Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse-de-Lalande Pauillac
Henschke Cyril Henschke
Chateau Montrose 2me cru classe
Chateau Montrose is a second Grand Cru Classé estate in St-Estephe and is considered one of the leading wine properties of the appellation. Located in the eastern half of the appellation just 800 metres from the Gironde estuary, the propertys proximity to the water provides a unique micro-climate that protects the vines from frost. The Grand Vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, that appears very powerful and austere in its youth, with a backbone of firm tannins that provides exceptional longevity.
Chateau Pavie-Decesse Grand cru classe
Château Pavie Decesse is a St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé property in the Côtes sub-district, considered the equal of its illustrious neighbour, Chateau Pavie. The origins of both can be traced back to ancient Roman times. The 3.5ha vineyard, on chalky, limestone and clay soils and contiguous with Pavie, is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Following cold maceration, the Chateau wine is vinified in temperature-controlled oak vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is aged in 80% new oak for between 18 and 24 months, depending on vintage character. Production is small, around 650 dozen each year. The hedonistic Pavie Decesse style combines opulent, rich, sensuous textures with minerality, freshness and concentration. Due to its lush style Pavie Decesse drinks well young, yet does develop additional complexity with time in the cellar. Wine quality has been consistently excellent under the ownership, since 1997, of Gerard and Chantal Perse.
Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases 2me cru classe
With one of the longest and most pedigreed histories in the Medoc region, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases has passed through the hands of some of Frances most notable and wealthiest noble families, culminating in the Las Cases family - the final royal family to hold title to the Chateau. Up until the French Revolution, after which large portions of it were sold off, it was one of the largest vineyards in Bordeaux. Today, the estate remains family owned by the Delons, of which brother Jean Hubert and sister Genevieve manage proceedings. Famed for producing a wine of structure, power, and traditional style, the 2016 vintage has earned outstandingly high praise, including a score of 100 from Andrew Caillared and a 19/20 from Jancis Robinson who praised its extraordinary vitality and energy and proclaimed it glorious to taste now.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Château les Carmes-Haut-Brion
Segla By Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
Château Rauzan-Ségla has a long history, with the first vines planted on the property in 1661. However, the official birth date of the château is considered to be 1763, when it separated from Rauzan-Gassies. The estate was gradually divided through the generations of the Rauzan family, but it gained a reputation and was classified as a Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe in 1855 alongside Château Mouton Rothschild. While the wines of the late 19th century became legendary, subsequent success was hindered by several obstacles, including a decline in vineyard area and outdated equipment. The estate was later acquired by the Wertheimer family, who continued to improve the vineyards and facilities, consolidating the Grand Vin as a super-second. Château Rauzan-Ségla has 70 hectares of vineyards, planted with the four Bordeaux grape varieties. The Grand Vin of Château Rauzan-Ségla is made with great care, using grapes from the main vineyards where the old Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines grow in well-cultivated soils. Small vats are used to create different batches that correspond to specific plots. Segla, the second wine of the estate, was created in 1989 and is produced using grapes from the vineyards surrounding the historic centre of Château Rauzan-Ségla. The wine is made with the same care and attention as the Grand Vin but is aged with less new oak and is typically less Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant. Segla is a renowned wine produced by Château Rauzan-Ségla, made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 53% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine undergoes an 18-month aging process in barrels, with 20% of new oak used in the process. The 2018 vintage of Segla is structured with a full body and firm, chewy tannins that are polished and focused. It has a tight hazelnut finish and is recommended for drinking in 2024. James Suckling gave it a rating of 93 points.
Château Figeac
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2me cru classe
Taking its name from its uniquely rocky terroir (beau caillou translates as beautiful stones), and Bertrand Ducru who purchased the estate in 1795, what we know today as Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou as a wine producing estate, has history stretches back to the 13th century. Owned today by The Borie family (who have long-standing roots of their own in Bordeaux), the Chateau is, according to many, producing the best wines in their history at this very moment. The 2016 vintage has already been hailed as yet another monumental success for the winery with Antonio Galloni praising it as simply magnificent.