Wine Spectator (97)

Not shy, this pumps lush, dark plum, cassis and fig fruit forward, backed by contrasting waves of grippy tobacco and licorice snap. Dense and muscular until the finish, when a well-buried chalky minerality begins to emerge, adding refinement and cut. A big style, built for the cellar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2042. — JM

Wine Spectator (97)

Not shy, this pumps lush, dark plum, cassis and fig fruit forward, backed by contrasting waves of grippy tobacco and licorice snap. Dense and muscular until the finish, when a well-buried chalky minerality begins to emerge, adding refinement and cut. A big style, built for the cellar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2042. — JM

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

A gorgeous wine, yet one that's going to demand bottle age, the 2019 La Mondotte comes from a tiny vineyard located just beside Pavie Decesse and is always a blend of mostly Merlot with roughly 15-30% Cabernet Franc, brought up in new French oak. Mulled blackcurrants, darker cherries, tobacco leaf, chocolate, lead pencil, and burning ember-like nuances all emerge from this brilliant wine, and it's full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, with good acidity, building tannins, and a great, great finish. It holds onto the more classic, focused style of the vintage, yet it's a beast of a wine that brings the goods. Hide bottles for a solid 7-8 years or more, count yourself lucky, and it's going to have 30-40 years of longevity.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Just about pure perfection, the 2020 La Mondotte comes from a tiny parcel of limestone soils on the upper plateau, not far from Troplong Mondot. Mostly Merlot with a small amount of Cabernet Franc, its deep purple hue is followed by a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, crushed stone, graphite, mulled black cherries, and hints of truffle. Full-bodied, incredibly elegant yet also concentrated and flawlessly balanced, it's as good as anything in the vintage. Give bottles 4-6 years in the cellar, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Just about pure perfection, the 2020 La Mondotte comes from a tiny parcel of limestone soils on the upper plateau, not far from Troplong Mondot. Mostly Merlot with a small amount of Cabernet Franc, its deep purple hue is followed by a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, crushed stone, graphite, mulled black cherries, and hints of truffle. Full-bodied, incredibly elegant yet also concentrated and flawlessly balanced, it's as good as anything in the vintage. Give bottles 4-6 years in the cellar, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades.

James Suckling (97-98)

A dense yet agile wine with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and citrus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that spread across the palate, running the length of the wine and helping it to last for minutes on the finish. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)

Haut-Bailly's 2013 La Parde Haut-Bailly impresses for its silky tannins and feminine, gracious personality. Raspberries, crushed flowers and sweet spices are some of the many notes that flesh out in an inviting, fruit-driven red that will drink well right out of the gate. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling (92-93)

Very minerally and salty with lots of dried fruit, currant and floral aromas and flavors. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Excellent second wine.

La Pensee 2018 is a vintage masterpiece, meticulously crafted in the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion, France. Renowned for an impeccable blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this panache wine embodies the true spirit of its terroir. Its origin, Château Coutet, boasts a lineage of wine-making dating back to Roman times, making each bottle a testament to centuries-old tradition and expertise. The 2018 vintage indulges your senses with a delicate bouquet of ripe, red fruits complemented by subtle undertones of earthy spices.

La Pensee 2018 undergoes a strict vinification process that enhances its uniqueness. Aged in French oak barrels, it develops a structured yet sophisticated character that is an emblem of Saint-Émilion's terroir. The hand-harvesting and meticulous selection ensure that only the most superior grapes are chosen, delivering a wine that lives up to Château Coutet's stellar reputation.

Vinous - Neal Martin (83-85)

The 2019 La Pensée feels as if it might have been picked a day or two tardy on the nose. Pruny notes infuse the black fruit. The palate is sweet and rather overdone, missing charm and terroir expression on the finish.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2017 La Petite Eglise is poweful and rich in the glass. Dark purplish berry fruit, charcoal, licorice, clove and lavender are some of the many nuances that infuse the 2017 with its distinctly somber personality. Unctuous and racy in feel, with superb density, the 2017 is a decidedly extroverted Pomerol. Tasting it from bottle, I have the same impression I did en primeur: it is easily better than many top bottlings.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is very tight and long for Petite Église with a very compact and focused palate. Medium-to full-bodied, compressed palate with ripe tannins that are firm and fresh.

James Suckling (95-96)

A really refined red with blue fruit, subtle chocolate and sandalwood. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and refined. Very pure. It goes on and on. One of the best I remember.

James Suckling (95-96)

Very fresh, perfumed aromas of blackberries, black olives and some white pepper. The palate is full and extremely polished with lovely depth and length. Lovely second wine. Serious.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)

The 2017 La Prade is rich and powerful, just as it was from barrel. A rush of blackberry jam, gravel, spice, leather and smoke gives the 2017 its somber, virile personality. Potent in both its fruit and tannic structure, the 2017 could use a year or two in bottle to come together, but I imagine it will always remain a bit rustic. There is no shortage of intensity, that much is clear. Yields are down 50% - 7 hectares in production, 4.5 were not frosted, but this is rustic. Tasted three times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)

The 2017 La Tour de Mons is an attractive, perfumed Margaux with lovely red berry fruit and floral aromatics. Pliant and understated, the 2017 will be easy to enjoy upon release. It is perhaps a little light, but quite pretty just the same.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2017 La Vieille Cure has a clean and well defined bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, well integrated oak with a detailed, characterful finish that is very satisfying. This Fronsac has certainly developed nicely since its showing in barrel and comes recommended.

James Suckling (98-99)

This is a massive Pomerol with incredible concentration and power yet it holds together beautifully with chocolate, walnut and dark fruit character. Remains vibrant and lively.

Wine Advocate (94-96+)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Violette is a little reticent to begin, unfurling to give crushed blackberries and blackcurrants notes with touches of forest floor, truffles, cast iron pan and star anise. The palate is exquisitely balanced and intense, with firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness framing the rock-solid, muscular fruit, finishing very long.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)

Made by the team at Le Gay, the tiny production, garagiste-styled 2018 Château La Violette is another magical wine, offering a saturated purple color, heavenly notes of black and blue fruits, smoky oak, chocolate, and earth, full-bodied richness, and layers of polished tannins. Despite being a big, powerful wine, nothing is out of place, it has thrilling purity, and is a gorgeous wine any way you look at it. Buy it if you can.

James Suckling (95)

A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.

James Suckling (95)

A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2017 Labégorce is powerful yet nuanced, and wonderfully complete. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and licorice grace this wine of tremendous complexity. While it is towering in its size, richness and intensity, the 2017 is also surprisingly elegant. Creamy, ample and flavorful, this is a very good wine with rather pretty floral notes that grace the exquisite finish.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2017 Labégorce is powerful yet nuanced, and wonderfully complete. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and licorice grace this wine of tremendous complexity. While it is towering in its size, richness and intensity, the 2017 is also surprisingly elegant. Creamy, ample and flavorful, this is a very good wine with rather pretty floral notes that grace the exquisite finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (93-96)

Another winner from Margaux is the 2018 Château Labégorce, which is an interesting blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (although I was given slightly different blends for the two samples tasted). Aging in 40% new oak, this deeply colored effort offers a beautiful perfume of blueberries, raspberries, flowers, and spice. It’s medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity, and fine tannins, and should be approachable right out of the gate. It’s worth mentioning this estate has been managed by Marjolaine de Coninck since 2009, and it’s a rocking value in the market today. Tasted twice.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2023 Labégorce has a well-defined bouquet with vivacious redcurrant, strawberry and violet scents that could only come from Margaux. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, well-judged acidity that lends just the right amount of tension. Lightly spiced on the finish that lingers in the mouth with pleasing saline notes on the aftertaste. This should age well in bottle.

James Suckling (99-100)

Incredible, young Sauternes with so much spicy, dried-mushroom, dust and powdered-earth character on the nose and palate, Full-bodied with a medium-sweet palate and a finish that is endless. Apricots, dried lemons and peaches. Caramel. Great balance. Greatest modern vintage? 6,000 bottles made.