Freddy R. Troya

9.6

Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc 2023 — Pessac-Léognan, BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
A precision-driven, electric yet composed white blend of Sauvignon Blanc 79% · Sémillon 21% delivering razor-clean acidity, layered citrus tension, and mineral depth that instantly reconfirms a deep love for Pessac-Léognan whites. Vibrant, energetic, and beautifully balanced, this wine stands shoulder-to-shoulder with many of the top benchmark whites of the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, grapefruit pith, white peach, green apple, crushed stone, subtle smoke, fresh herbs, faint vanilla, and delicate oak spice.

Mouthfeel
Bright, linear acidity with excellent tension and drive. Medium-bodied, sleek and polished, showing freshness without sharpness and a long, mouthwatering finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled branzino or halibut, lemon-herb chicken, goat cheese crostini, sushi and sashimi, scallops with citrus beurre blanc, spring vegetable risotto.

Verdict
A serious, high-class white delivering energy, clarity, and complexity in perfect harmony. Confident, compelling, and dangerously drinkable already while clearly capable of further evolution. A reminder of why Pessac-Léognan whites remain world-class benchmarks.

Did You Know?
Malartic-Lagravière is one of the rare estates classified for both red and white wines in Graves, with a strong focus on precision vineyard management and restrained oak to preserve freshness and terroir expression.

🍷 Personal Pick
This bottle effortlessly showcases balance, tension, and layered nuance that hits exactly my sweet spot, a reaffirmation of my deep love for Pessac-Léognan whites and now firmly seated among my newest favorites. — 6 days ago

Conner Esworthy

8.9

2016. $22.5 This producer ages its wines to the maximum maturity, that is, just before it would be classified as a different variety (reserva vs gran reserva) - and you can taste it! This at 9 years had significant secondary notes - lots of stewed fruits, some leather and funk. Almost a little too sweet, drank like a port, but balanced out over time. — 7 months ago

Mike Miller

9.8

Resembles the flavor of the fruit of the eucalyptus tree, brightness of a red dwarf star. A subtle sweetness, grapes grown in sediment classified as clayey sand, possibly sandy loam. Overall: very tasty. — 2 years ago

with Anne

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Cantemerle 2023 – Haut-Médoc, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully expressive Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 7%, and Cabernet Franc 4% that delivers immediate charm while retaining classic Haut-Médoc structure and aging potential. The wine shows vibrant fruit purity, polished tannins, and a well-judged touch of oak, making it approachable young yet capable of evolving gracefully over the coming decade.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with subtle cedar, vanilla spice, graphite, and a gentle floral lift. Fresh berry brightness carries through the palate, framed by light savory notes and a refined oak accent that enhances rather than dominates.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple texture and finely integrated tannins. Juicy, energetic entry with excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness. Smooth mid-palate flow and a clean, persistent finish that stays lively and inviting.

Food Pairings
Grilled steak, roast chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, aged Gruyère or Comté, and classic bistro fare. A versatile table wine that shines across a wide range of savory dishes.

🍷 Personal Pick
Cantemerle never disappoints, this is pure drinking pleasure wrapped in Bordeaux elegance. Juicy, polished, and instantly enjoyable, yet grounded with just enough structure to remind you why Haut-Médoc remains timeless. A perfect bottle when you want serious pedigree without serious effort.

Did You Know?
Château Cantemerle is classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is known for producing some of the most consistently approachable and age-worthy wines of the Médoc, often offering outstanding value relative to its pedigree. — 6 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2020 vintage. Another gorgeous Teynac, one of the rare non-classified Saint-Julien estates. This is all about finesse and elegance, don't expect an overextracted monster. Refined nose with blackberries, cassis, flowers, and the most delicate touch of oak. Medium-bodied, with juicy berries, subtle spices, and the typical 2020 freshness. Very good length. A beautifully delicate Saint-Julien that is drinking well already. I raised a glass to Philippe Pairault who recently passed. Kudos to his lovely daughter Eléonore to honour her father's legacy. Abv. 13,5%. — 8 months ago

Deborah M

9.3

“Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.” John Steinbeck

Wine - it can take you places. Last night reminiscing about recent Paris travels so I pulled this beaute to enjoy with a friend. @55Seventy

Chateau La Lagune is located in the appellation of Haut-Medoc. This House was classified as a Third Growth in 1855. It was sold to the Frey family in 2000. The winemaker/owner, Caroline Frey, produced her first vintage in 2004. Her wines are described as having finesse, elegance and harmony. The 2010 is a blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot.
— 3 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 Mathilde. This is made from the vineyards of La Fleur Morange that are not classified as Grand Cru Classé. A beautiful wine in its own right that is hard to beat for value for money. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Chauvin – Grand Cru Classé 2010
Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Blend: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Overview
A Grand Cru Classé estate on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Château Chauvin’s 2010 vintage reflects both the power of the year and the estate’s Merlot-driven finesse. (Educational note: Saint-Émilion’s Right Bank wines are often Merlot-heavy, offering richness, depth, and long-lived structure.)

Aromas & Flavors
Plum, blackberry, and cassis at the core, layered with violet, graphite, and cigar box. Secondary notes of cedar, spice, and earthy mineral tones hint at complexity yet to fully unfold.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and concentrated, with tightly woven tannins. Decanted for over 2 hours yet still showing a firm grip — tannins remain punishing but promising. Intense fruit lingers into a long, structured finish.

Food Pairings
Best with ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or lamb shank. Also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses and truffle-infused dishes.

Verdict
An impactful, ageworthy Saint-Émilion. The 2010 Chauvin is both delicious and intense, a wine that needs time but already impresses with power and complexity. 🍷

Did You Know?
2010 was one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated vintages of the 21st century, known for firm tannins, high concentration, and exceptional aging potential — especially on the Right Bank.

Collector’s Rarity 📌
As a classified Grand Cru Classé from an iconic vintage, the 2010 Chauvin is highly collectible, with decades of life ahead. — 4 months ago

ESF

9.2

2nd label but still pretty classy: tons of character & Left Bank flair: cherries & red currants, cigar box, vanilla, cassis, some herbaceousness, palate was delicious w/red fruit & cassis galore, silky, finely integrated tannins, nice weight and balance. Length on finish is the only giveaway this is not classified growth. Overdelivers for price point. Safeway Steal — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2020 vintage. A rather obscure Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion, but it has been classified since the start of the classification in 1955. 27 hectares in one big plot, organically farmed. Hubert de Bouard consults since 2009. Merlot and Cabernet Franc with tiny amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. A solid effort with an attractive floral nose, good fruit concentration, soft tannin and a distinctive mineral finish. Terrific value. Abv 14%. — 3 years ago