P16. Château Certan de May, Pomerol “This is pretty sombre, with a more Left Bank feel than many, really get the savoury and pared back dark berry feel of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, ensuring that the pressure from the tannins is to the fore. As it relaxes in the glass, a grilled coffee bean and liquorice note comes out. This is a lovely and powerful wine that takes its foot off the pedal at the right moment. Has personality and sets itself apart. Really enjoyable, in the Gazin‑style in that this is subtly powerful rather than over‑exuberant. New cellars at Certan de May, harvest of Merlot September 11 to 16, and the two Cabernets September 28 and 29.” 95 pts, Decanter 371790 4 bottle limit $270 P17. Château Cheval Blanc, St‑Émilion Grand Cru “The Grand Vin 2020 Château Cheval Blanc checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised, as always, in % new French oak. As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco. Absolutely flawless on the palate, it's full‑bodied, has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, silky tannins, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This powerful, concentrated Cheval Blanc offers pleasure even today (needs lots of air) but warrants 7‑8 years of bottle age and will see its 40th birthday in fine form.” 100 pts, Jeb Dunnuck 362197 4 bottle limit $1,800 P18. Château Clerc Milon, Pauillac “Aromas of dark berries, cigar wrapper, exotic spices and burning embers introduce the 2020 Clerc Milon, a medium to full‑bodied, fleshy and layered wine that's seamless, concentrated and refined, with lively acids and a long, saline, violet‑inflected finish. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot, it's a terrific effort from this clay‑limestone terroir that has benefited from so much investment in recent years. Drink Date: 2027 ‑ 2055.” 94+ pts, Wine Advocate 483011 6 bottle limit $200
2020 BORDEAUX
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