Wine Advocate (95)

A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine has an extraordinary purity and vivaciousness in 2009. Dense ruby/purple, with beautiful black currant and black cherry notes as well as hints of raspberry and spring flowers, despite the fact that 100% new French oak is used, it is completely buried beneath a cascade of glorious fruit. The wine is extremely aromatic, with great intensity and beautiful balance. Unlike most vintages, it is somewhat accessible because of the vintage’s low acidity and higher alcohols and should drink well for up to 20 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2010 Clos Saint-Martin is even deeper in color than the 2009, almost opaque. I much prefer the nose compared to the previous vintage - it demonstrates much more energy and freshness, and brighter red fruit laced with orange zest and a hint of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied and structured on the entry, delivering fine grip and sharper acidity than the 2009, so it is missing that vintage’s roundness and plush texture. Hints of pencil lead develop toward the linear finish, completing a superb Saint-Émilion that will offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.

The Wine Cellar Insider (97)

Sexy, silky, velvety textured ripe, sweet fruits coat your palate. The balance between the weight, depth, layers of voluptuously textured fruits is dead on. Rich, opulent and sensuous, this decadent offering from the plateau of Saint Emilion is going to offer pleasure for at least two decades and probably longer.

The Wine Cellar Insider (97)

Sexy, silky, velvety textured ripe, sweet fruits coat your palate. The balance between the weight, depth, layers of voluptuously textured fruits is dead on. Rich, opulent and sensuous, this decadent offering from the plateau of Saint Emilion is going to offer pleasure for at least two decades and probably longer.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

The 2019 Clos Saint-Martin comes from a tiny vineyard of clay and limestone soils and is mostly Merlot blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. This deep purple-hued beauty boasts a rocking nose of darker currants, ripe black cherries, mulberries, chocolaty oak, iron, and bloody meat. It's deep, rich, and full-bodied on the palate and has a round, voluptuous mouthfeel, flawless balance, layered tannins, and a great, great finish. It's a stunning bottle of wine that already offers pleasure yet is going to gain complexity and nuance with 5-7 years of bottle age and keep for 30 years or more. This estate continues to be a hidden gem in just about every vintage and is well worth snatching up by savvy readers.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

Another brilliant wine from this team, the 2021 Clos Saint-Martin reveals a medium ruby hue to go with a gorgeous array of black cherries, redcurrants, smoked tobacco, chalky minerality, and spice. It's medium-bodied and elegant, which is very much in the vintage, yet it has beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, velvety tannins, and flawless overall balance. It's a beautiful wine that readers should buy a case of for drinking over the coming 15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Clos Saint-Martin is massive and deeply layered, with dense black fruits, truffle, chocolate, crushed stone, and floral notes. Full-bodied and powerful, it has great freshness, fine tannins, and remarkable purity. Aged for 20 months in 60% new oak barrels and 40% amphorae, this structured and mineral-driven wine will need time but should evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Total production: 416 cases.

James Suckling (94-95)

I like the build up in the finish of this classy, medium- to full-bodied wine. Offers currant and berry fruit, as well as integrated, fine and velvety tannins. Caressing at the end.

Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation.

Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse.

Experience the exquisite Clos Triguedina Cahors 2020, a beautiful expression of France's renowned Cahors region. This bold and graceful red blend produced by the historic Jean-Luc Baldès estate boasts a richly layered palette. It marries the potent depth of Malbec with the versatility of both Merlot and Tannat to create a harmonious concoction of luscious fruits, polished tannins, and a warm, robust finish.

Hailing from the estate’s prime vineyard plots located on the terraces of the Lot Valley, the Clos Triguedina Cahors 2020 undergoes a meticulous process of selective handpicking, destemming, and extended maceration. After being fermented in cone-shaped oak vats, it's aged in French oak barrels, adding intricate notes of vanilla and spice to its hearty texture.

Recognised for its complexity and timeless elegance, the Clos Triguedina Cahors 2020 truly encapsulates Jean-Luc Baldès' dedication to traditional winemaking whilst innovating with modern techniques. It offers a captivating journey into the heart of Cahors' wine heritage.

Immerse in the elegant complexities of the Closel Savenniers Jalousie 2014. Produced in the distinguished Savennières region of France's Loire Valley, this esteemed biodynamic wine captures the unique terroir and solar exposition of its vineyard. Steeped in rich tradition, the Domaine du Closel vineyard, managed by the unswerving dedication of Evelyne de Pontbriand, embraces a naturally low yield philosophy, thus ensuring exclusivity and consistent depth of flavor.

This Closel Savenniers Jalousie 2014 elegantly displays the distinct Chenin Blanc grapes in a harmonious blend of maturity and vivacity. On the palate, this opulent dry white wine bursts with sophisticated layers of ripe fruits and mineral notes. Hand-harvested, the grapes are meticulously fermented in stainless-steel tanks, subsequently matured 'sur lie' for eight months, imparting a pristine finish brimming with subtle complexities. An elegant ode to traditional winemaking, the Closel Savenniers Jalousie 2014 embodies the heritage of its origin.

The exquisite Closel Savenniers Papillon 2020 hails from the revered Château des Vaults estate, situated amongst the historic vineyards of Savennières in France's Loire Valley. Respected vintner, Evelyne de Pontbriand, nurtures her vineyards using organic and biodynamic principles, resulting in a wine that's much-lauded for its purity and elegance.

The Closel Savenniers Papillon 2020 is a Chenin Blanc made from grapes hand-harvested then meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit graces your glass. The maturation process, in traditional oak, imparts subtle complexity to the wine that's a sheer treat to the palate.

Spellbindingly structured, this golden-hued beauty unveils a rich tapestry of dried honey, apple, and acacia notes, encased within a refined mineral envelope, and graced by a lively acidity. If you're looking for a wine that mirrors the French tradition of careful, hands-on winemaking, Closel Savenniers Papillon 2020 is indisputably the bottle for you.

Crafted from sumptuously ripe Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Closerie Saint Roc Rouge 2018 hails from the renowned Bordeaux region of France. This opulent red wine is the creation of the respected Les Vignerons de Tutiac winery, who takes a meticulous, handcrafted approach in the vineyard. Closerie Saint Roc Rouge 2018 is known for its impeccably balanced flavour profile, sporting rich berry nuances intertwined with subtle spice and oak undertones, a testament to 18 months of careful oak barrel aging.

Full-bodied yet velvety, it complements hearty roasts and succulent steak beautifully, its bright acidity and firm tannins ensuring a robust structure and long-lasting finish. As a vintage year, 2018 was highly favourable, leading to a Closerie Saint Roc Rouge that radiates charm, elegance, and a depth of flavour that encompasses the very essence of superior French viticulture.