A poised and polished Saint-Émilion from a strong vintage, the 2022 Bellefont-Belcier balances richness with mineral finesse.

A poised and polished Saint-Émilion from a strong vintage, the 2022 Bellefont-Belcier balances richness with mineral finesse.

Deep in color, the wine is powerful, rich gliding on refined tannins - undoubtedly a product of the Saint-Emilion terroir.

Château Bernadotte 2016 is an elegant red wine from the Haut-Médoc appellation in Bordeaux, France. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, and is aged in oak barrels for 12 months. The wine has a deep ruby color with aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and complex, with flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and a hint of spice. The tannins are firm and well-structured, and the finish is long and smooth. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now or aged for several years to come.
 

The 2022 Château Beychevelle reveals a deep, dark black-purple hue, indicating its concentration and maturity. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of crème de cassis, ripe plum, and wild blackcurrant, intertwined with notes of sweet spices, cedar, and a touch of mint. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, showcasing a rich core of dark fruit flavors, complemented by finely polished tannins and a fresh acidity. The finish is long and elegant, marked by a persistent minerality.

The 2022 Château Beychevelle reveals a deep, dark black-purple hue, indicating its concentration and maturity. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of crème de cassis, ripe plum, and wild blackcurrant, intertwined with notes of sweet spices, cedar, and a touch of mint. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, showcasing a rich core of dark fruit flavors, complemented by finely polished tannins and a fresh acidity. The finish is long and elegant, marked by a persistent minerality.

A commanding expression of Saint‑Julien’s classic structure and finesse, the 2022 Château Branaire‑Ducru is a standout vintage in the estate’s modern era.

A commanding expression of Saint‑Julien’s classic structure and finesse, the 2022 Château Branaire‑Ducru is a standout vintage in the estate’s modern era.

The 2021 Marquis de Calon opens with bright aromas of red currants, black cherries, and crushed violets, complemented by subtle cedar and spice. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with silky tannins and a refined texture. Notes of ripe red berries, graphite, and a touch of earthiness are balanced by lively acidity, adding vibrancy and precision. A polished and approachable Saint-Estèphe, finishing with elegance and a lingering hint of spice and minerality.

The 2022 Château Calon Ségur opens with a deep, expressive nose of crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, and fruitcake, layered with wild sage, smoked meats, Chinese five spice, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, showcasing a rich core of dark fruit complemented by velvety tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long and elegant, marked by a persistent minerality and a touch of spice, reflecting the wine's Saint-Estèphe terroir and aging potential.

This is a complex wine, with fruity and mineral notes, a taut, well-integrated texture, and a harmonious aromatic range. Croix Canon now occupies a leading position within the appellation.

The 2021 Château Canon opens with a fragrant nose of red currant, wild raspberry, and crushed violets, layered with subtle graphite and fresh earth. The palate is refined yet expressive, with a supple texture and bright acidity that lifts the vibrant red fruit core. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while hints of spice, cedar, and a touch of saline minerality add depth. Elegant and precise, this vintage showcases Canon’s hallmark finesse and terroir-driven purity.

This vintage exemplifies the elegance and depth characteristic of Saint-Émilion's terroir, offering a wine that is both powerful and refined

With a delicate aroma of flowers, black raspberries, spice and earth, this medium bodied wine is pure elegance. Soft, refined and not for tasters that seek out ripe, powerful wines. This is my favorite vintage of Cantemerle since 1989. This is not a wine that needs a lot of cellaring time. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it up before it hits 20, to enjoy its delicate charms.