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Staff Favorites - Scott Turnbull
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Reviews
2025 Montrose, St-Estèphe
Review Date: 06-11-2026
Deeply colored with an opaque core, this wine opens with layered aromas of black cherry, raspberry liqueur, and dark four-fruit preserves. Beneath the rich fruit profile lies an earthy complexity of overturned soil and subtle woodland mushroom, complemented by delicate baking spices and a seamlessly integrated oak character. Despite its depth and concentration, the wine retains remarkable freshness and lift — a hallmark of the vintage and a direct result of the shortest fermentation in the château’s history, a deliberate decision made to preserve vibrancy and aromatic purity. The result is a wine of both power and precision, balancing opulence with energy and finesse.
2025 d'Issan, Margaux
Review Date: 06-10-2026
Château d’Issan’s 2025 is initially restrained and slow to reveal itself, but with a little patience and air it opens beautifully. Layers of rich dark red fruit emerge with ripe cherry and plum, interwoven with delicate floral notes of cherry blossom and a subtle note of verbena that adds freshness and lift. On the palate, there is a sense of purity and balance rather than overt power, with the fruit carrying cleanly through the mid-palate and supported by fine, well-integrated structure. The tannins are polished and measured, giving shape without overshadowing the wine’s charm. Tasted at the château, the winemaking team described it as the most “on point” d’Issan they have produced to date, and I am included to agree. Everything is in harmony, with the fruit, freshness, and structure aligned with clarity and intent. A charming and finely tuned wine that combines approachability with clear cellar potential. The 2025 d’Issan would be a strong addition to any serious Bordeaux collection.
2025 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 06-10-2026
The 2025 Brane-Cantenac shows a poised character already, with a core of sappy blackcurrant and ripe blackberry that immediately anchors the wine in dark, supple fruit. Layered over this are lifted notes of baking spices, adding warmth and aromatic complexity without overpowering the fruit profile. On the nose, there is a subtle but noticeable presence of oak, giving a lightly toasty frame to the aromatics. Hints of mint and bay leaf bring a cool, herbal edge that adds lift and reinforces the wine’s classic Left Bank character. On the palate, there is a sense of harmony between fruit intensity, fresh acidity, and finely grained tannins, all working in concert rather than competing for attention. Overall, this is a wine of excellent balance and composure, already showing integration in its youth while clearly showing that patience will be rewarded once these bottles are in your cellar.
2025 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
Review Date: 06-10-2026
The 2025 Brane-Cantenac shows a poised character already, with a core of sappy blackcurrant and ripe blackberry that immediately anchors the wine in dark, supple fruit. Layered over this are lifted notes of baking spices, adding warmth and aromatic complexity without overpowering the fruit profile. On the nose, there is a subtle but noticeable presence of oak, giving a lightly toasty frame to the aromatics. Hints of mint and bay leaf bring a cool, herbal edge that adds lift and reinforces the wine’s classic Left Bank character. On the palate, there is a sense of harmony between fruit intensity, fresh acidity, and finely grained tannins, all working in concert rather than competing for attention. Overall, this is a wine of excellent balance and composure, already showing integration in its youth while clearly showing that patience will be rewarded once these bottles are in your cellar.
2025 Margaux, Margaux
Review Date: 06-10-2026
The team at Margaux described 2025 as a year defined by crucial decisions, and it appears they made the right ones at every turn. They were among the last estates to begin and complete the harvest, waiting for full ripeness. Following an even stricter selection process than usual, production of Château Margaux is expected to be approximately 40% lower than normal in 2025. The resulting wine is exceptional, offering a lush concentration of dark red fruits layered with subtle notes of cedar, graphite, and Christmas cake. The tannins are firm yet silky, providing structure without sacrificing elegance, while a vibrant acidity brings freshness and balance throughout. Another outstanding release from Margaux, this is a compelling candidate for wine of the vintage.
2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan (1.5L) 3-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 06-04-2026
The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion shows a striking and characterful expression of Pessac-Léognan, continuing the estate’s recent upward trajectory with confidence and precision. The aromatics open with vibrant bramble and dark berry fruit, layered with a vivid streak of blood orange that brings both lift and definition. On the palate, the wine is marked by bright, energetic acidity that drives the structure forward, keeping the fruit focused and lively rather than weighty. Moderate, finely grained tannins provide shape and grip without overpowering the wine’s elegance, allowing the mid-palate to remain lifted and agile. A subtle saline edge emerges toward the finish, adding complexity and a faint maritime nuance that enhances the overall freshness. Well-balanced and distinctly styled, this is a refined and slightly unconventional take on Bordeaux, showcasing the estate’s increasingly distinctive identity within Pessac-Léognan. The result is a wine that feels both precise and expressive, with excellent harmony between fruit purity, acidity, and textural finesse.
Price:
$689.00
2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-04-2026
The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion shows a striking and characterful expression of Pessac-Léognan, continuing the estate’s recent upward trajectory with confidence and precision. The aromatics open with vibrant bramble and dark berry fruit, layered with a vivid streak of blood orange that brings both lift and definition. On the palate, the wine is marked by bright, energetic acidity that drives the structure forward, keeping the fruit focused and lively rather than weighty. Moderate, finely grained tannins provide shape and grip without overpowering the wine’s elegance, allowing the mid-palate to remain lifted and agile. A subtle saline edge emerges toward the finish, adding complexity and a faint maritime nuance that enhances the overall freshness. Well-balanced and distinctly styled, this is a refined and slightly unconventional take on Bordeaux, showcasing the estate’s increasingly distinctive identity within Pessac-Léognan. The result is a wine that feels both precise and expressive, with excellent harmony between fruit purity, acidity, and textural finesse.
Price:
$229.99
2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-04-2026
The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion shows a striking and characterful expression of Pessac-Léognan, continuing the estate’s recent upward trajectory with confidence and precision. The aromatics open with vibrant bramble and dark berry fruit, layered with a vivid streak of blood orange that brings both lift and definition. On the palate, the wine is marked by bright, energetic acidity that drives the structure forward, keeping the fruit focused and lively rather than weighty. Moderate, finely grained tannins provide shape and grip without overpowering the wine’s elegance, allowing the mid-palate to remain lifted and agile. A subtle saline edge emerges toward the finish, adding complexity and a faint maritime nuance that enhances the overall freshness. Well-balanced and distinctly styled, this is a refined and slightly unconventional take on Bordeaux, showcasing the estate’s increasingly distinctive identity within Pessac-Léognan. The result is a wine that feels both precise and expressive, with excellent harmony between fruit purity, acidity, and textural finesse.
Price:
$114.99
2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 06-04-2026
The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion shows a striking and characterful expression of Pessac-Léognan, continuing the estate’s recent upward trajectory with confidence and precision. The aromatics open with vibrant bramble and dark berry fruit, layered with a vivid streak of blood orange that brings both lift and definition. On the palate, the wine is marked by bright, energetic acidity that drives the structure forward, keeping the fruit focused and lively rather than weighty. Moderate, finely grained tannins provide shape and grip without overpowering the wine’s elegance, allowing the mid-palate to remain lifted and agile. A subtle saline edge emerges toward the finish, adding complexity and a faint maritime nuance that enhances the overall freshness. Well-balanced and distinctly styled, this is a refined and slightly unconventional take on Bordeaux, showcasing the estate’s increasingly distinctive identity within Pessac-Léognan. The result is a wine that feels both precise and expressive, with excellent harmony between fruit purity, acidity, and textural finesse.
Price:
$689.00
2025 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-04-2026
For its 2025, Château Haut-Bailly shows a refined and expressive profile, unfolding with dark red fruit at its core, ripe yet restrained, lifted by a distinctly floral perfume of wisteria and fresh blossoms. As it opens, brighter high-toned accents emerge, with blood orange and cranberry sauce adding a vivid, almost citrus-tinged tension against the deeper fruit. The palate is finely structured, defined by polished, well-integrated tannins that give shape without weight. Subtle notes of black tea weave through the mid-palate, lending an earthy sophistication, while a crushed rock minerality provides a cool, stony backbone that extends the wine’s sense of precision. The overall impression is of a wine that is both composed and expressive, with detail and finesse carrying through the finish rather than overt force. This wine was one of favorites of our week in Bordeaux, and I look forward to revisiting it for years to come.
Price:
$199.99
2025 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-04-2026
For its 2025, Château Haut-Bailly shows a refined and expressive profile, unfolding with dark red fruit at its core, ripe yet restrained, lifted by a distinctly floral perfume of wisteria and fresh blossoms. As it opens, brighter high-toned accents emerge, with blood orange and cranberry sauce adding a vivid, almost citrus-tinged tension against the deeper fruit. The palate is finely structured, defined by polished, well-integrated tannins that give shape without weight. Subtle notes of black tea weave through the mid-palate, lending an earthy sophistication, while a crushed rock minerality provides a cool, stony backbone that extends the wine’s sense of precision. The overall impression is of a wine that is both composed and expressive, with detail and finesse carrying through the finish rather than overt force. This wine was one of favorites of our week in Bordeaux, and I look forward to revisiting it for years to come.
2025 Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-03-2026
The 2025 Mouton Rothschild presents a richly expressive nose of creamy cassis, layered with notes of ripe tobacco leaf and a touch of cigar box. Subtle undertones of sandalwood and incense add depth and an almost perfumed complexity that builds with air. On the palate, the wine shows remarkable cohesion, nothing feels out of place. Bright, well-integrated acidity carries the fruit cleanly, while finely grained tannins provide structure without weight. The result is a polished, harmonious wine that feels both powerful and controlled, with each element in balance from start to finish.
2025 Mouton Rothschild "Aile d'Argent" Bordeaux Blanc
Review Date: 06-03-2026
The 2025 Aile d’Argent from Mouton Rothschild is pale gold in the glass, opening with expressive aromas of ripe yellow grapefruit, honeyed citrus, and fresh white peach. On the palate, it shows a refined balance of richness and precision, with layered notes of stone fruit and citrus blossom unfolding over a core of weighty minerality. The midpalate is notably textured and generous, yet never heavy, carried by a vibrant line of crisp acidity that brings definition and lift. There’s a quiet roundness to the structure, giving the wine a polished, seamless feel from entry to finish. The finish is clean, focused, and persistent, leaving a lingering impression of citrus zest and mineral tension.
2025 Le Petit Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac
Review Date: 06-03-2026
The 2025 Petit Mouton shows a surprisingly serious depth and gravitas on the palate, especially for its position in the estate’s hierarchy. The wine opens with rich, dark blackberry, cassis, and plum, layered with subtle hints of spice and graphite. Despite its generosity, it maintains a composed structure, with well-integrated tannins and a bright, energetic acidity that keeps everything lifted and focused. This sense of structure is likely influenced by its sourcing: vineyards situated in the slight dip of land between the Mouton and Carruades plateau, where clay and silt-rich subsoils contribute more plushness and mid-palate density compared to the more gravel-dominant parcels reserved for the grand vin. The result is a wine that feels both serious and approachable: less about overt power, more about controlled depth and precision within a richly layered frame.
Price:
$179.99
2025 Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 06-03-2026
The 2025 Mouton Rothschild presents a richly expressive nose of creamy cassis, layered with notes of ripe tobacco leaf and a touch of cigar box. Subtle undertones of sandalwood and incense add depth and an almost perfumed complexity that builds with air. On the palate, the wine shows remarkable cohesion, nothing feels out of place. Bright, well-integrated acidity carries the fruit cleanly, while finely grained tannins provide structure without weight. The result is a polished, harmonious wine that feels both powerful and controlled, with each element in balance from start to finish.
Price:
$2,750.00
2025 La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-02-2026
The 2025 La Mission Haut Brion Rouge shows a sappy, lush core of dark red and black fruit, unfolding into layers of wild blueberries and ripe bramble fruits. A lifted smoky florality runs through the wine, giving it an aromatic, almost ethereal edge, while accents of sandalwood perfume and incense add warmth and complexity. Beneath the fruit and spice, notes of dark chocolate emerge, grounding the profile with a subtle, bittersweet depth. The texture is silky yet structured, carried by very fine, finely knit tannins that provide shape without weight. Overall, it’s a wine of contrast, presenting generously on the surface, but detailed and perfumed underneath, with a lingering finish that echoes fruit, smoke, and spice in equal measure.
Price:
$449.99
2025 La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-02-2026
The 2025 La Mission Haut Brion Rouge shows a sappy, lush core of dark red and black fruit, unfolding into layers of wild blueberries and ripe bramble fruits. A lifted smoky florality runs through the wine, giving it an aromatic, almost ethereal edge, while accents of sandalwood perfume and incense add warmth and complexity. Beneath the fruit and spice, notes of dark chocolate emerge, grounding the profile with a subtle, bittersweet depth. The texture is silky yet structured, carried by very fine, finely knit tannins that provide shape without weight. Overall, it’s a wine of contrast, presenting generously on the surface, but detailed and perfumed underneath, with a lingering finish that echoes fruit, smoke, and spice in equal measure.
Price:
$224.99
2025 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-02-2026
I found the 2025 Pichon Lalande to be excellent and beautifully composed, this wine shows remarkable balance between acidity and finely integrated tannins. The fruit profile is led by ripe cassis and blackberry, their purity and sweetness of ripeness in perfect harmony with the wine’s structured frame. On the nose, a distinct crushed rock minerality emerges, lending a cool, almost stony precision that carries seamlessly onto the palate. This mineral backbone adds lift and definition, preventing the richness of the fruit from becoming heavy. The overall impression is one of refinement and poise, an elegantly constructed wine where ripeness, structure, and terroir expression are all in sync. A beautifully made expression that speaks clearly of its pedigree and sense of place.
Price:
$299.99
2025 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac
Review Date: 06-02-2026
I found the 2025 Pichon Lalande to be excellent and beautifully composed, this wine shows remarkable balance between acidity and finely integrated tannins. The fruit profile is led by ripe cassis and blackberry, their purity and sweetness of ripeness in perfect harmony with the wine’s structured frame. On the nose, a distinct crushed rock minerality emerges, lending a cool, almost stony precision that carries seamlessly onto the palate. This mineral backbone adds lift and definition, preventing the richness of the fruit from becoming heavy. The overall impression is one of refinement and poise, an elegantly constructed wine where ripeness, structure, and terroir expression are all in sync. A beautifully made expression that speaks clearly of its pedigree and sense of place.
Price:
$149.99
2025 Giscours, Margaux 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 06-01-2026
The 2025 Giscours opens with expressive aromas of crème de cassis layered over a creamy, polished texture on the nose. Notes of roasted coffee, burnt sugar, and subtle toasted oak add warmth and complexity, giving the wine an inviting richness without overpowering its freshness. On the palate, the wine balances ripe dark fruit with lively, juicy acidity that keeps the profile energetic and focused. Medium-plus tannins provide structure and grip, carrying the flavors through a long, persistent finish marked by lingering blackcurrant, mocha, and lightly caramelized notes. A refined and generous wine with both concentration and elegance.
2025 Palmer, Margaux
Review Date: 05-30-2026
The 2025 Palmer shows a richly layered aromatic profile, opening with blueberry and cherry cobbler notes that are supported by accents of baking spices and dark chocolate, adding a pleasing depth. Hints of café au lait emerge on the palate, bringing a soft roasted nuance that rounds out the flavor profile. On the structure side, medium-plus tannins provide a firm backbone, well-integrated and appropriately matched to the wine’s fruit concentration. Bright acidity runs through the core, lifting the richness and keeping the palate energetic and balanced. The result is a wine that feels both plush and structured, with enough freshness to carry it through a long, satisfying finish.
2025 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-30-2026
The 2025 Lafite opens with an expressive bouquet of deep red and black fruits of cassis, black cherry, and ripe plum, layered over delicate floral notes of violet and a subtle hint of paprika spice. The palate is poised and refined, with finely integrated tannins providing structure without overwhelming the wine’s elegance. Beautifully balanced from start to finish, it carries impressive depth and concentration while maintaining freshness and restraint. The moderate alcohol is seamlessly woven into the wine, contributing to its harmony without any trace of heat. A polished and sophisticated expression that combines power with precision.
2025 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
Review Date: 05-30-2026
The 2025 Lafite opens with an expressive bouquet of deep red and black fruits of cassis, black cherry, and ripe plum, layered over delicate floral notes of violet and a subtle hint of paprika spice. The palate is poised and refined, with finely integrated tannins providing structure without overwhelming the wine’s elegance. Beautifully balanced from start to finish, it carries impressive depth and concentration while maintaining freshness and restraint. The moderate alcohol is seamlessly woven into the wine, contributing to its harmony without any trace of heat. A polished and sophisticated expression that combines power with precision.
2025 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-30-2026
Langoa Barton’s 2025 opens with expressive aromas of sappy dark red fruit layered over classic Left Bank structure. The palate is rich yet composed, offering notes of black cherry, red currant, and ripe plum framed by moderate tannins and a vibrant, cohesive acidity that carries the wine with precision and balance. Subtle secondary nuances of cigar box and cedar emerge alongside savory accents of cumin, coriander, and dried spice, adding depth and complexity without overpowering the fruit. The finish is clean, refined, and lingering, leaving behind a polished impression of restraint, freshness, and understated elegance.
2025 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-30-2026
Langoa Barton’s 2025 opens with expressive aromas of sappy dark red fruit layered over classic Left Bank structure. The palate is rich yet composed, offering notes of black cherry, red currant, and ripe plum framed by moderate tannins and a vibrant, cohesive acidity that carries the wine with precision and balance. Subtle secondary nuances of cigar box and cedar emerge alongside savory accents of cumin, coriander, and dried spice, adding depth and complexity without overpowering the fruit. The finish is clean, refined, and lingering, leaving behind a polished impression of restraint, freshness, and understated elegance.
2025 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-30-2026
Built around a core of black and dark red fruit, the 2025 Léoville Barton reveals impressive depth and composure. Layers of blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum are framed by beautifully integrated oak spice, lending notes of Christmas cake, berry cobbler, cedar, and baking spice. The palate is structured yet polished, balancing richness with freshness, while fine-grained tannins carry the wine toward a long, savory finish marked by hints of tobacco and graphite.
2025 Larcis Ducasse, St-Emilion 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-18-2026
The 2025 Larcis-Ducasse opens with expressive aromas of black cherry, blood orange, and rhubarb, layered with nuances of crushed rock, white smoke, fresh verbena, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, it is lushly fruited yet impeccably poised, delivering a velvety mouthfeel framed by firm, finely integrated tannins. The balance is striking throughout, with vibrant freshness and mineral tension lending precision to the wine’s generous texture. Sourced from the cooler limestone-rich soils of Côte Pavie in Saint-Émilion, the wine carries both richness and restraint, marrying ripe dark fruit with savory mineral complexity and a long, refined finish.
2025 Larcis Ducasse, St-Emilion
Review Date: 05-18-2026
The 2025 Larcis-Ducasse opens with expressive aromas of black cherry, blood orange, and rhubarb, layered with nuances of crushed rock, white smoke, fresh verbena, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, it is lushly fruited yet impeccably poised, delivering a velvety mouthfeel framed by firm, finely integrated tannins. The balance is striking throughout, with vibrant freshness and mineral tension lending precision to the wine’s generous texture. Sourced from the cooler limestone-rich soils of Côte Pavie in Saint-Émilion, the wine carries both richness and restraint, marrying ripe dark fruit with savory mineral complexity and a long, refined finish.
2025 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 05-13-2026
The Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is always a wine the overperforms, and the 2025 vintage is no exception. This year I found a polished, expressive wine, with layers of dark red fruit and ripe tobacco, supported by cedar and pencil shavings. Medium-plus acidity keeps the wine lifted and structured, while a subtle smoky note adds complexity through the lingering finish. Elegant and well-composed with classic savory depth.
2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 05-13-2026
The Domaine de Chevalier Blanc remains a bright spot of Pessac in 2025. Cheerful yet rounded on the palate, showing impressive mineral depth over sharp acidity. Notes of freshly-cut grass and yellow bell pepper mingle with tropical fruit flavors, supported by medium-plus acidity and a persistent finish. Balanced and expressive, with a pleasing weighty texture carrying the wine as much as its freshness. (Made from 70% SB and 30% Semillon)
2025 Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-11-2026
Cheval Blanc has long stood among the most coveted estates on the Right Bank, and indeed in all of Bordeaux. That reputation is likely to be even more pronounced with the 2025 vintage, as yields at the château were dramatically reduced by the summer heat, resulting in the smallest harvest in 35 years. What was harvested, however, was of exceptional quality: intensely concentrated fruit that has produced a wine already been hailed by many critics as one of the wines of the year. Layers of black bramble fruit, dark chocolate, and baking spices unfold over a framework of bright acidity and finely sculpted tannins, while the oak remains seamlessly integrated throughout. The resulting wine has a lifted character that is charmingly refreshing, (wearing its lower alcohol of 12.7% in style), presenting its complexity through restraint. Given the dramatically limited yields in 2025, collectors considering Cheval Blanc would be wise not to delay in securing an allocation at the earliest opportunity.
2025 Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion
Review Date: 05-11-2026
Cheval Blanc has long stood among the most coveted estates on the Right Bank, and indeed in all of Bordeaux. That reputation is likely to be even more pronounced with the 2025 vintage, as yields at the château were dramatically reduced by the summer heat, resulting in the smallest harvest in 35 years. What was harvested, however, was of exceptional quality: intensely concentrated fruit that has produced a wine already been hailed by many critics as one of the wines of the year. Layers of black bramble fruit, dark chocolate, and baking spices unfold over a framework of bright acidity and finely sculpted tannins, while the oak remains seamlessly integrated throughout. The resulting wine has a lifted character that is charmingly refreshing, (wearing its lower alcohol of 12.7% in style), presenting its complexity through restraint. Given the dramatically limited yields in 2025, collectors considering Cheval Blanc would be wise not to delay in securing an allocation at the earliest opportunity.
2025 Malescot-St-Exupéry, Margaux 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-08-2026
The 2025 Château Malescot St. Exupéry delivers a compellingly dark expression of Margaux, showcasing both the ripeness of the vintage and the estate’s more classical sensibility. Deeply concentrated yet finely composed, this is a wine built on power and balance. The nose opens with intense aromas of black and wild bramble fruit, underpinned by cherry blossom and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is firm and commanding, framed by polished yet assertive tannins. A backbone of bright acid brings energy and precision to the dense fruit profile while preserving the wine’s elegance. While the wine bears all of the hallmarks of the 2025 Bordeaux vintage, Malescot St. Exupéry distinguishes itself through balance and a more traditional interpretation of Margaux terroir.
2025 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac 6-Pack in OWC
Review Date: 05-08-2026
Pontet-Canet delivers yet another benchmark Pauillac in 2025, reinforcing its status as one of the Left Bank’s most compelling estates. Centered around an expressive core of crème de cassis and black fruit, the wine is fully ripe without being over-extracted. On the palate, it is expansive, with the vintage’s soon-to-be hallmark bright acidity working in tandem with lush fruit, dark chocolate, and baking spices. In 2025, only gentle pump-overs (with no punchdowns) were used to manage the tannins from berries kept small by the summer’s heat, a process expertly handled by the winemaking team. A hint of bitterness on the finish provides a pleasing coda, prompting a return to the glass. A subtle, appetizing touch of bitterness on the finish adds complexity and invites another sip, making this a wine that is as compelling as it is age-worthy. Pontet-Canet continues to set the standard on the Left Bank: this is a vintage collectors and enthusiasts alike will not want to miss.
2025 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Review Date: 04-27-2026
Pontet-Canet delivers yet another benchmark Pauillac in 2025, reinforcing its status as one of the Left Bank’s most compelling estates. Centered around an expressive core of crème de cassis and black fruit, the wine is fully ripe without being over-extracted. On the palate, it is expansive, with the vintage’s soon-to-be hallmark bright acidity working in tandem with lush fruit, dark chocolate, and baking spices. In 2025, only gentle pump-overs (with no punchdowns) were used to manage the tannins from berries kept small by the summer’s heat, a process expertly handled by the winemaking team. A hint of bitterness on the finish provides a pleasing coda, prompting a return to the glass. A subtle, appetizing touch of bitterness on the finish adds complexity and invites another sip, making this a wine that is as compelling as it is age-worthy. Pontet-Canet continues to set the standard on the Left Bank: this is a vintage collectors and enthusiasts alike will not want to miss.