En Primeur 2023

This is dense and velvety with a creamy texture. Blackberry, blueberry and stone aromas and flavors. Layered. Very primary and focused. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 4% petit verdot.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The transparency of fruit and the finesse is really something here. There’s depth and beauty to the pristine, fresh fruit. Full-bodied and muscular with wonderful tannins that provide tension and form. Subtle and weightless, this is a thought-provoking young wine. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There’s a powdery and open texture to this red. Full-bodied and layered with a pretty and weightless texture. Blackcurrants and blueberries and an orange-peel undertone. Velvety texture at the end. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

I don't think I have tasted an Ausone like this. The purity of fruit and fluidity is so primary, like perfectly picked grapes with their juice. Then there is citrus freshness. It's muscular, with toned tannins that caress the palate and give a seamless finish. This really could push the boundaries for the character of Ausone, in the way of finesse with structure. Watch it. 60% cabernet franc and 40% merlot.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A linear wine with fine tannins, red and black currants and minerals. Medium body. Salty, with tight fruit concentration and a pretty finish. Beautifully structured. 3.4 pH and 14% alcohol. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. One of the best I have had from this chateau.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Beautiful fruit with currants and blackberries, as well as notes of walnuts and chocolate. So much blackberry fruit here. Aromatic. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine tannins on the deep and structured palate. Racy and long finish. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 2% petit verdot.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Notes of dark berry and walnut here. It’s medium-bodied with a grainy texture and some good fruit at the end.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is very tight, transparent and sleek. Medium body, very fine tannins and a racy, bright finish. The tannins are so refined and polished. 74% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 6% cabernet sauvignon. From organically grown grapes.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A wine with very bright and al-dente fruit. Aromas and flavors of redcurrants and minerals with lavender and chalk. Medium to full body and a solid core of tannins integrated with the dark fruit. Toned-muscle quality to the tannins. Fresh and vibrant at the end. Pure fruit. Energy. 77% merlot and 23% cabernet franc.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The purity of fruit is impressive here, with raspberry, blueberry and mineral character. It’s so precise and focused with medium body and lovely length.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is very structured and solid with a pretty center-palate of fruit and chewy tannins. Medium- to full-bodied with cool blue fruit and mineral undertones and some stone character. Well done. Better than 2022.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A juicy and flavorful wine already. Medium-bodied and chewy, yet fresh. Lots of blackberry. It’s structured and fleshy considering the vintage. Pure merlot.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A plump and juicy wine with redcurrants and plums, as well as orange peel. Full and layered with round, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Generous fruit in this vintage.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Pure fruit to this, with blueberries, hazelnuts, walnut and blackcurrants. Just like eating grapes at this stage. It has a full body, juicy tannins and a savory finish. Remains vivid and energetic.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This has so much lead pencil, stone and blackcurrant character, as well as blackberry. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a polished finish. Very classy and structured.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This shows very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them. It has a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. The tannin quality is exceptional.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Blackcurrant, blueberry, cedar, pine needle and black truffle here. I don't think much about the nose with barrel samples, but this is splendid. It's medium-bodied with very fresh acidity and fine, linear tannins that are long and lively. Energy here. Refined. Salty character at the last minute. I may like this better than 2022. A blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is so elegant and sophisticated already, with a really electric presence and length that goes on and on. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intensity of tannins. It remains weightless and energetic. The pH is 3.41, making this a vivid and lively wine. Currant, orange and stone. Sea salt, too. The limestone soils created a unique wine here in 2023. A blend of 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc.

Score: 99 - 100 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Showing al-dente fruit with raspberries, orange peel and other hints of bitter citrus. Medium-bodied with creamy and medium, round tannins leading to a salty finish. Cabernet franc really showing through. A blend of 45% cabernet franc, 35% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon. May be better than 2022.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This shows focus and balance with a pretty dark-fruit character, as well as hints of blue flowers and stones. Medium-bodied, juicy and vivid with very polished tannins and fresh acidity. Nice center-palate with cabernet character coming through. Firm at the end.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Impressive precision to this, offering blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries, as well as hints of cedar and dark fruit. Medium to full body. Creamy and fine tannins. Better than 2022.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There is clarity and freshness to this, with crunchy dark fruit, cedar and blackberry. It’s medium-bodied, racy and fine. Lead pencil at the end. More precise than 2022. 69% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very bright and mineral with lively citrus-fruit, ginger, white-flower and crushed-stone character. A hint of seashell, too. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and focused with tense acidity and a firm, lightly phenolic finish.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is a fantastic wine and very, very exciting, with purity and brightness to the floral, spicy and blackberry notes. It’s full and deep with agility and weightless. You feel the greatness in this. The winemaker says this is more concentrated and structured than the 2022. Lightly salty. 60% whole-berry fermentation. 50% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. From organically grown grapes.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A savory and juicy Carruades with softness and notes of ripe berry, cedar and dried tobacco. Like Lafite from the 1980s but more precise. Round and pretty. It really grows on the finish with such sweetness of fruit and length. Pointed, fine tannins at the end. Very long. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is structured and a little tight, with good concentration and volume. It’s medium-bodied with juicy and vibrant fruit coming through. Velvety tannins. Firm and fresh at the end.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is so cabernet, with blackcurrants, blackberries, crushed stone, graphite and lead pencil. Full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that remain fine yet energetic. Winemaker Pierre-Olivier Clouet says this wine is a benchmark for Cheval Blanc. Reminds me of the great 1983. 13.8% alcohol. 52% merlot, 46% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Intensity and focus to this, with length and raciness for the second wine of Haut-Brion, showing polish and a refined texture. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and an exquisite finish. Caressing. 55.5% merlot, 40.9% cabernet sauvignon and 3.6% cabernet franc.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A tight and focused second wine of La Mission and Haut Brion with a classy texture and beautiful length and focus. Medium body, fresh acidity and a crunchy finish. 56.3% sauvignon blanc and 43.7% semillon.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This has a great finish, with blackcurrant, chocolate, hazelnut and salt undertones that run the length of the wine. Full-bodied and dense, and then it lifts off at the end. Chalky undertone, coming from the limestone terroir here. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 6.5% cabernet franc, 1.5% carmenere and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is full-bodied yet tight and poised, with a pretty, pure center-palate of ripe fruit and fine, integrated tannins. Classy presence. May be better than 2022.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023?

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is so full of energy. It’s full-bodied with electrified tannins and a long, long finish. So polish and focus here with exquisite balance and length.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A very tight and focused red with racy tannins and a linear, racy texture. It’s medium-bodied with excellent energy and plenty of blackberry and olive flavors. Very long finish. 14% alcohol. 3.7 pH. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Wow. 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.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The finesse is pretty phenomenal here, with such complexity of fruit and vivid, bright flowers. Lavender and rose. Seductive. Ever-so long and precise. Lead pencil and graphite. Reminiscent of old, great Cos, such as 1955 or 1982, but with so much more form and modernity. A renaissance of Cos. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This shows real precision and sophistication. Tight and dense palate that is concentrated but not heavy, with intensity and minerality. Sea salt and white pepper at the end. This is really at the top level of dry white Bordeaux now. 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Lead pencil and graphite to the blackcurrant and blackberry character. Hint of cedar, too. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and impressive precision. Juicy and spicy. New Cos Labory after the purchase by Cos d’Estournel. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A Barsac with dried-apple, apricot and spice character. The botrytis comes through with a healthy and clean nature to it. Medium-bodied and medium-sweet with a spicy finish.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Attractive currant and berry notes here with some caramel from the new wood for now. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a slightly short finish. Wait and see.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There’s a refined focus and beauty to this, with spice and honey character. Medium-bodied, sweet and poised. Flavorful at the end, in an elegant way, with density and tension.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A focused and pure Sauternes with sliced-apricot and orange character, as well as apple pie and light caramel. Spicy. Medium-bodied, sweet and flavorful. Very pretty and true.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is layered and complex with an impressive mineral tension and depth. Medium- to full-bodied, very long and persistent. It has oyster shell, crushed stone and citrus peel character with racy acidity coming through, adding to its length and tension. Very long and firm at the end with a backbone of fine tannins for a white. 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Plenty of blackberry, blackcurrant, chocolate and flint aromas that follow through to a full body, yet it’s in check and focused with a beautiful framing of fine tannins. The purity of ripe fruit is impressive with cabernet really showing through. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. It’s full-bodied with extremely refined tannins, a creamy character and al-dente fruit at the finish. Crunchy, succulent and linear. Mineral edge to it, like licking a stone. Energetic. 83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% merlot.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

So much pure graphite and lead pencil here, together with blackcurrant and iodine aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with creamy and velvety tannins that are very polished. Cedar and some tobacco box. Deep and layered. Al-dente tannins. Precise.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This has very fresh, lively and almost al-dente fruit. It’s mouthwatering and juicy. Medium-to full-bodied, refined and seamless. Long, with a firm backbone of tannins that are very fine and polished. Crunchy and structured. Chewy at the end. 92% cabernet sauvignon and 8% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A balance of blackberry, chocolate and stone with a medium body, creamy texture and a soft finish. The length and depth are very pretty, while the juicy, velvety tannins are so attractive.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The 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.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A fine line of tannins runs through this medium- to full-bodied wine. Chocolate, walnut and lead pencil on very fine tannins. Classy and focused, providing elegance with strength. Tight at the end. 78% merlot, 21% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A full-bodied Sauternes with dried-pineapple, honey, spice and caramel character. Tarte tatin. Very sweet and intense in a classic, traditional Sauternes way.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very pure fruit here, showing blackberries and black cherries, as well as hints of walnuts. Medium body. The tannins are fine-grained and well integrated. I like the concentration on the center-palate and the freshness on the finish. It’s structured and long, with lively fruit and a hint of salt at the end. Minerally. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 3.5% petit verdot and 0.5% cabernet franc. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very pretty and classy with berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium body. Creamy, round tannins lead to a lightly crunchy and attractive finish.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The density and finesse to this is terrific, offering blackberry, dark chocolate, walnut and hazelnut, as well as currant and sandalwood. Orange peel, too. Full-bodied and compact with a superb core of thick, velvet-textured tannins and a juicy finish. Extremely long. 41% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 27% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very tight for this chateau, with blackberry, chocolate and black-cherry character, as well as a hint of smoky oak. Full and very poised with focus and beauty. 96.5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 0.5% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A tight and bright young Franc Mayne with blackberry, currant and orange-peel character. It’s medium-bodied with linear tannins and a vivid finish. Polished character here.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very classy, with a crushed-stone and terra-cotta highlight to the blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut character. It’s medium-bodied with a personality that grows on the finish and delivers intensity and length at the end. Very long. Very structured. We will see which is better, 2022 or 2023.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This really expands in the mouth, with tight tannins that are polished and velvety. The fruit shows depth and purity. Medium to full body. Juicy center-palate. Like the ripe fruit in the center palate. The quality of the tannins in this rises to a new level. The tannins pull you through the wine. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and the rest merlot.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Blackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. Could move up a notch.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Creamy and round tannins that are tight and polished, with a juicy character. Blackcurrant, chocolate and spice. Medium body. Chewy and polished.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Beautiful purity and freshness to the blackcurrants and blackberries with subtle notes of cedar and graphite. Medium- to full-bodied. So polished and silky, almost weightless. It’s very long. 77% cabernet sauvignon and 23% merlot.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is really like a Burgundy in its nature and sensibility. Medium body with a round, creamy texture and flavors of plums, redcurrants and spices. It's long and caressing. Minerally at the end. A beauty. 83% merlot and 17% cabernet franc.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

You 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.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A 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.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

I am thinking about the purity of fruit here, with blackcurrants, cassis and lead pencil. There's an underlying character of mineral and flint. The palate is dense, focused and precise, with very fine tannins that are ultra-fine and layered and go vertically down the palate. Everything is in the right place. So much polish and a svelte nature. Then hints of hazelnut and walnut to the refined texture. Sophisticated. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This 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?

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This 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.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The Haut Brion is open and very pretty, with sliced lemon, pear and white-peach character, as well as a hint of lemon grass. It’s full and layered with structure and focus. Crunchy finish. Fine phenolics and vibrant fruit for the vintage. 58.1% sauvignon blanc and 41.9% semillon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The purity of the fruit is really wonderful here, with blackcurrants, orange peel and raspberries. Aromatic. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. But it remains linear and vivid. The quality of the tannins and the powdery texture are really alluring. Silky. And so precise. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 2.5% cabernet franc and 2.5% petit verdot. 13.83% alcohol. 3.66 pH.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A young red with blackberry, dark cherry and some fresh herbs, in a very good sense. Medium body, integrated tannins and a polished and attractive finish. Really pretty fruit here. Picked al-dente. Better than 2022?

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

What strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

La Chenade has depth and layering with lots going on. Crunchy blackberry and raspberry fruit character and round tannins. 100% merlot. Better than 2022.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The 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.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

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.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Notes of ripe and mellow dark berries here with a hint of orange peel. It’s medium-bodied, supple and polished.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A dense and very intense Sauternes with spiced pear, apple and orange peel. Caramel and spice with some brown sugar. Full and deep. Very sweet. Flavorful finish. Shows depth and intensity. 160 g/L residual sugar. Reminds me of 2003. 100% semillon.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The purity of cabernet sauvignon is so evident here. It mesmerizes you with aromas of black and red currants, cedar, tobacco and bark. It's full-bodied yet there's very impressive weightlessness and agility, as well as subtlety and focus. Some iron and terra-cotta. Cedar and sandalwood undertones. Juicy and plummy at the end. 12.9% alcohol. 3.75 pH. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is very St.-Estephe, with blackcurrant, lead pencil, graphite and crushed stone. Medium-bodied, linear and structured. Excellent finish. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. 13.35% alcohol. 3.75 pH.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is tight but has creamy, round tannins and a juicy character. Blackberries, chocolate and spices on the medium-bodied palate. Chewy and polished.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A subtle yet plush La Lagune with black olives, blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnut. Medium body with fine, polished tannins and a savory finish. There's a crunchy feel to it and it’s layered and deep at the end. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot. No petit verdot.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There’s depth of fruit here with blackberries, blackcurrants and hints of cedar and tobacco. The tannins are very solid and polished with juiciness and depth. Pristine. Bright acidity. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A real Pessac white with white peach, lemongrass and green apple. Excellent energy. Medium body. Solid finish. Hints of stone and salt at the end. 75% sauvignon blanc and 25% semillon.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The cabernet comes through in this, with medium body, fine tannins and cassis, currant bush and rose petal notes. Smooth finish.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Aromas of stone, black licorice, tar, blackberry and slightly burnt orange. Medium to full body with a solid core of tannins and tight but juicy fruit. More chiseled and tannic than in the past.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The blackberry and blueberry character comes through clearly here, alongside a hint of stone. Medium-bodied with creamy and polished tannins and a savory finish. Very typical for the appellation.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A bright and delicious white with gooseberry, citrus-blossom and crushed-stone character. It’s mineral and fresh with a medium body and vivid acidity. Tense and energetic with an attractively phenolic finish.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very attractive center-palate with blackberry fruit, a hint of chocolate and a minerally, terra-cotta undertone. Medium-bodied, fresh and racy. Shows tension and clarity. It grows on the finish with muscular yet fine tannins. May be better than 2022.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Shows the exotic nature of Le Pin with blackberries, milk chocolate and hints of spices, as well as coffee beans from the ripe seeds in the grapes. It's medium-bodied with focused and creamy tannins. Also plenty of nectarine and clementine character. This is so classic Le Pin at the finish. It lasts for minutes in your mouth. Silky and flavorful. 100% merlot magic.

Score: 99 - 100 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The tannins here are cashmere-like. You can touch it, but at the same time it is weightless and beautiful. Medium- to full-bodied and textural. Soars at the end. This is really seamless and dialed in. Third year using the cellar. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Exceptional quality of cabernet comes through here, with a lot of graphite, lead pencil, crushed stone, walnut and currant fruit. It grows and expands on the palate, remaining in focus at the same time. Refined and seamless with beautiful tannins that show power and intensity. It rolls across the palate with verve. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 4% merlot.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is already very pretty and polished with plenty of currant and plum character. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy, round tannins and a juicy finish. Caressing. Very refined.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is one of the best young Lalande de Pomerols I have had. It is very deep and complex on the palate, with pure fruit, spice and chocolate. Lovely tannins, too. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Blackberry, black cherry, crushed stone and graphite. Lead pencil, too. It’s full-bodied with juicy, chewy tannins. Vertical and layered with lovely length. Quite plush. Chewy tannins at the end. Cabernet sauvignon driven. Showing excellent potential.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This really takes off at the end. It’s medium-bodied with excellent tannins that run the length of the wine. Very solid. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very pretty and polished with blackberry, blueberry and ink character, as well as a hint of hazelnut. It’s medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins to the fruit. Fine and flavorful finish.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A beautifully structured and complex white with pristine, bright citrus fruit and an exotic touch. There’s a mineral character to it, too, with oyster-shell and crushed-stone notes. It’s medium- to full-bodied with racy acidity that adds energy and tension. Very long finish with fine tannins that frame it nicely.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This has a very deep and beautiful palate with cherries, chocolate, hazelnut and orange peel. Pretty blackcurrants and blue berries, too. Medium body. The finish has gorgeous al-dente fruit at the end and is always subtle. Open tannins. A blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, and 5% petit verdot.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The aromas in this young Margaux are so primary, reminding me of grape must fermenting in the vat, then turning to perfumes and flowers. Violets and roses. Full-bodied but it comes across as so agile and bright, with vivid acidity that makes the wine crunchy and linear. As Alexis, one of the owners of Margaux said, this really shows the DNA of the estate. Weightless. One of the wines of the vintage. 3.6 pH. Blend of 89% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

Score: 99 - 100 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This has a lot of length for a second wine, showing muscular and very fine tannins that are integrated and intense. Medium-bodied, with blackcurrant and crushed-stone aromas. It's so long and focused. 50% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Lovely young wine here with a pretty core of berry fruit and bark undertones. Medium body. Crisp, fine and lightly chewy tannins at the end. Quite seamless.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A very solid Meyney with a firm tannin frame that holds the wine together. Medium body. Juicy finish.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The classy mouth-feel and length to this is really gorgeous, and it seduces you with its texture of fine silk and finesse. Lasts for a long, long time. Medium body with medium, creamy and round tannins and a layered, textured finish. Shows blackcurrants, lead pencil and crushed stone at the end. 52.7% merlot, 29.6% cabernet sauvignon and 17.7% cabernet franc.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A creamy, round texture with ripe yet fresh aromas and flavors, showing apples, pears and hints of peaches. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and satisfying. 65.3% sauvignon blanc and 34.7% semillon.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Sophisticated for the appellation, with blackberries, hazelnuts and a hint of salt. It's medium-bodied and polished, with refinement and length. Nice energy.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Wow. This is the essence of Montrose, with blackberry, blackcurrant, crushed stone and earth. I have not tasted a Montrose like this in 42 years of my career. It has a much more vertical nature to it, with layered tannins that go very deep and long, The muscular structure and intensity is something else. This is a new era for Montrose. It is now made from only 45 hectares of vineyards right in front of the chateau, instead of about 60 before. 75% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot and 4% cabernet franc.

Score: 99 - 100 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is the most structured Mouton since the great 2016, with tannins that start slowly and then take off. It’s muscular and toned. It’s full-bodied but doesn’t come across too heavy. It builds up in intensity and goes on and on and on. It just keeps expanding. I took a double take here. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A spicy and juicy red with a tight center-palate, medium body, creamy tannins and a savory finish. Vivid and focused. Shows finesse.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The polished and creamy texture here is extremely attractive, with blueberry, blackcurrant and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with linear tannins, showing polish and finesse. Creamy mouth-feel. Second wine of Cos. 12.9% alcohol. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The vivid density and structure to this is really captivating, with pure blackcurrant character. Full-bodied with very silky, refined and ultra-fine tannins and an exquisite finish. Caresses every inch of the palate. It's seems like it will be large and overpowering, but it's actually ethereal and cloud-like. The tannin quality is so refined and, in a way, weightless. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 46% merlot and 4% petit verdot.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is really classy with length and polish that shine brightly. Also, you see blackberry, bark, currant and mushroom character. Full-bodied with wonderfully polished tannins and a seamless finish.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Dense and tight with a solid core of sliced Meyer lemon, lime and green apple. It’s full and very compact with a phenolic texture that runs the length of the wine. Slightly chewy, yet, it’s long and persistent with a mineral and bitter citrus undertone at the end.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The depth and intensity is really out of this world. The richness is there, but it's all in balance and has an almost weightless feel to it. It's medium- to full-bodied with purity and definition, and the magic of limestone soils keeps the pH low, giving energy, bright acidity and verve. Terrific young red. 51% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 17% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 99 - 100 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is a twitchy, lively red with brambleberry, black olive and a real sense of limestone. The tannins are very well integrated. Lots of energy. Medium body. Extremely long. Very cool, fine wine from this estate in this year. 3.35 pH. 14.2% alcohol. 82% merlot, 17% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Best ever?

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is quite a big Pavillon Blanc with sliced pineapple, ripe apple, lemon and stone. It's full-bodied, layered and phenolic with a ripe sense to it, but then it’s citrusy and salty. Like fresh oysters. Reminds me of vintages from the 1980s, but with more freshness and clarity. 100% sauvignon blanc.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges. Medium body with fine, caressing tannins that are tight and vivid. Racy and refined. Brightness and beauty to this second wine. Succulent. Refined. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. 30% of the production. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There is a really pretty, powdery-tannin texture to this, with dark-berry and currant character. Some orange peel, too. It’s full and layered with a sense of precision and focus. Framed and open-grained in the texture. Velvety. Real Pauillac personality here. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There’s depth of fruit, good structure and freshness in this black-cherry and chocolate-scented wine. It’s full-bodied, yet it tightens up on the finish. Toned, muscular and crisp. 10% of the production of Cheval. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc.

Score: - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Good vibration here, with edgy, fresh acidity that makes it long and vivid. It's medium-bodied and tight, with sliced lemon and green apple and stone character. Better than 2022? 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is a tighter and more compact Petit Mouton with a full-bodied, compact palate that is framed nicely by the tannins. Savory and juicy. Structured. Contained. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Better than 2022?

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A 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.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Blackberry, tar and some blackcurrant aromas follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and a bright finish. Slightly hollow in the mid-palate.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The polish and intensity of this wine is beautiful for the vintage, with blackcurrant, lead pencil and light chocolate character. It’s medium- to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and tannins, and a long finish. Velvet texture. Excellent potential. Fermented from selected yeast from the various parcels. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 1.5% petit verdot, and 1.5% cabernet franc. Let’s see which is better in the end, 2022 or 2023.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The freshness and brightness of the blackcurrant and orange-peel fruit give a real al-dente feel. Some stone and spice underneath. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a refined finish. A PB with tight, linear tannins. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

I like the freshness and linear character to this second wine of Pichon Lalande. It's medium-bodied with creamy and polished tannins that are fine at the end. It is linked from start to finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Wow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incredibly seamless. Like silk in texture. A top Pichon Lalande. From organic and biodynamically grown grapes. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A very structured Pontet-Canet that expands in the mouth with a gorgeous combination of beautifully ripe fruit and intense tannins. Very structured for the vintage. Full-bodied with excellent presence and length. So much raw pencil shavings to the blackcurrants. Graphite and tar. Fresh and vivid. They picked cabernet at the right time at the end of September. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Beautiful dark fruit with purity and freshness. Medium- to full-bodied, seamless and compact. Outstanding quality of tannins, so fine and dense. It’s muscular and taut on the mid-palate. Lingering, too. Plenty of energy. Close to 2022.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The tight tannins and pretty fruit are very attractive now, with medium body and a juicy finish. I like it.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A very fine and polished PL with blackcurrant, fresh-herb, terracotta and crunchy-seed character. Medium body, fine and focused tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots there in a classic way.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There is pretty tightness and purity to this wine. A well-focused palate, very integrated tannins and a long finish. One of the best ever?

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The purity of the fruit here is so impressive, with raspberry, lead pencil, cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full body with very fine and intense tannins that run the length of the wine. Mineral. Tensioned. Beautifully integrated and sophisticated at the end. Lightly salty. 78.3% merlot and 21.7% cabernet franc.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Creamy and tight tannins here, alongside succulent dark-berry, spice and crushed-stone notes. It’s medium-bodied, firm and focused with a velvety finish.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A Rauzan-Segla with solid tannins that are muscular, well toned and beautiful. Black currants, blueberries and flowers. Chewy finish. One for the cellar. Classic. The cabernet went to the gym. 85% cabernet sauvignon, one of highest percentages ever.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Very refined and classy, with ultra-fine tannins and blackcurrant and hazelnut character, suggesting very pure fruit and precise picking times. Medium-bodied and chewy, yet caressing.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Lovely freshness and balance with berries, orange peel and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied with nice, round tannins. Pure merlot.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Another exceptional vintage for Smith-Haut-Lafite Blanc. It’s so complex and structured, offering a palate that feels similar to the texture of a red wine with a velvety tannin structure. There’s a lot going on here. Spice, crushed seashell and citrus blossom. Salty, too. Weightless and so long. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% sauvignon gris and 5% semillon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

This is very classic Sociando with brightness and linearity to the wine, as well as blackcurrants and a citrus undertone. Medium-bodied with refined tannins. Long, very crisp and fresh. Lower pH here of 3.55.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The purity of the botrytis grabs your attention, with density and intensity to the dried fruit, sweetness and length. Very spicy and long. Almost oily. Really rich. 150g/L residual sugar. 100% semillon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The lead pencil, blackberries and blackcurrants are very intense on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and tannins and a creamy, refined texture that turns to a medium finish. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 11% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There’s a density to this, with some caramel and spice to the dried-apricot and apple character. It’s medium-bodied and medium-sweet with a medium finish.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A structured La Tour Carnet with dark currant, bark and wet earth. Medium to full body. Should develop nicely.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The quality of fruit and salty undertones from the limestone soil are really delicious and exciting. Medium to full body and very fine, velvety tannins that spread across the palate. Bright and crunchy at the end. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A tight and very focused young Troplong with freshness and finesse that adds plenty. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a vivid finish. Lots of blackberry and blueberry character. It really opens and envelops your palate, caressing every square inch. Cashmere-like texture. The limestone comes through beautifully.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Wow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well defined and poised. 53% cabernet franc, 44% merlot, and 3% cabernet. Will it be better than 2022?

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Wow, this is really something. Very fruity, with dark blackberries and blueberries, as well as blood oranges. It’s full and layered with great depth of fruit and chewy, polished tannins. Turns lightly salty at the end. Power with precision. 84% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

A very fine and polished young VCC with subtle density and a racy backbone of tannins. Compact with well-toned muscles and a persistent finish. Very silky. Really grows at the end. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc.

Score: 97 - 98 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com