P42. Château d'Issan, Margaux “Gorgeous aromas of dried flowers, currants, bark, and forest floor. Lead pencil, too. Tobacco. Full‑bodied yet racy and polished with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Crunchy and fresh at the end. Give this five or six years to come together. Supple yet structured. It builds at the finish. Try after 2028.” 97 pts, James Suckling 347214, 483019 6 bottle limit $150 P43. Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac “Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2020 Château Lafite‑Rothschild is a sensational effort checking in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that hit 12.8% natural alcohol and a pH of 3.94. As Lafite as Lafite gets, this ultra-classic reveals a dense ruby/ plum hue as well as a tight, yet layered bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and subtle spice. Flawlessly balanced, deep, concentrated, and layered, it has an incredible mid-palate, building, perfect tannins, and a finish that leaves you salivating. Refined, elegant, and perfection are the buzz words here. Unfortunately, it's not for the instant gratification crowd, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this require 15 years to hit the early stages of its prime drinking window. It will probably hit its 100 th
birthday in fine form.” 100 pts, Jeb Dunnuck 382162, 465784
6 bottle limit
$1,600
P44. Château Lagrange (St‑Julien), St‑Julien “Coming from depressingly low yields of just 26 hectoliters per hectare (the lowest since 1991), the 2020 Chateau Lagrange checks in as 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot that was raised in 60% new French oak. It's a gorgeous, complete Saint‑Julien offering remarkable purity in its cassis, violets, chocolate, and leafy tobacco‑like aromas and flavors. Medium to full‑bodied on the palate, with terrific balance, a pure, focused mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and beautifully integrated oak, it's going to benefit from 4‑6 years of bottle age and cruise over the following 2+ decades in cold cellar. Best After 2027.” 95+ pts, Jeb Dunnuck 347722, 381820, 465790 4 bottle limit $125
2020 BORDEAUX
20
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