VIN 

2018                                 93 pts

Chateau Laffitte Carcasset

Château Laffitte Carcasset is a classic Saint-Estèphe red wine. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it is crafted from the best plots in the vineyard.

• The Nose: Expressive with layers of flowers, tobacco leaves, black currants, strawberries, and a touch of cocoa or sweet spice.
• The Palate: Deep, layered, and creamy, featuring a supple body alongside vibrant cherries, plums, and mint-tinged black fruit.
• The Finish: Long and vertical, framed by a chalky, mineral freshness, a touch of savory turmeric, and highly refined, velvety tannins.

2022                              92 pts

Chateau Laujac – MEDOC

• Region: Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Grape Varieties: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Petit Verdot
• Average Price: $25 per 750ml bottle
• Tasting Notes: Rich blackberry and red currant flavors layered with powerful yet delicate tannins, a subtly jammy nuance, and a refreshing menthol finish
• Aging Potential: Can be enjoyed young but will age beautifully for 10 to 15 years 

2020                              90 pts

Chateau Roques Mauriac

• The Château Roques Mauriac Bordeaux Supérieur (typically priced around \(\$15 – \$20\)) is a highly praised red blend sourced from the Entre-Deux-Mers region in France. It is primarily made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, offering ripe black fruit, sweet spices, and polished tannins.
• Tasting Notes: Expect rich dark cherries, blackberries, and cassis, complemented by secondary notes of tobacco, cedar, vanilla, and subtle coffee.
• Structure: Medium to full-bodied with a fresh acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins.

2022                              93 pts

Chateau Lilian Ladouys

• The 2022 Château Lilian Ladouys is an outstanding, Merlot-dominant Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux. Priced around $30–$40, it offers exceptional value. This dark, full-bodied red balances lush blackberry and dark cherry notes with vibrant acidity, floral undertones, and silky, structured tannins. 
• Blend: Typically around 52% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot.
• Aging: Matured for roughly 14 months in French oak barriques (approximately 33%–40% new oak).
• Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of crushed dark berries, violets, and graphite. The palate is fleshy yet fresh, displaying dark chocolate, spiced currants, and a long, spicy, mineral finish.
  

2018                              93 pts

Chateau Lanessan Haut-Medoc

• The 2018 Château Lanessan is widely praised as an exceptional value, offering classic left-bank Bordeaux characteristics. It shows deep ruby-purple color with aromas of black cherry, cassis, and tobacco. It is medium-to-full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, savory finish. 
• Nose: Black cherry, currant, fresh violets, toasted oak, and hints of dried herbs and tobacco.
• Palate: Ripe dark fruit, pencil shavings, cedar, and an earthy minerality.
• Texture: Medium-to-full weight with chewy, pliant tannins and elevated acidity

2016                              98 pts

Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey Lalique

• The 2016 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a universally acclaimed, exquisitely balanced Sauternes. Produced under the ownership of crystal house Lalique, this vintage blends rich, tropical fruit notes with vibrant acidity, making it delicious upon release but highly suited for long-term cellaring.
• Blend: 93% Sémillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, and 1% Muscadelle.
• Aromas: Honeysuckle, orange blossom, baked apple, and pineapple.
• Palate: Unctuous and layered. It features flavors of lemon curd, candied fruits, marzipan, and toasted almonds.
• Finish: Exceptionally long, with striking minerality, crushed rock undertones, and refreshing acidity.

2019                              99 pts

Cos D’Estournel

• The 2019 Château Cos d’Estournel is a highly acclaimed, full-bodied Bordeaux blend (typically 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot). Praised for its velvety texture, bright spice, and notes of blackcurrant and graphite
• While already showing remarkable depth, it remains relatively tight in its youth and is built for the long haul. Most critics recommend cellaring it until 2029 or beyond, and it will easily age beautifully for several decades. If drinking now, a decant of 2-4 hours is highly recommended to let its exotic and opulent profile fully unfurl.
  
• Aromas: Highlights pure fruit, fantastic structure, and great potential for long-term cellaring.
• Palate: Praised for its seamless freshness, towering “skyscraper-like” structure, and concentrated black fruit.