49 samples tasted. Enough to make a good impression on the vintage. Mainly classified wines, which is very interesting as we know that in this classification there is everything, as some like to say. Very good successes, as small disappointments, but in general, it must be said that on Saint-Émilion, it is a very successful vintage for the majority of properties. As every year, it is quite heterogeneous, although some have largely distinguished themselves.
If I were to come up with a Top 5, in order, I would say this:
- Château Pavie-Macquin
- Château Croix de Labrie
- Château la Gaffelière
- Clos Fourtet
- Château Bellefont-Belcier
Château Bellefont-Belcier is, in my opinion, part of the top of the table of classified growths and deserves to go higher.
There are so many that I would like to highlight, I will also highlight 3 that particularly impressed me with their quality, their potential, but especially their consistency for several years now:
- Château Larcis-Ducasse
- Château Dassault
- Château Tour Saint Christophe
For me, they are among those to be counted on now, and will undoubtedly be talked about in the years to come.
Finally, to complete this selection and constitute a Top 10, I will finish by giving my two properties to follow:
- Château Mangot
- Château Puyblanquet
Two properties that for a few years now stand out for the richness of their aromatic bouquet, elegance and finesse.
You will find below the comments of the 49 samples tasted. Some have clearly expressed the greatness of their terroir.
- Château Badette – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
A nose both fresh and of a beautiful intensity, it reveals pretty notes of black fruits, spices with subtle toasted notes. On the palate, the firm tannins give a beautiful structure and are accompanied by a fine acidity. The finish is fresh and of a correct length.
- Château Balestard la Tonnelle – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
A lively nose, with a beautiful intensity on notes of black fruits with subtle spicy notes. The palate is silky, full, dense, well structured with a nice balance. The tannins are fine and accompanied by a slight acidity, which brings a nice freshness. The finish is elegant and a beautiful length. A great success for the property.
- Château Bellefont-Belcier – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 96-97/100
Both airy and complex, the nose offers intense notes of black fruits, spices with subtle toasted notes. In the mouth, it is ample, dense, with a beautiful aromatic richness. The ripe tannins give a remarkable structure to the wine and are accompanied by an elegant acidity. The finish is harmonious elegance, mixing freshness, length and intensity. A great success on the appellation.
- Château Cadet-Bon – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 91-92/100
The nose is racy and of a nice intensity, it reveals notes of black fruits and vanilla. On the palate, it is well structured, with a nice balance. The tannins are firm, but supported by a fine tension, which brings freshness. The finish is of a correct length.
- Château Canon-la-Gaffelière – Saint-Émilion 1st Grand Cru Classé 95-96/100
An airy, fresh and beautiful depth nose that opens with beautiful notes of black fruits, a touch of spices with subtle floral notes. The attack on the palate is full and very refined. The wine gains in amplitude and density gradually, it is very well structured and balanced. The tannins are fine and supported by a nice tension. The finish is both fresh, refined and persistent. A property that never disappoints.
- Château Cap de Mourlin – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
A sharp nose and a beautiful intensity that reveals its fruity notes, spicy with subtle toasted notes. In the mouth, it is full and a beautiful aromatic richness. Well structured and well balanced. The tannins are round, racy and accompanied by a fine acidity. The finish is a beautiful length.
- Château la Couspaude – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
On the nose, it is fresh and of a beautiful intensity, on fruity notes, herbaceous with subtle spicy notes. The palate is silky, full and of a beautiful density. Well structured and well balanced. The tannins are supple and supported by a nice acidity. The finish is fresh and of a correct length.
- Château Chauvin – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
The nose is of a beautiful intensity, offering notes of black fruits accompanied by elegant floral notes. In the mouth, it is well structured by firm tannins, but supported by a beautiful vivacity, which brings freshness. The finish is elegant and of a correct length.
- Château Clos de Sarpe – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
The nose is sharp and deep, it reveals its notes of black fruits, spices and vanilla. A full mouth, dense with a beautiful aromatic intensity. Well structured and well balanced. The tannins are firm and accompanied by a fine acidity. The finish is fresh and convincing.
- Château la Commanderie – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
A nose of a beautiful richness, which offers us its pretty notes of black fruits, mixed with subtle toasted notes. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced, the tannins are firm and the acidity medium. The finish is a nice length.
- Château Corbin – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
On the nose it is elegant, fresh, with beautiful fruity and floral notes. A full, juicy mouth that gains structure in the middle of the mouth. The tannins are firm, but are supported by a nice acidity, which provides freshness. The finish is fine and very convincing.
- Château Croix de Labrie – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 97-98/100
A mesmerizing nose, precise, aerial and of a remarkable depth, revealing very nice fruity notes, white pepper with fine floral notes. The palate is of considerable elegance, silky, of great aromatic richness, structure and balance are of remarkable precision. The tannins are of a wonderful finesse and are accompanied by a superb tension, which gives a lot of verticality to the wine. The finish is sapid, full of freshness, refinement and persistence. Another beautiful vintage for the Château Croix de Labrie that continues to impress with its consistency for a few years.
- Château Dassault – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
The nose is fresh, elegant and of a beautiful depth, we perceive very nice fruity notes, spices (white pepper), with subtle floral notes. The attack on the palate is clear, silky, very well structured, with a beautiful aromatic complexity. The tannins are of remarkable finesse and are accompanied by a beautiful vivacity, which provides a great freshness. The finish is mineral, refined and very good persistence. The integration of the vineyards of Château Faurie de Souchard into the parcel of Château Dassault gives an even more aerial and elegant dimension to their wine, which is, it must be admitted, of an insolent constancy since recent years.
- Château la Dominique – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
A fresh nose and a nice intensity, we perceive nice fruity notes, spicy and subtly woody. On the palate, it is harmoniously ample, dense with a beautiful aromatic richness. Very well structured by round tannins, accompanied by a nice acidity, which provides both balance and freshness. Final all in length and elegance.
- Château Faugère – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
The nose is fresh, fine and of a beautiful intensity, offering notes of black fruits, spices with a subtle woody. On the palate, it is well balanced, structured, the tannins are ripe and are accompanied by a nice acidity. The finish is fresh and of a correct length.
- Château de Ferrand – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
The nose is pure, fine and great richness, it reveals its notes of black fruits, spices with subtle floral notes that bring their elegance. The palate is silky, refined with a beautiful amplitude. Of a most convincing aromatic intensity, the wine is very well structured by tannins of remarkable elegance accompanied by a fine tension. The finish is fine, fresh and of a beautiful length, all in a beautiful harmony.
- Château Fombrauge – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
Racy and of a beautiful intensity, the nose offers us its pretty fruity notes mixed with fine toasted notes. On the palate, it is full, dense, with a beautiful structure. The tannins are firm and the acidity is medium. The finish is fresh, fruity and a nice length.
- Château Fonplégade – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
On the nose it is aerial, pure and of a wonderful intensity, the bouquet reveals us its very pretty fruity notes, spicy with a hint of floral notes that bring all their elegance. On the palate, it is juicy, fresh with a beautiful complexity. Very well structured and balanced. The tannins are firm and supported by fine tension. A fresh, fruity, refined and very long finish.
- Château Fonroque – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
Fresh nose with a beautiful aromatic expression, it reveals its notes of black fruits accompanied by subtle floral notes, which bring their elegance. The palate is full, deep and very well structured by ripe tannins, which are supported by a nice tension, which gives a lot of freshness. The finish is elegant and long. Another very successful vintage, full of fruit, freshness, but especially promises.
- Château Franc Mayne – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
Rich and elegant nose with notes of black fruits, spices with subtle toasted notes. A full mouth, dense with a beautiful structure. The tannins are round, racy and supported by a fine acidity. A fresh and long finish.
- Château La Gaffelière – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 96-97/100
The nose is both airy, elegant and rich, revealing us its lovely notes of black fruits, spices, vanilla with subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is remarkably elegant. Very well structured and balanced, it is also very rich in aromas. The tannins are firm and accompanied by a superb acidity, which provides a lot of freshness. The finish is refined and very persistent. A great La Gaffelière.
- Château Grand Corbin-Despagne – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
A racy nose, pure and of a wonderful aromatic intensity, it reveals its notes of black fruits, spices with fine toasted notes. On the palate the wine is elegant, fresh and very well structured. The tannic frame is frank and accompanied by a fine tension. The finish is refined, fruity and very convincing.
- Château Grand Mayne – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
On the nose, it bodes well, sharp, deep, the bouquet reveals pretty notes of black fruits with subtle toasted notes. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced. The tannins are firm and supported by a beautiful acidity, which brings freshness. The finish is a very nice length.
- Château Haut-Sarpe – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
Rich and racy nose, we perceive its beautiful notes of black fruits, spices, together with its spicy and toasted notes. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced. The tannins are firm and accompanied by a fine tension. Final of a correct length.
- Château Larcis Ducasse – Saint-Émilion 1st Grand Cru Classé 95-96/100
A nose of considerable elegance, combining finesse, freshness and aromatic richness, we perceive delightful notes of black fruits, spices with a hint of floral notes. The attack on the palate is ample, dense with a beautiful depth. Very well structured by ripe tannins supported by a beautiful acidity, the balance is ideal. The finish is elegant, full of freshness and a delightful persistence. In the continuity of recent years, Larcis Ducasse is a sure value of the appellation.
- Château Larmande – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
Fine, fresh and of a beautiful complexity, the nose offers us very nice fruity notes, spicy with fine toasted notes. In the mouth, the wine is well structured with a nice balance. The tannins are firm, but supported by a fine tension which brings freshness. The finish is elegant and very long.
- Château Laroque – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
The nose is clean, pure, airy with a beautiful aromatic richness, mingle in harmony, black fruits, spices, toasted with fine floral notes. On the palate, it is ample, dense, with great depth. Very well structured by ripe tannins, accompanied by a very nice tension. The finish is fresh, elegant and wonderfully persistent. In line with previous vintages, it is undoubtedly one of the properties to follow for years to come.
- Château La Fleur – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 93-94/100
A fresh, elegant nose with a beautiful aromatic expression, we perceive pretty notes of black fruits, spices with subtle floral notes and a very delicate toasted. The attack on the palate is delicate, silky, with a very interesting aromatic intensity. Well structured by a soft tannic frame, we also perceive a fine tension, which brings a lot of freshness. The finish is fruity, refined and of a nice persistence. A property of the Dassault Wine Estate group that benefits from the same requirements as those of Château Dassault. To follow with attention.
- Château La Fleur Morange – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
The nose is clean, pure and beautiful aromatic, it reveals its notes of black fruits and spices. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced, the tannins are firm and are accompanied by a beautiful acidity, which brings a nice freshness. The finish is of a correct length.
- Château La Marzelle – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
Deep and elegant nose, we perceive its notes of black fruits, spices with its subtle toasted notes. A full mouth, dense, well structured with a nice balance. The tannins are firm and accompanied by a fine acidity. The finish is elegant, fresh, fruity and a nice length.
- Château La Tour Figeac – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-94/100
A pure, elegant and rich nose, its bouquet is composed of black fruits, spices with subtle toasted notes. On the palate, it is elegant, fresh with great aromatic depth. Very well structured by firm tannins supported by a beautiful acidity, which brings a beautiful freshness. Fruity finish, refined and a very nice length.
- Château Mangot – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
The nose is pure, airy, and of remarkable intensity. It reveals very nice notes of black fruits, pepper with fine floral and menthol notes. The attack on the palate is full, juicy, with a lot of finesse, as well as a wonderful aromatic richness. Very well structured, the balance is perfect between fine tannins and superb tension, which provides a lot of freshness. The finish is full of elegance and persistence. A vintage where, once again, freshness and aromatic precision blend together in perfect harmony.
- Château Montlabert – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
The nose is sharp, racy, it offers us its notes of black fruits, spices with its fine floral notes. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced. Firm tannins and medium acidity. Fresh finish and a correct length.
- Château Pavie Macquin – Saint-Émilion 1st Grand Cru Classé 97-98/100
The nose is of considerable charm, precise, complex, with great depth, it reveals wonderful notes of black fruits, spices mixed with subtle toasted notes of vanilla. The palate is silky, refined with a wonderful aromatic richness, elegance is at the rendezvous. Very well structured by a fine tannic frame, a delightful tension comes to balance the whole. The finish is refined, fresh and of considerable persistence.
- Château Petit Faurie de Soutard – Saint-Émilion Grand cru Classé 93-94/100
Sharp nose, deep and racy, we perceive its notes of black fruits, spices with its slight notes of vanilla. A full mouth, elegant with richness. Well structured and well balanced. The tannins are firm and accompanied by a fine acidity. Final fine, fresh and of a correct length.
- Château Péby Faugères – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 95-96/100
The nose is pure, airy and a beautiful aromatic richness, its bouquet is revealed by beautiful notes of black fruits, spices, together with its toasted notes of vanilla. On the palate, it is ample, dense, and of great aromatic depth. Very well structured by ripe, racy tannins, accompanied by a lively tension, which brings a lot of freshness. The finish is elegant and of a beautiful persistence.
- Château Puyblanquet – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 93-94/100
A pure, fresh and elegant nose, it opens with intense notes of black fruits, spices, a hint of floral notes with a very delicate toasted. On the palate, it is fine, elegant with depth. A beautiful structure provided by a firm tannic frame, supported by a nice acidity. Refined, fresh, fruity and long finish.
- Château de Pressac – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
Sharp, airy and deep nose, you can easily perceive its notes of black fruits, spices, with a hint of floral notes and fine toasted notes. On the palate the attack is silky, fine, elegant, with a beautiful aromatic expression. A beautiful structure provided by firm tannins, which are accompanied by a nice acidity. The finish is fresh and very interesting.
- Château Saint Georges Côte de Pavie – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
The nose is pure and of great aromatic richness, it reveals its bouquet of black fruits together with its fine toasted and floral notes. In the mouth, it is ample, dense with a beautiful depth. Very well structured and well balanced, the tannins are ripe and are accompanied by a nice tension. The finish is fresh, elegant and of a beautiful persistence.
- Château Soutard – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 95-96/100
Fresh and of a beautiful depth, the nose offers very nice notes of black fruits, spices as well as fine toasted notes. On the palate, it is very harmonious, mixing finesse and richness. A beautiful structure given by firm tannins accompanied by a nice tension, which brings freshness. An elegant finish and a very nice length.
- Château Tour Saint Christophe – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 95-96/100
A pure nose, deep and beautiful complexity, we perceive its very nice bouquet of black fruits, spices, mixed with subtle toasted notes and a hint of floral notes. Palate silky, full, dense with aromatic richness. Well balanced and very well structured by a frank tannic frame supported by a beautiful tension. The finish is elegant, fresh and lovely length. In the continuity of previous vintages, in constant progression.
- Château Valandraud – Saint-Émilion 1st Grand Cru Classé 96-97/100
Precise, airy and of a beautiful depth, the nose reveals delightful notes of black fruit, liquorice with a hint of chocolate. The attack on the palate is ample, dense with great finesse. Very beautiful structure, the tannins are of a remarkable finesse and are accompanied by a nice tension which brings a lot of freshness. The finish is refined, persistent and a beautiful aromatic richness.
- Château Villemaurine – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 93-93/100
The nose is elegant, deep, with nice fruity notes with subtle spicy and herbaceous notes. On the palate, it is well structured, with a nice balance. The tannins are firm and supported by a fine acidity. The finish is fresh and a nice length.
- Clos Dubreuil – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 92-93/100
Sharp and racy nose, it reveals its pretty fruity notes mixed with fine floral notes. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced. The tannins are ripe, the acidity is medium. Fresh finish and a nice length.
- Clos Fourtet – Saint-Émilion 1st Grand Cru Classé 96-97/100
Airy, complex and rich, the nose offers us a delightful bouquet of black fruits, spices with elegant floral notes and fine toasted notes. The attack on the palate is full of elegance, there reigns harmoniously amplitude, density and aromatic depth. Very well structured and balanced. The tannins are ripe and accompanied by a lively tension. A refined finish, fresh and of wonderful persistence. Undoubtedly one of the great successes on this vintage.
- Clos La Gaffelière – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 92-93/100
A lively nose, fresh and of a beautiful intensity, we perceive its pretty fruity notes, spicy mixed with a hint of floral notes. On the palate, it is expressive, racy, with elegance. Well structured and well balanced by firm tannins and accompanied by a nice acidity. The finish is fresh, fruity and of an interesting length.
- Clos des Jacobins – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 91-92/100
Clean, fresh nose with notes of black fruits and spices. On the palate, it is well structured and well balanced. The tannins are firm, the acidity is medium. Finish fresh, fruity and of a correct length.
- Clos Saint-Julien – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 91-92/100
A racy nose with a beautiful expression, we perceive its notes of black fruits with fine spicy and toasted notes. A fine palate, fruity, well structured and balanced. The tannins are firm and supported by a nice acidity. Fresh finish and a correct length.
- Clos Saint-Martin – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 94-95/100
Sharp, fine and of a beautiful aromatic richness, the nose reveals us its pretty bouquet of black fruits, spices, with its subtle floral and toasted notes. A full mouth, dense and very elegant. Beautiful structure, beautiful balance, the tannins are ripe and accompanied by a beautiful tension. Refined, fresh and very long finish.