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Staff Favorites - Ryan Moses
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Reviews
2009 Lilian Ladouys, St-Estèphe
Review Date: 07-11-2026
One of the standout values of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage, I didn’t expect to see any more of this vintage of Lilian Ladouys in meaningful quantity ever again. That’s why I snapped this up the moment I found it earlier this year. For many, 2009 was a benchmark for the estate—an intersection of a brilliant Northern Médoc vintage and an estate hitting its stride, resulting in a scintillating, delicious, and undeniable wine.
I wasn’t patient enough to let the case I bought En Primeur last through the following decade, but every bottle showed tremendous potential, and it’s a joy to revisit it at this stage. The aromatics are bountiful, with deep cassis, blackberry, graphite, and thyme. The palate is pure and expressive, built around a core of red cherry, terrific texture, and well‑judged tannins. Beautifully evolved yet still packed with fruit, it’s a charming wine that will cruise through the next ten years, but is as irresistible now as it has ever been.
I don’t know if these are the last bottles around, but I’ll cherish them as if they are—and I’m thrilled to share this brilliant St‑Estèphe at fifteen years on.
2018 Bourdieu No. 1, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
Review Date: 07-07-2026
Is Bourdieu’s No. 1 a classified‑growth killer at a towering 97 points? Probably not. But is it a screaming value—and one of the best legit Bordeaux buys with real bottle age for under $20? For that, I’ll happily give it an easy 97.
Scores aside, this is a charmer, a gem, and a delicious find that captures the warmth and generosity of the 2018 vintage while still carrying enough structure to keep everything grounded. The nose is inviting and expressive, layered with ripe black cherry, plum, and cassis, lifted by violet, cedar, and a touch of graphite. The palate is supple and nicely weighted, built around a core of dark berry fruit wrapped in fine, polished tannins. Freshness keeps the wine lively, and the finish brings a satisfying mix of fruit, spice, and subtle minerality.
Just like our last parcel, this won’t be around long. It’s a best‑in‑class buy from Bordeaux—and frankly, from anywhere—at this price.
2022 Clos Puy Arnaud, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
Review Date: 07-07-2026
I’ve been excited to share this gem from one of Bordeaux’s up‑and‑coming producers, a domaine that’s making undeniably great wines these days—especially in the amplified 2022 vintage. Run by Thierry Valette, who previously worked at both Pavie and Troplong Mondot, Clos Puy Arnaud’s 2022 is the result of years spent building a world‑class operation in the Côtes de Castillon.
Focused on the more finessed, precise style now defining the Right Bank, and shaped by the limestone character of the appellation’s best sites, this is a genuine, age‑worthy, and deeply characterful wine. Once again, the 2022 vintage shows its quality, delivering an impressive balance of accessibility, structure, and irresistible charm.
It’s no surprise Jane Anson named it her top value buy of last year, especially given its modest retail price. This is one to load up on and enjoy anytime over the next decade or two—just don’t miss it while it’s available, as it stands tall among the best buys in Bordeaux.
2015 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol
Review Date: 06-17-2026
This is a quietly great vintage on the Right Bank, one we’ve been fans of since release. The very top wines of the year—especially in Pomerol—produced some all‑timers, bottles with remarkable density, structure, and depth. Right at the peak of that class sits the 2015 Vieux Château Certan. The 100‑point scores are really just the appetizer; what’s in the bottle is the true reminder of why collectors have such deep affection for this limited‑production Pomerol estate.
After about an hour in the decanter, all the brilliance of VCC comes forward: dense fruit without heaviness, a harmony of richness and precision, and a long, incredibly fine finish. We’ve tasted it a few times over the years, but this recent look—now a decade on—shows that the early promise is coming through in a big way. It should age effortlessly for another 30 years, yet there’s already so much to enjoy with a bit of air.
A genuine and wonderful Pomerol that will rival the greats of the region, which is no easy feat.
2020 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac
Review Date: 06-15-2026
Grand‑Puy‑Lacoste is Pauillac to its core, carrying the grace of classic Bordeaux with a profile that could come from nowhere else. The 2020 is one of the château’s most impressive recent releases, a wine that has firmly elevated GPL into the region’s top tier while the pricing remains remarkably reasonable. Neal Martin’s 97‑point Southwold score put it shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the appellation’s elite, and his comparisons to the all‑time 2016 (now well over $100) only reinforce that this is a new benchmark at the estate.
Layered with Cabernet‑driven graphite, cassis, vibrant acidity, and a seamless, finessed texture, it delivers depth without weight and polish without excess. As a collectible Bordeaux, it’s a brilliant buy, and today’s Bordeaux‑direct pricing pushes it into no‑brainer territory. For a quintessential, ageworthy Pauillac at a compelling price, this is the one.
2022 Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc
Review Date: 06-11-2026
One of our favorite under-the-radar value producers, Lamothe-Bergeron, elevated their game even further in 2022. Located between St-Julien and Margaux, Lamothe-Bergeron delivers exactly the kind of Cabernet-led, Left Bank value that savvy Bordeaux buyers love: undeniably delicious yet complex, with classic Médoc character. The 2022 vintage provides remarkable accessibility without sacrificing depth, as layers of deep red and black fruit cover the palate, accented by notes of tobacco and lifted by enough acidity to carry the fruit through a long finish. Polished, refreshing, and already highly enjoyable, this is a bottle that should age well, though I imagine it will be hard to resist pulling corks now. A top value selection and another winner from both the 2022 vintage and Lamothe-Bergeron.
2025 Montrose, St-Estèphe
Review Date: 06-10-2026
Another monumental wine from Montrose—par for the course these days, but no less thrilling because of it. Aromatically, the 2025 is dense and compact, with notes of blackberry and graphite. On the palate, it’s concentrated yet incredibly layered and deep, the kind of wine that seems to reveal another level with every sip. Deep black fruits and tobacco brighten into a lively, fruit-filled midpalate, carried by a seamless texture and super‑fine tannins.
It already feels complete, and it was one we kept talking about as the day—and the week—went on. A classically styled Montrose that shows one of the region’s great estates operating at the top of their game. A surefire winner in 2025.
2025 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol
Review Date: 06-10-2026
One of my favorite moments of the year is tasting Vieux Château Certan En Primeur, and this year was no different. The Thienpont family—this time with Guillaume leading the way—always lets the wine speak for itself. And the 2025 speaks volumes.
Fragrant, perfumed red‑to‑black fruits lead the way, lightly oak‑kissed in all the right ways. Any initial sense of opulence quickly gives way to precision and focus on the palate: powerful yet silky, driven by fruit and mineral, with black fruit, baking spice, and a lifting acid backbone. Fine, long tannins frame an intense but beautifully balanced wine. The finish is long and layered, carrying the clay soils with it alongside mouthwatering fruit.
It’s a wine you simply want to spend time with, and once again it brought a smile to all of our faces—placing Vieux Château Certan firmly among the finest in Pomerol.
2025 Margaux, Margaux
Review Date: 06-10-2026
The 2025 Margaux has the potential to be a singular wine on many fronts. With production down 40%, it will be rarer than recent vintages, but it’s really the decisions in the vineyard that define it. Among the last to pick, the team at Château Margaux held steady through one difficult call after another, and the result makes clear that their risks paid off.
Highly floral, red‑fruit‑driven aromatics lead into a silky palate that carries more intensity than is typical for this address. Everything feels precisely placed: delicate spice, deep red fruits, an endless finish, and very fine tannins. It is, however, a powerful Margaux—one that will almost certainly reward time, even if it won’t strictly require it.
I’ve tasted prettier, more overtly elegant versions of Margaux in the past, but if this comes together in bottle, it will deliver all of that and more. I hope to have the chance to revisit it in the years ahead.
2025 Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien
Review Date: 06-08-2026
Ducru-Beaucaillou 2025 is a wine of contrasts—it is at once one of the most explosive wines of the vintage, yet it also seems to be holding a ton in reserve. As usual, the wine is defined by luxurious texture, deep fruit, and structure. The pedigree of a fine Ducru-Beaucaillou is on full display, and the 2025 has the hallmarks of many of their top vintages from the turn of the last decade. I expect this will delight fans of the estate, especially at release pricing, and be one of the more long-lived wines of the vintage.
2025 Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-08-2026
I feel like the 2025 Haut-Brion could be from nowhere else. My notes call it “very Haut-Brion,” which, beyond being a bit redundant, speaks to the character of this wine when it’s really great—almost excessively stern, but incredibly nuanced, endlessly elegant, and a wine that just keeps delivering something new with every smell and taste. The quality of the Merlot is evident in the more berry-focused aromatics, and at first the wine tastes a bit reserved. But then it keeps building, with minerality, dark red and black fruits, and spice. Very long, very concentrated, and yes, very Haut-Brion. Unlike many top 2025s, I expect this will demand a bit of time in the cellar, but it’s certainly a brilliant wine and one that had me thinking about it long after I left our tasting.
2025 Beau-Séjour Bécot, St-Emilion
Review Date: 06-08-2026
Beau-Séjour Bécot is an elite wine at an incredibly reasonable price in 2025. I was absolutely spellbound by their 2022, and this echoes that style of an elevated and electric wine. A brilliant intensity surrounds the 2025 Beau-Séjour Bécot, with high-toned, vibrant acidity supported by waves of bright black fruit and a lingering limestone saline note that begs for another sip. It is a remarkably complex, thought-provoking wine that I can’t wait to follow over the years. The work being done at this address is astounding, and while the word has already gotten out, considering the multiple potentially perfect scores, it still somehow flies under the radar. This might be the last vintage it does so, and for that reason, I can’t recommend it enough as a high-upside buy. Either way, congrats to Julien Barthe and Juliette Bécot on a superb 2025.
2025 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien
Review Date: 06-04-2026
I find there's a lot of joy in a great vintage of Leoville Poyferre, and that's the case with this gem in 2025. Leading with black fruits and floral notes, there's a marked intensity on the aromas and followed up on the palate. Deep red-to-black fruit lines an explosive midpalate, mouthwatering acidity, and a long finish. Big but never heavy, modern but still St-Julien, it checks all the boxes at this address and then some. There won't be much of it around, due to painfully low yields, but it otherwise has everything going for it. Superb.
2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-04-2026
One of the region’s most unique and ascendant properties, it’s no surprise to see the enthusiasm building around the next great vintage of Les Carmes Haut‑Brion in 2025. With the highest proportion of Cabernet ever in the final blend—54% Franc and 29% Sauvignon—the small berries of the harvest delivered a wine that’s deeply concentrated yet remarkably silky and refined. Cab Franc aromatics lift the nose, while juicy dark red fruits form the core. The finish is long, textured, and subtly saline, with an impressive sense of viscosity.
What a singular wine, and one that perfectly captures the style that has made this estate so cherished in recent years. Another winner, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves in bottle.
Price:
$114.99
2025 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-02-2026
The 2025 at Haut‑Bailly reminds me a bit of their remarkably good 2023—which itself echoed the 2016. More simply put, this is clearly among the finest wines at this address, and very possibly among the best of the 2025 vintage. A core of red fruit drives the wine from the aromas through the palate, and while consistently refreshing, it remains complex, serious, and sneakily long. The concentration and balance are genuinely impressive. Layers of flavor unfold on the finish, making it a wine that rewards attention without ever demanding it.
It’s remarkable to see the strides Haut‑Bailly has made in recent years, especially given the heights they had already achieved. Congratulations to Véronique Sanders and her team on a brilliant 2025.
2025 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
Review Date: 06-02-2026
Brane‑Cantenac is building on an incredible run with this 2025, a stunning wine that once again marries true Margaux typicité with extraordinary elegance and depth. From the start, it’s aromatically Margaux to its core, offering lifted black fruits and violets. The palate delivers the château’s signature elegance—precise, pure, and effortlessly refined. The fruit profile wavers beautifully between red and black, the texture is seamless, and the tannins are remarkably well‑integrated. The core of this is 80% Cabernet. This is a superb expression of place, property, and vintage—and one of fine wine’s great collectible values. It’s absolutely a release I’d urge people not to miss.
2025 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac
Review Date: 06-01-2026
My notes lead with “most impressive aromatics of the vintage,” and then continue that “most impressive” theme through to the very long finish. It is a wine you just want to spend time with: a brilliant array of deep black‑to‑red fruits, a slight herbal note, and one nuance after another tucked into every corner. Dense without being heavy, regal without being overbearing, and flawlessly textured, the 2025 Pichon Comtesse delivers a pure expression of the estate’s character. One of my favorites from Pauillac and from the 2025 vintage overall, it’s awesome to see one of our favorite properties operating at such a high level.
Price:
$149.99
2025 Palmer, Margaux
Review Date: 05-26-2026
Palmer crafted a masterful wine in 2025, one that delivers complexity, depth, and nuance. Aromatically, it hints at something almost intimidating, yet the palate is generous and suave. It has incredible density, but somehow isn’t heavy or overbearing—a difficult feat to pull off. Hints of violet and stone‑tinged aromas lead to a mouthcoating palate full of black plum and cassis, framed by incredibly fine tannins and a big, acid‑driven, fruit‑filled finish. Long, refined, and lined with a mineral‑driven texture.
It’s a wine that brings a smile to your face—what more could you ask for. This is certainly a Palmer that delivers the kind of joy people keep coming back for at this address. A wonderful 2025.
2025 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 05-26-2026
Malartic‑Lagravière is one of the most compelling wines in Pessac in 2025, bringing a combination of southern Médoc character with remarkable refinement and poise. Aromas of deep cassis and blackberries lead to a pure, focused, and complex palate that never feels heavy, but instead carries its black‑fruited core with ease, finishing on a subtly mineral‑tinged note. It is unmistakably Pessac, yet the way it delivers that signature character with such finesse and quiet confidence is an impressive feat.
It’s a ton of wine for the price, as is usually the case with Malartic‑Lagravière, but I think that’s even more true with this 2025, which feels especially complete and rewarding. Great work here from the Bonnie family, who continue to elevate this estate in all the right ways.
2025 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-26-2026
One of the most refreshing visits every year is with François‑Xavier Maroteaux of Branaire‑Ducru, an estate whose wines seem to get better with each vintage. The 2025 is another gem, with beautifully expressive aromas leading into a textured, fresh palate full of fine red fruits and supported by seamlessly integrated tannins. Remarkably harmonious already, the balance is impeccable.
When Branaire‑Ducru is firing at this level, it’s the complete package—beautifully St‑Julien, incredibly refined, deeply flavorful, and complex. Combine this quality and proven pedigree with genuinely rewarding release pricing, and the 2025 Branaire‑Ducru becomes a wine I cannot recommend highly enough.
2025 La Gaffelière, St-Émilion
Review Date: 05-22-2026
In 2025, the contrast between the St‑Emilion limestone plateau and the surrounding areas was unmistakable. The best terroirs had both relief from the extreme heat and the ability to handle the late‑season rain thanks to their exposure and soils. La Gaffelière is exactly that kind of site, and it’s easy to see why it stands out as one of the highlights of the vintage.
This was a wine I had a hard time putting down—remarkably seamless and elegant, with effortless concentration. Aromatically complex, with bright florals and Cab Franc lift, the palate follows through with pure deep red fruits, fine minerality, and a long, driven, layered profile that stays refreshing at every turn.
I can’t wait to taste it again on release, and at release pricing it will be all too easy to keep pulling corks over the years. A remarkable wine, and a towering value in the landscape of top‑tier St‑Emilion.
2025 Angélus, St-Emilion
Review Date: 05-21-2026
I feel like Angélus has been chasing a style that speaks more clearly and transparently to their terroir, and in 2025 they’ve nailed it. You still get the layered black fruit and fine tannins, but it’s the balance that really grabs me—bright, focused, fully integrated. The wine builds on the palate with remarkable detail, bringing in floral notes, limestone salinity, and nuance after nuance, all carried by nearly invisible tannins.
Flavorful and complex, open and bright, it’s a wine you could all too easily enjoy right now, yet it’s poised to evolve gracefully in the cellar for years. Congratulations to the team at Angélus for what they’ve crafted in 2025.
2025 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
Review Date: 05-21-2026
The 2025 at Lynch‑Bages is exactly what people hope for from this address—complex, delicious, full of Pauillac character, ageworthy, and one of the sharper buys in the world of collectible wine. It strikes me as a bit more structured and aromatically complex than many 2025s, layering deep black fruits, graphite, and cassis, then finishing with savoury red fruits on a long, mouthcoating close. A touch of spice rounds it out, and there’s a quiet density here that hints at a long, graceful evolution.
For all the joyfulness of a visit to Lynch‑Bages, the wines themselves feel very serious in 2025. I’m excited to watch this evolve, and I can’t imagine anyone securing it at release pricing coming away disappointed.
2025 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-19-2026
Léoville Barton crafted a 2025 they should be very proud of—it retains the indelible character of this fan‑favorite estate while layering nuance upon nuance in every corner of the wine. Entrancing on the nose with a mélange of red fruit, it delivers a palate full of cherry and plum, touches of tobacco and herb, and then explodes on the finish with driving flavor and terrific texture.
It’s reserved, but not in a way that shows any hard angles—more in the sense that there’s clearly plenty of potential waiting to unfurl over time. I suspect it will have a broad drinking window, but those who wait will be rewarded.
2025 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-19-2026
Velvety and intense, the 2025 strikes me as a very serious Langoa, though perhaps not as stern as in years past. Lovely floral aromatics and a core of deep red fruit lead into a long finish framed by very fine, well‑integrated tannins.
Few labels deliver as much value—or spark as much excitement—as a well‑aged Langoa Barton, and it’s hard not to notice how the wines have continued to improve lately. The drinking window seems to be broadening on the early side without sacrificing character.
Count me in as a fan of 2025 Langoa Barton.
2025 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
Review Date: 05-19-2026
Lafite’s 2025 is awesome—easily among their finest of the past decade or more. With beautiful, classic aromas, a flawless texture, and mouthwatering notes of pure black cherry and cassis, it delivers the signature Lafite length and purity in full. Delicate and graceful without sacrificing depth, it’s a perfect reminder that concentration in a wine does not require weight.
Seamless and full of flavor, driven by pure Cabernet (94%) energy, it’s an entrancing wine that reveals one layer of complexity after another. Those who tuck away a few bottles will have a masterpiece waiting for them in the years ahead.
I’ve been a fan of their evolution over the past decade, as the wines now bring so much more joy in their youth than ever before. The 2025 delivers that—and then some. What a brilliant wine.
2025 Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-19-2026
What I adore about Gruaud-Larosse these days is that they've somehow managed to keep the character of the estate that has defined their age-worthy, classic style, while still evolving in a way that has made their wines more apparent in their youth. Such is the case with the 2025, celebrating its 300th anniversary. The aromas are heady here, hinting at darker fruits and florals, but on the palate is bright, with a core of St Julien red fruit, seamless texture, and a ton of depth that both demands and deserves attention in the glass. This is a wine you'll want to spend time with, and at this release pricing, it's all too easy to do so.
2025 Larcis Ducasse, St-Emilion
Review Date: 05-13-2026
Larcis Ducasse is continuing to produce landmark wines that deserve attention among the finest on the Right Bank. Now under the direction of David Suire, who also crafts the incredible wines of Laroque, the estate has been going from strength to strength over the past decade. A literal stone’s throw from Pavie, the limestone, hillside soils of Larcis Ducasse have long yielded distinctive wines, but the refinement, tension, and complexity now seem to be operating on another level.
Deep black‑fruit aromas hint at an imposing wine, yet waves of vivid red fruit, bright acidity, beautiful texture, and soft, integrated tannins reveal something far more expressive, precise, and endlessly compelling. A long, saline‑tinged finish keeps you coming back to the glass for this impeccable, delicious wine.
At our En Primeur pricing, it remains one of the great values in the region, thanks to the combination of terroir, limited production, and remarkable quality.
2022 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
Review Date: 05-11-2026
Is there a more custom-fit vintage for Lynch-Bages than 2022? This wine takes full advantage of a landmark Left Bank vintage, delivering loads of Pauillac character while showcasing the irresistibly delicious yet remarkably complex style that has defined the estate’s reputation over the past few decades. Aromatically compelling and striking in its balance of richness without excess weight, this is a long, extremely fine, and undeniable Lynch-Bages. I see a bit of the 2010 in this one, but with an added level of elegance and precision, thanks to tireless work in the vineyard and the revolutionary new winemaking facility. Combining the accessibility of the 2022 vintage with the depth and density that promise a long, graceful evolution, I expect we’ll be talking about this 2022 as a reference point for the estate for years to come.
2025 Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion
Review Date: 05-06-2026
Yields were low across Bordeaux in 2025, but then there’s Cheval Blanc, which produced roughly half of what many of its neighbors did. With fewer than 5,000 cases for the world, this is a wine to secure early for anyone who keeps the cherished Right Bank estate on their shortlist. But rarity alone does not make the wine—it’s what’s in the bottle that matters.
What I found was an incredibly elegant, ethereal, and lifted Cheval Blanc, a wine whose concentration is on full display while remaining feather-light on its feet. There is ample structure, but it never feels demanding—if anything, it is refreshingly graceful. At a mere 12.7% alcohol, this is a poised and refined Cheval Blanc that will be fascinating to follow over the years, singular both in its production and in its profile.
2025 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Review Date: 04-28-2026
Pontet-Canet, a property on a qualitative run few can match, has quietly refined things even further in recent years while preserving its indelible character and refreshingly modest pricing—especially given its top-tier scores and Pauillac neighbors.
The 2025 is a terrific example, delivering remarkable volume for a wine with just 13.3% alcohol and only 50% new oak. Black fruits line an inky core that is at once rich and finely balanced, with elegance and energy carrying through to a long finish marked by minerality, cocoa, and well-judged tannins.
The scale and character are unmistakably Pontet-Canet, yet there’s a clear sense of careful management in both extraction and balance. Releasing early in the campaign at yesteryear pricing, Pontet-Canet seems intent on making a statement—one that reinforces its exceptional value as a collectible when the wine is this good.
2022 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
Review Date: 04-22-2026
I’ve been watching Brane-Cantenac closely over the past decade as they’ve steadily raised their game, delivering some of the most refined and rewarding releases in Margaux during that time. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re among the kindest and most welcoming people in Bordeaux. But while their wines have been on the rise, the 2022 is on an entirely different level. Neal Martin even called it out in his recent Southwold tasting as "a wine for the ages," where it ranked fifth in the entire vintage, outscoring a few First Growths.
The 2022 Brane-Cantenac leads with tons of typicité, showing unmistakable Margaux notes of florals, blackcurrant, and spice. The palate has a Cab-forward character, oscillating between black and red fruits, plum, cedar, graphite, and more. But the true mastery lies in its incredible freshness, textural refinement, and precision—the tannins are so pure, and the wine endlessly refreshing and long.
To find this kind of ethereal expression in such a powerful vintage is a real tribute to the work being done at Brane-Cantenac. This deserves to be in the conversation for the top wine of Margaux—and one of the greats of the Left Bank in 2022. Considering that, the asking price is also very impressive.
2020 La Conseillante, Pomerol
Review Date: 04-17-2026
Conseillante has long been known for its incredible terroir in the heart of Pomerol—next to Vieux Château Certan, across the street from Cheval Blanc, and near Pétrus. But what Marielle Cazaux has accomplished at the estate over the past decade is another story altogether, elevating it from a fan favorite to a wine-of-the-vintage contender year after year. Such is clearly the case with the 2020, from an especially fine Right Bank vintage—a wine that received a 100-point score from The Wine Advocate, where it was called “a Pomerol of striking purity and sophistication.” Considering its elite status and roots in some of the world’s most treasured terroir, the asking price is remarkably reasonable for Pomerol perfection.
2016 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
Review Date: 03-31-2026
We recently had the good fortune to revisit Brane-Cantenac’s 2016, and among a table of heavyweights priced many times higher, it emerged as a clear favorite. I was thrilled—but not surprised—to see this, as I’ve become increasingly infatuated with the estate, which seems to be producing one next-level vintage after another. Coincidentally, recent multi-decade verticals by both Jane Anson and Jeb Dunnuck place it at the pinnacle of the property’s achievements. Add in the exceptional quality of the vintage, and this could easily be a prohibitively expensive wine—but Brane-Cantenac somehow remains refreshingly grounded.
The magic lies in its ability to capture Margaux typicité with remarkable precision. The 2016 is at once concentrated and weightless, seamless in texture yet layered with depth—an extraordinary balancing act that reflects both the estate’s signature and the vintage’s quality. For me, it embodies the ethereal, elegant side of Margaux (à la Château Margaux) more than the bolder, richer expressions (such as Palmer). Yet in terms of quality, I have no hesitation in placing it alongside these names.
In every respect, the 2016 Brane-Cantenac is a masterpiece. For longtime admirers of the property, this is a must-have. And for those looking to reconnect with one of the region’s finest collectible values from a benchmark vintage, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Add in our Bordeaux-direct provenance and sharp pricing, and this stands as one of the great buys in collectible wine today.
2023 Suduiraut, Sauternes (375ml)
Review Date: 03-16-2026
When Suduiraut is at the top of their game, they easily rival the very best in Sauternes. That’s been happening a lot recently, with one spellbinding release after another. Is it the case with the 2023? The professional critics certainly seem to think so, with a 100-point score from Vinous to go along with best-in-class marks from nearly everyone else. And when you consider that acclaim alongside the going rate for Suduiraut, it quickly becomes one of the best buys in fine wine.
I think this may be their best wine since the simply stunning 2015 (with the impossible-to-find 2021 in the conversation as well!). Like the best of the 2023s, Suduiraut hits that magical combination of richness and brightness—luxurious yet refreshing. Gorgeous aromatics layer stone fruit, citrus peel, and orange blossom, while the palate delivers grilled pineapple, blood orange, honey, key lime, and a thread of spice. But it’s the balance and texture that really steal the show—just the right amount of everything. Add the fact that it promises an effortlessly long, broad drinking window, and you won’t have to wait too long to get the best from the 2023 Suduiraut. For Sauternes royalty at a song, I can’t recommend this one enough. How lucky are we to be able to pull the cork on a wine this good without having to think twice?!
2023 Suduiraut, Sauternes
Review Date: 03-13-2026
When Suduiraut is at the top of their game, they easily rival the very best in Sauternes. That’s been happening a lot recently, with one spellbinding release after another. Is it the case with the 2023? The professional critics certainly seem to think so, with a 100-point score from Vinous to go along with best-in-class marks from nearly everyone else. And when you consider that acclaim alongside the going rate for Suduiraut, it quickly becomes one of the best buys in fine wine.
I think this may be their best wine since the simply stunning 2015 (with the impossible-to-find 2021 in the conversation as well!). Like the best of the 2023s, Suduiraut hits that magical combination of richness and brightness—luxurious yet refreshing. Gorgeous aromatics layer stone fruit, citrus peel, and orange blossom, while the palate delivers grilled pineapple, blood orange, honey, key lime, and a thread of spice. But it’s the balance and texture that really steal the show—just the right amount of everything. Add the fact that it promises an effortlessly long, broad drinking window, and you won’t have to wait too long to get the best from the 2023 Suduiraut. For Sauternes royalty at a song, I can’t recommend this one enough. How lucky are we to be able to pull the cork on a wine this good without having to think twice?!
2023 d'Yquem, Sauternes
Review Date: 03-09-2026
What an incredible run Yquem has been on in the last few years. I suspect this will rival the famed ’88, ’89, ’90 trio as a sequence of landmark vintages—wines that exemplify one of fine wine’s great treasures at its peak. Stylistically, where the ’21 was focused and bright and the ’22 rich and decadent, the ’23 brings together the best of both, finding a middle ground without ever compromising complexity or depth.
The aromatics on the 2023 Yquem might be worth the price of admission alone. This is one of those wines you simply want to spend time with, not rush. On the palate it is majestic, with a superb balance of texture and sweetness, lifted by a thread of acidity that keeps everything fresh. While I have no doubt it will age effortlessly, it should deliver immense pleasure throughout its long lifespan.
2023 Yquem is a truly special wine—one for the ages. Whether you're a longtime collector looking for the best from this iconic label, or someone hoping to experience the magic of this legendary Sauternes at its finest, this is a not-to-be-missed vintage.
2023 d'Yquem, Sauternes (375ml)
Review Date: 03-09-2026
What an incredible run Yquem has been on in the last few years. I suspect this will rival the famed ’88, ’89, ’90 trio as a sequence of landmark vintages—wines that exemplify one of fine wine’s great treasures at its peak. Stylistically, where the ’21 was focused and bright and the ’22 rich and decadent, the ’23 brings together the best of both, finding a middle ground without ever compromising complexity or depth.
The aromatics on the 2023 Yquem might be worth the price of admission alone. This is one of those wines you simply want to spend time with, not rush. On the palate it is majestic, with a superb balance of texture and sweetness, lifted by a thread of acidity that keeps everything fresh. While I have no doubt it will age effortlessly, it should deliver immense pleasure throughout its long lifespan.
2023 Yquem is a truly special wine—one for the ages. Whether you're a longtime collector looking for the best from this iconic label, or someone hoping to experience the magic of this legendary Sauternes at its finest, this is a not-to-be-missed vintage.
2023 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Review Date: 03-06-2026
Ever since En Primeur, the 2023 Pontet-Canet has stood out as one of the greats of the vintage and a potential benchmark wine for one of the most celebrated properties in the region. There are a few reasons for this. First, many of the winery’s recent renovations and innovations came fully into play, from new fermentation vessels to the use of significantly lighter bottles to reduce environmental impact. More importantly, it’s also a vintage they managed beautifully, putting their signature luxurious imprint on their unforgettable Pauillac terroir.
A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, it is an impeccably balanced wine that unmistakably carries the Pontet-Canet signature. The electricity and vibrancy of deep, layered black and red fruits are there, but where there can sometimes be an “up to eleven” quality, the 2023 instead shows a great thread of minerality and freshness supporting the texture and richness. Only 50% new oak and a modest 13.8% ABV complete the picture.
The more classic style of the vintage worked beautifully in tandem with Pontet-Canet and the style they are aspiring to—and perhaps perfected—in 2023. And importantly, when you compare this Pontet-Canet to their all-time greats, to other elite wines from the vintage, or to great collectibles from across the globe, the value is undeniable.
2019 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, Pomerol
Review Date: 02-26-2026
Our Discovery Series has arrived! At the heart of this program is a mission to showcase wines of impeccable quality, unmistakable regional typicité, and exceptional value. As I often say, we’re not simply putting a label on someone’s latest release—we’re curating standout selections from our deep and trusted network of producers. Each wine must distinguish itself from its peers, often outperforming bottles that sell for many times the price. Only those that meet this high bar earn a place in the lineup.
From one of the most treasured terroirs in the world of fine wine, it’s nothing short of a coup to bottle an exclusive Pomerol of this caliber and deliver it for under $30. This is land where bottles typically fetch $100 to $3,000, simply because production is so limited and quality so high. The plateau of Pomerol is defined by its unique gravel and iron-rich clay soils, which yield wines of remarkable complexity, richness, texture, luxury, and longevity.
I was captivated by this particular selection for its quintessential Pomerol character: gorgeous red fruits, striking density, and a textured palate that reflects the famed mosaic of soils beneath the vines. It is a wine that could come from nowhere else. We’ll count ourselves fortunate if we can continue to collaborate on future vintages. This is a delicious, complex, and thoroughly enjoyable Pomerol that easily merits double the price, and one that will be a standout on our shelves while it’s in stock.
Price:
$29.99
2016 Lagrange, St-Julien
Review Date: 02-19-2026
Lagrange is one of the great hidden gems of the unforgettable 2016 vintage. Whether it’s the unanimous acclaim, the dueling 97-point scores, its 30+ year aging potential, prime Left Bank terroir, or the Goldilocks nature of the vintage, this is the complete package. Add perfect provenance, and it stands out as one of the best buys on the tenth anniversary of the 2016 growing season.
The key to this vintage—and what Lagrange captures so well—is its concentration of fruit paired with true elegance: a seamless balance of acidity, fruit, and tannin, offering structure while remaining approachable. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend (70%), showcasing classic aromatics of cassis and cigar wrapper, with deep red fruit unfolding across the palate. Time in bottle has elevated the wine to another level, yet there is still a long road ahead for 2016 Lagrange. For a quintessential, ageworthy, classic St-Julien, this is a brilliant buy with few peers.
2019 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 02-16-2026
One of the great under-the-radar wines in all of Bordeaux is Langoa Barton—a surprise, considering its location in the heart of St-Julien, its Third Growth classification, and the remarkable team leading the efforts in both vineyard and winery. Perhaps its Second Growth sibling receives the lion’s share of the acclaim, but that’s all the better for those in the know, as Langoa remains remarkably affordable for an ageworthy, site-driven Left Bank grand vin.
The 2019 Langoa Barton takes full advantage of a very strong vintage in St-Julien, delivering a compelling mix of refinement and typicity. It is structured yet generous. Beautiful cassis and floral aromatics lead to a well-textured palate filled with dark red fruits, bright acidity, and a long, tannin-lined finish. Langoa seems to be growing more accessible in its youth these days, though it remains a wine that rewards patience. This 2019 hits that sweet spot and is surely one of their finest efforts of the past several years.
2019 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, Pauillac
Review Date: 02-13-2026
The debut label of our Discovery Series continues to impress. At the core of this program is a mission to showcase wines of impeccable quality, unmistakable regional typicité, and exceptional value. As I often say, we’re not just placing a label on someone’s latest release—we’re curating standout selections from our deep, trusted network of sources. Each wine must rise above its peers, often outperforming bottles at multiples of the price. Only those that meet this high bar make it into the lineup.
Such is the case with our 2019 Pauillac, crafted by a classified growth—though the name must remain a secret, thanks to a special arrangement secured for the Discovery Series. This wine captures the triumph, accessibility, and layered depth of the 2019 vintage. It’s a vivid expression of Pauillac—unforgettable in its elegance and authenticity. I especially adore its character and how clearly it reflects the region’s typicité.
On the nose, a vibrant mélange of red and black fruits takes center stage—cassis, blackberry, and black plum—woven with a hint of graphite and pencil lead. The palate delivers a beautifully refined texture, with bright, energetic red fruit at the core and a structured finish layered with black fruit. A subtle richness plays off the wine’s firm structure, while fresh acidity brings lift and balance. The signature Pauillac tannins are present, yet softened by the generosity of the 2019 vintage, offering a wine that is both serious and remarkably approachable. Now seven years past the vintage, some of the edges are beginning to soften, and it appears poised for a long, broad drinking window.
For a quintessential Pauillac—and a top-notch Bordeaux value—this is one to stock up on and revisit time and time again.
Price:
$29.99
2016 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac
Review Date: 01-26-2026
For me, this is the quintessential Pichon-Lalande of the modern era and a reference-point Pauillac, with the kind of potential that the estate’s finest vintages have realized. At this point, there’s no doubting the caliber of the 2016 vintage, but it is still remarkable to see what Nicolas Glumineau and his team crafted at Pichon-Lalande. Aromatically, this is a wine that could come from nowhere but Pauillac, with a heart of Cabernet driving the profile. On the palate, it is incredibly delineated—weightless yet powerful, concentrated without carrying any excess. Nearly a decade in bottle has brought out many of the wine’s charms, yet it will comfortably age for decades to come. A First Growth in everything but name, 2016 Pichon Lalande is one of the all-time greats from the Left Bank and will be a joy to follow over the years. This is a wine that belongs in any cellar of Bordeaux’s best—and for those who already have it, make sure you have enough.
2009 Montrose, St-Estèphe 2026 Ex-Chateau Release
Review Date: 01-20-2026
Montrose has just re-released one of their all-timers—the reference-point, “pure perfection” 2009. I’ve adored this wine over the years for its ability to convey what’s so unique and special about Montrose at its very best, while fully leveraging the quality of the 2009 vintage and remaining remarkably finessed and regal. A bottle last year was strikingly open for an era that produced some relatively demanding wines, and at this stage I think it’s settling into a drinking window that should last for decades. A testament to the brilliance of Montrose in the Delmas era and one of the great wines of the past century, securing perfect-provenance stock at this point is simply icing on the cake. For a truly complete cellar of Bordeaux’s finest, 2009 Montrose is not to be missed.
2020 Beau-Séjour Bécot, St-Emilion
Review Date: 01-18-2026
I keep saying it again and again and can’t stress it enough—the folks at Beau-Séjour Bécot are making some of the finest wines in Bordeaux today, and it’s time they’re taken seriously. All it takes is a sip of this brilliant 2020 to prove the point. While we’ve enjoyed many charming vintages over the years—and can’t deny the remarkable terroir in the heart of Saint-Émilion’s limestone plateau—what Julien and Juliette have accomplished in recent years is nothing short of astonishing.
Gorgeous, perfumed aromatics lead the way, but the palate steals the show, delivering juicy black fruits, an absolutely seamless texture, incredibly fine tannins, a hint of salinity, and a long, driven finish. It’s elegant yet full of flavor, one of those wines that begs for another sip. I can’t wait to see how this ages, but even now it feels like a masterpiece—a brilliant tribute to what’s been happening at this address in recent years. A stunning Bordeaux of refinement and complexity from one of the Right Bank’s great vintages, it’s a wine I can’t recommend highly enough.
2020 La Gaffelière, St-Émilion
Review Date: 01-09-2026
La Gaffelière is one of our favorites at K&L, and while this vintage has somehow flown a bit under the radar for them, it’s about as great as it gets from this estate. Dual 98-point scores call it “the energy of an atomic bomb” and “nothing short of thrilling,” and I’ll add that our current price is borderline ridiculous for what it delivers. With prime Right Bank real estate bordering Ausone, La Gaffelière makes the most of the 2020 vintage—a potential all-timer for Saint-Émilion. It combines the concentration of the growing season, the minerality of its terroir, and an appealing brightness all at once. Aromatically compelling, it offers a core of red fruit layered with mouthwatering acidity. A beautiful texture lends a sense of luxury, while fine tannins provide character and structure without sacrificing elegance. All the best of La Gaffelière is on display here, and at our current retail price (with perfect property-direct provenance), it stands as a poster child for exceptional value in Bordeaux.
2022 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 01-09-2026
Frankly, it’s a bit surprising that there isn’t more of a groundswell around this extraordinary, reference-point Smith Haut Lafitte—but all the better for collectors. You have a multiple 100-point wine from a singular vintage available at a remarkable first-tranche price. Jeb Dunnuck compares it to the 2009, 2010, and 2020 as one of the greatest wines ever produced by the estate, and after tasting it, there’s little room for doubt.
Aromatically, it is nothing short of stunning, offering deep, layered fruits alongside notes of licorice and wet stone. On the palate, it initially shows itself as a classic Pessac powerhouse, driven by black currant, gravel, and dark chocolate. Yet with time in the glass, a deeper story unfolds: remarkable finesse and purity emerge, supported by unrelenting minerality, incredibly fine-grained tannins, and a profound sense of character and place. This is a wine that rewards patience and contemplation, inviting you to linger—and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself increasingly infatuated with each successive sip.
It’s often difficult to single out a “best” wine from an estate that operates at such a consistently elite level as Smith Haut Lafitte, but the 2022 stands apart as something truly special. It is a wine destined to thrill Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, and one that will undoubtedly earn its place among the estate’s modern legends.
2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 01-08-2026
For a high-upside, collectible value Bordeaux, Domaine de Chevalier is usually a go-to name in the conversation. This 2020 is a case in point, and perhaps one of the best ever from the estate. There is a richness and texture to it, but the purity and freshness of the fruit is what really shines through. Deep red to black fruit flavors surround a core of gravelly minerality, a thirst-quenching wine that leaves you coming back for more. I've had the fortune to taste it a few times this year, and each time was left impressed by how rewarding and drinkable it is even an this extremely young stage. That said, in a cool cellar this will evolve beautifully for the years to come. I'm excited to continue to revisit this one as it evolves, and at our going rate, it's not too tough to get a few bottles to do so. Congrats to the team at Domaine de Chevalier for this brilliant achievement.
2022 Le "C" des Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 01-02-2026
Le “C” des Carmes Haut-Brion is quickly becoming one of the greatest second wines in the region. For me, the perfect recipe is a mix of pedigree, house character, and a rewarding price—something this 2022 delivers in spades. The Grand Vin for this vintage notched three 100-point scores, making it clear that the team made the most of the growing season, but even this wine benefits from grand-vin-quality press, for what it’s worth.
I also believe the secret lies in the estate’s boutique scale and relatively limited production, which lends a hand-crafted quality that shines through in “C” des Carmes. It’s this no-compromise approach that makes Guillaume Pouthier’s wines feel so genuine and distinctive across the board. While most of the Cabernet Franc goes into the Grand Vin, Cabernet Sauvignon steals the show in “C” des Carmes, though the fresh, lively character of the estate still provides an unmistakable signature.
For those looking to experience the magic happening at this property, I can’t recommend the 2022 “C” des Carmes Haut-Brion enough—a remarkable buy already, and one that I suspect will reward those with bottles in their cellar for many years to come.