Bordeaux
Chateau Petit Bocq, Saint-Estephe, 2020
Château Talbot, Château Talbot 4ème , 2016
Fourth Growth. Quatrieme Grand Cru Classe in 1855. Undeniably, Talbot is one of the most famous Médoc wines. Having been in the same family for more than a century, this estate with more than one hundred hectares of vines produces wine that is recognized for the consistent quality of its vintages. ‘For many, Talbot embodies the ideal Saint Julien, a generous bouquet, extremely stable and dependable during aging,’ emphasize Bettane and Desseauve in their Guide to French Wines. It’s true, Talbot is a champion of longevity; even young Talbot is pleasant and rounded, always characterized by silky, mild and very civilized tannins. Talbot possesses an expansive character. It’s never withdrawn into itself and has the courtesy of being in a good mood every day. It’s a racy wine, with complex marks of Havana tobacco and licorice, classically delicious without ever the slightest hint of austerity.
Famille Vauthier, Château Moulin Saint-Georges, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2013
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Famille Vauthier, Château Moulin Saint-Georges, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2017
Jean-Philippe Janoueix, Château Croix Mouton, Bordeaux Superieur, 2017
Ch. Croix Mouton is a wine that surpasses its appellation, which means that the quality is higher than one would expect. The estate is in hands of Jean-Philippe Janoueix, same owner as Ch. La Confession (St. Emilion) and Ch. La Croix St. Georges (Pomerol). Small returns (46hl/ha), cultivation of the soil, leaf removal, sorting out when harvesting, use of gravity when putting the grapes in the cuvees, elevation on new oak, etc… all those things contribute to top quality for a very reasonable price. Jean-Philippe Janoueix is a very precise person, which reflects in the quality of his wines. Do also read my comments on his newly bought chateau Cap Saint Georges (Saint Georges in St. Emilion), and his other wines mentioned above.
Les Tours de Laroque, Saint-Emilion grand cru, 2018
This exceptional second wine from the French vineyard Château Laroque near Bordeaux is a true delight, with a fragrant bouquet of intense fruit and dark notes. A perfect harmony of black cherry, cassis and plum liqueur unfolds on the palate, complemented by elegant tannin and a tremendous finish. This juicy fruit and the velvety tannin of Saint-Émilion are precisely what give Laroque wines their signature finesse.