MÉDOC / HAUT-MÉDOC / MOULIS
Château Beaumont
(62% CS, 34% M, 4% PV)
SF | The surface area of Beaumont has been reduced by one third (it is still over 65ha [160 acres]), for structural rather than commercial reasons, we are assured by the ever-present M Blanc at Beychevelle. Deep of color and impressively concentrated, the 2025 is aromatically complex, with spice and flowers behind the dark fruit, and neat of construction, its tannins poised and precise, its aromatic harmony traversing the palate with a modest indulgence. | 91–92
Château Belgrave 5ème Cru
(68% CS, 30% M, 2% PV)
SF | Located adjacent (physically and stylistically) to St-Julien (this very smart property is just behind Lagrange), Belgrave fully deserves its cru classé accreditation and impresses once again in 2025 with its aromatic harmony and persistence, its mid-palate elegance, and with the weave of its finely wrought, slightly chalky tannins. Aromas of cedar and cigar box add interest to an already fascinating proposition. | 92–93
Related
Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru
(71% CS, 18% M, 7% CF, 4% PV)
SF | Inky of color and dense of texture, with aromatics of flowers (iris and peony) and dark stone fruit, damson to the fore. Broad and generous on the palate, with persuasive, fine-grained tannins, excellent concentration, and a peppery, eucalypt lift on the finish. | 93–94
Château La Lagune 3ème Cru
(50% M, 41% CS, 9% PV)
Content from our partners
SF | Midnight-black, with aromas of cooked beetroot and soot (better than it sounds) then, with air, wild herbs and dark fruit, bilberry and cassis afforded primacy. Focus and depth on the palate, which maintains the aromatic persistence and bolsters it with a fine thread of acidity. The fruit is concentrated and rich, the finish harmonious and finely tapered, the deft tannin management knitting everything together seamlessly. | 93–94
Château Mauvesin Barton
(55% M, 30% CS, 9% CF, 6% PV)
SF | Progress at Mauvesin continues apace, its 46ha (114 acres) managed with sustainable rigor by Mélanie Barton Sartorious. Vinification by parcel and upbringing in 30% new oak have yielded a concentrated, beautifully perfumed wine, with aromatics dominated by bright red fruit and soft spice. The supple tannins are gently persuasive and we, in turn, are given eloquent notice that Mauvesin has definitively joined the top table in the Médoc. | 91–93
Château Potensac
(41% M, 37% CS, 22% CF)
SF | A very impressive northerly estate, its reputation enhanced further by Delon ownership. Potensac’s location is such as to benefit from the cooler conditions of the northern estuary, which, allied to the higher proportion of limestone in the soil, has yielded an impressive Médoc stalwart, with firm acidity, a linear profile, and very pure, dark fruit. Layered and intriguing, this is a distinct step up for Potensac, cerebral and refined. | 93–94
Château Sociando-Mallet
(70% CS, 30% M)
SF | A very fine, floral aromatic, if quite cool; stretched, linear, salty grip, fine, outreaching acidity; a wine of length and focus, with an allusive, spicy finish. A very impressive Sociando, refined, gently salty, with a robust verticality and plenty of mid-palate harmony. | 92–93
