Presenting Barons Rothschild Reserve Medoc Speciale 2016, a compelling union of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes hailing from the reputable vineyards of Medoc, synonymous with the acclaimed Rothschild wine legacy. Harvested and meticulously selected, the grapes are vinified at a controlled temperature before enduring an extended maceration. The resulting blend is then expertly matured in oak barrels for fourteen months, endowing it with a robust and news-worthy character.

This particular vintage is elegantly expressive, featuring an audacious bouquet of red fruits layered with spice. The palate reveals a profound structure with integrated tannins, yielding a complex yet harmonious wine. Though Barons Rothschild Reserve Medoc Speciale 2016 comes from the much-celebrated Rothschild lineage, it nevertheless manages to elicit its own distinct and delightful charm. Renowned for its impeccable balance and gratifying report, this Bordeaux wine is undoubtedly a testament to the art and craft of fine winemaking.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (86-88)

The 2017 Chapelle de Potensac is an attractive second wine from Hubert Delon's Médoc property. Soft, silky and open-knit, the 2017 is quite pretty, but its light to medium-bodied structure suggests it is best enjoyed over the near term. The red berry and floral notes are nicely delineated throughout.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)

The 2018 Chapelle de Potensac is bright, perfumed and very nicely lifted, with plenty of red berry, dried leaves and floral character. Silky and light on its feet, the Chapelle is a gorgeous, refined Left Bank red to drink over the next decade. There is lovely 2018 raciness to the fruit and impeccable balance to round things out.

Vinous - Neal Martin (86)

The 2019 Chapelle de Potensac has a light but agreeable cherryade and crushed strawberry nose, nicely defined and straightforward. The palate is ripe on the entry with slightly chewy tannins, but I find this a little short in the scheme of things, leaving me wanting more.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

A cult Médoc wine from Stéphane Dief, in a vintage that rarely disappoints. The thing I like best about Clos Manou is that it has concentration and polish but never loses its sense of heart, and this is a great example, limbering up at 5 years old, full of liqourice, espresso, blackcurrant and bilberry fruits, plenty of campfire smoke and spice from 70% new oak.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

No secret that I am a fan of this small production, high quality estate in the Médoc region, owned by Françoise and Stéphane Dief. Once again here it shows you why. This is absolutely staying in the lines of 2022 in terms of its full-on inky colour, but there are vibrant violet edges, and this feels sleek but restrained. A real standout, leaning into the vintage with its clearly ripe dark fruits and plush chocolate and liquorice lacing, but never feeling over the top. A buy.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

No secret that I am a fan of this small production, high quality estate in the Médoc region, owned by Françoise and Stéphane Dief. Once again here it shows you why. This is absolutely staying in the lines of 2022 in terms of its full-on inky colour, but there are vibrant violet edges, and this feels sleek but restrained. A real standout, leaning into the vintage with its clearly ripe dark fruits and plush chocolate and liquorice lacing, but never feeling over the top. A buy.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)

The 2018 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel is a very pretty wine that balances fruit intensity with expressive aromatic top notes. Rose petal, mint, dried flowers, licorice and espresso lift a core of red/purplish berry fruit as this stylish, Merlot-based Médoc shows off its considerable allure. The blend is 73% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. Yields were just 33 hectoliters per hectare, as opposed to the more typical 45-50. Give it a good deal of aeration.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)

The 2021 G 'Estournel is racy and expressive in the glass. Pretty floral and savory accents run through a core of dark Merlot fruit. This mid-weight, gracious Haut-Médoc is all charm. The 2021 is impeccably balanced from start to finish. Delicious.

James Suckling (93)

Deep, dark and rich fruit, from plums to berries. Full bodied, layered, dense and very rich. Best after 2022.

Wine Advocate (86)

An elegant, straightforward style of wine with some earthy, subtle herbaceousness, this effort exhibits medium body, decent red and black currant fruit, and a soft finish. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2020 Les Grands Chênes is terrific, just as it was en primeur. Blackberry jam, gravel, incense, tobacco, scorched earth and espresso saturate the palate with remarkable depth. This deep, flavorful Médoc is a tremendous effort from Bernard Magrez and his team. My only complaint is the absurdly heavy bottle, which is completely out of touch with today's world.

James Suckling (90-91)

Attractive blackcurrant and walnut character with some mineral and spice. Medium body. Fine tannins. Fresh finish. Not a big wine, but shows finesse and focus for the vintage.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2005 Potensac is absolutely gorgeous. The aromatics alone are beguiling. Delicate, elegant and super-expressive, this Potensac is absolutely gorgeous in 2005, Time in the decanter brings out the fruit nicely, yet the 2005 remains light on its feet and a wine of real finesse. It is also still young and full of life. What a treat it is to taste it from a perfectly stored bottle.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2009 Potensac has an attractive bouquet with blackberry, melted tar, black tea and graphite scents. Nicely defined it maybe a little conservative given the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity. Classic in style with fine graphite and cedar notes towards the finish. Enjoy this now and over the next decade. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.

James Suckling (91-92)

This is one of the fruitiest Potensacs that I remember, with loads of blueberry and currants. Full and velvety. Plenty going on underneath.

Wine Enthusiast (91)

Coming from the same stable as Léoville las Cases in Saint-Julien, the wine is finely structured with firm tannins and dark fruit. Rich plum flavors are counterbalanced by solid tannins. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.

Wine Enthusiast (91)

Balanced and structured, this wine has plenty of ripe black fruits and attractive acidity. It is juicy, with a black currant flavor and a touch of Cabernet Franc perfume. Already delicious, it will develop quickly.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, the 2020 Potensac displays a little more opulence on the nose compared to other vintages. This is certainly true in bottle, though it retains a sense of composure, mainly red fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannins, crisp acidity, just a touch of licorice infusing the mixture of red and black fruit, a welcome tarriness imparting some classic Claret notes on the finish. A fine Potensac.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)

The 2015 Rolland de By has come together nicely since I tasted it from barrel. There is plenty of both depth and definition to the dark cherry, tobacco and grilled herb flavors. Pliant, supple and inviting, the 2015 will drink nicely for at least the next handful of years.

Over three decades old, the 'Sigognac 1989' is a transcendent Bas-Armagnac brandy, synonymous with excellence. Produced by the venerable house of Chateau de Bordeneuve, this Armagnac tells the tale of meticulous crafting in the venerated terroirs of Gers in South West France. Potently soaked with deep flavours, this brandy reveals a confidential, yet prodigious subtlety in its bouquet, whilst its latently smoky tone choreographs a gentle dance with the vanilla undertones of its oak barrel maturation.

A symphony of dried fruit, followed with a second act marked by a rich and warming texture marks the remarkable character of 'Sigognac 1989'. Staying true to traditional distillation methods, it is derived via an alembic armagnacais still, accentuating its inimitable richness. This unique spirit is a testimony to meticulous craftsmanship and heritage, a worthy addition for the collectors' horizon, promising a saga of indulgence in every sip.

Wine Advocate (88)

Reminiscent of a mini-Grand Puy Lacoste with its cassis fruit, attractive aromatics, lush, sweet, medium-bodied flavors, and inky/ruby/purple color, the 2005 Tour St.-Bonnet sells for a fraction of the price of the Grand-Puy-Lacoste. But beggars can’t be that choosy, right? Drink it over the next 5-7 years.