These appellations to the South of Bordeaux experienced a mild winter and early budburst with the now all-too familiar consequences at the beginning of April. The end of the growing season was less eventful, allowing healthy fruit to be harvested, paving the way for a low-volume but high-quality vintage. The whites are fresh and very aromatic. There is greater inconsistency among the reds but with good fruit and lots of crunchy flavours.
White Graves
90/100 Château La Rocaille: Very minerally, elegant nose with delicate saline notes. The palate is smooth with richness and freshness nicely balanced. A slightly unusual style but freighted with promise.
88/100 Château Haut-Selve: Fresh, profound, elegant nose. Richness on the palate is supported by tension with a perfumed feel throughout. A white wine that should be enjoyed when young.
Red Graves
90/100 Château La Rocaille: Intense nose of ripe red fruits and fresh liquorice. Structured palate framed by freshness with stellar quality fruit. Very appealing.
90/100 Grand Enclos by Château de Cérons: Ripe, fruity nose with lots of depth. Compelling palate recalling liquorice and ripe red fruits. Great aromatic precision. Very promising.
White Pessac-Léognan
96/100 Château de Fieuzal: Expressive nose of toasted oak with a fusion of grapefruit, pineapple and white flowers. Satisfying, tangy palate with very striking freshness and fruit qualities. The finish is energetic and lingering. A true delight.
95/100 Domaine de Chevalier: Fresh, menthol nose opening up to notes of peaches and white flowers. The palate introduces freshness and smoothness, with slender, gentle aromatics and soft oakiness. A charming style with a good fruit ballast.
95/100 Château Pape Clément: Generous nose brimming with peach, pear and white flowers. Harmonious palate with triumphant fruit. Good structure, balance, length and clean characters. A genuine, charming wine.
Red Pessac-Léognan
96/100 Château Pape Clément: Concentrated nose of red and black fruits with the oak going virtually unnoticed. The palate shows lovely concentration, combining rigour and classicism. A wine crafted for the long-term.
95/100 Domaine de Chevalier: Very endearing, intense nose of fruit and oakiness. The palate is already remarkably ample with racy oak and fruit presence. All the ingredients are there to produce a consummate wine.
92/100 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion: Concentrated nose with lovely ripe fruit and a gorgeous liquorice note. The palate offers up a polished mouthfeel and great freshness with focused, persistent fruit. A chateau that stays the course in this challenging vintage!
