The Pic Saint-Loup was elevated to AOC status in 2016 in recognition of the region’s consistently outstanding wines. Named after the peak which bears the same name, the waters here are pristine, and the south-facing vineyards embrace the cool breezes of the Mediterranean.

La Closiere is an 80/20 split of the region’s iconic Syrah and Grenache. Small barrels are used for the Syrah (half of them new), while the Grenache is left to its own devices in larger 2,000L foudres. At 15% alcohol level, this is a hefty beast of a red but retains a beautiful elegance thanks to exquisite craftsmanship.

Château Lavabre La Closerie 2018 has been racking up some excellent scores from the world’s top wine critics…

“… a blockbuster bouquet of black fruits, camphor, graphite, ground pepper, and cured meats. With a touch more finesse and focus compared to the appellation release, it's full-bodied and has a beautifully balanced, concentrated, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish…”

“Blueberries, blackberries and licorice notes mark the nose, supported by hints of crushed stone and spicy oak. It's full-bodied and ripe but still balanced, with a more streamlined feel than the other Lavabre reds, along with silky tannins and a long, licorice-laden finish.”

“Opulent! Incredibly concentrated… Lots of sweetness but at the same time it isn't sweet. Fig molasses. Coal dust. Graphite. Caraway. Lots of texture on those tannins… Huge power and broad, glossy, muscled shoulders. Nothing understated about this wine."

Château Pavie Macquin was founded by in the 19th century by Albert Macquin, the man credited for introducing grafted vines to France thus saving the country's vineyards from destruction by phylloxera.

In 2021, winemaker Nicolas Thienpont waited patiently for perfect ripeness, harvesting the grapes as late as October 19th. The resulting wine is a stunning expression of this exceptional vintage and terroir. Intense black and blue fruit aromas mingle with captivating floral notes of violets and iris. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with polished, tensile tannins that beautifully balance the wine's exuberant fruit. There is excellent drive and elegance through the long, compelling finish, suggesting this Pavie-Macquin will age gracefully for years to come. A profound Saint-Émilion that exemplifies the heights of this celebrated appellation.

94-95 points James Suckling

"Lots of blackberry and inky character to this year. Always refined and polished with lovely length and medium body. 79% merlot, 19% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon." (6/2022)

93-95 points Wine Advocate

"Another success in this challenging year is the 2021 Pavie Macquin, a promising effort that offers up aromas of sweet berries, Indian spices, licorice and bay leaf. Medium to full-bodied, layered and incisive, it's a tensile, tightly wound wine that's concentrated and penetrating, concluding with a mineral finish. Its low pH profile means that this is always an estate that gains a lot from élevage, but even at this early stage, it's clear that this has excellent potential. (WK)" (4/2022)

94 points Decanter

"Bramble, coffee and caramel notes on the nose. Juicy and vibrant on the palate, this has a gentle coursing of strawberry and blackcurrant fruit with blackcurrant leaf giving a savoury, almost herbal edge, while the crushed stone and slate bring in minerality and salinity on the finish. Detailed and nuanced - I like the overall texture, there is grip and aromatic interest with density, chew and a gorgeous core of acidity that keeps things playful and joyous. Supremely alive and thriving on the palate with a persistence that doesn't let up. I love this and think it will be excellent after ageing. Tasted twice. (GH)" (3/2022)

Accolades:

Robert Parker 93-95/100

Bettane & Desseauve 95-96/100

Wine Spectator 92/100

J. Suckling 96/100

Vinous - A. Galloni 94+/100

The Wine Independent 92-94/100

Alexandre Ma 95-97/100

Vinous Neal Martin 93/100

Founded 200 years ago, Château Pédesclaux is a magnificent estate, both in terms of wine and architecture. It combines the beauty of the 19th century with the modernity and technological advances of the 21st.

The additional work was undertaken by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, whose aim was to place “production at the heart of the estate within a high-performance building that is entirely fit for purpose and makes a harmonious whole with both the château and its surroundings”. It's quite something to behold.

Since the Lorenzetti family took ownership they've converted to organic. Their top wine is a rich, Cabernet-based claret, supported by Merlot, and finely expresses its gravel terroir. Still a young wine – best to cellar or open early.

Here, their clay and gravel vineyards are planted with the region’s classic grape varieties, which benefit from careful, environmentally friendly vineyard and vinification practices.

Château Sainte Marguerite 2009 showcases the greatness of the region’s top grapes, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Taste punnets of inky fruit (dark cherry, plum and blackcurrant), smoky spice notes, minerals and a touch of cigar-box. Decant for an hour and serve in large glasses to release all its aromas and flavours.

Save $1,260 when ordering 12 btl and we will also throw in a FREE Le Roi Bœuf 2019, worth $269!

Gold, Concours Mondial des Vins Féminalise, 2016

Le Roi Bœuf 2019 is a unqiue BIG red . Along with local star winemaker Lionel Osmin, our Bordeaux buyer Jean Marc has crafted, what he calls "the ultimate steak wine". One sip of its decadent, richly spiced black fruit flavours and you’ll agree. Order 6 or 12 bottles today, we will throw in a free bottle in your case, worth $269!