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2025 Bordeaux En Primeur: Le Freak
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Apr 2026
After a problematic vintage in 2024, Bordeaux bounces back with the 2025s. It’s too soon to know where 2025 will land relative to most highly regarded recent vintages, but the finest 2025s are nothing short of thrilling. There is some inconsistency, which is to be expected in a large appellation and in a year with challenges that led to different approaches and decisions. While top names tend to get most of the attention this time of year, readers will find countless gems among Bordeaux’s lesser-known châteaux.
Southwold: 2016 Bordeaux, Ten Years On
France: Bordeaux, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives, France: Bordeaux featured Verticals and Retrospectives
, Apr 2026
The Bordeaux 2016s were lauded upon release. Now it’s time to put them to the test via two exceptional tastings, one sighted and the other blind, to see whether the wines deliver as they reach their tenth birthday.
Remembering Michel Rolland
France: Bordeaux, featured, Vinous Remembers
, Mar 2026
Michel Rolland was a towering figure not just in Bordeaux, but across the entire world of wine for half a century. His legacy will be long-lasting. I will always remember his zest for life, humour and kindness.
Keeping Everyone Happy: Southwold Bordeaux 2022
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Mar 2026
Another January, another blind tasting at Southwold. This year's edition shone a light on the lauded 2022 Bordeaux vintage. As usual, there were surprises, controversies and thankfully, a batch of spectacular wines that will require patience.
2023 Bordeaux: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Mar 2026
Bordeaux’s bottled 2023s enter the world during an especially volatile time. I say “enter” because over the last decade or so, the market for Bordeaux wines has changed radically. En primeur is relevant only for a few dozen wines that might appreciate significantly from the time they are first offered from barrel. That applies to fewer and fewer wines with each passing vintage. For all other properties, which means the overwhelming majority, the real market is the market for bottled, finished wines.
Cellar Favorite: 2023 Yquem & Y de Yquem
France: Bordeaux, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Mar 2026
The defining feature of the newly released 2023 Yquem is its elegance.
Remembering Daniel Cathiard
France: Bordeaux, Vinous Remembers
, Feb 2026
I was deeply saddened to learn of Daniel Cathiard’s recent passing. With his wife and life partner Florence, Cathiard transformed Smith Haut Lafitte from a sleepy, run-down estate into one of Bordeaux’s most respected châteaux.
Cellar Favorite: Château Latour 2026 New Releases
France: Bordeaux, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Feb 2026
There’s a lot to like in the 2026 releases from Château Latour. I tasted the wines with Estate Director Hélène Génin during a visit to the château in December 2025.
Cellar Favorite: 1961 & 2019 Smith Haut Lafitte
France: Bordeaux, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Feb 2026
There is nothing greater than a good man, and Daniel Cathiard was a good man. He and his wife, Florence, took Smith Haut-Lafitte, a once dilapidated estate, and devoted their lives to creating two of the region’s finest wines, both red and white. These two bottles were opened with my oldest friends to raise a toast to Daniel Cathiard.
Bordeaux 2023 in Bottle: Coming Around Again
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Feb 2026
Though Bordeaux has its travails, the vintages continue to roll. The bottled 2023s have much to offer those seeking a less concentrated style of claret than the previous vintage provided. As usual, 2023 is not a season without caveats, and as always, it is important to choose wisely. Those who do could be handsomely rewarded.