Pessac-Leognan
2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 3x150cl
"Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aging in 30% new barriques, the 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with alluring scents of... blackberry preserves, Black Forest cake and warm cassis, plus wafts of red roses and cinnamon toast with a hint of dried mint. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers plush tannins and soft acidity to support the generous, juicy black fruits, finishing on a lingering minty note." 91-93 pts., William Kelley, robertparker.com
£138 / Case£46 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2018 Chateau Haut-Bailly Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2018 Haut-Bailly soars out of the glass, showing magnificent poise that only grows with time. Sweet, perfumed aromatics, silky tannins and mid-weight structure add to its considerable allure.... Ripe red berry fruit, spice, blood orange, licorice, cedar, tobacco and menthol are all woven together in an effortless, classy Haut-Bailly that delivers the goods. I suppose the 2018 doesn't quite have the explosive energy of the very best years, but it more than makes up for that with its sensual, seductive personality." 97 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£510 / Case£85 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from 5-30 September and represents the 40th vintage under the irrepressible Olivier Bernard, who celebrates with a one-off label. It soars from the glass... with take-no-prisoner aromatics: perfumed mineral-rich red berry fruit, incense and black truffle. Pessac-like earthiness with an opposing airiness defines many a great wine from this estate. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. Slightly powdery in texture and saline in the mouth, this gets the saliva flowing. However, the arching structure on the finish suggests it will require considerable bottle age. Cellar this for a couple of decades, and you'll be repaid handsomely. 14% alcohol." 95-97 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£340 / Case£56.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is matured in 50% new oak for a planned 12 months, removed from barrel after 9 months with three months in vat after blending. It has a very perfumed nose with... yellow plums, jasmine, walnut and touches of fennel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine depth and acidity. Waxy in texture, with hazelnut and white pepper toward the saline, almost creamy finish."
94-96 Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2023
£720 / Case£120 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte was cropped at 29hL/ha between 5 and 30 September, undergoing half the extraction, aged in 60% new oak for a planned 18 months. It is fragrant and very pure on the nose:... beautiful blackberry, raspberry and liquorice. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, very elegant and focused, fine-boned with an exceptionally pure and caressing tobacco-tinged finish. This is going to grow to be a wonderful, delicious Smith Haut Lafitte. 14.5% alcohol."
95/97 Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2023
£684 / Case£114 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is stunning. It exudes textural depth, intensity and pedigree from the very first taste. I imagine it will still be stellar in another few years' time. For now,... it is a wine to think about cellaring. Time brings out dried lemon peel, sage, mint, chamomile, salt and crushed rock scents that lend both vibrancy and complexity. In most vintages, the Blanc is either incredibly steely or ample in feel. In 2022, it is both. Tasted four times." 95-97 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£488 / Case£81.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"A blend of 60.1% Merlot, 31.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.7% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot, harvested from the 7th to the 29th of September, the 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has an estimated... alcohol of 15.2%. Deep purple-black in color, it bursts from the glass with notions of baked black cherries, blackberry pie and plum preserves, leading to hints of ripe redcurrants, spice cake and smoked meats, plus a touch of hoisin. The big, rich, full-bodied palate is a full-on decadent mouthful, featuring lovely freshness to lift all that rich black fruit and a velvety texture, finishing long and spicy. A beautiful behemoth that is going to wow the hedonists!" 91-93 pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£720 / Case£120 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Haut-Brion, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 3x75cl
"A blend of 71.4% Sauvignon Blanc and 28.6% Semillon, harvested 20th to 27th August and with an alcohol of 13.9%, the 2020 Haut-Brion Blanc slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh pears, spiced apple... slices, orange zest and lemongrass, plus touches of wet pebbles, dillseed and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate wears its lightly spicy apple and pear layers with grace and sophistication, supported by a racy backbone and subtly creamy texture, finishing long and mineral laced. It will need time, but there's no doubting it's a knock-out." Drink 2028-2045. 95-97+ pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£1,800 / Case£600 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"Concentrated ruby red colour, a little subdued on the nose, built with structure and power, concentrated and should age well. Classical, powerful, not exuberant, an impressive Chevalier that has... tannins and fruit and freshness, nothing shouting too loud. As it opens, you see a peony floral edge that is very attractive. Easily among the best in Pessac." 95 pts., Jane Anson, decanter.com
£283 / Case£47.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2018 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2018 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has come together beautifully over the last two years. Rich and unctuous in feel, the 2018 offers terrific nuance to match its creamy, enveloping personality.... Dried pear, marzipan, lemon confit and white flowers all build as the 2018 blossoms in the glass. The poised, deeply resonant finish is striking. I am so impressed with the 2018, a wine that is far more convincing in bottle than it was from barrel. " 95 pts., Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
£378 / Case£63 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2016 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"This is so young right now, which seems crazy to say for a white wine, I know. But at two years old it has hardly begun to gather us to its side, let alone reveal its secrets. This will clearly have... plenty to show in a few years' time - white peach and pear flavours, and a gorgeous texture of slate caught against saline minerality. This is going to age, and then some..." 95 pts., Jane Anson, decanter.com
£407 / Case£67.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
1998 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
£360 / Case£60 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2017 Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 3x150cl
"Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Bursting with red cherry and hints of violet on the nose, there is intrigue and joy here. The palate shows much flesh and vibrancy, with plump red berries at the... core. The acid is positively zesty yet lifts the fruit into floral tones rather than washing away the flavour. Fleet-footed and long on the finish. A wine that transparently exhibits the better elements of this vintage." 17 pts., Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
£255 / Case£85 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aging in 30% new barriques, the 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with alluring scents of... blackberry preserves, Black Forest cake and warm cassis, plus wafts of red roses and cinnamon toast with a hint of dried mint. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers plush tannins and soft acidity to support the generous, juicy black fruits, finishing on a lingering minty note." 91-93 pts., William Kelley, robertparker.com
£132 / Case£22 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion offers more red fruit on the nose than the La Chapelle de La Mission, perhaps more vibrant and expressive at this early stage. Touches of orange sorbet come... through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and forward. A hint of dark chocolate appears towards the generous finish that develops more structure after three or four hours in the glass." 91-93 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£593.34 / Case£98.89 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 L’Esprit de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"Lemon, lime, green apples, honeysuckle, pomelo, and flowers open the nose. Creamy, fresh, vibrant and packed with sweet, yellow citrus, the wine is crisp, fresh and juicy on the palate and in the finish." 92 pts. Jeff Leve, thewinecellarinsider.com
£125 / Case£20.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
“The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, picked September 13–23 at 40hL/ha, has a captivating, complex bouquet of yellow flowers, white peach, wet limestone and just a faint hint of elderflower in... the background. The taut palate is well-balanced with a superb line of acidity. Conveying tangible energy from start to finish, this builds in the mouth toward a persistent finish that fans out gloriously. One of the best Domaine de Chevalier whites that I have tasted in 20-plus years.” 95-97, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£430 / Case£71.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"Gorgeous aromas on the nose, so expressive with blackcurrant, plum, damson, strawberry and red cherry all abounding out of the glass. This has style and substance on the palate, the sour cherry,... blackcurrant and blueberry covered in the terroir markers of slate, graphite, pencil lead and liquorice which are the drivers on the palate, the fruit taking a backseat right now though there is cohesion with verticality and an undercurrent of freshness. The energy is there, almost latent, it’s under the surface, brimming, not yet ready to go but it will be there in time. This has refinement and you feel they haven't pushed too hard. It’s definitely got the markers of the vintage, the coolness of the year, showing the grapes and terroir even more clearly in the glass, especially the spiced Cabernet aspects. I love the style and the no frills effect. It’s got a super long length too with enough class on show you know it will age well." 94 pts., Georgina Hindle, decanter.com
£545 / Case£90.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau Haut-Bailly Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
£576 / Case£96 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
“The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from September 28 until October 15 at 30hL/ha. Tobacco- and sous-bois-infused black fruit unfurl with a sense of assuredness on the nose, the best example,... a third bottle toward the end of my tastings, being the most delineated. This has energy rather than horsepower. The palate is medium-bodied with pencil-lead-infused black fruit and a slightly powdery texture, certainly the most saline in recent years, leading to an almost Pauillac-inspired finish. Stylish and classic Domaine de Chevalier.” 93-95, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£282 / Case£47 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"Plenty of classic La Mission finesse and balance, touches of cloves and velvety tannins, this is surpremely balanced and elegant, with pummice stone minerality. It is a little taut on the finish in... its tannic structure and no question majors more heavily on the cool blue fruit character than we have seen with this property in recent years. Seriously enjoyable, a total masterclass in cool climate fruit delivery. Easy to recommend. 73% new oak, harvest september 20 to October 8. No frost impact here and very little mildew, meaning the overall yield was up to 47hl/h, extremely generous for the vintage."
97 pts, Jane Anson MW, www.janeanson.com
£1,350 / Case£225 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2021 Haut-Brion has a more extravagant, charming bouquet compared directly with the La Mission at the moment, offering copious blackberry, black truffle, undergrowth and menthol scents. The... palate is very well balanced, harmonious and poised, with fine-grained tannins and an almost pixelated finish. This Haut-Brion seems to have reveled in the cooler growing season, and at 13.8% alcohol, there is almost a degree less than recent vintages. Jean-Philippe Delmas has fashioned a contender for wine of the vintage." 95-97, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£2,550 / Case£425 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"Toasted oak, lanolin, honeyed caramel, lemon zest and red apple peel on both the nose and palate. This has an unctuosity, a richness to the texture giving beautiful honeyed lemon touches with... Semillon fatness and intensity from the Sauvignon. It’s sleeping a little right now, feels as if it’s calm and quiet, not yet ready to show the world what it’s about but you do get a precision and detail along the edges, a real sculpting of elements. I love the presentation, such a success for the vintage, excellent winemaking on show. It's the soft vibration you get as the flavours travel from start to finish that is so promising - a lot of life and immense enjoyment to come from this." 96 pts., Georgina Hindle, decanter.com
£635 / Case£105.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur