Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2022 vintage. More red than black fruit initially. Like many 2022s, it is very smooth and accessible, after an hour the cassis and spices are showing up. I was surprised to learn that there is a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) than Merlot in the blend, as I think I would have believed it to be right bank in a blind tasting. In any case a very attractive, delicious wine. Good value too. Abv. 13%. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2023 vintage. A classic vintage, without the opulence of the 2022, and a bit more body than the 2021. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

7.0

2020 vintage. Not very interesting, especially compared to Tour du Haut Moulin 2018 and Mazails 2022 in the same price category. Thin, high acid, tannins with rough edges. — 19 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. Owned by the same family since 1870, until the fifth generation, Lionel Poitou sold this 10 hectares estate to 3 Israeli winemakers. La Tour du Haut Moulin has a long reputation for value for money, and this 2018 is no exception. Solid dark red colour with only a little evolution. In the mouth it features a serious black fruit concentration, balanced by fresh acidity and a serious tannic backbone, while avoiding the alcohol heath that sometimes characterises this hot vintage. It has an old school slightly rustic feel about it, but it's incredible value for money. Drinking very well now, but no need to hurry, I am convinced it will last at least for another decade. I found this in a local supermarket for 8,09 euro, I kid you not! Life is fine for wine lovers in the Bordeaux region. Abv. 13,5%. I am curious to see what the new owners will achieve with this estate, there should be huge potential . — 20 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. The smallest estate in Saint-Julien ( 0,85 hectares),founded in 1961 by André Leclerc. André was also the winemaker at Léoville Barton, and he was allowed to make his wine there. Today, wine is made as a hobby by his family and their friends, many of them working for famous Saint-Julien Crus classés. The old vines are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 25% of Merlot. The 2022 is an impressive, classic Saint-Julien. Deep, dark red colour. Cassis, blackberries, and the most subtle touch of oak. Concentrated black fruits, embedded in a structure of ripe tannins, and good acidity. The winemaker of Beychevelle , Philippe Blanc helps out with the blending. A hidden gem ! — 7 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2020 vintage. Life is too short to drink the highly disappointing Château Begadan ( Médoc), especially since you can find a nice, humble little Bordeaux for the same price ( around 7,50 euro). This is perfectly ready to drink, and a great everyday medium-bodied Bordeaux with a nice tannic bite. Abv. 13,5%. Contrary to the name, there is very little Malbec in this Merlot-dominated blend. — 18 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2016 vintage. It is hard to go wrong with Saint-Julien in this excellent vintage, even if most of them are just starting to open up. Talbot 2016 will still need a few years to show its full potential, but it can be enjoyed today with a little air. — 20 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. The owners of Fleur Cardinale bought the neighbouring estate Croix Cardinale in 2011. The 4 hectares vineyard is planted with 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. For this vintage the blend is 68% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Expectations were high, as I loved the second wine of Fleur Cardinale, Intuition 2020, tasted twice recently. And I am definitely not disappointed. This 2022 Croix Cardinale is some sexy juice! Black cherries, raspberries and strawberries, mixed with very subtle spices and flowers. Perfectly balanced with an exemplary purity of fruit, embedded in a structure of velvety tannins and fresh acidity. If you have this in your cellar, and you are planning to let it age for a few years, I'd suggest you hide it, because it is very hard to resist. Abv. 13,5%. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2023 vintage. Only a dry white comes under the name "Lions de Suduiraut"now. Terrific value. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.8

2022 vintage. Great value at 6,30 euros. — 20 days ago