Andrew Cullimore

9.7

Lighter medium ruby , wide ruby garnet rim . In colour at least apparently older than the others , which of course it is. This shows quite a lot of aromatic interest , with more sweet spicy red fruits , red plum , cherry , spiced rose , red currant , so charming and complex , cigar box also . On the palate this is also more red fruited , with spiced red cherry , raspberry , red currant , some blackberry and also floral hints , mineral and hickory . Very detailed and precise , great refreshing acidity , fine but detailed noticable tannins . Long very fine , elegant , slightly saline red fruited finish. This is showing well with a little time in decanter though obviously no rush , from now and over the next 15 years or so . This is so pretty and detailed , aromatically so beautiful , it also looses none of its charm on the palate . A complete triumph . — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château LaTour de Bessan – Margaux 2022
Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A cru bourgeois property in the heart of Margaux, LaTour de Bessan showcases the elegance and structure that define the Left Bank. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm growing season, highlights both concentration and finesse — a reminder of how Margaux balances power with perfume.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive cassis, black cherry, and blueberry meld with notes of cedar, graphite, and violet. Subtle hints of tobacco leaf and spice linger in the background, adding Bordeaux’s signature complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a vibrant core of acidity. Silky yet structured, showing poise on the mid-palate and a lingering, refined finish. Built to age, but already offering glimpses of charm.

Food Pairings
Ideal with classic Bordeaux fare — roast lamb, duck breast, or beef tenderloin. Also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes and aged cheeses like Comté.

Verdict
A stylish Margaux that balances depth with elegance. While the 2022 is still young, its aromatic lift and refined structure promise rewarding evolution over the next decade. A Left Bank classic in the making. 🍷cheers! — 19 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Medium lemon colour , white bright for its age . Quite reserved on the nose at first , with some lanolin , wet wool, wax , honied orange peel , touch of herbal spice . On the palate this is slightly rounder than expected , with lemon peel , hints of orange , honey and spiced apricot . Good acidity , balanced alcohol , quite textural . Medium length , slightly toasty , lightly honied lemon rind finish . Does feel like it has semillon in the blend , though it does not . Showing well still , this is at peak , though I wouldn’t leave it too much longer . A really good showing . — 17 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

More rare than common for me to try a Margaux for the first time these days.

Had this with a French prepared sirloin at Kronenhalle in Zurich.

It’s in a good drinking window. Nice fruit & style. Balanced ripe fruits and nicely resolved earth.

Kronenhalle is a good restaurant, old school environment with a huge stellar art collection, including three Picasso’s. — 3 days ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Dark ruby/ purple in color with a wide reddish rim.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black currants, plums, cooked cherries, light oak, tobacco leaf, spices, graphite, dark chocolates, earth, vegetables and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 10 year old is drinking very nicely now, and probably drinking at its peak. However, will continue to drink nicely in the next 10 years.

Needs a couple of hours to open up properly, so be patient.

Showing lots of earth notes with coffee and dark chocolates. Tangy and interesting.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50. — 16 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Brio de Cantenac Brown – 2020
Margaux, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Brio is the second wine of Château Cantenac Brown, offering a more accessible take on Margaux. This 2020 vintage is composed of 62% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak (25% new) to balance fruit, structure, and approachability. 
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits—raspberry, red currant—merge with cedar, baking spice, and subtle floral lift. Earthy and graphite tones bring depth.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, with soft but persistent tannins. The wine opens smoothly and finishes long with fruit and spice echoing.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Also pairs beautifully with charcuterie.

Verdict
A concentrated, value-driven Margaux that shows the pedigree of Cantenac Brown. The 2020 Brio balances power and elegance — drink now or cellar for 8–12 years. 🍷 cheers!

Did You Know? 📌
Second wines (like Brio) are often sourced from younger vines or lots not selected for the Grand Vin, yet in 2020 Cantenac Brown treated it with care: the blend leans more Merlot than the Grand Vin to give earlier approachability. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Merlot (30%). Dark ruby color with a slight garnet/orange rim. Wine was quite tight upon opening so aeration was needed. Aromas of black fruit, graphite and purple flowers. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plums, black olives and tobacco. Distinct oaky note on the long and somewhat sharp finish. Medium-plus body and acidity. Balance was a bit off. Probably should have aged this one a bit longer. — 8 days ago

romo

9.6

Impressively knit and proudly firm. A rare treat that is magically sound and correct. An ambivalence insists it has some years left. Scary. — 4 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

No formal notes . Ruby garnet and narrow garnet rim . This shows some development , with red fruit dominating , red plum , cherry, roasted red pepper . On the palate this is quite elegante, again the red fruit character, ripe cherry , red plum . Quite fresh acidity and rounded tannins , good spicy finish . Showing well now , and I would imagine over the next 5 or so years . Quite a user friendly , elegant Margaux , rounded fruit but enough freshness to balance , alcohol a little noticable , so would serve slightly cooler . Emirates Business Class
DXB > IST — 17 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1982 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 minutes and 2 hours. Impressively dark color. Bit of mint and funk in the nose. Elegant and supple with more than enough supporting fruit during the experience. Thriving vs surviving. This specimen was showing very nicely. Been a while since last tasting this but no rush to crush. Thank you, Bill!! 09.21.25 — 16 days ago

with Shay and Bill