(97-100 points) A Merlot-forward blend of 62% Merlot, 26.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11.8% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new French oak, the 2025 Château Haut-Brion is slightly more dense and structured compared to its...

(93-95 points) Currants, smoky tobacco, dried flowers, graphite, and leather all emerge from the 2025 Domaine De Chevalier, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot from yields of 34 hectoliters...

(97-99 points)Checking in as a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2025 Château Haut-Bailly is a sensational Haut-Bailly all about finesse and elegance. Ripe black...

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion needs a swirl or two to unlock notes of blackberry pie, creme de cassis, and espresso plus nuances of truffle, tapenade, and fragrant soil. The medium to...

(95-98 points) A Merlot-heavy blend of 58.3% Merlot, 38.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc that's being raised in 60% new French oak, the 2025 Château La Mission Haut-Brion sports a dense ruby/purple hue...

The 2018 Lascombes has a deep garnet purple color. The nose is a little evolved and leathery, delivering notes of prunes and crème de cassis, plus smoked meats, cedar, and a medicinal waft. Medium to full-bodied, the...

Malartic-Lagraviere 2018 has a deep garnet purple color. It prances out with open-knit notes of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves, and potpourri, with touches of unsmoked cigars and bay leaves. Medium to...

(97-99 points) One of my favorite wines in the vintage, the 2025 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, raised in 50% new oak, 45% old...