7. Blason d’Issan, Margaux “The 2020 Blason d’Issan is a tasty, juicy Margaux to drink now and over the next handful of years, while the fruit remains vibrant. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2030.” 90 pts, Vinous 347217 $60 8. Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol “The 2020 Le Bon Pasteur is just as compelling from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, ample and beautifully resonant, the 2020 is engaging right out of the gate. Blackberry, espresso, chocolate, licorice, spice and mocha build in a potent, layered Pomerol that delivers the goods. The balance of fruit intensity and vibrancy is compelling. Drinking Window: 2027 - 2040.” 94 pts, Vinous 419570 $170 9. Château Le Boscq, St-Estèphe “A terrific Saint-Estephe, the 2020 Chateau Le Boscq reveals a deep ruby/purple hue to go with classic aromatics of cassis, ripe black cherries, smoked tobacco, and damp earth. This medium to full- bodied, pure, nicely concentrated 2020 has the structure and purity to evolve for two decades in cold cellars. Best After 2023.” 93 pts, Jeb Dunnuck 371620 $65 10. Château Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien “The 2020 Branaire-Ducru was so alluring en primeur, but is very shy today. That said, some of that youthful exuberance has given way to the characteristic Brainaire finesse. Dark red cherry, spice, grilled herbs, menthol and licorice emerge, but only with great reluctance. Sweet floral and spice notes lift the finish nicely. The 2020 is going to need the better part of a decade to come around. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2045.” 95+ pts, Vinous 371711 $95 11. Château Brown, Pessac‑Léognan “Aromas of ripe berry, spice box, sweet tobacco, chocolate, dried orange peels and graphite. Medium- to full-bodied with layers of firm, fine-grained tannins. Its velvety and broad with a lingering finish. Needs a few years to settle down.” 93 pts, James Suckling 419575 $75
2020 BORDEAUX
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