30+years as a wine professional. Artist and art lover
2005 vintage. Deep gold, almost orange. Intense nose with dried apricots, lemon confit, beewax, and walnut. More evolved than expected, with clear oxidative notes, but still a very nice drink, if not a great Batard. — 12 days ago
2020 vintage. This estate was sold in 2023 to the owners of Chasse-Spleen. Good value, in promotion in a local supermarket at 9.95 euro(!), normal price 13,95. Abv. 13,5%. — 4 days ago
2020 vintage. 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned by the Despagne family since 1812, and the current 7th generation (François Despagne) seems to be serious about quality. This 2020 displays impressive aromatics, concentration, depth, and precision, with fresh acidity balancing the 15% abv. — 10 days ago
2019 vintage. It's definitely one of the best wines of Fronsac. — 17 days ago
2020 vintage. A blend of 57,5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 4,5% Petit Verdot. Medium-bodied, with fresh cassis fruit and a tannic structure with some rough edges. Will probably benefit from a bit more bottle age. Decent value at 15 euro. Abv. 13,5%. — 4 days ago
2009 vintage. Patience! This needs a few hours to open up and show its true potential. Cassis, cedar wood, and flowers. Better the next day. — 10 days ago
1995 vintage. This tiny (2,3 hectares) Grand Cru Classé has been bought by the Moueix family and incorporated in the Premier Grand Cru Classé Belair-Monange ( that was already a mix of Belair and Magdelaine). There are several historical names that disappeared as they were incorporated in other estates, which is a bit sad given the quality and personality of some of these wines. If this 29 years old beauty is any indication, Clos La Madeleine deserves to stand on its own, but obviously, it's financially more interesting to sell it as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. This 1995 is drinking beautifully now. Crushed strawberries, roses, a hint of truffle, leather, and a distinctive minerality. Very much under the radar, but a beautiful elegant Saint-Emilion, with finesse and length. Abv. 12,5% — 15 days ago
Stefan Dolhain
2019 vintage. A relatively new estate, composed by buying 3 estates(Vieux Bourgneuf, Prieurs de la Commanderie, and Commanderie de Mazeyres), and renamed after the owner Clement Fayat (who also owns La Dominique and Clement Pichon). Looks a bit older than expected. Very floral nose. Medium-bodied, with red fruit, fresh acidity, slightly rustic tannin, and good length. Gets better with air. Very cheap for Pomerol in a local supermarket ( 29,90 euro),a nice bottle of wine, but nothing really special for Pomerol. — 3 days ago