4eme Cru Classe
2019 Chateau Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
£170 / Case£28.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Talbot 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
As Chateau Talbot’s third vintage under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte (ex-La Conseillante) overlapped a trio of consecutive great years in Bordeaux, there was every indication that his 2020... would create as much anticipation as his 18’s and 19’s. That expectation was fully justified with the refinement and elegance this St Julien gem continues show.
A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, the vintage shows a floral and fruit spectrum on the nose, with blackcurrant, berry and cassis; lifted, concentrated and fresh, its palate is expansive with a delicious lick of minerality, one whose elegance is matched only by a terrific length.
£235 / Case£39.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Chateau Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
"The 2022 Duhart-Milon underwent a short 15- to 18-day maceration and is raised in 50% new oak and the rest one-year-old barrels. It has a very graphite/mint-scented nose that is Pauillac through and... through. The palate is fresh and vibrant with fine tannins. This is beautifully sculpted with a vibrant pencil lead-tinged finish reminiscent of Grand Puy Lacoste. The 2022 is a fabulous Duhart-Milon that should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. It's a Pauillac a bit like the late Steven Spurrier insofar that it's a Pauillac always conservatively dressed in a pin-striped suit, but that's the essence of Duhart. 2030-2060"
93-95 pts, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£378 / Case£63 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2024 Chateau Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
"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. " Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
£258 / Case£43 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2024 Chateau Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
"The 2024 Branaire Ducru was cropped at a respectable 41.5 hl/ha between September 20 and October 9. It has a delightful bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry and light violet scents percolating... through with time. There's just a touch of iodine in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, pretty black fruit laced with cassis and touches of white pepper. There is an elegant framework on the finish so that this Saint-Julien slips down the throat with ease, as I am sure it will once in bottle. Whilst this does not reach the heights of the 2022, this is destined to be a very delicious Branaire Ducru. Drink: 2028-2048" 90-93 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£159 / Case£26.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2022 Chateau Talbot 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
“A great effort in 2022 with such excellent precision and detail to the tannins and fruit. Cool blueberries, blackcurrants, cola, vanilla, tobacco and liquorice all give nuance and interest with... fleshy tannins and bright acidity. Great balance of intensity and finesse with such energy from start to finish. Really quite approachable and enjoyable with impressive crystalline aspects and a lovely sense of place. Tasted twice. A yield of 40hl/ha. Ageing 16 months in barrels, 60% new." 95 pts., Georgina Hindle, decanter.com
£289 / Case£48.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur