This vintage has a lean structure with firm tanins, ripe plums and truffle; the oak dominates from start to grippy finish. - SUZANNE MUSTACICH

A bird of a different feather, this marries a polished feel with the nervy, underlying zip of sel gris and quinine notes, while its core of green almond, star fruit and white peach opens slowly. Shows subtle accents of...

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Poesia rolls out with ready-to-go notes of fresh blackberries, red currant jelly, and juicy black plums with hints of rose oil, dried lavender, and tar. The medium to...

Deep rich plum in colour, spiced cumin, loganberry, blood orange, cranberry and white pepper, there is the austerity here which was true even during En Primeur, now elongating into finesse and consistency of delivery...

A deliciously inviting nose, with dark and perfumed fruits, blackcurrant, blackberry and damson, with smoky crushed chalk, rose petal and toast, as well as a touch of honeyed oak. The palate builds on this start with a...

Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Canon storms out of the glass with powerful notes of baked blackberries, prunes, and scorched earth leading to hints of sandalwood and tobacco with a waft of dried herbs. The medium to...

Impressive linearity and salinity. For once, I notice the winemaking, with greater fruit purity such as juicy plum and ripe blackberry. Gone is the drying finish of noticeable oak tannin from earlier vintages. 'In 15...

The grand vin from the Decosters is a blend of 76% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, matured mostly in new French oak barrels, with some use of older oak, foudre s and amphorae. A rather restrained...

Aromas and flavors of berries, dark chocolate, spice and thyme. It’s full-bodied, rather chewy and slightly austere. Yet, it’s so structured and beautiful. Hint of toasted oak at the end. Give this time to soften and come...

A very convincing nose of sweet blackcurrants, blackberries and dark chocolate, with an appealing edge of toasty oak. The palate follows with a wealth of dark fruits, dark chocolate, toast and coffee bean, set in a broad...

(JD 94-96 points) The 2023 Château Canon is an ultra-classic wine from this terroir offering textbook limestone-driven, black raspberry, floral, chalky, and spicy aromas and flavors. As always, it's not massive and is...

Deep rich plum in colour, spiced cumin, loganberry, blood orange, cranberry and white pepper, there is the austerity here which was true even during En Primeur, now elongating into finesse and consistency of delivery...

An interesting nose, distinctive, with toasted redcurrant and red cherry fruits layered with vanilla. A juicy style follows on the palate, the fruit floral and scented, with peony, blackcurrant leaf and rosemary, draped...

The 2019 Canon la Gaffeliere, a blend of 49% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep garnet-purple in color. Wild blueberries, kirsch, and black raspberry notes waft from the glass with hints of...

Such gorgeous fruit, with extremely polished tannins and a persistent finish. The new oak comes out at the finish, but it should melt together with age. A joy to taste now but better in 2016.

A nose rich in toasted oak here, as well as very dark fruits, griddled blackcurrant and damson, liquorice and tar, along with elegant and perfumed notes of white flowers, crushed chalk, mint, white peach and white pepper...

Blackberry and black cherry compote flavors bring a restrained juiciness, while floral, singed apple wood and black tea notes fill in liberally. The finish extends nicely, with a long, underlying chalky minerality. An...

This has a perfumed, pretty nose of dried violets, cloves, blackberries, chocolate cherries and tobacco leaves. Full-bodied with firm, fine and powdery tannins. Mouth-coating and expansive, with sweet spice to close...

Mint, tobacco, cherries, black raspberries, toffee, and espresso crowd onto the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh, reserved, with a core of bright, crunchy, salty fruit on the backend. Drink from 2024-2040.

The 2019 Bellefont-Belcier is composed of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with cedar and clove oil scents over a core of plum pudding, blackberry preserves...

The 2018 Canon La Gaffeliere has a deep garnet purple color. It needs a little coaxing to reveal notes of kirsch, black raspberries, and cedar, with hints of pencil lead and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is...

The 2020 Beauséjour Bécot has a winsome bouquet with precise, focused and mineral-driven red fruit that shimmers with tension. The palate is medium-bodied with seamlessly integrated oak and hints of black pepper and...

After 12 months in wood, the wine has a fine spicy edge. That balances the rich black fruits with their floral character. This is a ripe wine that has plenty of potential. Drink from 2026. ROGER VOSS

Rich and heady in the glass, the 2016 Patris Querre is a gorgeous, sumptuous Saint-Émilion. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, chocolate, tobacco and spice are pushed forward. Powerful and super-ripe, the 2016 has a lot...

Such clarity to this with redcurrants, stems, fresh herbs, blackcurrants, and cherries on the nose. Medium to full body. Very tight, fine tannins. It builds nicely and has excellent length. Class and reality here. Needs...

Smoky sweet spice with juicy, ripe red berries on the nose. The core of liquorice and star anise is supported by plump, fleshy vibrant loganberry and raspberry fruit. Fresh, chewy fig on the finish. Youthful and classy...

Among the oldest estates in St Emilion, dating back to the Middle Ages, this is pure restrained limestone, and stands as an excellent reflection of why this type of terroir worked so well in 2018. The ph for example, is...

The 2018 La Rose Perrière has come together beautifully since I last tasted it. Rich, deep and sumptuous, the 2018 possesses terrific depth and density from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, spice...