and while it's a medium-bodied, more mid-weight L'Evangile, it has a wonderful purity of fruit, ripe, present, silky tannins, outstanding balance, and a great finish. It's another vibrant, elegant, seamless Pomerol that will drink nicely with just short-term cellaring yet have 20 years of prime drinking.
93-95 points
Jeb DunnuckRich in color, with little effort you find chocolate, black plums, truffle, coffee bean, mint and flowers in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, soft, vibrant, and loaded with chewy red fruits, chalky tannins, freshness, spice and leafy herbs that add to the sweetness in the red pit fruits. The wine blends 69% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV. The harvest took place September 21 - October 4. The wine is aging in a combination of 50% new, French oak, 15% amphora and used oak barrels. The Grand Vin was made from 55% of the harvest. Drink from 2025-2048.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderSmells concentrated and quite bold, more of a heady nose, dark fruits and gorgeous perfumed Cabernet aspects. Succulent and juicy, a really appealing and charming palate, juiciness but density too, you get plump fruit here rather than a piercing focus giving more of a mouthful than some others but still with a detail to the fine tannins, the ripe fruit, cherry and blackcurrant and plum with a long finish. Sustained on the palate, this doesn't let up, slowly building from start to finish giving a cool, delicate, refined palate but still with grippy maintaining attention. You can tell they got full ripeness here, but there's also this lovely cooling, slate aspect - the soft chalkiness that comes in on the finish. I like this - the initial intensity, directness of black fruit and then the chalk texture. Feels nicely complete and one of the larger, more dense wines this vintage. A yield of 20hl/ha with all the Cabernet Sauvignon going into the grand vin. Juliette Couderc technical director. First year certified organic. Drinking Window 2026 - 2045.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2023 Chateau La Conseillante Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$465. 00Bottle$5580.00 DozenClosure: CorkAs a wine often compared to Burgundy, Chateau La Conseillante produce one of the most refined and elegant examples in all of Bordeaux. Vines here are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and are situated on some of the finest land in Pomerol (with a touch of Saint-Emilion!).
Other Reviews....
One of the great wines of the vintage, and one that can rival its 2022 counterpart, the 2023 La Conseillante wafts from the glass with a strikingly floral bouquet of violets, lilac, raspberries, exotic spices, candied orange, pipe tobacco and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, its textural attack segues into a layered and enveloping core of pure, vibrant fruit framed by sweet tannins and concluding with a long, precise finish. It's a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, some 30% of which is maturing in amphorae. Harvest began on September 7, lasting until October 2, block by block.
98-100 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 La Conseillante was picked from September 7, with the final Cabernet Franc brought in on October 2 at 43hL/ha. There were just six days of picking over 3.5 weeks. Matured in 70% new oak, it has a very well-defined bouquet with black cherries, wild strawberries, touches of violet and a hint of crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with a captivating, edgy opening. Just slightly granular in texture thanks to the tannin structure, it’s very harmonious and poised, with a sophisticated, mineral-driven finish. This is an exceptional La Conseillante from Marielle Cazaux and her team. It will rank alongside the 2022 even if it is very different stylistically. Drink 2028-2042.
96-98 points
Neal Martin - VinousThe 2023 La Conseillante is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Medium in body and silky, with exceptional balance, the 2023 impresses from start to finish. Crushed flowers, lavender, spice, mocha and tobacco are some of the many nuances that emerge over time. More than anything else, the 2023 impresses with its balance and total class. It's a wine that marries the elegance of La Conseillante with a bit more mid-palate resonance and sustain through the finish than some recent vintages. Yields were 43 hectoliters per hectare. Élevage consists of 70% new oak, 27% used barrels and 3% amphora. Tasted two times. Drink 2033-2063.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousWow. What beauty, elegance and length in this young wine, with medium body and vivid, bright acidity that gives energy and greater length. The tannins are extremely fine-grained, with an endless, silky texture. Another al-dente wine with brilliance. Goes on for minutes. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc.
97-98 points
James SucklingFrom yields of 43 hectoliters per hectare, the 2023 Château La Conseillante checks in as a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 70% new French oak, with 3% in amphora. This deep purple-hued beauty offers up a classic Conseillante nose of red and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and spice box, and it's such a great example of the complexity and elegance this estate delivers today. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant, it has plenty of tannins, integrated acidity, and a gorgeous finish. This utterly classic, floral Conseillante will need 5-7 years to hit maturity and have 30 years of longevity. The 2023 hit 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.68.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckA clear stand out in 2023. Dark chocolate, bitter toast, blackcurrant, deep, dark and rich tones on the nose. This has both a vibrancy and a richness, a sense of Pomerol opulence, and a coolness on the nose. Supple and energetic, this has movement and weight, juicy with a touch of creaminess. Smooth and sophisticated but still with a hit of acidity on the back palate that lifts and raises the expression the whole way through. Great stuff, sleek, mineral - very saline with licks of wet stone, graphite and liquorice giving slightly bitter edges, but I love the construction. Serious but also fun. Sleek, not rich and fleshy at all, but there’s a thick silkiness to it, nothing harsh, nothing austere or too tart. Really excellent, sweet strawberry, crunchy cranberry and powdery strawberry - lots of brightness and powderiness so you get texture and tension. Another stellar wine from La Conseillante. Buzzy and tangy, maintaining flavour and focus also with great drinkability on offer. A vintage to age. 7.5% press wine. Drink 2030 - 2048.
98 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterViolets, black raspberries, spice, chocolate, truffle, and black cherries begin the perfume. The palate is where the wine shines, with its vibrant display of black with red fruits. The striking purity, elegance, and textures, silky tannins, and length leave quite an impression. The adage, "Patience is a virtue" is the key the success this year, as they needed to wait for the desired level of phenolic maturity. The wine blends 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Franc. 7.5% press wine. 14% ABV, 3.68 pH. The harvest took place September 7 - October 2. Drink from 2029-2060.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau La Conseillante Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$699. 00Bottle$8388.00 DozenClosure: CorkAs a wine often compared to Burgundy, Chateau La Conseillante produce one of the most refined and elegant examples in all of Bordeaux. Vines here are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and are situated on some of the finest land in Pomerol (with a touch of Saint-Emilion!).
Other Reviews....
The 2022 La Conseillante is a remarkable wine that has the potential to emerge as one of the wines of the vintage. A blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, it unfurls in the glass with deep aromas of black raspberries and mulberries mingled with notions of rose petals, violets, orange zest and mint. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's velvety and enveloping, with a textural attack that segues into a multidimensional mid-palate that's framed by sweet, powdery tannins, concluding with a long, saline finish. Checking in at a very healthy pH of 3.65 and 14% alcohol, it is a beautifully supple, suave wine that retains all this estate's signature elegance but in a slightly deeper-pitched and broader-shouldered format than the profound 2020. Congratulations to winemaker Marielle Cazaux, consulting enologist Thomas Duclos, the Nicolas family led by Jean-Valmy, and all the team at La Conseillante who have firmly established this estate at the very top of Pomerol's qualitative hierarchy in recent vintages.
97-100 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 La Conseillante was picked at 33hL/ha between 5 and 20 September and raised in 70% new oak plus 30% in amphorae. There is 13.9% alcohol. This is quite discrete on the nose, just like L'Évangile, only really opening after several minutes. Blackberry, blueberry, hints of iris flower, perhaps more floral than L'Évangile and Cheval Blanc. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins plus a fine bead of acidity. Fresh and focused, this is maybe less concentrated on the mid-palate than expected but that maintains an unerring sense of equilibrium. Tensile and very smooth with an underlying sense of strict like its aforementioned neighbors. A rough decant prizes this Pomerol open and reveals its inner core of mineralité. Anyone spending less than 15 minutes tasting this Pomerol is likely to have totally missed it. Saline both on the finish and aftertaste, Marielle Cazaux has crafted one of the most intellectual La Conseillante wines in recent years. Drink 2030-2065.
97-99 points
Neal Martin - VinousThis is sensational with extra fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with excellent length and so Conseillante in nature. Silky, silky, silky. Creamy texture. Flowers such as violets at the end. Love this. 87% merlot and 13% cabernet franc.
98-99 points
James SucklingA wine that has perfection written all over it is the 2022 Chateau La Conseillante, which is 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc that’s still resting in 70% new French oak, with a tiny amount in amphora as well. Revealing a vivid purple hue, it offers a perfumed yet incredibly classy, almost discreet bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, red plums, incense, and spice. This terroir never seems to yield the biggest, richest wine in a vintage, yet it's almost unrivaled in its ability to deliver complexity and elegance. Full-bodied on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and again, a purity of fruit that's just about off the charts, it's going to offer pleasure with just 4-6 years of bottle age (these usually enter their prime drinking window a decade after a vintage) and have 30-40 years of prime drinking. The 2022 hit 13.9% alcohol with a pH of 3.65.
98-100 points
Jeb DunnuckA sensational effort in 2022, utterly fabulous and one of my favourites. Smells ripe and potent, an air of opulence and richness, so perfumed and open with soft herbal and spiced elements. This wows on the palate, creamy tannins, rich but silky, so well integrated with cool, wet stone and blue fruit nuances and juicy acidity giving freshness. It manages to give with one hand and take away with the other, a supreme balancing act of providing the sumptuous power and concentration of the vintage but so delicately packaged with layers of energy, brightness and precision. Great movement and direction. Pure Pomerol power and pleasure on offer here, exciting and elegant and really feels like it’s not trying too hard. 5-6% press wine. Drink 2029 - 2050.
98-100 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterIf you ever wondered what a chocolate, violet smells like, check out the perfume here. Dark, almost opaque in color, the wine is pure silk, and velvet on the palate. There is a sense of luxury, as well as approachability here. Viscous, deep, and concentrated, yet, also, light, elegant, sensuous, and multi-faceted, the finish, looks at the 60 second mark, and just keeps on going. This is hedonism at its best. 2022 is at the level of the perfect 2016, if not even better. This is what rock-star wine is all about. La Conseillante lovers should be all over this wine! The wine blends 87% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Franc, with 8% press wine. 14% ABV, 3.65 pH. The harvest took place September 5 - September 20. Yields were 33 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2060.
98-100 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau La ConseillantePomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenClosure: CorkAs a wine often compared to Burgundy, Chateau La Conseillante produce one of the most refined and elegant examples in all of Bordeaux. Vines here are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and are situated on some of the finest land in Pomerol (with a touch of Saint-Emilion!).
Other Reviews....
A superb effort that transcends the challenges of the vintage, the 2021 La Conseillante offers up a beautifully perfumed nose of wild berries, raspberry coulis, violets, exotic spices and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, it's a sensual, seamless wine that's deep and layered, structured around supple tannins and lively acids. Perfumed and penetrating, the 2021 isn't the most powerful wine this estate has produced, but it brilliantly exemplifies the rare structural elegance and almost Burgundian aromatic range that so often set this great estate apart from the rest of the Pomerol appellation. It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
95-96 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 is a super-classic La Conseillante the likes of which has not been made here in a very long time. A Pomerol of vibrancy and tension, the 2021 bristles with energy from start to finish. All the elements are so well-balanced. Aromatic and delineated, with terrific drive, the 2021 is so impressive in the early going. Dried herbs, licorice, mocha, cassis and blackberry open beautifully. The 70% new oak is already nicely integrated. To be sure, the 2021 is nervy and taut, as most wines are in this vintage. But it's all there. Drink 2031-2061.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 La Conseillante was picked the latest in memory, from September 28 until October 8, at 39hL/ha, and matured in 70% new oak. It comes in at 13.3% alcohol and a pH of 3.6. The beautifully defined bouquet offers blackberry, bilberry and light iris petal scents, just a suggestion of black truffle coming though with time. The harmonious palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and lightly spiced red fruit. There is a very subtle ferrous note, lovely depth and grip on the finish, and a persistent aftertaste. A beautiful La Conseillante courtesy of winemaker Marielle Cazaux and her team. Drink 2027-2060.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - VinousLovely, balanced and linear with seamless, fine tannins that are soft and creamy. Medium-bodied. Very attractive berry, light walnut and violet character. Long finish.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe 2021 Château La Conseillante showed beautifully, and while it's not going to match the all-time greats here, it's a quintessential, elegant, seamless Pomerol in the making. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as a spectacular nose of pure cassis, ripe tobacco, damp earth, and ample floral nuances, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. It's a remarkable effort in this challenging vintage. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, still aging in 70% new barrels, that hit 13.3% alcohol and a pH of 3.6.
93-95 points
Jeb DunnuckViolets, incense, black raspberry, dark kirsch, plums, espresso, and earthy overtones crowd into the finish. Deeply colored, on the palate the wine is exactly as it should be, elegant, refined, lifted, vivacious, and energetic, with a savory edge to the earthy red fruits and a hint of oak that should become completely integrated with a few years time. Perhaps this is a modern day version of the 1985, which if you have not tasted it lately, has aged extremely well. The harvest took place September 28, October 10, making this the latest vintage in the history of the estate. The wine blends 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc, 13.3% ABV, 3.6 pH. The yields were 39 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2025-2050.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderIris and raspberry notes on the nose, delicately floral but fresh and lively - just shy of mouthwatering acidity - but enough to create such a lift on the first taste which has a juicy effect. The acidity is nicely balanced but this has such a gentle charm, a suaveness and sensuality to it, tannins are sleek and agile with some bitter dark chocolate and slate edges while the fruit is full of black cherry, plum and blueberry touches. But it’s the texture and the aromatic display that are so captivating - having density and weight but no heaviness. You get the ripeness in the flavour but the overall feeling remains cool and refreshing with tension and terroir on show in the wet stone nuance underpinning the fruit. Just pure grace and precision. An exceptional effort for the estate's 150th vintage. 'The worst thing on the label is the vintage' says general director Marielle Cazeaux "because people think it’s bad, but this is really the DNA of La Conseillante". 3.6pH. Merlot picked from 28th September to 1st October, Cabernet Franc on the 6th and 12th October. Drinking Window 2026 - 2049.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2023 Chateau la Croix Saint Georges Pre-Arrival OfferPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews.....
The 2023 La Croix St Georges is a terrific effort from this estate that neighbors Le Pin and shares a similar gravelly terroir. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of mulberries, plums and raspberries mingled with hints of licorice and kirsch, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit and a seamless, complete profile.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 La Croix St. Georges is a bold, generous Pomerol. The riper side of the year comes through in the wine's juicy, dark-toned fruit character. Hints of spice, menthol, licorice and chocolate add complexity, but this is a decidedly lush, overt style. Drink 2028-2038.
89-91 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe plum, chocolate and hazelnut character delivers here. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a long, polished finish. Crunchy.
93-94 points
James SucklingAll Merlot, the 2023 Château La Croix Saint Georges offers up a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, balanced profile revealing both plum and darker cherry fruits, some classic Merlot chocolate and savory herb nuances, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It's a satisfying, thoroughly enjoyable, if not outstanding, Pomerol that will drink well with just short-term cellaring.
89-91 points
Jeb DunnuckFlowers, chocolate covered cherries, licorice, and a leaf, or two of mint create the aromatic profile. The medium-bodied palate is even better with its crisp, soft, lush, silky, vibrant, polished, fresh character. The fruits are sweet, ripe, and juicy. There is purity matched with elegance. The finish is long, and lingering with its chocolate-coated black, and red fruits, with just a hint of smoke, and espresso to add another accent. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot. 14.61 ABV, 3.67 pH. This is clearly the start of another level for La Croix St. Georges. When bottled, it is possible the score could rise even further. Drink from 2028-2045.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau La Fleur-PetrusPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$520. 00Bottle$6240.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2021 La Fleur-Pétrus is performing nicely, exhibiting aromas of plums, cherries, sweet soil tones, loamy soil and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and seamless palate that's lively and charming. Classically proportioned and nicely balanced, if it takes on additional depth with élevage, I'd expect it to land at the upper end of my bracketed score.
91-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 30, 2022)The 2021 La Fleur-Pétrus is a regal, elegant wine. Rich and sumptuous, yet classically medium in body, the 2021 is impeccably balanced from start to finish. A rush of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, blood orange and cinnamon build into the exquisite, layered finish. The 2021 reinforces my view that La Fleur-Pétrus is the wine to focus on in the Moueix range. Hosanna and, especially Trotanoy, are more famous, to be sure, but in 2021 those wines are heavily shaped by the growing conditions of the year, while La Fleur-Pétrus is simply La Fleur-Pétrus. Classic Pomerol as far as I am concerned. Drink 2029-2041.
93-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousVery polished with fine tannins that finish intensely. It’s a medium-to full-bodied red with focus. Blackberry and blackcurrant flavors. Hints of tobacco and nutmeg, too.
95-96 points
James SucklingUnquestionably one of the standouts in the Moueix stable is the 2021 Château La Fleur-Petrus, a beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, elegant Pomerol that readers will love. Vivid purple in color with lots of cassis and darker berry fruits, it has classic Pomerol graphite, damp earth, and chalky minerality, some background oak, perfectly integrated tannins, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist and is going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
94-96 points
Jeb DunnuckDeep garnet in color, the wine opens with flowers, chocolate, truffles, licorice, espresso, dark plums, and red pit fruits. Plush, soft, and polished on the palate, with supple-textured, silky fruits in the elegant and almost flamboyant, sensuous finish. This is really quite strong, especially when you consider the difficulties in the vintage. The wine blends 95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The harvest took place September 23 - October 6. Drink from 2025-2049.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderSucculent and juicy straight away, this has a little party in your mouth giving the chalky strawberry, perfumed blackcurrant, dark chocolate, liquorice and pencil lead all together - bringing a ton of fruit, spice and acidity with thrilling results. You get a touch of austerity still, the minerality and salinity on the tongue but I love the expression here. Feels well worked, all in harmony with such precision on show. Pure class with a seductive core, gentle frame but intense concentration. Super long finish. The Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot really add that extra touch of deliciousness and intrigue. The star for me in the very impressive Moueix lineup this year. Drink 2027 - 2050.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2020 Chateau La Fleur-PetrusPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$630. 00Bottle$7560.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Unwinding in the glass with aromas of minty blackberries, loamy soil, black truffles and petroleum jelly, the 2020 La Fleur-Pétrus is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with a rich, layered core of fruit framed by supple, polished tannins, concluding with a broad, licorice-inflected finish. As in 2019, it outshines Trotanoy as the star of the Mouiex Pomerol portfolio. Drink 2025 - 2045.
96 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 07, 2023)The 2020 La Fleur-Pétrus is a gorgeous, polished wine. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, blood orange and pomegranate lend tons of immediacy and primary fruit character. Suave on the palate, with exquisite length, La Fleur-Pétrus is a wine of total sensuality. In 2020, ripeness is pushed to the edge, while the new oak is a bit present. Bright acids and sweet floral notes linger on the long, beautifully delineated finish. This is a bit more extroverted than I remember en primeur, but superb just the same. Drink 2030-2060.
95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousOne of the most powerful and significant La Fleur-Petrus I have ever tasted with incredible depth and power. It’s full and so layered with fine and intense tannins. It shows very dark fruits, dark chocolate with hazelnuts, and milk chocolate with almonds. This will age for eternity.
100 points
James SucklingThe finest vintage from this address I've ever tasted, as well as a perfect wine, the 2020 Château La Fleur-Petrus reveals a dense purple hue to go with a deep, layered, full-bodied, yet flawlessly balanced style carrying a smorgasbord-like array of red and black fruits, chocolate, dried flowers, spicy oak, and damp earth. It's not a powerhouse in the style of Trotanoy, Vieux Château Certain, or say, Clinet, but is all about finesse, elegance, and complexity. This magical Pomerol will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Drink 2027 - 2057.
100 points
Jeb DunnuckThe combination of incredible purity in the fruit, silky textures, a complex aromatic profile sporting truffles, flowers, licorice, plums, cherries, and cocoa, and a finish that is all about its silky, cashmere texture is what we call a hit! In every sense of the word, this is a magical wine that is rich, full-bodied, sensuous, and sexy, with a finish that lingers, expands, and inspires you to take another sip to experience it all over again. Drink from 2025-2055.
97 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider -
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2023 Chateau La Gaffeliere Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 La Gaffelière is very pure and floral on the nose, with black cherries intermingling with violet and iris flower scents. The new oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and layers of lightly spiced black fruit. Cedar and graphite furnish the poised but persistent finish. This is another in a succession of impressive wines from this estate that just oozes sensuality. Superb. Drink 2029-2055.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousThe center-palate reflects excellent terroir, with blackberry, black-olive and walnut aromas and flavors. Tight center-palate with firm but creamy tannins and a flavorful, classy finish.
94-95 points
James SucklingOne of the stars of the vintage, the 2023 Château La Gaffelière checks in as 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc resting in 50% new barrels. Cassis, smoked black fruits, graphite, and crushed stone all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It has a lot of oak but more than enough fruit and texture. It's serious stuff.
94-97 points
Jeb DunnuckA deep nose, floral, so perfumed, lots of ripe black bramble fruit. Concentrated and so full, there’s density on the palate, there’s so much ripe red fruit that fills the mouth with a soft grip to the tannins that support the fruit but doesn't overwhelm. This feels instantly classy, layered and complex with a gentle confidence. It’s round and slightly fleshy, although feels sculpted and muscular with volume, a lovely juiciness and a touch of dark chocolate, cedar and liquorice on the finish. Sophisticated. Drink 2029 - 2050.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterBlack plums, flowers, cherries, and fennel fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is luscious, elegant, polished, fresh, sweet, and lifted, with lingering cherries, and plums on the backend in the salted-chocolatey, finish. Drink from 2028-2050.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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- Nick's Import
2022 Clos la Gaffeliere Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Dark and ripe on the nose, tangy and fresh, a lovely clean, crisp aspect to the strawberry, red cherry and creamy vanilla blueberries giving freshness and cool minerality. Well delivered, has a style about this with definition and detail and above all really appealing acidity that gives lift and a lot of life. Should round out nicely offering lots of easy drinking appeal and unfussy enjoyment. 3.5pH. 3.7 g/L total acidity. Ageing for 12 months, 50% new barrels, 50% steel. Harvest September 6 - September 28. HVE3 certified. Drink 2025 - 2039.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterConcentrated with a ton of spice, bright and powerful dark cassis and bilberry fruit, and a saline kick on the finish. One of the real value wines of the vintage, has a huge sense of character, great architecture, and silky tannins.
94 points
Jane AnsonConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau La Gaffeliere Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 La Gaffelière derives exclusively from the prime hillside vineyards below Ausone that made this estate so compelling in the early and mid-twentieth century, and the 2022 is the finest wine produced at this address in many a year, surpassing the 2019 and 2020 in quality. Wafting from the glass with incipiently complex aromas of wild berries, violets, lilac, licorice, vine smoke and raw cocoa, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with a deep, multidimensional and beautifully vibrant core of fruit and polished tannins, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish.
95-96 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 La Gaffelière is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Refined, sculpted and wonderfully precise, La Gaffelière simply has it all. Hints of lavender, mint, blood orange, spice and black cherry fruit all race across the glass. Clean mineral notes and fine tannins support the finish. The delineation here is simply breathtaking. La Gaffelière is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Élevage is expected to be 19 months in 50% new oak and 50% neutral barrels. The 2022 is another exceptional wine from the Malet Roquefort family. Drink 2032-2062.
98-100 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis is serious. Bold and structured with beautiful fruit, which is crunchy and vibrant. Full body. Lots of complexity and depth with a wide and velvety tannin structure. Excellent length. Lots of blue fruits. Touch of whole cluster.
96-97 points
James SucklingThe 2022 Château La Gaffelière showed beautifully, with a medium to full-bodied, forward, sexy style carrying ample ripe black cherries, spring flowers, camphor, and graphite aromatics. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Saint-Emilion with nicely integrated tannins, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish. This is clearly a gorgeous Saint-Emilion in the making and is well worth seeking out. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, and this is certainly in the same ballpark, if not better than, the 2018, 2019, and 2020.
94-96+ points
Jeb DunnuckA little shy on the nose, straight and streamlined, so pure but with grip and attention-holding tannins, very softly grainy but also fresh and mineral giving licks of flint, graphite and mint. Calm and well controlled, nothing too out of place but clearly concentrated and intense with density. Focussed with drive and persistence, mouthwatering strawberry and cherry, with really chalky, crushed stone edges putting you on limestone in St-Emilion. The place speaks in the wine and it has good depth and drive. On the slightly more high toned, muscular, overt edge, needs to soften slightly, but this has detail and precision and exceptional juiciness which is so appealing. Punchy, forward, intense - a gorgeous wine in the making. 3.4pH. 3.55g/l total acidity. HVE3 certified. A yield of 40hl/ha. Ageing 13-15 months, 60% in new barrels. Harvest 7 September - 26 September. Derenoncourt consultants. Drink 2029 - 2045.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterRich, lush, deep and concentrated, the wine is fresh rich and vibrant with layers of sweet, ripe, vibrant, plums, cherries, flowers and crushed stones from start to finish. Drink from 2023-2050.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau La GaffeliereSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A notable success in this vintage, the 2021 La Gaffelière offers up aromas of sweet cherries and berries mingled with notions of licorice, loamy soil and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and enveloping, it's supple and charming, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins, concluding with impressive persistence. Tasted four times, twice at the château.
92-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 La Gaffelière is a wine of extraordinary finesse and class. Time in the glass brings out striking depth and complexity. The aromatics alone are beguiling but everything about the 2021 speaks to elegance. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, blood orange, mint and saline notes punctuate the finish. Drink 2031-2061.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 La Gaffelière was picked September 22 to October 15, and matured in 60% French new oak. There is a healthy 42% Cabernet Franc here. The nose is quite open with black cherry, blueberry and touches of violet and peony; the oak is nicely integrated. In the mouth, this is medium-bodied with fine delineation, good focus and real midpalate weight. Conveying good intensity and vibrancy, this continues a strong run for this Saint-Émilion estate. Drink 2028-2055.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousA very precise and curated wine with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium body. Dark berry and dark chocolate flavors and a creamy finish. Classy.
94-95 points
James SucklingPlummy, polished, soft, and fresh, the floral characteristics in the nose make an impression before you experience the multiple layers of sweet, ripe, juicy, dark plums, espresso, and chocolate in the mid-palate and in the round, soft, silky, long finish. Drink from 2023-2050.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderSucculent and supple, sugary, ripe, jammy tannins hit the palate with such a buzz and energy. It's not so complex at this point but I like the upfront nature: it's bright and bold, with bitter, salty minerality also coming through at the end - liquorice sticks, cedar, graphite. Clean, crisp and very enjoyable. Tannins are so smooth just perfectly integrated. Will be great in time and I love the cool mint aspect on the finish. Drinking Window 2025 - 2045.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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- Nick's Import
2022 Chateau La Lagune (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferHaut Medoc, Bordeaux, FRANCE$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Reminding me, like the 2019, of a modern-day version of the lovely 1990, the 2022 La Lagune bursts with aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, it's a broad, sensual wine with velvety tannins and a suave, charming profile. With 13.8% alcohol, it remains classically proportioned, with a rather high pH of over 3.8 likely contributing to its open, giving style this year.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 La Lagune really takes a while to settle in the glass. It eventually sheds its veneer of oak to reveal attractive blackberry, sous-bois and pencil box aromas, and an exotic element loitering just off-stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins that lacquer the mouth. Quite dense and muscular, yet it retains definition and plenty of freshness on the finish. It will require bottle age, but it should evolve into a fine La Lagune. Drink 2030-2060.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousThis is long and fresh with a linear feeling to the rich fruit, showing plums, redcurrants and spices, with chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. This is the first year being certified biodynamic by Biodyvin and furthermore, La Lagune is always excellent in hot years.
95-96 points
James SucklingOne of the best Haut-Médoc out there, the 2022 Château La Lagune reveals a dense purple hue as well as a classic Médoc bouquet of blackcurrants, leafy herbs, fresh earth, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. A stunning wine, it will have 30 years of longevity if properly stored.
92-94 points
Jeb DunnuckFragrant and floral on the nose. Juicy and vibrant, this has a lovely weight and depth on the palate while remaining cool and fresh. Generous mineral hints add to black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit while liquorice, graphite and wet stone give crisp edges with bite. Feels well constructed, not pushed too hard at all, but still offering a generous and appealing wine with mouthwatering acidity and fruit purity. Compact, but beautifully textured. Really just so appealing and inviting. Impressive and good potential. Tasted twice. Harvest 9-26 September. Drink 2028 - 2040.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterFlowers, spices, white and black cherries, espresso, and tobacco crowd into the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, silky, and fresh, with sweetness, and lift on the palate. The refined, finish leaves you with soft-textured, fresh, ripe, red berries and touches of herbs on the backend. Drink from 2026-2045.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau La Lagune Pre-Arrival OfferHaut Medoc, Bordeaux, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Reminding me, like the 2019, of a modern-day version of the lovely 1990, the 2022 La Lagune bursts with aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, it's a broad, sensual wine with velvety tannins and a suave, charming profile. With 13.8% alcohol, it remains classically proportioned, with a rather high pH of over 3.8 likely contributing to its open, giving style this year.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 La Lagune really takes a while to settle in the glass. It eventually sheds its veneer of oak to reveal attractive blackberry, sous-bois and pencil box aromas, and an exotic element loitering just off-stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins that lacquer the mouth. Quite dense and muscular, yet it retains definition and plenty of freshness on the finish. It will require bottle age, but it should evolve into a fine La Lagune. Drink 2030-2060.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousThis is long and fresh with a linear feeling to the rich fruit, showing plums, redcurrants and spices, with chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. This is the first year being certified biodynamic by Biodyvin and furthermore, La Lagune is always excellent in hot years.
95-96 points
James SucklingOne of the best Haut-Médoc out there, the 2022 Château La Lagune reveals a dense purple hue as well as a classic Médoc bouquet of blackcurrants, leafy herbs, fresh earth, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. A stunning wine, it will have 30 years of longevity if properly stored.
92-94 points
Jeb DunnuckFragrant and floral on the nose. Juicy and vibrant, this has a lovely weight and depth on the palate while remaining cool and fresh. Generous mineral hints add to black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit while liquorice, graphite and wet stone give crisp edges with bite. Feels well constructed, not pushed too hard at all, but still offering a generous and appealing wine with mouthwatering acidity and fruit purity. Compact, but beautifully textured. Really just so appealing and inviting. Impressive and good potential. Tasted twice. Harvest 9-26 September. Drink 2028 - 2040.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterFlowers, spices, white and black cherries, espresso, and tobacco crowd into the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, silky, and fresh, with sweetness, and lift on the palate. The refined, finish leaves you with soft-textured, fresh, ripe, red berries and touches of herbs on the backend. Drink from 2026-2045.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2023 Chateau La Louviere Blanc Pre-Arrival OfferPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews.....
The 2023 La Louvière Blanc has a reticent nose at first, but it just takes a few swirls to reveal real complexity and mineralité. This is a nuanced La Louvière Blanc—less outgoing than say, the Olivier Blanc. The palate is fresh and vibrant with an electric line of acidity that cuts through the concentrated white fruit. Beautifully composed on the finish, this is possibly the best white I have tasted from the estate at this early stage. Drink 2027-2047.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousSerious density to this with phenolic framing, yet it’s agile and vivid with sliced-apple, lemon and mineral character. Flavorful finish. Tight and composed.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe 2023 Château La Louvière Blanc is terrific, with classy notes of ripe pineapple, crushed citrus, and subtle minty herbs. It's balanced and has a round, layered texture as well as a clean finish. It certainly brings the fruit and texture of the vintage and will shine in its youth.
90-92 points
Jeb DunnuckChamomile, herbal, with lime aspects. A smooth, even creamy, palate with breadth and energy as well, showing off white peach and clementine orange, with agreeable toasty oak accents (the wine is ageing in 30% new oak barrels of 500 litres). Long finish, frank and a bit tart, but in a nice way. Ageing will make this a sure winner and the wine has the needed acidity and dry extract for more long-term keeping. Drink 2025 - 2038.
93 points
Panos Kakaviatos - DecanterVibrant in nature, the wine is loaded with crisp, fresh, sweet, juicy, green apples, pomelo and touches of pineapple, and lemon rind. This is going to be quite nice to enjoy on release for all of its fruit, and vibrancy. Drink from 2025-2032.
93 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.