Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2020 vintage. Life is too short to drink the highly disappointing Château Begadan ( Médoc), especially since you can find a nice, humble little Bordeaux for the same price ( around 7,50 euro). This is perfectly ready to drink, and a great everyday medium-bodied Bordeaux with a nice tannic bite. Abv. 13,5%. Contrary to the name, there is very little Malbec in this Merlot-dominated blend. — 2 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2016 vintage. The "second" wine of Château Talbot is produced from different parcels compared to the Grand Vin, and it is more Merlot dominated. Drinking well now, but not in the same league as the delicious 2019 tasted recently. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2016 vintage. At the time under the reign of the Audoy family, and recently sold, together with their other estate Cos Labory, to neighbour Cos d'Estournel. A good, old-fashioned Saint-Estèphe with rather rustic tannins that offers decent value for the appellation at 15,50 euro, even if I believe that they could have done a better job with this terroir in a great vintage. — 9 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

7.0

2020 vintage. Not very interesting, especially compared to Tour du Haut Moulin 2018 and Mazails 2022 in the same price category. Thin, high acid, tannins with rough edges. — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. Owned by the same family since 1870, until the fifth generation, Lionel Poitou sold this 10 hectares estate to 3 Israeli winemakers. La Tour du Haut Moulin has a long reputation for value for money, and this 2018 is no exception. Solid dark red colour with only a little evolution. In the mouth it features a serious black fruit concentration, balanced by fresh acidity and a serious tannic backbone, while avoiding the alcohol heath that sometimes characterises this hot vintage. It has an old school slightly rustic feel about it, but it's incredible value for money. Drinking very well now, but no need to hurry, I am convinced it will last at least for another decade. I found this in a local supermarket for 8,09 euro, I kid you not! Life is fine for wine lovers in the Bordeaux region. Abv. 13,5%. I am curious to see what the new owners will achieve with this estate, there should be huge potential . — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. This was still made under the CA ( Crédit Agricole) ownership. In 2019 the estate, together with La Tour de Mons, was sold to Nathalie Perrodo, who is doing a great job at Labégorce and Marquis d'Alesme. There seems to be historical evidence that the wines of (what was later called) Marsac Séguineau were considered fifth growth quality pre 1855, but it wasn't classified because of the very small production and the fragmentation of the vineyards. The Château was only constructed in 1886. Bordeaux is a fascinating region, not only for wine aficionados, but also for history lovers. In any case, this is already a delicious wine, exhibiting the famous Margaux elegance, without lacking power. Very good value too. I hope to find some recent vintages soon, as I expect the wines to progress under the new ownership. Abv. 14%. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.8

2022 vintage. Great value at 6,30 euros. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2016 vintage. It is hard to go wrong with Saint-Julien in this excellent vintage, even if most of them are just starting to open up. Talbot 2016 will still need a few years to show its full potential, but it can be enjoyed today with a little air. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2019. Chateau de Lauga, Cru Artisan , Haut-Médoc. Nice classic Haut-médoc enjoyed with a lamb curry in restaurant Le Bontemps in Cussac. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère. Aged 12 months in oak barriques (10% new). — 7 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.7

2023 vintage. A solid, good value Sauvignon Blanc, but a little drying in the finish, which is strange for a wine that didn't see any oak. Diam 5 Cork. Oh well... — 10 days ago