En Primeur Bordeaux 2024

The 2024 Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc is a potent, layered wine endowed with tremendous textural presence. Vinification and élevage in oak, with considerable bâtonnage, yields an especially rich, almost old-school-Burgundian character. This is a wine that will change perceptions about what white wines from Bordeaux are and what they can be. Tasted two times.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2027-2036

Reductive nose, very much on the lees fermentation and ageing, this shows gunsmoke, steel, apricot, elderflower and white peach. The estate has over 10ha of white grapes, unusually high for the appellation, and they put it to good use here. Harvest 5 to 13 September. 70% new oak.

Score: 90 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2030

The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc reveals a gently reductive bouquet of pear, white peach, confit citrus and verbena mingled with exotic anise touches that emerge with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's bright and enveloping with an elegantly phenolic mid-palate and a mouthwateringly mordant finish. This is a blend of 59% Sémillon and 41% Sauvignon Blanc.

Score: 93 - 95 William Kelley Maturity: 2027 - 2044

The 2024 Pape Clément Blanc is stellar. Rich and deep, the 2024 stands out because of its textural density and almost phenolic feel. The 2024 is being raised in 50% oak (one-third new), 40% foudre and 10% a mix of ceramic, cement and stainless steel. Citrus confit, dried herbs, white pepper and chalk build as this imposing, structured white shows off its distinctive personality. Tasted four times.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2036

Appealingly ripe and luscious fruit, apricot, citrus blossom, slate texture, no need to wait but it will age, great length on the finish, sage and lemongrass, great quality. Harvest 4 to 19 September. 41 hl/ha. 12 months of ageing in barrels and amphoras

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2030

The 2024 Pavillon Blanc was picked between September 2 and 8. Airy, crisp and bright, the 2024 dazzles with its mineral-drenched tension and cut. Orchard fruit, citrus peel, white pepper, mint and slate lend notable brightness. The 2024 is distinguished by a compelling interplay of vibrancy and a feeling of textural richness that is so complementary.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2039

Entirely crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 Pavillon Blanc reveals a delicate bouquet of confit citrus, boxwood, pear and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's built around bright acids and a lively mid-palate that segues into a fresh and herb-inflected finish. This is a slightly more opulent and expressive rendition compared to the more restrained 2021 and 2017 vintages.

Score: 93 - 94 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com

The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is complex, dynamic and an absolute delight. Everything about the 2024 speaks to class. Brisk acids drive through a core of citrus fruit, almond, mint, chamomile and white pepper. More than anything else, I admire the wine's tension and energy. Clean saline notes extend the dry, bracing finish.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

A gorgeous aromatic blossom of white peaches, peach pit, sage, apple blossom, soft clove and white truffle spices, gentle lift through the palate, a wonderfully fragrant, generous but finessed Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, with so much depth and length. 50% new oak for ageing, harvest August 29 to September 13, 3.2ph. Energy maintained through the palate, up there with one of the whites of the vintage.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2038