The 2021 Le Carillon d'Angélus opens with a burst of red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal, lavender, mocha and new oak. Palpable energy drives the balance. The aromatics are broad and quite expressive, but on the palate, the 2021 remains strict, as the oak needs time to fully integrate. Let's see how this turns out. AG Vinous 91 Points

The La Lagune (BIO ORGANIC) 2020 from Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France is a stunning representation of the region. This vintage, produced by Chateau La Lagune, is truly a testament to their dedication to creating outstanding, organic wines. Upon pouring, the deep ruby color catches the eye and the nose is met with a bouquet of red fruit, including cherries and raspberries, as well as subtle hints of herbs and spices. On the palate, the wine is elegant and well-structured, with a perfect balance of tannins and acidity. Notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, and a touch of oak make for a complex and satisfying experience. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant taste of dark fruits and a touch of smokiness. This La Lagune is a true delight for any wine enthusiast.

The 2010 Chateau d'Issan is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, showing 'classic Margaux' in its perfume, finesse and apparent elegance. Soils are gravel and clay, which contributes to the high-tones of perfume from the wine, and though an estate that is neccesarily clawing its way back to a higher profile, is doing so with deeds in bottle over showmanship. On its side, the vineyard is dense with older vines that naturally offer lower yields, allowing for a higher quality of fruit for the winemaking team, in turn producing a wine of stellar quality from 2010.

A famous 5th growth Bordeaux from the classic appellation of Pauillac that has undergone many name changes over its life. Starting life as Mouton d'Armailhac before changing in 1956 to Mouton Baron Philippe which changed to Baronne to commemorate the Baron's second wife. In 1991, the Baron's daughter decided to give the Château an original name to separate it from the other Mouton's and Château d'Armailhac was born. Situated across the road from the famous Mouton, the estate is run separately, but with equal care. Wines of great concentration and intensity are produced, as one would expect from such pedigree. The 2009 is the perfect example of this with a wine of fantastic intensity and concentration. One of the finest d'Armailhac's is living memory, swathes of blueberry, roasted meats and espresso coffee characters are present early and will only further develop with careful ageing over the next 20 years.

Château Lascombes was a small property by Bordeaux standards up until 1951, which then grew to beyond its means until the most recent ownership change which has seen better fruit selection and a creation of a second label to produce an estate wine of purity and concentrated flavours. Using the talents of Dr Alain Reynaud and Michel Rolland the wines continue to impress in recent years, namely this spectacular 2009 vintage which is proving to be one of the greatest vintages in the past 100. Even at this early stage the Lascombes looks superb with balance between power and opulence treading a near perfect line.

E. Guigal, located in Ampuis, was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal. Since 1961 his son Marcel has led the estate, and his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to quality have brought attention to Côte-Rôtie and other appellations throughout the Rhone that were in danger of being lost, and lifted the Guigal wines to the pinnacle of the wine world. Hermitage is one of Frances most spectacular and famous appellations, producing small quantities of extraordinarily intense and age worthy red wine. 'The 2009 Hermitage possesses a dense purple color as well as lots of creme de cassis, camphor and acacia flowers. The Guigal family may be the modern worlds greatest testament to a family-run winery with impeccably high standards, integrity and an uncompromising vision of the future. They continue to push the envelope of quality to greater and greater heights.' 92-95 Points | Robert Parker.

Planted in 1300, the estate is the oldest planted vineyard in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, ranked among the Premiers Crus for red wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1959.