En Primeur 2024

The 2024 Angelus is very fine. It is the first vintage I have tasted that captures the newer approach at Angelus, one where the wines are not as extracted as in the past. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol fill out the layers effortlessly. Here, too, the wine shows superb balance and real textural presence. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot being raised in 80% new oak and 20% once-filled barrels, and the Cabernet Franc in equal parts foudres and new smaller French oak barrels. The 2024 is mid-weight, classy and polished.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2054

Vivid plum colour, cedar and gunsmoke on the opening, skilfully and carefully put together, slim through the palate, but this is very clearly finessed, sleek, with quiet confidence, and pumice stone texture, cherry pit, squid ink, damson, rosebud, Cabernet Franc dominant in terms of its floral aromatics. 39hl/h yield, 40th anniversary vintage of Hubert de Böuard. This will for sure be ready to drink earlier than many vintages of Angélus, but it is well structured and will age for many years to come. No chaptilisation.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2046

The 2024 d'Armailhac is a very beautiful wine. Dark, layered and intensely aromatic, the 2024 is so expressive. The percentage of Cabernet Franc from 60+ year-old vines is high in this vintage, and that very much comes through in the wine's perfume and saline intensity. All the elements are so well integrated. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and new leather explode on the finish. Tasted two times.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

Lovely deep plum colour, this has some chalky tannins, good depths of cassis and greengage fruits, with the real floral edge of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, that savoury, precise, elegant side, enjoyble with salinity and lift on the finish, Here the longer stretch of drought than normal of rainfall from end of June to mid September. Harvest began September 25 though to October 8, 3.69 pH. 50% new oak.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Ausone is pure sensuality. Intensely perfumed, pliant and silky on the palate, Ausone is haunting in its beauty. All the elements are so well balanced. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, espresso and exotic spice overtones all take shape in the glass. A wine of understated depth, the 2024 is impressive. Even in the early going, the 100% new oak is not at all evident, suggesting a wine with superior balance. The blend is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot.

Score: 93 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Batailley is a wild, exotic wine. Kirsch, menthol, blood orange and white truffle race across the palate, framed with a kiss of French oak that works well in this style. Floral notes resonant on the juicy finish. This approachable, open-knit Pauillac is a delight.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2044

The 2024 Croix de Beauséjour is elegant and silky, with lovely aromatics and a gracious, mid-weight structure. Croix is a blend of two Merlot parcels on the lower slopes of the property, plus a dollop of old-vine Franc, with 3% press wines. The 2024 is clearly built along the lines of understated finesse, and yet it has enough depth to avoid coming across as overly light in way. It's an exquisite wine from proprietor Josephine Duffau-Lagarrosse. Bright red-toned fruit and floral overtones linger.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

The 2024 Beau-Séjour Bécot is deep, vivid and wonderfully alive. Dynamic and explosive, with striking inner perfume, Beau-Séjour Bécot is hauntingly beautiful. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and rose petal soar out of the glass. Silky, refined tannins add to the wine's finesse. The increase of Cabernet Franc in the blend has added aromatic depth and textural elegance. There's a feeling of transparency here that is impossible to miss. Beau-Séjour Bécot has grown into one of the most distinctive wines in Bordeaux. Simply put, the 2024 is magnificent. That's all there is to it. Élevage is 55% in new oak, 15% in once-used barrels and the rest in 20HL casks. Tasted two times.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Beychevelle might very well be the wine of the vintage in Saint-Julien. It is certainly among the very best I tasted on the Left Bank. Plush, inky and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2024 is so silky and inviting. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha and spice are some of the many notes that stain the palate. The sustained, resonant finish is a thing of beauty. Tasted two times.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2054

Just bottled, the 2024 Blanc de Lynch Bages is a gorgeous, refreshing dry white to drink now and over the next handful of years. Lemon peel, white pepper, mint and chalky undertones are beautifully delineated. There's a bit more Muscadelle in this year's blend, but that is not especially apparent. Instead, Sauvignon Blanc drives the feel here.

Score: 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2030

The 2024 Branaire-Ducru is a super-classic Branaire. Medium in body and gracious, the 2024 is defined by its lifted aromatics and silky, polished tannins. The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is especially high in 2024, a sign that the fruit harvested on the later side benefited from better conditions, namely a lack of rain. The 2024 possesses lovely purity and exquisite balance. Floral top notes and a burst of red-toned fruit reappear on the finish to round things out in style. It will be especially fine if élevage softens the contours. This is a fine effort from proprietor Francois-Xavier Maroteau and longtime winemaker Jean-Dominique Videau. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2049

Lovely bright plum colour, slim blue and black fruits, coffee bean and cedar oak notes, carefully constructed with balance, a little short on the finish compared to the excellent recent vintages at Branaire. 55% new oak. 41.5 hl/ha, this is the first vintage with the new cellars, François-Xavier Maroteaux owner and new president of the Union de Grands Crus de Bordeaux.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 Brane-Cantenac is shaping up to be a gem. Blood orange, crushed flowers, spice, mint and chalk confer notable brightness. The 2024 is marked by a strong red-fruit character, bright acids and mid-weight structure, all of which make for a super-classic, if somewhat nervy, Brane-Cantenac. There's quite a bit of potential here. Tasted two times.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2049

Tons of energy, stone fruits, cherry pits, damson, a lovely feeling of fruit that has plenty of life ahead it, fresh and juicy with sapidity. not trying too hard just full of pleasure. Edge of grilled campfire, graphite, generosity, easily one of the wines of the vintage. 11.3% press wine, 3.53pH, 46.6hl/ha yield. Harvest 17 September to 8 October, 80% new oak for ageing.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Calon Ségur is shaping up very nicely. Dark and ample, with terrific balance, the 2024 is another strong wine from the team led by Technical Director Vincent Millet. Readers will find a Calon Ségur of inner strength, its deceptively mid-weight structure notwithstanding. The 2024 is a wine of restraint and class more than power, never a bad thing at this property. The 100% new oak is very nicely balanced, even in the early going. This has great potential.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Beautiful red ruby expression. A slimmer more finessed expression of Calon than in recent years, that gives it less estate signature than some, but this has beautiful cassis bud, rose petals, peony, iris, cocoa bean and graphite. Subtle but with real charm. 3.60 pH. 45 hl/ha. 100% new oak. Vincent Millet director, Harvest 23 September to 9 October.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044

The 2024 Canon is superb. One of the standouts of the vintage, the 2024 possesses striking mid-palate depth to match its vertical personality. Chalk, white pepper, mint, lavender, rose petal, slate and blue/purplish fruit all stain the palate. There's gorgeous depth and density here, and yet the 2024 remains a super-classic wine from the property. This is a real stunner. That's all there is to it. Tasted four times.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2059

The 2024 Cantemerle is bold and expressive in the glass. Dried herbs, incense, tobacco, mocha, plum and leather build nicely in a mid-weight Haut-Médoc with plenty of layers and fine overall persistence. There's a good bit of potential here.

Score: 88 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

The 2024 Capbern is a very pretty, delicate Saint-Estèphe. Cabernet Sauvignon takes the leading role in this elegant, nuanced wine. Crushed flowers, spice, new leather, cedar, licorice and incense are all delineated in the glass. Vibrant floral notes reappear on the long, persistent finish.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2036

Enticing aromatics on this wine, soft waves of rose petals, blackberry fruit, crayon and pencil lead, with measured oak use. Acidity puts the tannins into a little overly-focused position on the finish, and the austerity that needs to be softened over ageing. Fairly old school, with charm. 3.60 pH. 45 hl/ha. 60% new oak.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2028

Seamless and silky in the glass, with superb balance, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of the wines of the vintage. All the elements are so well balanced, always a sign of a superior vintage at this address. Floral notes, spice, leather and mocha run through a core of layered, beautifully persistent dark red fruit. Harvest took place between September 17 and 25, during one of the rare windows with little rain. As always, Les Carmes is done with a high percentage of stems (52%), specifically 100% for the Cabernet Franc, 50% for the Merlot and 20% for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is 70% new oak barrels, 19% 18HL foudre and 11% amphora. New oak is already very nicely integrated, another sign of a superb vintage. The 2024 is a brilliant effort by the team led by Technical Director Olivier Pouthier.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Inky depths to the colour, touch of reduction on the opening as is often the case with En Primeur Carmes, this delivers energy, density, clarity. Austerity on the finish, but plenty of interest, savoury and muscular juicy black fruits, expect a wine that is built around about texture, architecture and savour, which is not something that I have found in many bottles in the vintage. 90% new oak, split between barrels and casks, 11% amphoras. Harvest 17 to 27 September. 3.61 pH, clay and limestone, 60 years old average vine age. 46hl/H yield in vineyard, 41hl/h after picking selection, then 24hl/h after cellar selection. All press used, no chaptilisation.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 Carruades de Lafite is plush, sensual and inviting right out of the gate. Soft contours wrap around a core of plum, black cherry, gravel, incense, licorice and baking spice. This is a rare Carruades that is Merlot-driven. It's a balance that works quite well. This showy, inviting Carruades is quite the charmer

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2044

Gorgeous deep plum colour, very juicy, extremely well handled, savoury and mouthwatering, cassis bud, roses, crayon, shorter on the finish than a typical Carruades, but this has plenty of subtle pleasure and will be ready to drink sooner than usual. Harvest 23 September to 7 October, 32hl/h yield, 47% of the harvest is in this wine, 12% press.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Cheval Blanc is a blend taken from 37 of the 45 parcels on the property. Dried flowers, mocha, rose petal and blood orange open nicely in the bouquet, leading to an understated mid-palate and a subtly persistent finish. Understated and nuanced, the 2024 offers lovely forward fruit in a soft, accessible style with no hard edges or awkward contours. All the elements are nicely put together, and yet there is no denying the fact that the 2024 is very light. Élevage will be everything here.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2054

The 2024 La Clarté de Haut Brion is terrific. It offers terrific depth, character and personality. Lemon confit, white pepper, slate, chalk and mint build nicely, but I am most struck by the wine's textural depth and overall presence. This is an especially fine Clarté.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2031

Majority of Sémillon across the whole range this year. 42% new oak. Always one of the great value wines of Bordeaux, which might sound ridiculous but the sheer quality is incredibly consistent. Vibrant, structured, pure, touch of stone fruits, dominant apricot pit, juicy and joyful. Lovely quality. Harvest September 2 to 10, 3.22ph, 38hl/h yield.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2030

The 2024 Clerc Milon is packed with blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, dried flowers and mocha. Juicy and forward, Clerc Milon has a lot to recommend it. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon savoriness to complement the wine's mid-weight structure. Lovely. Tasted two times.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2039

Excellent quality, well defined, you see the grip of the terroir here, and the floral edge of Cabernet and Carmanère, with its spicy side, and beautiful lift. Clearly needs time to full open, this has the cassis, cigar box and leather feel of a great old school Pauillac. Lovely. Harvest 24 September to 6 October. 3.72 pH. 55% new oak.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Clinet is a dark, stylish wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, licorice and blue-toned fruit are beautifully delineated. Dark and vibrant in the glass, with terrific depth, Clinet is super-expressive in 2024. Ronan Laborde bled the musts to bring the wine into the rich, textured style he seeks here. Clinet is a rare Pomerol that is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Cabernet very much in evidence.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Rich sweet damson and raspberry fruit, vanilla bean, caramel, the gourmet side of Pomerol is checking in, which we have missed in many, the tannins are sleek and well extracted, no dilution through the palate, good job. No need to wait too long - a good introduction to this property. 35hl/ha yield. Ronan Laborde owner. Tasted twice.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Clos du Marquis is a very pretty, aromatic Saint-Julien. Crushed flowers, mint, lavender, white pepper and slate give the 2024 an attractive upper register to match its mid-weight, nervy personality. There is a bit of dryness on the finish that hopefully will be resolved with élevage.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2036

Bright vivid plum character, sappy and juicy, the austerity is pretty high with cloves and smoky black tea, elderflower, cherry pit. Needs time in bottle to really open up, but this is good quality, and has plenty of St Julien character. 32hl/ha yield. 50% new oak, with some larger oak casks. 3.62 pH, 32 hl/ha. 7.6% press wine. Harvest 25 September to 10 October.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 La Conseillante is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Vertical and explosive, with spectacular depth, the 2024 is an eye-opening wine, with regard to both the potential of the property and the vintage. In 2024, La Conseillante separates itself from the pack by a wide margin. It may ultimately not merit the very highest of scores, but it will almost certainly come close. Dark blue fruit, violet, spice, new leather, menthol and licorice stain the palate all the way through the creamy finish. Conseillante is a very serious wine. Technical Director Marielle Cazaux made all the right choices in a very challenging year in which yields were reduced by 50% in the field and then through strict selection in the cellar. Tasted two times.

Score: 95 - 98 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Dark cherry in colour, vivid, the fruits have beautiful clarity on the aromatics and the opening notes, and density through the palate. Velvety texture with lift, cocoa bean, espresso, damson, excellent quality. Michel Rolland consultant., 100% new oak, 85% of production in La Conseillante. One of the success stories in Pomerol. Harvest 20 September to 4 October, 30hl/ha when it came in from the vineyard, 22hl/h after density sorting. 3.57ph,

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2050

The 2024 Cos d'Estournel could very well be one of the wines of the vintage. Bright and vibrant in the glass, with tons of energy, the 2024 impresses with its vertical structure, depth and overall balance. Blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, lavender and mocha are beautifully delineated throughout. The 2024 is super-classic. The modest 12.8% alcohol is notable, especially because that also means there is less extraction of wood. Cos is one of my early favorites in 2024.

Score: 95 - 98 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Highly textural, with layers and depth, this shows savoury and slim black fruits, real finesse, beautifully precise and grippy texture, cocoa bean, espresso, lovely quality. This feels genuinely old school in the best sense of the word. Harvest 23 September to 7 October. 3.52 pH. 20% new oak, 46% 1st wine.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044

The 2024 Cos d'Estournel Blanc is one of the best editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Rich and ample, the 2024 possesses notable textural richness but also a good bit of moderating vibrancy. The balance here is simply superb. Lemon confit, almond, white flowers and chalk build into the layered, resonant finish.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

Brooding and shy, the 2024 Cos d'Estournel Blanc reveals aromas of citrus and lime, followed by a moderately weighted, incisive and lively palate with tangy acid s and a short finish. I'll reserve judgment until after bottling. Not scored

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

The 2024 Coutet is a dense, voluptuous Sauternes. Orange peel, apricot jam, passion fruit, pineapple and white flowers convey tons of exoticism. Ample and resonant on the palate, with superb depth, Coutet is outstanding in 2024.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2044

The 2024 La Dame de Montrose is a very elegant, sexy wine. Lifted aromatics, bright red-toned fruit and silky tannins speak to finesse. All the elements are so well balanced. A burst of red cherry, mocha and crushed flowers extends the soft, supple finish. The 2024 is being raised in approximately 63% used oak, 20% foudre, 15% new oak and 2% amphora. It's an incredibly charming wine that should drink well on release.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

This has dark fruit character, leafy but nuanced and sculpted, lovely savoury mouthwatering quality on the finish, At Montrose they did some leaf removal even in early June at fruit set, and left grass throughout the vineyard all the way through the season to increase competition, and did some tidying up at the very beginning of veraison to remove any that were clearly a little behind schedule - so basically just had to be extremely reactive at all times. The yield was 38hl/h after farming entirely organically. Harvest 23 September to 8 October. 20% large oak casks, 15% new oak.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Doisy-Daëne is redolent of apricot, tangerine oil, baked apple tart, pineapple and spice. Bold and luscious in feel, Doisy-Daëne is quite overt in 2024. It offers ample body to match its abundant curves and sexy, flamboyant profile. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2044

The 2024 Doisy-Védrines is a potent, surprisingly tightly wound Barsac that is going to need at least several years to come together. That won't be an issue, as Doisy-Védrines ages spectacularly well. Today, though, it is far less charming and seductive than it is most years. Bright floral and tropical notes open with some coaxing, but this is a wine for readers who can wait.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2030-2054

The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has it all. Powerful yet elegant, deep yet light on its feet, the 2024 is a wine of contrasts and harmony that will thrill readers for many years to come. Nothing in particular stands out, rather it is the wine's balance that carries the day. Chamomile, crushed flowers, chalk and a hint of new oak run through a core of citrus-tinged fruit. The long, sustained finish is remarkable. Superb. Tasted two times.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2054

Full of character, intense, grippy, green apple, white pear, white peach, unripe mango, sage and saffron and just so juicy on the finish. Great potential, clear ageing ability, fragrant and confident. Harvest 4 to 19 September. 33% new oak.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2038

The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier is soft, fruity and relatively simple, given its typical personality. Plum, black cherry, licorice, chocolate and sweet oak are pushed forward in this open-knit, easygoing Pessac-Léognan. There may be more here than meets the eye. We will see. Today, the 2024 is on the light side. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2032-2049

The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky tannins give the 2024 its distinctly mid-weight, lithe personality. Readers will find a gracious Ducru built more on persistence and nervy tension than size or opulence. Blue/black fruits, lavender, cloves, menthol and chocolate open over time. It will be fascinating to see how this ages.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

A gorgeously vivid, lifted nose, with floral aromatics, dark berry and cassis fruits, fleshy but understated, elegant and finessed, squid ink, sandalwood, incense, maintains estate signature and is full of pleasure, 100% new oak for ageing, 3.8 pH. Harvest 23 September to 7 October.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2048

The 2024 Duhart-Milon opens with strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections. Blue-toned fruit, lavender, spice and dried herbs open first, all framed by brisk acids and supporting tannins that lend shape. The 2024 includes 14% press wines, about the norm here. This is a very promising Duhart.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

Shows density and balance, with leafy but fragrant aromatics that unfurl slowly, and bright acidity that is not overpowering to the blueberry and blackcurrant fruits. The skill of the Lafite team is clear here, and this is a classically balanced Duhart that will age well. Harvest September 25 to October 4, 32hl/h yield, above the Pauillac average. Moulin de Duhart is not being sold En Primeur.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 L'Eglise-Clinet is brilliant and intensely aromatic in its first impression. Vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and rose petal soar from the glass. Readers will find a vertical, explosive L'Eglise-Clinet that impresses with its poise and balance. The 2024 deftly marries finesse and power to a degree I have seldom seen here in the past. Superb.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Elegant, slow unrolling of black fruit flavours, beautiful precision, get a lot of fennel here, even a touch of marzipan, coffee grounds, savoury and juicy, black fruits, cassis and blueberry, violets, powdery rose petals. This is just exceptional within the vintage, such a deeply felt and deeply chiselled wine, and I can unhesitatingly recommend. No chaptilisation, 3.59ph, 85% new oak. Harvest September 21 to 28, 45hl/h yield. Clearly will age with elegance and finesse. Red wine of the vintage for me.

Score: 97 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2046

The 2024 L'Évangile offers good up-front intensity but then loses some of its depth on the mid-palate and finish. Black fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves and mocha confer an impression of gravitas. Élevage is 50% new oak, 25% foudre, 8% amphora and the rest in once-used barrels. Something about the oak profile does not feel optimal, as if the oak is mismatched to the wine. Élevage will be critical here, as the 2024 is quite forbidding at this stage. Even so, this is strong showing in a challenging year for a vineyard with relatively young vines that was largely replanted between 2002 and 2010.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2049

Savoury plum, soft tannins, a touch of chalk, graphite, lovely fragrant florals, and extremely finessed. A wine that will age with grace. In the cellar, this was one of their longest macerations on record, up to 28 days, carefully measured, Harvest 18 September to 2 October, 22hl/h yield. Zero press wine, 45% new oak for ageing, plus 25% in large oak casks, 7% amphora. Juliette Couderc winermaker. Blason de l’Evangile is not being sold En Primeur.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044

The 2024 de Fieuzal is a powerful, brooding wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, scorched earth and leather all take shape in the glass. This offers lovely mid-palate creaminess and fine depth. A classy Pessac-Léognan, Fieuzal is very nicely rendered. Floral top notes linger effortlessly on the close.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

Medium intensity cherry red, slate and crayon texture, well handled, austere, but structured, you can see the slow build of muscles through the palate, and the deepening black fruit character. Softly spoken compared to many vintages of this excellent wine, but there are layers here, good complexity, and skilful construction.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2027-2036

Silky and aromatic, with velvety tannins, the 2024 Figeac is sublime. Floral and savory aromatics meld into a core of blue/purplish fruit, spice, licorice, lavender and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. The blend is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, with 8% press wines. Not surprisingly, the 2024 is a very Cabernet-driven Figeac. Production is 60,000 bottles, or 50% of normal, because of low yields and further selection in the cellar. Tasted two times.

Score: 93 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Giscours is impressive. Elegant and sleek, with fine balance, Giscours is all class. The bouquet alone is so enticing. Small red berry fruit, spice, tobacco, mint and cedar are all finely sketched in a mid-weight, nervy Giscours that is quite showy right out of the gate. There is a bit of edginess in the tannins, but that's not anything that can't be addressed with élevage. A closing burst of aromatics leaves a long-lasting impression. Tasted three times.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

Plush, impressive colour, with medium to full intensity inky plum. Good quality, feels like a true En Primeur sample with its fragrance, austerity, well built tannins, impressive, sappy, savoury and understated black fruits. Will take its time to show the fragrant heart of Margaux, but it's in there. Alex Van der Beek director. Famille Albada Jelgersma. 35 hl/ha yield.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044

The 2024 Gloria is soft, fruity and very easy to like. Sweet red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, lavender and mocha are nicely pushed forward. Gloria is very nicely balanced. It's a real charmer in 2024.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

Medium to full intensity deep plum colour, lovely spice, textured graphite, pumice, powerful and sculpted bright fruits, this is thoroughly enjoyable, a real success in a vintage.Triaud family owners, 34 hl/ha yield.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

Plump and juicy, the 2024 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is pure charm. This is an especially soft, fruity Grand-Puy-Lacoste with good aromatic presence and fine freshness, if not quite the depth or complexity of the very best years. Floral overtones lift the finish effortlessly. This is a delicate, understated Pauillac that will drink well with minimal cellaring. The balance between the 13% alcohol and 70% new oak is sublime. I won't be surprised if the 2024 turns out to be even better from bottle, especially if it gains a bit of mid-palate pliancy in barrel.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2054

Medium to full intensity inky plum colour, cold campfire and grilled cedar on the opening with vibrant plum fruits alongside, good quality, on the fresh side, but savoury and sappy with plenty of lift. 70% new oak for 17 months ageing.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044

The 2024 Gruaud Larose is very fine. Dark and ample, with gorgeous presence, the 2024 has so much to offer. Dark blue/purplish fruit, new leather, gravel, spice, lavender and dried herbs build effortlessly. Readers will find a Saint-Julien endowed with notable textural depth. The finish is perhaps just a touch narrow, but élevage may very well help with that.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Gorgeous dark ruby colour with vivid reflections, slow and steady reveal of grilled earth, savoury rose bud, peony, black tea and floral Cabernet finesse. This is a little softer than the recent exceptional vintages of Gruaud, but the fragrant aromatics have a ton of charm, and this shows skilful construction. Harvest 27 September to 8 October, 3.55pH, 31hl/h yield, slap bang on the appellation average, organic certified. 40% of production in this 1st wine. 95% new oak for ageing.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2040

The 2024 Guiraud is a bold, luscious Sauternes. Apricot jam, chamomile, passion fruit, spice and burnt sugar convey notable intensity to match the wine's creamy, ample feel. Guiraud is a rich, heady Sauternes, but all the elements are impeccably balanced.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2044

The 2024 Haut-Bailly is an elegant, classy wine. Soft, sensual contours lend notable charm. The 2024 is an especially aromatic, perfumed Haut-Bailly. Its mid-weight structure is best described as Burgundian, for lack of a better term. Silky tannins frame it all in style. Readers should expect a decidedly understated, quiet Haut-Bailly.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2054

Savoury, precise and poised, with lovely texture, softly spoken with high floral aromatics, rose petals, peony, fine tannins, drawn out character, long slow build of tension through the palate, unrolling to show white truffle and mint leaf. Tannic grip, estate signature, more softly spoken than in recent vintages, but Haut-Bailly has proved over and over again that it is capable of delivering over the long term, and that it delivers excellence even in challenging vintages - an upscore potential in bottle. Harvest 18 September to 4 October, 30hl/h yield. Gabriel Vialard technical director.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Haut-Batailley races across the palate with masses of dark fruit, menthol, licorice, espresso and dried herbs. Floral overtones reappear on the finish, adding a refined touch. Powerful yet polished, the 2024 is quite impressive. This feels a bit less extracted than the first vintages under the leadership of the Cazes family, not a bad thing at all in my view. Very fine. Tasted two times.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Deep vibrant plum purple colour, liquorice bud, cassis bud, spiced blackberry and sage, fresh with austerity but balanced by juice running through the palate, well handled. 60% new oak. 3.63 pH, harvest September 25 to October 8. 90% of the estate's 50 year old vines are in here, plus the more recent Petit Verdot plantings.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 Haut-Brion is dark and brooding in demeanor, but obviously not as tannic or forbidding as it can be in the early going. All the Haut-Brion signatures are very much present, but they're portrayed in a decidedly understated style that speaks to the personality of the year. Black fruit, scorched earth, spice, tobacco and leather build with time in the glass. The 2024 is a super-classy Haut-Brion. There's gorgeous substance here.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Medium to full intensity, takes its time to open, this is carefully built, slow and steady in its expression, textured, restrained, cocoa bean, espresso, redcurrant, orchard, sage, bilberry. Very much a classical style of Haut-Brion that will I am sure give great pleasure after a decade in bottle - not as monumental as some, but don't count this out - there are all the bones of this exceptional wine, and the tannic architecture will widen over ageing. 1.7% press, 75% new oak, 26hl/h yield, Jean-Pierre Masclef technical director and Jean-Pierre Delmas estate director.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

The 2024 Haut-Brion Blanc is seamless and textured in the glass. Silky and creamy in feel, with fabulous balance, Haut-Brion Blanc is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Marzipan, chamomile, spice, lemon confit and a kiss of French oak are all beautifully woven together. The long, sustained finish is a thing of beauty.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2039

Palest gold in colour, beautiful quality, has intensity and grip, it hugs on to the palate, delivering white peaches, pear, apple orchard, fragrant and charming, with a sweet apricot puree and bitter fennel on the finish. Acidity and structure a little more pronounced here than on La Mission, clearly will go the distance, if a touch less charming right now. 40% new oak, harvest September 2 to 10. 3.22ph. 38hl/h yield

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

The 2024 d'Issan is pretty closed in on itself. Issan is usually a showier wine at this stage, but the 2024 is decidedly virile, almost somber in feel. Floral, spice and earthy notes open with some coaxing, and yet the Grand Vin is only showing a fraction of what it has to offer. I do admire its strong character, however. The 2024 will be a fascinating Issan to follow.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Lovely deep rich if savoury and precisely-carved rube red fruits on the opening. This is a serious Issan, well structured with waves of crushed roses, rose buds, crayon and saffron. Slim and savoury with enjoyable finesse. Harvest 26 September to 8 October. 3.58 pH. 50% new oak. Éric Pellon technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 La Chenade is gorgeous. Deep, pliant and textured, the 2024 has so much to offer Dark red fruit, mocha, espresso, lavender and licorice all meld together in a sumptuous, beautifully layered Lalande-de-Pomerol that hits all the right notes. Floral and citrus overtones perk up the vibrant finish.

Score: 90 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

Redcurrant, blueberry and white pepper, with gentle earthy notes. Less 'Pomerol-adjacent' than in some vintages, but this has charm, and a sense of precision and lift, 35hl/h yield after hail. No chaptilisation, harvest September 22 to 28, 57% new oak.

Score: 88 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 La Gaffelière confirms its place as one of the top properties in Saint-Émilion in this challenging vintage. Bright and dynamic in the glass, with terrific persistence, the 2024 sizzles with tension. Crushed flowers, mint, lavender and crushed rocks open in the glass. The finesse of the tannins is impossible to miss. The 2024 is not a huge wine, but its finesse is evident. Blue/purplish fruit, slate and clean mineral overtones extend the long, sculpted finish. Tasted three times.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Apple crumble, saffron, mango, pineapple, bitter orange peel without being overpowering, sharp, well balanced, great quality, one to sink into and share with friends. Silvio Denz owner, 12 hl/ha yield.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2038

The 2024 Lafite-Rothschild is a sensual, elegant wine very much in the style of the year. Plush and enveloping, with lovely forward fruit, the 2024 is very Lafite, perhaps a bit reticent, but super-expressive just the same. Black cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and a kiss of espresso all build in the glass, framed by quintessentially finessed Lafite tannins. The 2024 is sublime. I expect it will be one of the to be one of the top wines in the Médoc when all is said and done.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2064

Rich texture, this stands head and shoulders above many in the vintage, with graphite, crayon, cassis bud rather than exuberant black fruits, this is precise, savoury, delineated, floral, gunsmoke, juicy, captures the effortless elegance that Lafite does so so well, and it totally delivers. Harvest 23 September to 7 October, 32hl/h yield, above the Pauillac average, 16% press wine included in the blend. Director Eric Kohler's 33rd year in Pauillac. I am giving a slightly earlier begin drinking date, but I am certain this will age exceptionally well as Lafite always does. Slightly earlier starting date for drinking than usual, eight years following harvest.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2050

The 2024 Lafon-Rochet is sleek, elegant and polished, as it so often is. Silky tannins and lifted floral overtones are immediately alluring. Soft but persistent, with fine balance, the 2024 has a lot to offer. Punchy red/purplish fruit, blood orange, spice and new leather are beautifully delineated. There's a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage, and yet it is the personality of site that speaks loudest. Lafon-Rochet is always a bit lithe. That quality is present in 2024, although a second sample showed more overt body. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2044

This is juicy, drawn out, balanced, elegant, showing lean black fruits laced with fennel and anis, plenty of slate tannins, just a little leafy on the finish. 3.67 pH. 40% new oak, highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon on record.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Lagrange is quite promising. Deep and vibrant in the glass, with terrific energy, Lagrange offers fine depth and plenty of harmony to match. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, tobacco and incense resonate on the layered finish. Tasted two times.

Score: 90 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2044

Classically balanced St Julien, firm cassis and white peppers, enjoyable mid palate texture, slate textured tannins add grip and tension, successful in the vintage.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2045

The 2024 Langoa-Barton is such a pretty wine. Floral and bright, with lovely mid-weight structure, Langoa is a total charmer. Rose petal, crushed red berry fruit, spice, orange peel and mint are beautifully lifted. Bright saline undertones extend the finish. The 2024 is a promising Langoa. Tasted two times.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2039

Floral peony and lilac aromatics on the Langoa, and the fruit character keeps things finessed and soft - think red cherry, cherry pit, tobacco, black tea, thoroughly charming, just a little short on the finished compared to the exceptional 2022 or 2023 vintages. The difference in the blends between the two Barton St Julien wines is significant this year, with just over 50% here of Cabernet Sauvignon compared to over 90% in Léoville. Harvest 24 September to 5 October. 60% new oak, 30hl/h yield.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 Larcis Ducasse is dense, powerful and imposing, almost surprisingly so. All of the wine's intensity is in the mid-palate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, lavender, chocolate and cinnamon meld together in the glass, but it is the wine's mind-blowing balance that stands out most. This is another stellar showing from Larcis Ducasse. There's real potential here. Tasted four times.

Score: 94 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Laroque is a sleek, polished wine made mostly from the Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes plateau in this vintage. Silky and aromatic, with mid-weight structure, the 2024 is attractive. However, the challenges of the vintage are evident in the light mid-palate and soft finish. Élevage will be critical. Tasted two times.

Score: 88 - 90 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

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 Lascombes represents another important step for Lascombes under its current leadership. Silky and elegant, with notable depth, the Grand Vin impresses with its textural resonance and persistence. New leather, licorice, lavender and incense weave through a core of dark-toned fruit. Lascombes is shaping up to be one of the sleepers of 2024. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. Impressive. Tasted three times.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

This has elegance, fine tannins, a clear expression of how Cabernet Sauvignon can perform in the vintage, rosebud, peony, slim, savoury, with fine and attractive aromatics, lovely salinity on the finish, nuanced and mouthwatering. Rises above the reputation of the vintage. Axel Heinz director. As of this vintage, only the original 1855 plots are in the wine Harvest 23 September to 9 October. 38 hl/ha yield, Julien Viaud consultant. Tasted twice. 60% new oak for ageing, 38 hl/ha, harvest 23 September to 9 October.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Léoville Barton is a very beautiful wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, new leather, graphite, crushed rocks, mocha and spice all meld together. A wine of classical build, Léoville Barton is also wonderfully deep and expressive. Today, all of its energy is directed inwards, but there is a lot of wine here. I can't wait to taste this from bottle. Tasted two times.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2049

Stands out for the elongated and supple shape and texture of the tannins, builds complexity over the palate and this is well structured, with elegant, finessed, savoury but carefully extracted cassis and bilberry fruits, with cocoa bean and cigar. One of the wines in the vintage with definition and ageing ability, and retains clear Léoville Barton character. Harvest 24 September to 5 October. 60% new oak for ageing.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

The 2024 Léoville Las-Cases is gorgeous. All the Las-Cases signatures are present, just dialed down a touch. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, grilled herbs, graphite and menthol are all beautifully delineated. The 2024 is distinguished by its precision and total class. Time in the glass brings out the wine's intensely floral, spice-inflected aromatics. Brisk acids and bracing mineral notes wrap it all together in style. I can't wait to taste this from bottle.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Medium to full intensity, vivid plum with vibrant violet around the rim, ink, black tea, chamomile flowers, slate, graphite, redcurrant, rose petals, cassis, bilberry, raspberry leaf, delivers the texture, tension and complexity that you expect from this level of estate in any vintage, and it is a success, reserved, slim and savoury with ageing potential. Arnaud Delon now at the estate, working alongside his father Jean-Hubert Delon. 31hl/ha yield. New cellars now in operation for the winemaking, 75% new oak. 3.60 pH. 31 hl/ha. 6.3% press wine. Harvest 30 September to 9 October.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2048

The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré offers notable brightness to match its mid-weight personality. Floral and spice notes open into a core of dark red- and black-toned fruit. Medium in body, with good persistence, the 2024 is an understated Léoville-Poyferré. Today, it feels a bit compact, which also attenuates the fruit to some degree.

Score: 89 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

Impressive texture, slate wrapped in silky tannins, with real depth of flavour, black cherry and damson fruit, no dip through the mid palate, and a long finish. Maintains estate signature, shows generosity and confidence, one of the wines of the vintage. Alix Combe vineyard director, Isabelle David oenologist. Harvest 24 September to 10 October. 3.71 pH. 26.42 hl/ha.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2048

The 2024 Les Cruzelles is laced with blue/purplish fruit, cloves, licorice, menthol, incense and gravel. Ample and broad, with terrific resonance, the 2024 is super-expressive right out of the gate. There's gorgeous resonance and fine balance here.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2036

There is austerity here, as is classic in the vintage, but beautifully handled and balanced, with muscles, touch of cloves and again this white pepper character, with white plum, fine tannins, mouth-watering salinity on the finish. No chaptilisation, 57% new oak for ageing.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Lynch-Bages is packed. Cedar, scorched earth, licorice, incense and pipe tobacco weave through a core of dark, sepia-toned fruit. I especially admire the long, polished finish and overall balance here. The 2024 is a virile Lynch Bages with a bright future. Tasted two times.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Ruby with violet edging, opens to show chalk and slate tannins, giving a sense of restraint and grip, this is savoury and juicy with plenty of cassis fruits, delivers Pauillac consistency in an inconsistent vintage, and also it is just rather delicious. 75% new oak. 3.67 pH,

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Château Margaux is quite soft and delicate. It shows fine delineation in its aromatics and on the palate, but it's distinctly on the lighter side, even for Château Margaux. The mid-palate and finish are a touch compact, while there is a bit of edginess in the tannins that needs time to resolve. Bright acids and the lack of fruit pliancy expose the tannins at this stage. Élevage will be everything. Château Margaux is a bit of a question mark.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Such a floral wine, aromatics that really take hold and grip on through the palate, raspberry, black cherry, edges of rosebud, chalk, white tea, crayon, chalk, iris, has real precision, and a slow-burn unspooling of flavours, salted cracker salinity on the finish. 46% of the overall production is in Château Margaux, 30hl/ha yield after sorting through the year as needed. Harvest September 23 to October 8. Philippe Bascaules director, 3.62ph. Excellent quality, one of the wines of the vintage, with a slightly earlier starting date for drinking than usual, eight years following harvest.

Score: 96 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2050

The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion is such a classy wine. Strong floral and savory notes meld into a core of plum, blackberry, gravel, spice, leather, tobacco and incense. Medium in body, with no hard edges, the 2024 is a delight. It offers lovely freshness and energy throughout. There is a bit of graininess in the tannin, a reminder of the challenges of the growing season.

Score: 93 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

Medium to full intensity, vibrant plum colour, this is elegant and balanced, with the same juicy orchard apple character that you find in La Chapelle, along with cloves, incense, slate, crayon and baking spice, lots of complexity and balance. The aromatics are a little subdued right now but this has ageing ability and estate signature. 5.3 press, 75% new oak, 26hl/h yield.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

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 Montlandrie is a potent, deep wine with strong Cabernet character. Dried herbs, licorice, menthol, lavender and blue/purplish Merlot fruit all race across the palate before Cabernet Sauvignon tannins come alive to frame the potent, explosive finish. Superb.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

The 2024 Montrose exudes Cabernet Sauvignon character in its aromatic savoriness and tannic structure. In fact, the 2024 has the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever. Tightly wound today, the 2024 impresses with its energy and focus. There's a bit less mid-palate and overall heft than most years, as well as a brighter fruit profile. Floral, spice and mineral overtones lend brightness throughout. The 2024 is a super-classic, nervy Montrose that will need a number of years to be at its most expressive. Aging is projected to be 18 months, with 60% new oak.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2064

Beautifully deep colour, this shows chalk, violet flowers, peony, fragrant and enticing floral profile compared to so many in the vintage, this is excellent, cocoa bean, cassis, depth, layers and concentration - one of the wines of the vintage. 15% press wine, a little more than usual. Harvest 23 September to 8 October, Pierre Grafeuille estate director.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2050

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.

Score: 94 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Medium intensity, inky colour and some delicious sappy fruits. Stretched out, sinewy, lean muscles, charcoal, slate, peony, gunsmoke, hugely engaging texture with salinity, and a mouthwatering finish. Easy to recommend, love it. Harvest 25 September to 10 October, 3.7ph, first year ageing in barrels, second in larger oak casks.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

The 2024 Pape Clément is unusual in that Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend. That is evident in the wine's strong savory profile and overall structural feel. A reduction in the oak imprint emphasizes fruit and overall vibrancy. The 2024 is not as showy or easy to taste as most vintages, but the style here has also undergone a pretty radical transformation. It was vinified in oak, steel and concrete. A significant portion of the wine saw malolactic fermentation in tank rather than oak, as had been the case in the past. That adds up to a vibrant, nervy Pape Clément that represents a new era here.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2034-2054

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 Pavie is potent and explosive to the core. Blackberry, espresso, licorice, cloves and leather are dialed up to the maximum. The 2024 is an imposing, brawny Pavie that is likely to need a bit of time to be at its most expressive. Today, the 2024 is quite the bruiser, especially in terms of its tannin profile. Like so many wines in 2024, the balance here is on the razor's edge, suggesting that élevage will be critical, especially in terms of preserving the wine's fruit. Aging is 65% new oak and 35% once-used barrels, in other words, on the lower side in terms of new oak at this address. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Pavie Macquin is positively gorgeous. Silky, layered and voluptuous, the 2024 is so impressive right out of the gate. Plush contours wrap around a core of purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, spice, menthol and chocolate. All the signatures of this site come through loud and clear. Savory and floral notes supported by clean veins of salinity extend the persistent finish. Pavie Macquin shows what was possible in 2024. The choice to harvest everything in October (from the 3rd to the 8th) paid off big time. Aging is in French oak, with about 15% in larger 500-liter barrels, 45% new wood overall. Tasted three times.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

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 Pavillon Rouge is a very pretty wine that represents 28% of the château's production. Intensely floral and medium in body, the 2024 is quite gracious. Spice, crushed flowers and bright red-toned fruit are nicely delineated in a mid-weight, classy Pavillon. The blend is very much Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, as the Merlot suffered more.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

High floral aromatics on the nose, marked by peony, white roses, lilac, chalky tannins, lovely purity of expression, complex aromatics that reflect berry fruits that are ripe without being heavy, with focus and precision. 3.62ph, 12.5% press wine, 30hl/h yield after sorting. Harvest September 23 to October 8. Less Merlot than usual both in Pavillon and in Margaux, and more Cabernet Franc (9%) in this, as a result of plantings a decade ago.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Pédesclaux is one of the finest wines I have tasted here in some time. The move to increase the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend over the last 15 years is starting to pay some serious dividends. Expressive savory notes lead into blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, menthol and grilled herbs. This is beautifully done. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2039

More introverted and brooding than the previous vintages, the 2024 Pedésclaux reveals aromas of licorice, spices, oak and cassis mingled with notes of green bell pepper. Medium-bodied, supple and layered, it's lively with tangy acids and a firm chassis of tannins that lead to a short, spicy finish. This blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot is a rather compact Pédesclaux.

Score: 86 - 87 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com

The 2024 Le Petit-Mouton is a dark, brooding wine. Dark red fruit, pomegranate, gravel, incense, leather and scorched earth contribute to a feeling of somber gravitas. Low yields, as measured by bunches per shoot, come through in the wine's density and power. The 13% alcohol is super-classic. The 2024 is shaping up to be a very serious wine.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2036

Here you get that sexy Petit Mouton kick, defined by Cabernet, less exuberant profile than in recent years and yet great texture and lift, supple blackberry fruits, cocoa bean lacing. Very much succeeding in the vintage without compromising the heart of the estate signature. Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy director. Harvest 23 September to 5 October. 3.62 pH. 50% new oak.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 La Petite Eglise is really in a class by itself when it comes to the second wines of Pomerol. Dark and sumptuous in the glass, the 2024 exudes attractive inner perfume and fabulous balance. Inky dark red fruit, pomegranate lavender, spice, menthol, incense and rose petal stain the palate. This racy, striking Pomerol is lights out. I would be thrilled to own it.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2034

The colour here is vibrant ruby and violet, this has so much precision and energy, sapidy, cherry pit, violets, again the textural side of the vintage is at the fore, coffee beans, espresso and black chocolate, notes that I have not written in many wines this year, No chaptilisation, 3.62ph, 70% new oak, harvest september 20 to 28. Love this, has a sense of vibration that might make this the 2nd wine of the vintage. If this comes out at a good price, run don't walk, as they say.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2029-2040

The 2024 Phélan Ségur is an absolute delight. Dark and ample, the 2024 offers up a compelling mix of black cherry, leather, game, incense, licorice, gravel and pipe tobacco. All the elements are so well balanced. The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, in other words, a very high percentage of Cabernet. That comes through nicely in the wine's aromatic finish. Phélan Ségur is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the year. Tasted four times.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

The 2024 Pichon Baron is a very sexy wine. Deep and layered on the palate, with fine depth, the 2024 exudes balance. Sumptuous black cherry, mocha, new leather, licorice, menthol, lavender and pine are all dialed up. There's gorgeous breadth and overall presence here. The Cabernet Sauvignon is quite high at 87%, but it is really the wine's balance that speaks loudest. Here, too, the reduction of new oak to 70% really helps the wine speak with precision.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Majors on the fragrant, slim and precise side of Cabernet Sauvignon, waves of cassis bud, rose stems, tobacco leaf and a mouthwatering finish. Don't expect the intensity of 2022 or 2023 at this excellent Pauillac estate, and yet there is impact and slow build through the palate. One of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon on record, will be ready to drink within five to six years compared to the usual ten to 15. 3.71pH, 70% new oak for ageing, 52% of overall production in the first wine. Harvest 15 September to 10 October, Pierre Montegut technical director, Christian Seely CEO.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2048

The 2024 Réserve de la Comtesse is a very racy, sexy wine. Crushed flowers, mint, lavender, new leather, mocha and spice all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Réserve. All the elements are so well balanced. Silky tannins add to the wine's total feeling of finesse, but the aromatics are just as inviting. Tasted three times.

Score: 91 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2039

Unusually austere on the opening for this highly consistent wine, but things builds slowly but surely, expanding through the mid palate to show chalk, crayon, cassis and cocoa bean, grilled herbs. 48% of overall production in the Pichon Comtesse Reserve, 3.7 pH. IPT 65, 50% new oak for ageing, 15% press wine.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2038

The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is plush, sensual and inviting. Succulent dark-toned fruit, sweet spice, new leather, mocha, chocolate and lavender build nicely. Here, too, the tannins are so polished, so refined. The 2024 is an especially elegant Pichon-Comtesse. It’s also very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Bravo. Tasted four times.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Fragrant cassis bud, rose petals, and peony. Great definition, mouthwatering on the finish, savoury blue and black fruits, less concentration than the past few vintages, but this uses slate textured tannins, cold ash smoke and well-judged salinity to compensate and build interest and engagement. Harvest September 22 through to October 9. 66% new oak. Low yields of around 30hl/h. 16% press wine, 52% of the overall production (with the rest in Pichon Comtesse Reserve, no 3rd wine). 3.7 pH. IPT 70,

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

The 2024 Pontet-Canet is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted here in some time, as in a long time. Brisk acids and beams of tannin shape a mid-weight, classically built Pontet-Canet unlike any I have tasted. The 2024 is not an obvious wine, it does not have the opulence of most recent years, rather it is a wine that impresses with its energy, tension and class. Floral, spice and mineral notes stain the palate in this vibrant, beautifully sculpted Pontet-Canet. The 2024 is seriously impressive, but it is also less immediate than what was once the norm because of a shift towards a style that favors greater energy and vibrancy than in the recent past. The evolution here is going to be fascinating to follow in the coming years. Tasted three times.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

Vibrant ruby in colour with violet edging, this is beautifully measured, with a careful release of black fruits. Puts the focus on the floral side of Cabernet Sauvignon on the aromatics, with rose petals, chamomile, fragrant tomato leaf and lilac. There is austerity on the opening, with tight architecture but as it opens juice begins to flow through the pumice and slate-textured tannins, and this delivers a finessed, slim-style of Pauillac, with plenty of ageing potential and quiet confidence. Harvest September 26 through to October 11. 3.8ph, 50% new oak, 35% concrete amphoras. One of the successes of the vintage. Tasted twice.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2046

The 2024 Poujeaux is quite bold and savory, largely because of the elevated presence of Petit Verdot in the blend. Dried flowers, lavender, spice and licorice lend dark tonalities to the bouquet. In 2024, Poujeaux is quite reticent, despite its mid-weight structure and modest 12.5% alcohol. I would cellar it for a few years, as this needs time to come together. I find the 2024 a bit raw and unformed at this stage, and yet it has plenty of depth to make me cautiously optimistic about the future. Tasted two times.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2044

The 2024 Rauzan-Ségla is magnificent. One of the top wines of the Left Bank, Rauzan-Ségla possesses tremendous textural density and mind-blowing balance. Dark fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and new leather are all dialed up in a potent, layered Margaux that offers stunning harmony and incredible purity. At this stage, Rauzan-Ségla is one of the wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Elegant yet powerful, the 2024 is simply magnificent. Tasted four times.

Score: 95 - 98 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2043-2054

Inky colour here, one of the deepest in the appellation, lovely precision, great quality, the cool spirit of the vintage comes through in the sappy fruit, blue rather than black in character if not in colour, with black tea, espresso, chalk, lots of finesse, and still delivers flesh through the mid palate, with a touch of bitter cocoa bean on the finish. 22% press wine, 50% new oak, 3.7ph. This is the first organic certified vintage. 30hl/h yield, 55% of production in the main estate wine.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2045

The 2024 Reynon Blanc is an absolute delight. It offers plenty of Sauvignon Blanc character in a style that emphasizes orchard fruit notes and soft contours. Pear, mint and white pepper are some of the nuances that open in the glass. This classy, polished white is seriously impressive in 2024, especially given its modest price.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2031

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

The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte is raw and not fully formed. Today the tannins are imposing. There's good energy and depth in the glass, but the 2024 is very backward. Floral and spice notes emerge with air, but for the time being, Smith Haut Lafitte is a bit of a mystery.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2044

Toasted cedar and sandalwood oak on the nose, the team as Smith Haut-Lafitte has done a lovely job of adding a gourmet lick of grilled blueberry and raspberry fruits to the opening moments of the wine, alongside richer damson and black cherry in the mid-palate. Great energy, lift and juice, vivid fruits, graphite, ink, chalk tannins, slimmer through the mid palate than in the bigger vintages, but everything in its place. 21hl/h yield, 60% new oak. Fabien Teitgen technical director.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 Suduiraut offers up a beguiling mix of passion fruit, mango, pineapple and tangerine oil. Even with 130 grams of residual sugar, the 2024 is not an especially opulent Sauternes. I especially admire its freshness. What a beautiful and expressive wine.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2054

The 2024 Talbot is an attractive, understated Saint-Julien. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, mocha, dried herbs and incense lend notable aromatic presence. The 2024 is pleasant but also a bit light texturally. Let's see what happens with élevage.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2049

Finely constructed tannic frame, sappy, good clarity of fruit but lacking some punch. One of the highest yields of the vintage at 54hl/h, Nancy Bignon-Cordier. 60% new oak.

Score: 90 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2042

The 2024 Troplong Mondot is a total stunner. As has been the case for some years now, the Grand Vin is blended before being barreled down, which means at the time of tasting en primeur, the wine has seen less wood than the vast majority of its peers. That lends this wine a certain raw energy that is impossible to miss. The purity and intensity of the flavors are simply remarkable. Troplong Mondot is one of the standouts of 2024. Even in this vintage, Troplong Mondot possesses remarkable textural presence, but that richness is matched by notable freshness and linear drive. It was deeply impressive on the two occasions I tasted it. Élevage is planned to be 55% in new oak, 26% in 20HL barrels and 19% in once-used barrels.

Score: 95 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2030

The 2024 Trotte Vieille is a potent, explosive wine. An exotic mélange of black fruit, new leather, chocolate, espresso, menthol and licorice literally stains the palate. As always, Trotte Vieille is such a distinctive wine. The finish is perhaps a touch light. Then again, this is 2024. Today, Trotte Vieille comes across as raw and not totally put together, but its pedigree and potential are undeniably present.

Score: 92 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Valandraud is quite the powerhouse. Dense and explosive, Valandraud packs a huge punch. Macerations reached up to four weeks, long for the vintage, yielding an especially huge, deep Saint-Émilion. Valandraud is atypically concentrated for the year. Let's see what happens with élevage. There is a feeling of exoticism here that is so alluring. This is an especially heady, opulent wine in 2024. That was clearly the intent, and an approach that worked.

Score: 92 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

The 2024 Vieux Château Certan is a delicate, elegant wine driven by its strong floral component from the significant presence of Cabernets in the blend this year. Silky tannins add to an impression of restraint. I can't remember tasting a young VCC with this equilibrium, one that approaches a Burgundian textural feel, for lack of a better word. The 2024 opens with a bit of time in the glass, but it is a decidedly understated, calm VCC. I can't wait to see how it ages.

Score: 93 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2034-2054

Violet ruby with a vibrant rim, reflects the savoury vivid quality of the vintage in the wines that deliver. Clear chamomile tea, fragrant white blossom, redcurrant, blueberry, a touch of austerity and reserve compared to the past few vintages, but with purity and finesse, mouthwatering finish, 30hl/h yield, 3.7ph, harvest 20 September to 2 October. 3.70 pH, and a high Cabernet character in the final blend (despite one block less of Cabernet Franc after replanting), 66% new oak. An enjoyable wine from Alexandre Thienpont.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044