Stefan Dolhain

9.6

1998 vintage. This estate was acquired in 1972 by former Château Yquem régisseur Pierre Meslier ( who passed away in 2023 at the age of 93). He managed to restore the wines to their former glory, and his 3 children seem to continue on the same path. This 1998 features a brilliant, golden colour, and a nose that immediately shows off the typical roasted botrytis aromas that characterise great Sauternes, intertwined with honey, beewax, maple syrup, lemon confit and flowers. In the mouth, it is succulent and profound, wonderfully achieving that delicate balance between sugar and acidity that makes Sauternes potentially great. Layers of dried and fresh fruit, rich and refreshing at the same time, culminating in a very long finish with a lovely almondy impression. Excellent. Abv. 13,5%. — 3 months ago

Paul T HB

9.2

Just needed time, both in storage and decant. Better on the 2nd day
Some historical stuff I found online,

The Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme property has been making wine since the French Revolution and has existed since the mid 1600's. Now in the hands of the Nony family, who is related to the Borie family of multi-chateau fame, the estate is in excellent hands.
The vines average about thirty years of age and are located in the southwest corner of Saint Julien. The grapes are fermented in cement vats where they also undergo malolactic fermentation. From there they're aged in one third new French oak for one year before bottling. — 2 years ago

Pablo Cetlinski

9.5

To all the children of North East Italy who cannot play soccer because the fields are taken over by the Glera grape. — 3 years ago

Gaurav Tiwari

9.3

This comes from two vineyards with vines planted in 1902 and 1920. The soils are calcareous marl and clay. The wine is a pure expression of its terroir thanks to its élevage in a combination of used oak and clay jars. The wine shows ripe and fresh red-fruit aromas on the nose with Asian spice and rose petals. Medium weight and moderate tannins follow on the palate with a concentration of flavor that is typical of old vines and wholecluster fermentation. They say Michael Magnien follows the rhythm of moons synodic revolution at each stage. — 4 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

Primarily Syrah with 11% Viognier blended in. Deep ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Fragrant tertiary aromas of smoked meat, charcoal and earth. Pallet is loaded with dried red fruit and black pepper, toast and dark chocolate and coffee. Mineral tinged finish. Extremely soft tannins and gentle acidity. Probably at the end of it’s drinking window, but still fantastic! A gift from my children that I will always remember. — a year ago

Nikki Goddard, DWS

9.5

Bright, concentrated hazy lemon yellow with flecks of marigold.

Very fragrant, with aromas of elderflower, dried apricot, unripe yellow peach, lychee, honeysuckle, red apple skin, sage, preserved lemon, candied ginger, white grapefruit, and almond skin, which carry through to the mouthwatering palate.

A complex intersection of floral, stone fruit, saline, and savory notes, this is a show-stopping wine and an incredible value at $30 retail. It’s dry and lightly tannic, with tangy acidity and a long and evolving finish.

I had this on its own and it was delightful. I’m certain it would be a fantastic pairing with a whole bunch of different dishes and cuisines, but I kind of feel like it deserves to be savored alone as the star of the show. — 2 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.1

I discovered that the makers of this were intending to interpret femininity via their blend of syrah, garnacha, merlot & Cabernet. That they are also the children of two famed Priorat makers also makes sense: such an elegant, refined body of dark fruits, marked by both freshness & power. For 20$ this is just a remarkable bottle. I’ve tried earlier vintages, it’s no accident. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2020 vintage. A great effort from this rather obscure Cru Classé that once was part of the immense Rauzan estate and even briefly owned by Château Palmer, before it was sold in 1980 to the legendary Lucien Lurton. Since 1992 it is managed by Denis Lurton ( one of the 10 children of Lucien). A blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. The great ( and very humble) Eric Boissenot consults. Interesting fact: the Merlots were harvested very early in 3 days from September 17th until the 20th, just before the rains on the 21st, that reduced the alcoholic degree of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that came in at 12% abv., creating a very fresh balanced blend. Dark red with purplish rim. Seductive perfume combining black cherries, cassis, flowers, cedar wood, and rosemary. Elegant and fresh, with very pure fruit, well-tamed tannin, and very good length. Abv. 13%. Very good value, an estate to watch. — a year ago

Olivier Schutte

9.7

My last bottle of this vintage - what a gem. Like a Corton-Charlemagne from the south. Epic! — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. Marie Laure Lurton is one of the 10 children of Lucien Lurton and she owns Château Villegeorge (Haut-Médoc) and this Château La Tour de Bessan. Both are very good and refined. The 2018 La Tour de Bessan (named after 13th century tower on the estate that is being restaured) is a blend of 60 % Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and a rather high (11%) percentage of Petit Verdot. Dark red. In the nose a mix of red and black fruit, cedar and Petit Verdot violet. Margaux is mostly associated with elegance and this is a good example. The fruit is bright, the tannins are well-tamed and the acidity provides juiciness and balance. Intelligent winemaking with just the right extraction. Great value at 18 euros. Abv. 14,5 % but perfectly integrated. Another lovely 2018. — 3 years ago