Bob McDonald

9.4

I remember having this wine for the first time in a restaurant outdoors under a tree for lunch in Gigondas with the family many years ago. It was a Wow wine. I have since collected a few bottles and decided to have this one over the weekend with Lamb Shanks. Nose not giving a lot initially but eventually a red and black fruited savoury perfume. Such concentration and richness on the full bodied palate featuring raspberry, plum and spice finishing with supple tannins in this predominantly Grenache blend. The previous bottle I had of this in Australia had notes of barnyard and manure (possibly traces of Brett) but no sign of that in this bottle. Always a treat to have a Bonneau Celestins. — 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Vieux Château Palon – 2021
Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC – Right Bank, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A distinctive Right Bank Bordeaux, this cuvée flips the classic Merlot-dominant Saint-Émilion script. Instead, it is crafted from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, making it unusually bold, structured, and aromatically lifted for the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis dominate, with graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf from the Cabernets. Subtle violet and peppery notes emerge from the Franc.

Mouthfeel
Firm tannins, medium-plus body, and a long, savory finish. More muscular and linear than many Montagne-Saint-Émilions, leaning toward Left Bank style but with Right Bank elegance.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, cassoulet, duck confit, aged Comté or Tomme de Savoie cheeses.

Verdict
An atypical but fascinating Montagne-Saint-Émilion that highlights Cabernet structure over Merlot plushness. For those who love Pauillac or Saint-Julien, this bottle is a bridge into the Right Bank world. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of the four “satellite” appellations of Saint-Émilion, known for offering excellent value Bordeaux reds. Few estates here lean so heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes Palon stand out stylistically. — 2 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

This CdP seems a bit more angry and wild from being opened, a touch more structure than the softer 2000 Bosquet des Papes (2001 was a more tannic vintage), solid balance, also mature, 13.5% ABV, longish finish. — 7 days ago

with Jim

Tom Garland

9.4

Pop and pour. A majestic lite gold color. On the nose: crisp apples, lemon, almonds, floral, and honey. Taste: creamy, beautiful texture and nice acidity wine with apple, pear, lemon zest, saline, flint, and a minerally lime peel medium plus finish. YUM! Maturing gracefully and time to go. — a month ago

with Brenda

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Brock thompson jordan john s kevin b — 2 months ago

Doug Powers

9.2

A little orange bricking on the edge, this lovely aromatic 25-year-old Chateauneuf seems mature and ready to drink, still shows lively acidity which nicely lifts the red fruited flavors, good weight, lingering finish, should pair beautifully with the bison ribeye I will soon be grilling!! — 3 months ago

with Jim

Austin Hohnke

9.1

A consistent performer that easily wins over palates. Each vintage more expensive than the last. — 14 days ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.0

Beautiful medium dark rubi robe, reticent nose of blackcurrant, asphalt, tobacco and black cherries notes. It has density and quality of fruit, but ends on a dry port register. A faulted bottle ? In any case not worth the price and disappointing. — 21 days ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Jake Hajer

9.2

Can still use time. Thyme, pomegranate, tomato. Nice wine. Great for food. — a month ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

8.9

Rated highly (wherever 93 points). I found this wine OK but not oh boy that is the white CdP i need to store. It was easy drinking now. Almond blossoms and Jasmine…. — 2 months ago