PRE-ORDER 2015 | JS 96 Warm red currants, black raspberries, dark chocolate, cigar box, and violet. 2019 | WA 97 The wine is noted for being deep, concentrated, and structured with powdery tannins. It is described as a "timeless classic" and one of the finest in recent times for the estate. 2021 | WE 97 The 2021 is described as a "terrific success" for the vintage, showing intense, crunchy black fruit, refined tannins, and high-toned, lively acidity. About Winery In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855. In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The profile of the 2019 vintage is one that is balanced, quite atypical, already very pleasant, a high level of tannins whilst being silky, a wonderful freshness, and persistent black fruit characteristics. About Winery With origins dating back to 1638, Léoville was the largest vineyard in the Médoc region at the time of the French Revolution. Léoville Poyferré springs from various divisions and successions in 1840. Its outstanding quality wines gained early recognition when it was ranked 2nd Growth in the 1855 classification. Château Léoville Poyferré was acquired in 1920 by the Cuvelier family. Château Léoville Poyferré was the Léoville that got left in the starting blocks in terms of reputation and in the quality of its wines. Léoville Poyferré has been owned by the Cuvelier family (who also own Château Le Crock) since 1921, yet it was not until the 1970s, when Didier Cuvelier took control at the château, that quality began to improve. In the last 20 years, Didier, with the assistance of Michel Rolland since 1995, has turned Léoville-Poyferré into one of StJulien's finest estates. Now up with the best of the St-Juliens but still selling at nonscary prices. Léoville Poyferré is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Chateau Leoville Las Cases is one of the largest and oldest classified growths in the Medoc region of France. Originally the other two Leovilles, Leoville Poyferre and Leoville Barton were part of the large estate. Today Leoville Las Cases comprises over 209 acres and has been run since 1950 by the Delon Family. Currently, the estate is run by the well-known Michel Delon. The estate stretches from Chateau Beychevelle down to Chateau Latour, and the main estate is a picturesque, enclosed 100 acre vineyard depicted on the label. The winery is established as a Second Growth. vineyard.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Chateau Larcis Ducasse, a Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux, is a rich, full-bodied red wine made from a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The wine is noted for its deep garnet-purple color and aromas of redcurrant jelly, blackberry preserves, and black raspberries, with hints of licorice and pencil shavings. The palate is full-bodied, with a savory-laced fruit profile, supported by grainy tannins and a lingering mineral note. The wine is also described as having a classical style, with notes of tobacco and cedar infusing the black fruit, and a slightly austere yet stately character.  About Winery Château Larcis Ducasse's story is one of long family ownership, dedicated stewardship, and ultimately, elevated wine quality, culminating in its 2012 promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classé status within Saint-Émilion. The estate has been in the hands of the Gratiot Alphandéry family since 1893, and since 2002, under the management of Nicolas Thienpont, the vineyard has been undergoing significant improvements, focusing on precision viticulture and innovative winemaking. 

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Winemaker NotesGrand-Puy-Lacoste 2019 is once again remarkable by the high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend: 83% which expresses all the character and typicity of the fine gravel soils of Pauillac. This wine has an intense purple colour; deep yet bright. The aromas of powerful black fruits, in particular the bigarreau cherry, explode on the nose, underlining the characteristics of very ripe grapes whilst retaining good freshness. The whole is enhanced with a hint of spice and menthol. On the palate, the attack is very dense, precise, and complex long; an extremely aromatic and balanced mid-palate and finish paired with a bright freshness. The whole is supported by tannins which combine power and elegance already in great harmony. Once again, we find in this splendid vintage the expression of the great terroir of Grand-Puy-Lacoste expressed in all its richness and complexity. It will undoubtedly be one of the great successes of the property adding to the collection of the great vintages produced here. About Winery5th classified growth in 1855. The name of Grand-Puy comes from the old expression "puy" which means "hill, little hill", and this land is mentioned in documents dating from the Middle Ages. Indeed, the vineyard extends on one of the ridges of land which were made the first wines of the Medoc. Since the sixteenth century, the thought has passed from generation to generation and, by way of alliances between families, he stayed within the same descent until 1920, before resuming a destiny with Borie family in 1978. Under the leadership of François-Xavier Borie (Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou), GP Lacoste is the perfect example of a classic Pauillac, tannic and full bodied. A wine for keeping, which makes part of the top of the Medoc wines.  

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Nose slightly vanilla with deep aromas of cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, and old rose. Ample and wide attack. Voluminous and supple mouth with velvety tannins, marked by new wood at this stage. Long and fruity persistence. Wait 2025 to taste with an ageing potential to 2045.  About Winery Château Chasse-Spleen is the leading Moulis estate along with Château Poujeaux.Although it is classified only as a Cru Bourgeois, it regularly outperforms many ofthe Médoc's more renowned classed growths. There are two theories behind thechâteau's rather unusual name: firstly, that, when Lord Byron visited the estate in1821, he remarked `Quel remède pour chasser le spleen`. Secondly, that it isnamed after Baudelaire's poem, Spleen. Chasse-Spleen's wines were always noteworthy, though the quality improveddramatically with its acquisition by the Taillan Group, which also owns ChâteauHaut-Bages-Libéral, in 1976. It was run by Bernadette Villars until she and herhusband were killed in an accident while hiking in the Pyrénées in 1992. Theproperty is now run by her daughter Claire.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2019 Chapelle d'Ausone, a second wine of Château Ausone, exhibits a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. The wine offers aromas of blackberries and black cherries with violets and red roses. The palate is full-bodied with integrated, velvety tannins and a fresh, sweet fruit finish with an orange-peel undertone.  About Winery Chapelle d'Ausone, produced at the Château Ausone in Saint-Émilion, is a second wine that showcases the estate's winemaking skills and terroir. It's made from younger vines and some declassified Ausone, offering a unique expression of Bordeaux. Chapelle d'Ausone is known for its elegant and flavorful profile, often featuring notes of red and black fruits, spices, and violets. 

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Winemaker Notes A brilliant pale yellow color. The attractive aromas of white and yellow fruits mix with light woody notes. On the palate, this wine meets up to the expectations of its aromas: it has a round and full attack before the vanillary and toasty tastes reveal themselves. Good long-lasting aromas. The finish is slightly acidic. About Winery Domaine Faiveley is one of the largest and most illustrious domaines in Burgundy, and has made its name with red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape. It was founded in 1825 in the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges under Joseph Faiveley, a wine merchant who had a desire for travel. In the beginning of the 19th Century, trade had begun between Burgundy and northern Europe, predominantly along the rivers and canals connecting the regions. Merchants from Burgundy would travel along these paths to exchange their wines for textiles. Joseph Faiveley was one of these merchants, introducing his Burgundian wine to the wider world. Today, the house is run by seventh-generation Eve and Erwan Faiveley (wine-searcher.com interviewed Eve Faiveley in 2021), and the company has expanded its footprint in the Côte de Beaune, and has vineyards throughout the Côte de Nuits, as well as in the Côte Chalonnaise (Domaine de la Framboisière) and Chablis. Domaine Faiveley is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, but small amounts of Aligoté are also planted in the Côte Chalonnaise. Currently, Faiveley has 10 hectares (25 acres) of grand cru vineyards out of a total of 115 hectares (285 acres).

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Winemaker NotesThis great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very ageworthy. Drink from 2027. About Winery The Estate was founded in the late 17th Century. This period was known as the Grand Siecle, or "great century", in reference to Louis XIV's 1661 accession to the French throne. In 1689 Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan, an influential wine merchant and steward of the prestigious Latour and and Margaux estates, bought plots of vines close to the Latour estate to create Enclos Rauzan. These vines were part of his daughter Therese's dowry when she married Baron Jacques Pichon de Longueville in 1694, the year in which the Pichon Baron estate was founded. An illustrious estate, with an enduring reputation, was born. It remained in the same family for generations. In 1850 the property was divided in two. Baron Raoul Pichon de Longueville's section became the Pichon Baron estate. The second section, belonging to his three sisters, became Pichon Comtesse. Baron Raoul was proud of his prestigious property, and in 1851 he commissioned the imposing chateau inspired by Renaissance architecture that we know today. This uniquely charming and romantic chateau, with its two emblematic turrets, has stood proudly at the vineyard's heart ever since. During the Universal Exhibition of 1855, the wine was classed as a Second Grand Cru Classe according to the ranking system requested by Emperor Napoleon III, who wished to showcase Bordeaux's great wines. In 1933, the Pichon de Longueville family sold the property to the Bouteiller family, who managed the chateau for over 50 years.  In 1987 the estate was bought by AXA Millesimes, whose aim is to enable great wines from the vineyards with a glorious past to achieve their full potential. An architectural competition was launched in collaboration with the Paris Pompidou Centre to provide the estate with new operational buildings. The comprehensive reconstruction of the fermenting room and cellar, and renovation of the chateau, began in 1988. Since then, the 19th century chateau's image has been reflected in an ornamental pool stretching majestically before it.. And since 2008, its silvery expanse conceals an underground cellar, reminiscent of Jules Verne's Nautilus, with view of both the water and sky. The barrel cellar complements a production process in which excellence is paramount, in the finest tradition of great Pauillac wines.

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Winemaker Notes With their smoky and spicy bouquet, the red wines are of an admirable quality and a very characteristic softness. The wine is both concentrated, fine and harmonious, with an aromatic palette as wide as it is precise. The depth and length in the mouth are exceptional. Quality of the terroir, sustained efforts and dynamism have borne fruit bringing Pape Clément to a level very close to that of the premiers crus. About WineryChateau Pape Clément owes its name to its most illustrious owner. A man of the cloth born in 1264, Bertrand de Goth became Bishop of Comminges, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the age of 31; he later became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299. He then received as a gift the property in Pessac, the Vineyard de La Mothe. Taken by a passion for the vine, he continually took part personally in equipping, organizing and managing the domain in accordance with the most modern and rational practices. Nevertheless, on 5 June 1305 the cardinals met in a conclave in Pérouse and appointed him to succeed Pope Benedict XI, who had passed away prematurely after only eleven months of reign. Bertrand de Goth took the name of Clement V. Supported by Philip IV, it was he who decided in 1309 to move the papal court to Avignon, thus breaking with Rome and its battles of influence. During this same period, the weight of his responsibilities led him to relinquish his property, giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Henceforward, the vineyard was to be known to posterity under the name of this enlightened pope. Management under the clergy brings modernity The grateful Church perpetuated Pope Clement's work. Each archbishop in turn turned to modernity and technical progress, to the point of the wine estate becoming a model vineyard. In addition to especially early harvests, which remain one of its special characteristics, Chateau Pape Clément is without a doubt the first vineyard in France to align vine stock to facilitate labour. At the end of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux was dispossessed of his property. The papal vineyard became part of the public domain. 8 June 1937 was a dark day in the vineyard's history, when a violent hailstorm destroyed virtually the entirety of the estate. Two years later, Paul Montagne bought it and gradually brought it back to life. Thanks to his efforts, the vineyard returned to its former rank and stood up to the surge in urbanization. His descendents, Léo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, perpetuate this secular tradition so that Chateau Pape Clément wines continue to delight the wine-lovers of today and tomorrow.

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Winemaker Notes The 2018 Chateau Palmer Margaux offers a complex and layered palate, rich in black fruit aromas like blackcurrant, plum, and blueberry, with hints of cedar, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The wine boasts velvety tannins and a full-bodied structure, with a balanced acidity and a remarkably long, elegant finish.  About Winery Château Palmer was established in the first half of the nineteenth century by the English general, Charles Palmer. In 1814, on his way back from the Peninsular War where he had fought with Wellington against Napoleon, General Palmer acquired Château de Gascq and gave it his own name.In 1938, the Sichel family joined forces with a group of wine merchant friends to purchase the property. Today, the vines of Château Palmer (AOC Margaux) cover a surface of 52 hectares of croupes (knolls) of Garonne gravel and are made up of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. This combination of soil and grape varieties has been the greatest asset of Château Palmer (3ème Cru Classé) from its earliest beginnings. At Château Palmer, tradition and evolving techniques have always gone hand in hand, and always with respect for the typical characteristics of this outstanding terroir. Highly reputed worldwide, the wines of Château Palmer rank among the most prestigious of Bordeaux and are coveted by keen wine enthusiasts the world over.

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Winemaker Notes Beautiful, deep colour. The nose displays fresh fruit aromas complemented by anelegant touch of oak. The first impression on the palate is smooth and full-bodied,becoming soft and delicious with aeration. Excellent tannic structure culminating in a beautiful long aftertaste enhanced by fruity and spicy flavours.  Chateau La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion Produced in small quantities, this second wine is a gateway to the world of Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Its name is a nod to the chapel of La Mission Haut-Brion, built by Lazarist priests in 1698.

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Winemaker Notes Without doubt one of the world's greatest and most individual wine estates. The family traditions continue here with Jean-Philippe Delmas running the winemaking as his father and grandfather did before him and Clarence Dillon's great-grandson Robert de Luxembourg in overall charge of this wonderful property. Haut Brion is one of the most consistently great wine of Bordeaux. Since 1958 it has been bottled in the unique and iconic Haut Brion bottle. Situated in the suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, the 48 hectares of red grape varieties are planted with 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The 2018 is pretty much a classic 50:50 blend with 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. Jean-Philippe describes it as being closer to 2016 and 2010 in style than it is to 2015 and 2009. He likens it to the excellent 1998 made here, but better.   About Winery Château Haut-Brion's history spans five centuries, starting with Jean de Pontac's acquisition of the domain in 1521. He defined the estate's vineyards and built the château in 1549. The property was further developed by his descendants, and its wines gained renown among British aristocrats and authors, including Samuel Pepys, who wrote about them in 1663. Thomas Jefferson also visited and praised the estate's wines. In the 1930s, the property was acquired by the Dillon family, and is still managed by the Dillon family today. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is named after the beautiful, large stones found in its unique wine-growing terroir. This exceptional ecosystem produces fine, elegant, tasty wines with a long finish - in short, archetypical Saint-Julien wines. Perched on an exceptional site with incomparable views over the Gironde estuary, in the center of a hundred-year-old park, Ducru-Beaucaillou is a majestic, Victorian-style castle, which has, over time, become one of the great symbols of the Médoc. Unusual for Bordeaux, it is built directly above the barrel cellars, enveloping its owners, who have lived here for over sixty years. Today, the estate is managed by the company Jean Eugène Borie SA, which is owned by Mrs Borie, her daughter Sabine Coiffe and her son Bruno-Eugène, CEO since 2003, the third generation of the Borie family to head the estate. There are very close links between this estate and the five families who have been its successive owners.

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Winemaker Notes Elegance and perfection, two of Joseph Drouhin's tenets. The colour is bright and intense. A full palette of aromas reminiscent of stone fruit (cherry, peach, apricot), cocoa, exotic wood (cedar). On the palate, the texture is like silk and velvet. In the aftertaste, the same touch of dark chocolate is in evidence. Extremely long aftertaste About Winery Maison Joseph Drouhin's short story is one of a family's long and successful journey in Burgundy, starting in 1880 with Joseph Drouhin, a 22-year-old négociant. He established a wine trading house, and the business was later expanded by his son, Maurice, who focused on building a domain with its own vineyards. Robert Drouhin, the third generation, further developed the estate by acquiring Grand Cru vineyards and expanding into Chablis and even Oregon in 1987. Today, the fourth generation, Véronique Drouhin-Boss, is in charge of winemaking in both France and Oregon. 

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PRE-ORDER 2011 | D 94 The 2011 vintage was challenging, yet Saint-Pierre, a Fourth Growth estate, produced a standout wine with high Cabernet Sauvignon content 2013 | JS 91 The wine shows good acidity and refined tannins but is lighter, reflecting the tougher 2013 growing season. 2014 | WE 93 Profile: A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with a medium-bodied, complex profile.  2015 |  V 95 Medium-bodied with ripe, grainy tannins, a lively backbone, and a savory finish. Cedar, black currant, tobacco leaf, and mineral touches. 2016 | D 96 This 4eme Cru Classe from Saint-Julien is praised for its immense depth, fine-grained tannins, and ability to balance power with refinement.  2017 | WA 95 It is praised for its complexity, balance, and aromatic profile, featuring cassis, black pepper, and fine tannins. Often considered a top performer of the vintage, it offers immediate appeal with longevity for 20-25 years.  2018 | WA 95 The 2018 is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, offering a rich bouquet of blackcurrant, red roses, and cedar, with a long, perfumed finish. It needs, and benefits from, significant cellar time to fully mature.  2019 | JS 96 Fresh blackcurrants, violets, sandalwood, and hints of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, with velvety texture, cassis flavors, and polished,, soft tannins. 2020 | JS 96 Medium to full-bodied with a luxurious, "broad and fleshy" feel. It is noted for having "fiercely powerful tannins" that require cellaring, but it retains a beautiful, fresh balance. 2021 | JS 94 A cooler, more delicate year requiring careful selection, leading to high acidity and firm tannins.   About Winery Château Saint-Pierre's history traces back to the 17th century, with archives indicating a wine-growing property called "Serançan" owned by the Marquis de Cheverry in 1693. In 1767, the estate was acquired by the Baron de Saint-Pierre, who renamed it after himself. After his death, the property was split, and the two halves were cultivated separately before being reunited in 1922 by Pierre and Charles Van den Bussche. Further consolidation occurred in 1981 when Henri Martin purchased the property, bringing the entire domain under his ownership. 

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Winemaker Notes The work in the plots of Clos is the equal to the actions in the parcels for the first label : pruning, cover, de-leafing, green harvest, hand-picking. In the cellar, the same technical gestures pace the successive stages of vinification. Licorice, earth and dark, fresh plums, this wine is silky, limber and sweet with freshness and finesse in the finish. It is a “wine for pleasure” with a 10 years ‘potential of ageing. Clos La Gaffelière has now a firm and recognized identity . First, it was exclusively proposed to private customers. Bordeaux negociants start to be interested in the vintage since 2000. About Winery Château La Gaffelière is owned by Léo de Malet Roquefort. Located in the centre of the St. Emilion appellation, due south of St. Emilion town, the property shares a similar climate to that enjoyed by both St.Emilion and Pomerol: more continental than the maritime Médoc, with generally more spring rainfall, though less in summer and winter. La Gaffeliere’s vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 5%, Merlot 65%, Cabernet Franc 30%) lie on a sloped sandy/clay-limestone topsoil and limestone subsoil (a mix of Côtes and Pieds de Côtes). La Gaffeliere is classified as a 1er grand cru classé(B). Clos La Gaffeliere is their Second wine. Born in 1985, Clos is produced mainly from the young vines.

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Winemaker Notes The bewitching bouquet springs from the glass, releasing tasty notes of creme de cassis, lavender and cedar, while the nose also reveals fresh white flowers and a powerful minerality. Intense purple color with a bright nose of black fruit, graphite and toast. In a sublime  burst of generosity and flavor, the wine coats the palate with its juicy texture and silky tannins. Meanwhile, discreet notes of oak underline the generous  fruit. Persistent and elegant, the end of the mouth unfolds a long, chocolatey finish, punctuated with notes of licorice. Concentrated, elegant and generous, a fabulous Leoville Barton promising a beautiful evolution. About Winery In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855. In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.

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Winemaker Notes The 2017 vintage with its deep garnet red colour and purplish-blue hues reflects the ripeness of the grape varieties in the blend. It offers a pleasant nose and a wonderful freshness, characteristic of the vintage. The attack is supple, rich, with a good volume. It expresses an aromatic palette of black and red fruit (blackcurrant, morello cherry, etc.) with spicy notes. Its perfectly smooth tannins strengthen its aromatic persistence. About Winery 1855 Grand Cru Classe – 5th Growth The chateau was founded in the 18th century by the Liberal family. Most of the wines produced here were exported to the Netherlands and Belgium. Half of the wines of the chateau are planted just next to the First Growth Chateau Latour. Overlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934. His grandson, Jean-Michel Cazes restructured the estate in 1974, adding state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, while keeping the former wooden vats as a reminder of the 19th century.The grapes are all hand picked and then carefully sorted before crushing. A very strict selection is made prior to blending and the wine is traditionally aged in oak barrels before bottling. Today, the winery is managed by Claire Villars Lurton. Under her management the estate has undergone complete renovation to organic and biodynamic vineyard management. The grounds of the chateau were fully renovated in 2018.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Echo de Lynch-Bages 2017 has a brilliant robe with pretty purplish-blue garnet hues. On the nose, its fruit is gourmet and expressive. On tasting, there are notes of fresh red fruit (redcurrant and raspberry). It is a well-rounded, elegant wine with a hint of acidity in the finish. About Winery Echo de Château Lynch-Bages is a second wine, or second cru, from the iconic Pauillac estate, Château Lynch-Bages. It's a relatively recent addition to the estate's lineup, renamed from Haut-Bages Averous in 2008 to reflect its connection to the Grand Cru Classé. The name "Echo" is inspired by the Greek myth of the nymph Echo, who was deprived of speech. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Château Lagrange's story is one of enduring quality and resilience, stretching back to the Middle Ages. It began as the Noble House of Lagrange Monteil, a large estate with a church, hospital, and housing. Over the centuries, it saw ownership shifts, including the Branne family from Bordeaux, who expanded the vineyard significantly. The estate was also known for its innovative approaches, like Count Duchatel's introduction of a drainage system. While facing challenges in the 20th century, including periods of decline, Château Lagrange was purchased by Japanese liquor giant Suntory in 1983, ushering in a new era of investment and revitalized quality. Suntory's commitment led to significant renovations and improvements, ultimately leading to the successful revival of the estate and its wines. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2017 Château Le Gay Pomerol is a medium to full-bodied wine with notes of black cherry, cassis, toasted spice, spring flowers, and damp earth. The wine also exhibits aromas of plum preserves, mulberries, and baked black cherries, along with hints of tilled soil, cloves, cedar chest, and tobacco About Winery Originally called Domaine du Gay, Château Le Gay takes its name from the lieu-dit Le Gay, part of which was sold to the Greloud family that eventually became Château Lafleur. Coincidentally, Château Le Gay was inherited by the Robin sisters in 1946, who also happened to own Château Lafleur. Over the next few decades, under the ownership of the Robin sisters, Château Le Gay was managed by Jean-Pierre Moueix, who also purchased portions of the vineyard to add to the acreage of Château La Fleur-Pétrus. After the passing of the Robin sisters, Château Le Gay was acquired by Catherine Péré Vergé in 2002, who quickly increased the acreage and brought Michel Rolland on board as a consultant.

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Winemaker Notes With their smoky and spicy bouquet, the red wines are of an admirable quality and a very characteristic softness. The wine is both concentrated, fine and harmonious, with an aromatic palette as wide as it is precise. The depth and length in the mouth are exceptional. Quality of the terroir, sustained efforts and dynamism have borne fruit bringing Pape Clément to a level very close to that of the premiers crus. About WineryChateau Pape Clément owes its name to its most illustrious owner. A man of the cloth born in 1264, Bertrand de Goth became Bishop of Comminges, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the age of 31; he later became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299. He then received as a gift the property in Pessac, the Vineyard de La Mothe. Taken by a passion for the vine, he continually took part personally in equipping, organizing and managing the domain in accordance with the most modern and rational practices. Nevertheless, on 5 June 1305 the cardinals met in a conclave in Pérouse and appointed him to succeed Pope Benedict XI, who had passed away prematurely after only eleven months of reign. Bertrand de Goth took the name of Clement V. Supported by Philip IV, it was he who decided in 1309 to move the papal court to Avignon, thus breaking with Rome and its battles of influence. During this same period, the weight of his responsibilities led him to relinquish his property, giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Henceforward, the vineyard was to be known to posterity under the name of this enlightened pope. Management under the clergy brings modernity The grateful Church perpetuated Pope Clement's work. Each archbishop in turn turned to modernity and technical progress, to the point of the wine estate becoming a model vineyard. In addition to especially early harvests, which remain one of its special characteristics, Chateau Pape Clément is without a doubt the first vineyard in France to align vine stock to facilitate labour. At the end of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux was dispossessed of his property. The papal vineyard became part of the public domain. 8 June 1937 was a dark day in the vineyard's history, when a violent hailstorm destroyed virtually the entirety of the estate. Two years later, Paul Montagne bought it and gradually brought it back to life. Thanks to his efforts, the vineyard returned to its former rank and stood up to the surge in urbanization. His descendents, Léo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, perpetuate this secular tradition so that Chateau Pape Clément wines continue to delight the wine-lovers of today and tomorrow.

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