94 Points-Wine Enthusiast "Firm and still dry with the solid tannins, the wine's ripe fruitiness is developing well. The combination gives great potential. Black currant and berry fruits are both there with crisp juicy acidity. The aftertaste is a reminder that this wine has a long way to go. Drink from 2024. "

93 Poins-Vinous "The 2014 Lagrange is terrific. Bold, juicy and exuberant, the 2014 possesses striking balance and textural richness. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, iron, smoke and tobacco underpin a core of intense red-toned fruit in a super-expressive, layered wine endowed with real pedigree. The firm, muscular tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to."

The Chateau Malescot St. Exupery is a 3rd growth of Margaux that sits right next to Chateau Margaux- one of the 5-first growths of Bordeaux. This exceptional terroir goes all the way back to 1697 when it was owned by the Escousses family. In the 1800's the property was handed to Jean-Baptiste Saint-Exupery enriching the name of the Chateau with HIS name. By June, 1955 the estate had only 7 ha of vines and the Zuger family began to restore the grounds and the castle. 30ha of the property are dedicated to the vines where the varieties of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot are grown. This is one of the most well-priced wines of Bordeaux and always well regarded, garnering high scores from critics. The 2016 vintage is comprised of 55% cabernet, 37% merlot and the 8% balance is cabernet franc and petit verdot. The wine scored high with typical notes of black currant, cedar, earth, tobacco and mocha around a backbone of fine tannins, and fresh acidity with a lengthy finish and great depth of character. Drink now to 2036

Chateau Giscours is a famous third growth located in the Margaux appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. Documents indicate that the estate has been around since 1330. After World War II, it was purchased by Nicolas Tari who set about mondernizing the estate. Here there are 83ha of vineyards that make four labels, including a rose. The 2019 is made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this a serious wine with high intensity aromas of spicy cumin and cloves, black cherry and blackcurrant with a full bodied palate that is layered and concentrated, bright acidity and a great. long finish. Hold for the next couple of years, and age for the enxt 10+ years.

" I loved the 2016 Château d'Issan and this is a certainly a wine to seek out. Made from a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot from yields of 55 hectoliters per hectare, aged 18 months in 50% new oak, it has a beautiful perfume of blue fruits (cassis, blueberries, etc.) as well as hints of graphite, subtle oak, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity, a terrific mid-palate, and perfect balance, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and is going to cruise in good cellars for 20-25 years or more. It's a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine that's very much in the style of the vintage." -Jeb Dunnuck (2/2019)

97 points - Decanter

Another well known Chateau from Margaux, this popular third growth of the 1855 Classification offers great value/quality from Margaux. With a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 20% Merlot, this is a ‘pretty' wine with floral and black tea notes interwoven with the plum, red cherry, cassis, cedar, and graphite. A classy wine that can be enjoyed now.

The Château Marquis d'Alesme 2016 is a red Bordeaux wine, noted for its deep garnet-purple color and rich, concentrated flavors. It features notes of plum preserves, crème de cassis, and Black Forest cake, along with hints of potpourri, star anise, menthol, and tapenade. The palate is described as full, rich, firm, and grainy, with good freshness and a long, beautifully fragrant finish.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Cantenac Brown 2020 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Giscours 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Opaque garnet-purple colored, it slowly glides out of the glass with compelling notes of blueberry compote, warm cassis and kirsch with emerging hints of violets, cigar box, black tea, sandalwood and Sichuan pepper.

A blend of 54% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored, 2017 Palmer gives a very serious nose of pronounced blackcurrant cordial, warm plums and blackberry preserves with hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, violets, dark chocolate and star anise plus exotic wafts of sandalwood and cassia. Medium-bodied, the palate features fantastically vibrant, crunchy black fruits with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. It will need a good 5-7 years to really blossom with all those tightly wound nuances, but it should be a stunner!

The 2021 Giscours has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries and licorice mingled with hints of violet and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and suave, it's seamless and enveloping, with good depth at the core, beautifully polished tannins and a long, perfumed finish. This is one of the real successes of the vintage. As readers may remember, it's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Drink 2027-2045.

The Rosé de Giscours is a refreshing and elegant wine with a pale pink color. On the nose, it offers aromas of red berries and citrus fruits, with a hint of spice. On the palate, it is dry, crisp and well-balanced, with a lively acidity and a long, fruity finish. This wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, grown in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux.

94 points Decanter: " The construction here is clear in that you can feel the architectural hand of 2016 with St-Julien balance. This is rich and deep with intense, concentrated and juicy cassis fruits joined by a touch of sweet liquorice, dark chocolate and charred oak edging. I like the balance here. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040 (JA)" (10/2018)

95 points Vinous: "The 2016 Lagrange has a tightly knit, focused bouquet of intense blackberry, briar and cedar aromas. This is impressive, and it gains intensity with aeration. The medium-bodied palate delivers grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a vivacious, spicy, almost peppery finish. One of the most powerful Lagrange that I have tasted. A Saint-Julien that is consistently underrated, this 2016 will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 30-plus years. (NM)" (1/2019)

Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon - 39% Merlot 6% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2044

96 Points - Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Giscours has realized all the potential it showed en primeur, wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of sweet berries, mint, rose petals and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's textural and enveloping, built around lively acids and sweet powdery tannins, concluding with a long, resonant finish.”

Medium-bodied and fresh with a plummy quality, this wine is focused on red fruits and sweet-smelling earth. Bright and a little strict, give this a few years to come around and soften.

Like many Chateaux, Palmer was always owned by families. The Pereire brothers purchased the property in 1853 working hard to bring the estate up to first growth status in time for the famous 1855 Classification. It was ranked a Third Growth, although widely recognized as among some of the greatest wines of Bordeaux. Now owned by several families of Bordeaux, English and Dutch heritage since 1938, these families have always given priority to quality and authenticity. A typical blend of almost equal parts Cabernet and Merlot, this 2019 is a red blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 4% petit verdot, this elegant Margaux is beautifully defined with pencil lead infused black fruit of cassis and blackberry, spice, crushed rock and pressed flowers. Juicy, yet creamy on the palate, it offers substantial tannins and a beautiful long finish. Drink from 2025-2049

Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot
Drinking Window: 1992-2030

Discover the timeless elegance of Château Lagrange 1982, a rare and celebrated Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classé. This iconic vintage has matured gracefully over decades, revealing layers of dark fruit, cedar, and subtle spice, with a silky texture and remarkable depth. Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs alike, it embodies the pinnacle of Bordeaux craftsmanship and is a prized addition to any wine cellar or special occasion.

94 Points - Wine Spectator.
“One of the sleepers of the vintage. Traditional and rich. Dark ruby-colored, with a slight garnet rim. Masses of berry, chocolate and raspberry character. Full-bodied and very tannic, packed with fruit. Lengthy finish. A youthful and concentrated wine; a relatively good value.”

Chocolate shavings and smoked coffee bean on the nose, it's a vintage where you can't get away from the tannins, but here they have sinew and juice, like the best translation of the tannins in the year. This has a real purity of fruit (very low SO2 addition at Palmer) and the gourmet touch you want in Alter Ego. 45% of overall production. 3.73pH. Survived mildew better than in 2018 because of my experience in dealing with the conditions. August 15 to 29 for the harvest.

93 points Neal Martin for Vinous: "The 2016 La Lagune has a classic tobacco and cedar bouquet with fine delineation and nicely integrated oak. The medium-bodied palate offers gentle grip on the entry and plenty of tarry black fruit. A touch of mint emerges toward the linear but impressively focused finish. I like the vivacity and penetration here. This should drink well over the next two decades." (01/2019)

92 points - Robert Parker

Blend: Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (27%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2060

98-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A captivating Château Palmer with extraordinary precision and elegance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, violets, graphite and subtle spices lead to a palate of remarkable purity and depth. The texture is silky yet structured, with ultra-fine tannins seamlessly woven into layers of dark fruit and mineral complexity. Fresh acidity brings energy and length, while the finish lingers effortlessly for minutes. A refined and harmonious Palmer that perfectly balances power, finesse and terroir expression.”

Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2029-2050

97 Points - Vinous
"The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux."

Blend: 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle
Drinking Window: 2026-2047

97 Points - Jane Anson
“Delivers texture and flesh, love the aromatics that are sweet without being heavy, this has restraint and carefully-measured fleshy fruits, nectarine, pineapple, white peaches, lime zest, gunsmoke, perfectly-judged acidities. One of the wines of the vintage, great stuff from Philippe and Aline Baly.”

Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot 94 Points- Wine Enthusiast A solid effort, this is a wine with great fruit and firm structure to support it. Ripe and full in the mouth, it’s a firm and complex wine with a delicious juicy aftertaste.

93 Points- Wine Spectator This offers beguiling aromas of bergamot, roasted sandalwood and black tea, before giving way to a well-endowed core of plum, blackberry and raspberry reduction notes. The structure is remarkably fine-grained, showing seamless integration through the long finish. A really great showing.

93 Points -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2012 Cantenac Brown, one of the most impressive Margaux I tasted, is the complete package – from the initial attack to the layered, rich finish. Dense ruby/purple-hued with notes of licorice, mulberries, black currants, asphalt and spring flowers, this medium to full-bodied, concentrated, rich effort does not reveal an excess of rusticity or astringency.

92 Points-James Suckling This is very intense for the vintage in the Médoc with blueberry, mineral and blackcurrant character. Full and chewy. Needs two or three years to soften but already there.

A third growth in the 1855 Classification, Chateau Desmirail is located in the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. The name of this Chateau is unique as the property does not bear the name of its original owner, Marguerite Rauzan du Ribail, but rather that of her husband, Jean-Baptiste Desmirail. It is also one of the few chateaux with an ancient "Medocain" system - a gravity operated vat room that is still well-preserved. The red blend consists of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and this 2014 is attractive and ready to drink now.

"This great St.-Estephe estate has turned out a succession of brilliant wines. The 2005, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, has put on weight over the last year. An opaque ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a sweet nose of earth, smoke, cassis, and cherries as well as a textured, full-bodied mouthfeel. While the tannin is high, there is beautifully sweet fruit underlying the wine's structure. It will require 8-10 years of cellaring after release, and should drink well for three decades."

Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2029-2050

97 Points - Vinous
"The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (7%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully expressive Malescot St-Exupéry that captures the richness and elegance of Margaux. Aromas of cassis, blackberries, ripe cherries and violets are layered with notes of graphite, cedar, rose petals and delicate spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and concentrated, revealing vibrant dark fruit supported by polished, fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. Seamless and harmonious, it balances power with finesse, while a refined mineral backbone carries through to a long, graceful finish. A sophisticated Margaux with excellent aging potential and remarkable purity.”

The 2015 Château Palmer is a legendary, highly acclaimed Third Growth Bordeaux from the Margaux appellation. It is a powerful, impeccably structured blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. Known for its remarkable density, intense dark berry fruit, and elegant minerality, this wine is a true benchmark. Nose: Explosive and opulent aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, blueberry, and subtle hints of cedar, graphite, violets, and sweet spices. Palate: Full-bodied yet impeccably balanced. It offers plush, fine-grained tannins with a vibrant core of freshness, dark chocolate, and an incredibly long, earthy finish.

Embodying an iconic legacy, Chateau Palmer 2020 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Blend: 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2060

98 Points - James Suckling
“This is really luxurious, showing blackcurrants and orange peel with cedar and dried-mushroom aromas following through to a medium to full body that grows on the palate. This has crunchy and lightly chewy tannins that are slightly austere but in an elegant, classical Bordeaux way. Chewy at the end. So much energy and vibe. So complex. Probably the greatest wine ever from here. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2028 but already a joy to taste.”

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2060

94 Points - Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Calon-Ségur is another superb wine from this historic Saint-Estèphe third growth that began a comprehensive renaissance the better part of a decade ago. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with hints of fresh mint, burning embers, licorice and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific depth at the core, supple tannins and a long, saline finish. The blend consists of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Vincent Millet observed that "when you tasted the Merlot, you were under the impression that you were tasting Cabernet.”

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Chateau Calon Segur 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Like Brane-Cantenac, Cantenac Brown is one of the big outperformers in Margaux this year. Is it better than the 2009? It is probably more a question of taste. The 2010 wine is characterised by ripe black fruits well woven together into a sweet oak framework. This is a classic ‘silky’ Margaux but with very present refreshing acidity. Good length. A really successful wine this and with Brane-Cantenac surely a must buy in this vintage.

Blend: Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (27%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2060

98-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A captivating Château Palmer with extraordinary precision and elegance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, violets, graphite and subtle spices lead to a palate of remarkable purity and depth. The texture is silky yet structured, with ultra-fine tannins seamlessly woven into layers of dark fruit and mineral complexity. Fresh acidity brings energy and length, while the finish lingers effortlessly for minutes. A refined and harmonious Palmer that perfectly balances power, finesse and terroir expression.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (84%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (6%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully refined Château Lagrange with exceptional precision and classic Saint-Julien character. Aromas of cassis, blackberries and black cherries are complemented by notes of violets, graphite, cedar and subtle baking spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is vibrant and impeccably balanced, revealing a concentrated core of pure dark fruit framed by polished tannins and fresh acidity. Elegant yet structured, it combines impressive depth with mineral freshness and remarkable harmony. The finish is long, seamless and persistent, highlighting the estate’s finesse and excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A polished and expressive Cantenac Brown with remarkable freshness and finesse. Aromas of blackcurrants, wild berries, violets and graphite mingle with subtle hints of cedar and baking spices. The palate is vibrant and well-structured, offering layers of ripe dark fruit, fine minerality and refined tannins that provide both depth and precision. Energetic acidity carries the wine through a long, elegant finish marked by purity and balance. A sophisticated Margaux that combines power, charm and excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully balanced Giscours that captures both the power and elegance of Margaux. Intense aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries, violets and crushed stones emerge from the glass, accompanied by delicate notes of cedar and spice. The palate is concentrated yet graceful, with layers of dark fruit supported by finely knit tannins and vibrant freshness. Precise and energetic, it delivers remarkable purity and depth through a long, refined finish. A sophisticated and age-worthy wine with excellent potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (35%)
Drinking Window: 2031-2055

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A refined and beautifully balanced Château d’Issan that highlights the elegance of Margaux. Aromas of blackcurrants, red cherries, violets and crushed stones are complemented by delicate notes of cedar, tobacco and sweet spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is polished and vibrant, with layers of fresh dark fruit supported by silky tannins and lively acidity. Precise and harmonious throughout, it finishes with impressive length and a lingering mineral freshness. A graceful and age-worthy wine that perfectly reflects the estate’s classic style.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2032-2058

95-97 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully balanced Giscours that captures both the power and elegance of Margaux. Intense aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries, violets and crushed stones emerge from the glass, accompanied by delicate notes of cedar and spice. The palate is concentrated yet graceful, with layers of dark fruit supported by finely knit tannins and vibrant freshness. Precise and energetic, it delivers remarkable purity and depth through a long, refined finish. A sophisticated and age-worthy wine with excellent potential.”