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Forbes
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bordeaux Vintage 2024 - Tasting Notes For Right Bank Red Wines
Selected tasting notes below are for right bank Bordeaux red wines and accompany a companion article titled titled Bordeaux Wine Vintage 2024 – Varied, Challenging, Aromatic, Precise, and another companion article titled Bordeaux Vintage 2024 Tasting Notes - Left Bank, EDM And White Wines. Château Monlabert. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 94 points. 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged 14 months in partially new oak. Firm structure, black cherry dominant aromas as well as a brew of fragrances of cocoa, tar and black licorice. Balanced and generous wine with supple tannins, rounded and black fruit and vibrant underlying acidity. Basket of dark grapes, Bordeaux, France Château Croix de Labrie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 95+ points. 80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc from 60-year-old vines, and from 100-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines from which owners make their own massal selection. Aged in barriques as well as foudre. Initial aromas are brisk with slight minerality, light and bright red fruits such as raspberries and plums as well as cassis. Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit. Tannins are low key but creamy; overall a light and fine wine with beautiful length. 14,000 bottles produced. Château Bellevue. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 95 points. This 100% Merlot includes a light perfume of red and black cherries and red plums. Beautiful soft and fine flavors of black berries; well integrated with tannins. Gentle and subtle complexity. Chateau Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 95 points. Perfume and aromas of violets, roses, black pepper, black berries. Smoky flavors with creamy tannins, bright acidity, complexity and some chocolate on the finish. Fantastic length. Château Angélus. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 97 points. 60/40 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc from this 40th vintage of Hubert de Boüard, and the tenth vintage of his working with Benjamin Laforet. Supple, delicate, charming aromas of cassis tart, black cherry sorbet, as well as woodland trail. A spider's web that includes with both tension and delicacy. Ethereal fine tightrope between cassis, silky tannins and acidity. Harmoniously balanced, with brimming acidity. Molten flavors of black cherries and blueberries. No matter the vagaries of vintage, Angélus always pulls through with balance and quality. Château Angélus. Carillon d'Angélus. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 94+ points. 90/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Supple cloud of light and elegant aromas of fudge, red and black cherries, cassis. Beautifully integrated dark red fruit dominating, as well as chocolate flavors. Slight spices of ginger and nutmeg on the finish. Balanced with elegant and supple tannins and bristling supporting acidity. Delicious package. Harvest team at work at Château Angélus, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Château Rochebelle. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 91-92 points. Balanced aromas that include florals, raspberries and cherries. Supple tannins, keen acidity. Still needs integration of components, but flavors verge on harmonious. Château Tour Saint-Pierre. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 91+ points. From technical director David Caillaud, this wine aged in French oak barrels is a 89/11 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc that includes 13% alcohol and has fresh, sparky aromas of spring red fruit. Flavors include cassis and black cherries with balanced acidity. Château Petit Val. Rosé. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 90-91 points. 50/50 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Aromas of florals, candy cane, pineapple and shortcake. Expressive fruit and easy drinking rosé with pronounced structure and minerality. Bien-Aimée de Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 92+ points. Made, as with all red wines from Vignobles Jade, with indigenous yeast. Bright and light plumes of aromas of red plums, red cherries, and bright black cherries in this wine aged in cement. Light, bright, scintillating fruit flavors that include raspberries. Spring brilliance. Château La Marzelle. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 93+ points. 80/13/7 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 30-year-old vines. Aromas include violets, red plums, cocoa, cassis, cookie dough, some green grass. Fine and precise flavors with balanced acidity. A tightrope vintage—fine line of tension between light fruit and acidity. Easy drinking. Château Monlot. Heritage de Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93-94 points. Red fruit aromas dominant, including plums and raspberries. Also peaches and some gorse in this 13.5% alcohol wine. Good fruit and acidity although it needs a few years to integrate. Long finish on this year's somewhat Beaujolais version of Bordeaux. Easy drinking. Pair with chicken or pigeon. Château Saint Georges. Côte Pavie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94+ points. 85/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged 16 months in oak. Delicate, profound and complex perfumes of hibiscus, queen of the night, violets as well as some mocha and mint. Dynamic acidity melded with soft fondant tannins. Flavors include black and red cherries and blueberry tart on a sparky finish. Incredibly well assembled for this vintage. 13% alcohol. Château La Gaffelière. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 94 points. 60/40 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged partially in new oak. 13.5% alcohol. Lively expressive aromas that include candy cane and After Eight mints as well as blueberries, red cherries and violets. Intensely suave integration of textured berries. Château Angélus. No. 3. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 91+-92 points. 85/20/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh, clean, direct, focused and brilliant aromas of florals and raspberries. Light wine with acidity dominant; flavors of young red fruit, some herbaceousness. Supple tannins, semi complex, easy drinking. Cabernet Franc vines at Château Angélus, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Château Grand Mayne. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 95-96 points. 70/25/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/ Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in oak. 13.7% alcohol. Fresh sea spray of aromas that include violets, cocoa, tobacco and red cherries. Fondant suave tannins and succulence in this soft and layered gem. Complex layer cake of flavors that include German chocolate cake and red cherries. Château Mangot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 96 points. A 64/34/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Fantastic value for this biodynamic wine from the Todeschini brothers. Deep dark purple color, beautiful aromas of violets, florals, red cherries and some mocha/cocoa. Light acidity is a reminder of a Fleurie from Beaujolais—though this Bordeaux includes requisite tannins and structure. Concentrated and rich flavors from a basket of light fruit that includes cassis, strawberries, raspberries. Excellent integration of components give a fresh and light fruit expression. Relais de La Dominique. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93-94 points. 100% Merlot from the coolest locations on the estate and from both older and younger vines. Bright and festive aromas include wet earth and red cherries. Tightly integrated dense mid palate that is a cherry explosion with some menthol as well as black cherries and morels. Bright acidity on the finish. A well-integrated and easy drinking package with succulent and suave tannins. Château La Dominique. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 94+ points. 85/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in new and used French oak and amphorae. 13.5% alcohol. Buoyant, festive, succulent, fine, light aromas of red and black cherries. Flavors include cassis, chocolate cake. Light as a Fleurie from Beaujolais but with a firm tannic backbone. Easy drinking and well made wine from technical director Yann Monties. Château Petit Val. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94-95 points. From the Alloin family, this 70/30 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged in new oak has an intense perfume of lavender and violets and aromas of gingerbread, spice, salinity and black pepper. Well integrated flavor components include candy cane and raspberries in a generous juice. Supple tannins, fine and light acidity; well balanced and easy to drink now. Château Petit Val. Muse du Val. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93+ points. 50/50 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend vinified in barrels. Pronounced perfumes and aromas of bon bons, raspberries, orange rind, violets and slight menthol. Complex and festive layer cake of red and black cherries, chocolate and nutmeg. Soft, light, fluid tannins in this well made and classic wine. Pair with sashimi or a dessert of strawberry tart. Wines from Château Petit Val, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Château Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94+ points. 70/30 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged in barrels, amphorae and cement. Aromas of violets, red cherries, some lava cake. A wine for food that includes flavors of red cherries in a textured mid palate with heft and elegance. Château L'Etampe. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94+ points. Creamy aromas of mocha, raspberries and cassis. Mid palate with heft, finesse and fine tension between acidity and red fruit. Pair with mushroom velouté. Vignobles Jade. Fontfleurie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93 points. Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Light, fine, dominant and gorgeous aromas of black cherries. Crackling acidity, supple tannins, waves of light spring fruit flavors such as raspberries as well as some morels and black licorice. Château Du Parc. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 90-91 points. 100% Merlot aged up to 18 months in new oak. Aromas of light red fruit and some greenery. Attack and finish lacking but mid palate creamy and rich acidity. Château Montviel. Pomerol. 2024. 92 points. Clean and clear aromas that include violets, sultanas and some green grass. Fine and precise flavors with acidity dominant. Pleasant mouth feel and heightened taste of black and red fruit including cassis and red plums. Subtle and elegant tannins. Château Fayat. Promesse. Pomerol. 2024. 91-92 points. This 100% Merlot includes easy and approachable aromas of florals that include violets, as well as red cherries and toast. Somewhat peppery in the mouth with flavors that include cherries and spices. Bright acidity and slightly complex. Clos René. Pomerol. 2024. 91-92 points. Herbaceous and wild aromas followed by supple tannins with flavors of mocha and blackberries. Crackling acidity on the finish. Château Beauregard. Pomerol. 2024. 94-95 points. 67/24/9 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon aged up to 18 months in partially new French oak. Crisp, brittle and fresh perfume of violets and roses and aromas of light red fruits that include raspberries and strawberries. Soft and melted tannins and heightened acidity suavely integrated with fruits and alcohol before a lovely long finish. Merlot grapes at a château in Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Château Saint-Pierre. Pomerol. 2024. 94-95 points. 85/15 Merlot/Cabernet Franc from an eight acre plot that has been in the family for over a century. Vinified with 10% stems in amphorae. Generous perfume of violets and aromas of red and black cherries that are fine, precise and light. Beautiful spice, black currants, chocolate and herbs of Provence in this deliciously complex wine well integrated with suave tannins and slight salinity. A hint of peaches and red licorice on the finish. Château La Violette. Pomerol. 2024. 94 points. Slightly herbaceous aromas followed by violets. Delicate and suave tannins in this chewy and textured mouthful that includes flavors of brownies and blue fruit. Brilliant, uplifting and creamy finish. Clos Bel Air. Pomerol. 2024. 92+ points. Thin aromas of raspberries in this 95/5 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 12.5% alcohol. Gorgeously creamy mid palate with supple blue and red fruit flavors. Château Renaissance. Pomerol. 2024. 93-94 points. This 85/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc is aged in both old and new oak as well as in terracotta amphorae. Beautiful aromas of violets, roses as well as mocha, coffee, black pepper and allspice. Light, delicate and slightly spicy flavors include red plums. Château Le Gay. Pomerol. 2024. 93-94 points. Making this wine required 280 barrels used for microvinification. Prim aromas of violets, tobacco and slight mocha. Crisp tension between acidity, tannins and blue and red fruit in the mouth. Textured with a crisp finish. Flavors include dark plums, dorp licorice and slight salinity on the finish. Balanced, light, fine and delicate wine. Château Petit-Village. Pomerol. 2024. 94 points. 60/31/9 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 55+ year old vines. Aged up to 16 months in partially new French oak barriques as well as in 500 liter barrels. 13% alcohol. Organic wine includes young perfumed aromas of black cherries, red cherries, florals, some herbaceousness. Rich, supple and suave tannins as well as ripe, lambent, dominant acidity. Subtle flavors include strawberries, raspberries. Deft tannins and some chocolate on a silky finish. Keep this for a few years before opening. Château Plain Point. Fronsac. 2024. 94-95 points. 90/8/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon that spends over a year in barrel and includes an alcohol level of 13.5%. Supple, sweet, well integrated aromas that include minerality, gorse, strawberries, blackberries. These turn more supple after five minutes in the glass. Gorgeous balanced and precise flavors include red plums, red cherries, raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon and mocha. Lovely, fine, supple and creamy tannins well integrated with fruit. Interior of Château Plain Point, Fronsac, Bordeaux, France Château de Carles. Fronsac. 2024. 92-93 points. 100% Merlot. Some Provence herbs and young red fruit aromas. Heightened acidity, supple tannins, bright fruit. Long finish to this well integrated wine. Château de Carles. Haut-Carles. Fronsac. 2024. 93 points. Merlot dominant wine with one fifth Cabernet Franc that aged in both barrels and amphorae. Slightly smoky aromas include dark and ripe blackberries. Supple tannins, bright fruit that is lightbur lacks density. Château Gaby. Canon-Fronsac. 2024. 92+ points. 80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of black pepper, brownies and red cherries. Acidity dominant and flavors include light red fruit such as raspberries. Needs time for integration of flavors. Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2024. 93+ points. 100% Merlot that will eventually age for 33 months in French oak. Fresh, zesty and pronounced aromas of granite, black pepper and licorice. Supple tannins, sparky acidity, dark fruit flavors that bolt in the mouth. Well integrated components. Château La Brande. Castillon. 2024. 92+ points. The Todeschini brothers are still generating wines of great value both in Saint-Émilion and Castillon. This wine lacks the characteristically indelicately chalky characteristics of many wines from that appellation and the aromas are fine and precise and include raspberries and red cherries. Flavors of light red fruit, cherry tart and sparking acidity with a lovely finish and pronounced length. 13.5% alcohol. Château Le Virou. Vielles Vignes. Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux. 2024. 92 points. From winemaker Pauline Gentet, this 70/15/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 35-year-old vines ages partially for 12 months in American oak. Crackling aromas of red and black fruit. Crisp acidity in this young but delicious wine that is a bargain. Winemaker Pauline Gentet at Château Le Virou, Blaye, Bordeaux, France Château Mangot. Rosé. 2024. 90-91 points. 100% biodynamic Merlot with 12% alcohol. Fresh aromas of pineapples, mangoes, peaches. In the mouth—tension and minerality. Famille Todeschini. Préface. Vin de France. 2024. 92+ points. Made from white Merlot, a 'lost grape' that is a hybride of Folle Blanche and Merlot. Aromas of white pears, guavas, honeysuckle and lavender. Deliciously fresh with beautiful acidity. 2,700 bottles produced. Unique and uplifting. Château Moya. Vin de Bordeaux. 2024. 93 points. 93/7 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas reminiscent of a Beaujolais with florals such as roses dominant. Also aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, black cherries. Complex wine with beautifully taut tension, flavors of light red fruit, belle acidité and an enjoyable tangy snap on the finish.
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Bordeaux Wine Vintage 2024 – Varied, Challenging, Aromatic, Precise
Cabernet Franc grapes at Château Angélus, Bordeaux, France How fares Bordeaux wine vintage of 2024? That answer differa depending on who and where you ask, and whether you mean now or in the future. 'It's called the Olympic vintage, because to go to the Olympic Games you have to work very hard,' explained Pierre Courdurié of Clos de Labrie in Saint-Émilion. Weather paints part of the signature for each wine vintage, and a graphic from Cháteau La Lagune on the left bank of the Gironde Estuary tells a story. Rainfall was significantly higher than average during the months of February, March and May of 2024, while temperatures were higher than average during February, March and April. These conditions were conducive to diseases such mildew and botrytis, which winemakers resist by treating vines or removing leaves to improve air circulation. This focused work required additional labor and time, which larger estates had better capacities to fund. 'It was the vintage of great terroirs,' said winemaker Vincent Priou of Château Petit Village and Cháteau Beuregard in Pomerol on the right bank, Bordeaux. He added that it was likely the most challenging vintage he has faced in his 34 years of experience. Château Beauregard, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France There was frost for four days between April 19 and 23rd, followed by mildew and coulure on flowers in early June. These conditions resulted in some producers losing a quarter of their grapes. When storms arrived at the end of August, the choice of when to harvest turned critical. 'You had to be precise because it rained. You had to be sure the grapes were ripe,' Courdurié emphasized. Caroline Techeyney, owner or Vignobles Jade, agreed. 'There were thunderstorms and a lot of rain at key moments in the vines' growth. September was very complicated. We try to pick at the right maturity—not too ripe and not underripe.' More grapes were lost when they reached the winery after harvest. After inspection, defective grapes were discarded at a sorting table and perhaps again via technology such as laser optical or densimetric sorting equipment. 'Vinify the good plots correctly and then discard what's not right,' stated Thomas Peré, wine quality director for the wine properties of Pierre Jean Larraque. 'It's not a vintage of the century, but there are still some reds where we've managed to bring them to a good level and get some nice results.' Courdurié emphasized that a decade and a half ago most winemakers would not have had the technological tools to sort grapes as precisely as now. That point highlights that those who cannot afford such technology are at a disadvantage for producing quality wine after the challenging conditions of 2024. Winery owners Pierre Courdurié (right) of Croix de Labrie and Jean-Charles Joris of Chateau La Marzelle '2024 was an extremely costly vintage to produce,' wrote Colin Hay of The Drinks Business publication. Undoubtedly those lacking financial resources to fund adequate staff or equipment were at greater risk. Wine producers responded as best they could to challenges. 'A fireman doesn't complain about going to the fire,' said Benjamin Laforet from Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion. After picking, vinification was gentle and at low temperatures for many producers, who also chose to steer clear of using excessive new oak for aging. Apart from the physical demands of tending vines, what wine quality resulted? First, there is little consistency across the region, meaning the vintage is not heterogeneous. 'Between the unpredictable weather, the hail, and the disease pressure—we've seen very different ripening times depending on the appellation,' explained Thomas Peré. 'Across the Gironde region, it's very different. Even within each region, it's different. To say that 2024 is an excellent vintage or a bad vintage is not true. Some vineyards found it difficult. For others it was typical, and for others it was very good. It will be a matter of searching each region for the gems that have come out well.' Second, it was a vintage for lightness in terms of body, as well as in levels of alcohol. 'It wasn't a vintage for making powerful wines, because the climate wasn't right for making such intensity,' explained Yann Monties, technical director of Château La Dominique in Saint-Émilion. Henri Parent, co-owner of Château Le Gay and Château La Violette in Pomerol, Bordeaux Pierre Courdurié compared it to the stellar and benchmark vintage of 2022. 'It doesn't have the density on the palate and we don't have very powerful tannins compared to 2022. We're not going to see wines that are ostentatious.' Many wines I sampled in April include alcohol levels that range between 12.5% and 13.5%. At one individual tasting of 40 wines from different châteaux, the highest alcohol level was 13.7%. This lower alcohol, incidentally or coincidentally, pairs with current consumer demand trends. Third, many aromatics are perfumed and pronounced to a higher degree than any vintage during the past decade. There is semblance to Beaujolais crus, though with greater structure. Many I sampled included unusually fine, delicate, precise and attractive aromas. 'We have aromatics that are just superior to 2022,' Courdurié of Clos de Labrie noted. 'We kept the bright, vibrant side of the aromatics.' 'The wines of the 2024 vintage are distinguished by remarkable tension and delicate aromatic expression,' Château La Dominique stated. Benjamin Laforet of Château Angélus said. 'To simply translate the crisp side of the Merlot, with its freshness and floral notes, we had to preserve and protect them so carefully.' Fourth, flavors are generally also light, fine and precise and include young ripe red fruit. Vineyard in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 'The vintage was difficult to understand,' explained Karl Todeschini, winemaker and co-owner of Château Mangot. 'There was enormous work in the vines and a lot of thinking in the cellar. It needed lots of courage to get the expression—which is straightforward purity and delicacy.' Fifth, of four components of fruit, acidity, tannins and alcohol, acidity appears prominent and may help wines from this vintage age well. 'The freshness is perfect and the wines will age well because of the acidity,' oenologist Philippe Nunes from right bank Bordeaux and Entre-Deux-Mers said. 'It's a vintage that, in my opinion, will keep much longer than other vintages that aren't that old,' Courdurié emphasized. Sixth, many wines include a persistent and attractive length. 'The finish is long and comes back in successive layers,' Courdurié said, reflecting my own notes from tasting dozens of 2024 wines. 'We have a lot of precision in the wines, with refined and more precise length,' he noted. Seventh, tannins can be low key but supple. 'Very silky, cashmere-like tannins, very elegant, very chiseled,' Courdurie noted. Château Angelus agreed, stating that the palate includes 'rich tannins with the texture of cashmere.' Eighth, white wines from vintage 2024 fared especially well. Concrete fermentation tanks in Château Beauregard, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France The year 2024 is the fourth year that Vignobles Jade has produced white wine. Owner Caroline Teycheney noted that, 'Our Bordeaux white wine has a beautiful expression and we're developing a distinct style with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon.' Courdurie agreed, noting that, 'It's a very good year for white wine.' Ninth, the difference between good and poor quality wines for vintage 2024 is large. Although various winemakers mentioned that the vintage is superior to 2021, my limited tasting indicated that the range of difference between excellent and poor quality wines from this vintage is more noticeable than that of vintage 2021. Wines of poor quality from vintage 2024 include excessive green notes in both aromas and flavors and often disjointed flavors. Tenth, wines are ready to drink now, but many are likely to keep for a long time. 'These wines that are drinkable, easy to digest. But it's also definitely a vintage to keep,' Courdurie noted. Fresh fish and white wine during En Primeurs wine tasting in Bordeaux, France In summary? 2024 was a challenging vintage. Winemakers with financial and technical resources and good terroir fared well, whereas those unable to put in the required hard effort faced challenges achieving quality. Aromas from vintage 2024 can be beautifully perfumed, fruit flavors fine, light and precise, and acidity dominant to help wines age well. Many are fresh and ready to drink now, although certainly not all; a good percentage will need years to better integrate components. The length of some wines can be amazing, and this vintage favors wines. The best from Bordeaux 2024 will be remembered for lightness, delicacy and aromatic beauty. Tasting notes for a representative selected wines are included in these two companion articles titled Bordeaux Vintage 2024 - Tasting Notes For Right Bank Red Wines, and Bordeaux Vintage 2024 Tasting Notes - Left Bank, EDM And White Wines.
Forbes
11-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Bordeaux Vintage 2024 Tasting Notes - Left Bank, EDM And White Wines
Saint Estephe village, Bordeaux, France The following wine tasting notes are for left bank and Entre-Deux-Mers Bordeaux red wines, as well as for a few Bordeaux white wines. These notes accompany a companion article titled Bordeaux Wine Vintage 2024 – Varied, Challenging, Aromatic, Precise, as well as a companion article titled Bordeaux Vintage 2024 - Tasting Notes For Right Bank Red Wines Chateau Barre Gentillot. Inspiration. Graves de Vayres. 2024. 90+ points. Aged in French oak. Slightly smoky aromas that include wild herbs. Crisp and raw acidity needs time to amalgamate with red fruit. Château Auguste. Bordeaux. 2024. 90-91 points. 50/25/25 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon with tangy aromas and flavors of wild strawberries and creamy black cherries as well as some herbs. Château Larteau. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2024. 93 points. 100% Merlot with no wood used in aging. Light aromas and delicate flavors of rich fruits that include red cherries. Supple tannins and a wonderfully bright mid palate. Fine finish. Château Senailhac. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2024. 91 points. 58/31/11 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot with 13% alcohol. Freshness and flavors of crisp young fruit, though lacking the usual structure. Sunrise at Langoiran, Entre Deux Mers, Bordeaux, France Cháteau Labegorce. Margaux. 2024. 91 points. 50/45/3/2 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot aged in partially new French oak for up to 16 months. Aromas of gorse, eucalyptus, red and black cherries. Light body, with light flavors of red fruit. Château Chantegrive. Graves. 2024. 93+ points. 58/40/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot from 22 year old vines. 13% alcohol. Aged in partially new French oak barrels for 12 months. Bright aromas of young red fruit as well as green grass and minerality. Supple tannins, fine crackling fruit flavors; crisp acidity and beautiful length. Château Laffitte Carcasset. Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. Saint-Estéphe. 2024. 93-94 points. 60/35/5 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc from 30 year old vines. Aged 12 months in partially new oak. Bright, layered and soft aromas of raspberries as well as some graphite and cocoa. Light, bright and attractively well integrated flavors that include raspberries and red cherries. Brilliant acidity; supple tannins. Optical sorting reduced 15% of berries tainted by mildew. Château Lamothe-Bergeron. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. Haut-Médoc. 2024. 92+ points. 50/45/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot. Aromas of black peppers and spices. Supple tannins in this basket of fine, light and bright red fruits. Pair with veal and tagliatelle. Grapes in Médoc, Bordeaux, France Château Granins Grand Poujeaux. Moulis en Médoc. 2024. 92-93 points. 55/40/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot with distinctly supple aromas that include green notes. Well integrated suave tannins and red fruit and flavors that include blueberries in this light and fine juice. Château Branas Grand Poujeaux. Moulis-en-Médoc. 2024. 93+ points. Aromas of fresh blueberries and black cherry tart. Supple and soft tannins, well integrated acidity and overall—delicious. Château La Lagune. Haut-Médoc. 2024. 52/42/6 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot. Rich aromas of ripe red fruit and slight herbaceousness from this biodynamic wine. Bright acidity, fine and light tannins and light red fruit. Château Larrivet Haut-Brion. Pessac-Léognan. 2024. 94+ points. 62/25/13 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged in new barrels and a small amount aged in amphorae. 13% alcohol. Pronounced, fine and fresh aromas of molasses, tar and blackberry jam followed by flavors of fresh dark plums with bright acidity, treacle, chocolate and blueberries. Strong, fresh and soft tannins. Absolutely delicious with prominent acidity. Domaine de Chevalier. Grand Cru Classé de Graves. Pessac-Léognan. 2024. 94-95 points. 65/30/5 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot aged for 16 months in partially new oak. Flavors include chocolate chips and raspberry tart. Classic and complex with well-integrated tannins. 12.45% alcohol. Château Paveil de Luze. Margaux. Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. 2024. 95 points. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in new and used oak. 12.5% alcohol. Succulent aromas of honeysuckle and violets, as well as blueberries, cinnamon, apples, toast and brownies. In the mouth—fondant melted suave tannins and soft, velvety texture. Flavors include blue and red fruits bathed in low key acidity which allows the fruit flavors to dominate. Margaux, Bordeaux, France Château Clément-Pichon. Haut-Médoc. 2024. 91-92 points. 84/26 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh and will integrated perfume that includes ripe raspberries and red cherries and slight honey. Slightly jammy flavors with some herbaceousness on the finish, but luscious easy drinking. Soft tannins. Famille Teycheney. Blanc de L'Etampe. 2024. 94-95 points. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from massal selection grapes from Lilian Bérillon. In conversion to biodynamic. Crisp and clean aromas include grapefruit, lemongrass, limes and salinity. Classic Sauvignon Blanc but with pronounced subtleties. Succulent mid palate with lightness that provides a pleasant oily mouth feel. Rounded and textured. 1,500 bottles produced. A wine for food. Château Le Virou. Vielles Vignes. Blanc. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. 2024. 92 points. From winemaker Pauline Gentet. 100% Sauvignon Blanc fermented in barrels. Crisp, crackling, fresh and mineral aromas followed by flavors of honey, tangerines, grapefruit, pineapple with slight butterscotch on the finish. A rainbow of well-integrated flavors; a wine for meals. Superlative value. Barrel cellar of Château Le Virou, Blaye, Bordeaux, France Château Plain Point. Fronsac. Blanc. 2024. 94-95 points. 100% Sauvignon Blanc that ages for up to 10 months in barrels. Soft and creamy aromas of peaches, grapefruit, melons and white pears. Supple, fresh, easy drinking wine with creamy flavors that include honey and peaches. Beautiful tension. Château Monlot. Blanc. 2024. 92-93 points. Made from equal third parts of Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Blanc and aged in 2000-liter barrels. Crisp perfumes include exotic fruits such as grapefruit. Complex citric and tropical flavors. Easy drinking and compelling due to acidity. Château Barre Gentillot. Vielles Vignes. Graves de Vayres. 2024. 91-92 points. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle blend with aromas of grapefruit, and other citrics. Needs amalgamation of components over time, but flavors are honeyed, crisp and rounded with crisp minerality.
