Smooth Tasting 2020 Bordeaux Releases

After aging, most 2020 Bordeaux wines were released last year.

After sampling hundreds of wines throughout Médoc, Graves, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, Entre-deux-Mers, Bourg and Blaye in the Bordeaux region of southwest France both in 2021 and again in later 2022 and early 2023—the overall take on the now somewhat aged and bottled vintage 2020 is the same as I wrote two years ago: low-key but silky tannins, excellent (and in many cases, seamless) tannin/fruit integration, and generally vibrant acidity that shines a lighthouse beam on gorgeously rich, soft and often velvety fruit characteristics. The sleek and radiant acidity and its coziness with profound fruit aromas/flavors is a prominent aspect of the 2020 vintage.

Tasting of these wines while they were still young and fresh in 2021, as compared to tasting these same wines in late 2022 or early 2023 showed expected differences—such as young and wispy aromas turning more coherent and integrated (as with Château Beauregard of Pomerol). Tannins remained generally firm, confident gripping (as in Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard of Lalande de Pomerol) and acidity remained bright—such as my describing ‘rich acidity’ in 2021 compared to ‘crisp acidity’ for the same 2022 for Vieux Château Palon in Montagne-Saint-Émilion wine tasted at different times. The overall body and structure of most wines remained similar (what I described as a ‘voluptuous, creamy, silky mouth feel’ for Château Larose Perganson in 2021 I later mentioned as having a ‘fluffy mid palate’ in 2022). Fruit flavors often developed mildly, enhanced by the acidity—from ‘cherries and raspberries on the attack’ to ‘a delicious smash of fruit’ for a Château La Commanderie Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, for example.

Overall scoring remained similar for the 2020 wines.

Generally, many 2020 Bordeaux wines are enjoyable to drink now, though some need a few more years of age to reveal layers, such as Clos des Jacobins Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, Château du Paradis and L’Infini de Château de Francs (‘still young, but kicking and alive’ I wrote in December, 2022).

Generally—2020 was a beautiful Bordeaux vintage. After reading the following notes, you may want to uncork a bottle to form your own opinion.

Below are tasting notes for many right bank Bordeaux red wines. This article is accompanied by three others—describing left bank Bordeaux red wines, right and left bank Bordeaux white wines and Entre-deux-Mers Bordeaux wines.

Château de Francs. Francs-Còtes de Bordeaux. 2020. 92 points.

A 70/20/10 Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Hébrard & Du Boüard. Raspberries and black cherry aromas, as well as slight ferns and chalk from in this 14% alcohol wine. A bite of acidity and red cherries on the attack; some mocha and black pepper on the finish. Needs minutes in the glass to open up. Pair with beef Bourguignon.

Château Lafaurie. Puisseguin Saint-Emilion. 2020. 92 points.

From Alain Pascal, this 14% alcohol wine includes aromas of brick, chalk and red cherries. In the mouth, an attack of brisk and slightly tannic cherries, a mid palate of red licorice, and some feisty cumin and spice with a lick of mocha on the finish. A young wine still.

Château Tour de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95 points.

From Jean-François & Dominique Quenin, this 71/16/9/2/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Carménère/Malbec blend has aromas of an Irish blackberry lane, a stack of Maltesers chocolates, bramble and gorse and wild strawberries. An attack of plush acidity and hearty and juicy black and red fruit, a mid-palate that is textured with minestrone and cocoa and a finish with a lick of mandarins. This wine with balanced tannins and juicy acidity is a pleaser. Pair with a range of foods—from breaded sole or blackened salmon to barbecued beef. Complex, balanced, and inviting.

Château de Pressac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2020. 95 points.

This wine made with five grapes includes maple, mint, teak and blackberry jam aromas. A smooth, full bodied, broad shouldered and powerful wine with firm tannins. Blackberries, prunes, some black licorice flavors. A well balanced, smooth ride with well integrated flavors and tannins, and treacle on the finish. A strong, classic Saint-Émilion. Definitely a second glass is needed. Pair with tarragon roasted chicken or a raspberry parfait dessert. A beautifully convivial wine.

Château de Francs. Les Cerisiers. Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux. 2020. 93 points.

From Hébrard & de Boüard. A 90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Aromas are a bowl of crushed fresh cherries, with a little cinnamon, black pepper, beach pebbles and chalk. In the mouth—a flush of cherries on the attack, a bounty of fresh fruit mid palate—red plums, raspberries, strawberries and even peaches—with strawberry jam and menthol on the finish. Scintillating acidity highlights the citric aspects of fruit, and the tannins lay low. Pair with slightly salted venison or a dessert of peach melba. Overly acidic now, but will mellow in time.

Château La Commanderie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 93 – 94 points.

An earthy, fern glen set of aromas, with a little candy cane and light red fruit thrown in. Poised and balanced in the mouth, with flavors of succulent red fruit and streamlined tannins. Bright acidity on the attack, a delicious smash of fruit with allspice, coconut and taffy mid palate, followed by some maple and toffee on the finish.

Clos des Jacobins. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2020. 93+ points.

A blend of earth and cherry aromas, with a little sage, hickory and tobacco. Brisk attack with perky acidity, some mint and eucalyptus and gorgeous red/black cherry and mocha mid palate, and After Eight mints on the finish. A complex but young wine that will layer well after some years; the still crisp tannins will mellow with time. Pair with goulash or a tomato/sage soup.

L’Exception 1600. Récolte. 2020. 90 points.

Huge and flowery and fruit aromas including lilacs, roses, jasmine, and raspberries. A fruity mouthful, though with tannins that still need some years to tame. Crisp cherries mid palate, brisk acidity, menthol and mint on the finish. Pair with a pumpkin velouté soup or with peppermint crisp ice cream dessert.

Château de Carles. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. Fronsac. 2020. 94 points.

Beautiful chocolate chip and succulent red fruit aromas. Soft and textured mouthfeel, with some citric acidity coating the fruit taste. Delicate, light, lambent in the mouth with soft tannins. Opens up after minutes in the glass and turns velvety. Pair with a teriyaki beef main course or cheddar coated tagliatelle noodles or a dessert of orange sorbet.

Chateau Haut-Carles. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. Fronsac. 2020. 94 – 95 points.

A sweet melody of fragrances—tulips, roses, lilacs, as well as red cherries, strawberries and dark plums. Quite the nasal symphony. In the mouth, a luxurious and lush juice—soft and gentle and somewhat happily jammy mid palate with a hit of black pepper and spice on the finish. Lush, plush tannins and creamy acidity. Pair with a black bean enchilada or roast beef.

Château Laroze. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2020. 93 – 94 points.

From the Gurchy-Meslin family, this wine includes a plush blast of full and rounded aromas of sandstone, earth, wet forest, strawberry patch, wild raspberry grove and coconut. Precise and joyful mouthful with mild citric acidity on the attack, a mid palate of blueberries and soft raspberries and bitter chocolate on the finish. Elegant tannins, crisp acidity. Complex and balanced. Pair with Mediterranean food such as cous cous and mezze or with a lime sorbet dessert. A delight. Such wines characterize the layered, bright fruity beauty of classic Saint-Émilion wines.

Château de Bellevue. Lussac Saint Emilion. 2020 90 points.

Grassy and earth aromas, and flavors include fruit mid palate and some gorse on the finish. Well integrated, with red cherries and black peppers on the finish.

Château Ad Augusta. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95+ points.

From Gérard and Catherine Canuel comes this 75/25 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc from 40-year-old vines, aged 15 months in French oak. Plush and full and balanced aromas of red fruit with a lick of menthol. A bright and juicy mouthful of fruit, energized by clean acidity; red plums and strawberries mid palate with mandarins on the finish. Brilliant. Balanced and low-key tannins. Pair with a range of roasted foods, or even a dessert of peach melba.

Château Mondou. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. 2020. 94+ points.

From Gregory Naulet comes this 66/34 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with bright, deep and pleasing fruity aromas. Some black pepper and mocha as well as violets and raisin aromas. In the mouth, a full hit of mocha, black licorice and black berries on the attack as well as mid palate. Clean acidity, tender tannins. Wholesome, integrated, delicate and delicious overall. Pair with goulash or four cheese lasagna.

Clos Bertineau. Merlot. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2020. 94 points.

Pungent, acidic aromas of juicy black cherries, wet earth and cranberries. A crisp and delicious mouthful, somewhat acidic on the finish though also flush with cherries. Bright red fruit and some mocha mid palate. Firm, textured tannins. Pair with duck a l’orange or a cherry chocolate parfait.

Vieux Château Palon. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2020. 93 – 94 points.

Rich, plush, deep red fruit aromas—black and red cherries, red plums, even a sliver of peach. Satisfying and balanced. Soft and lovely mouth feel with plums and strawberries and mocha mid palate, some mint brittle on the finish. Rounded tannins, crisp acidity. Mildly tart, and somewhat dry.

Château Plain-Point. Fronsac. 2020. 95 points.

Brimming aromas of crisp and fresh red fruit, some caramel and chocolate bourbon biscuits and slight orange rind. Simmering acidity. Stout, balanced full mid palate with chewy dark fruit and licorice and a soft finish. Textured, layered, bolstered by solid tannins. A burly yet elegant wine. Pair with sweet potatoes and beef chunks. Beautiful emissary from Fronsac.

Château L’Éperon. L’Éclat. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2020. 94 – 95 points.

Deep aromas of molasses, cherries, sage, tarragon and allspice. Gorgeous on the nose. Balanced, satisfying mid palate with chunky red fruit and firm tannins and a kick of chocolate on the finish. Crisp and uplifting acidity. Well balanced and uplifting.

Château L’Éperon. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 94+ points.

Soft, light, rounded aromas of young red fruit with a lick of tartness. Deliciously juicy and fruit saturated mid palate with raspberries, strawberries, and some sage on the finish. Well integrated tannins, buoyant acidity. A well-balanced wine that will ask you to take a second sip. Pair with artichokes and butter.

Château Tour Perruchon. Lussac Saint-Émilion. Cuvée Prestige. 2020. 93 points.

From Alain Pascal comes this wine with brisk, refreshing aromas—sweet and deep—of red cherries, malt balls, sage and even a hint of peach. Crisp tannins, full and acidic mid palate of red fruit. Pair with a creamy pasta to cut the acidity. Light, balanced, well made.

Château du Paradis. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 93 – 94 points.

Roiling waft of perky red fruit aromas—cherries, strawberries, chocolate, mint brittle. Well integrated package of dark and bright fruit with firm tannins, delicious finish. Young, crisp and destined for beauty.

Château Trianon. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 93 points.

Softy, velvety, perky aromas of red cherries, black cherries, some blackberries and fresh orange rind. Full and creamy mid palate, slight edge of tannins that need time to tame. Slight raspberries on the finish. Pair with goulash.

Château Maillet. Pomerol. 2020. 92 – 94 points.

From Moze Berthon this 15% alcohol wine includes quite the lively spring garden of aromas—red plums, strawberries, black licorice and tarragon. A fully balanced and well-integrated package with harmonious dark fruit and succulent acidity, elegant tannins, and a crisp, slightly chocolate finish that says, another glass please. Pair with a range of foods—including soup with fresh herbs, grilled game or a mocha dessert. Complete and completely wonderful.

Château Tour de Bellegarde. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2020. 94 points.

Luscious, soft, fruity aromas that include some lava cake and menthol. A delicious package of soft and creamy chocolate and cherry flavors, with a hint of anise and mint on the finish. Delicious. Tannins and acidity mere stage lighting for the central mid palate show. Bravo. Pair with charcuterie including hams, salami and provolone cheese, or a mildly spicy Asian vegetarian dish.

Château Villemaurine. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2020. 94 points.

A breezy countryside lane wafting with the scent of strawberry fields, as well as some gorse and sage and wet granite. Delicious, beautifully balanced, with supple tannins and crisp acidity highlighting a three-course mid palate of cherries, mandarins, after Eight mints and German chocolate cake flavors. Luscious and appealing. Pair with shish kebab or a vegetarian cous cous.

L’Infini de Château de Francs. 2020. 93 points.

From Hebrard & De Boüard comes this wine with juicy and jouncy aromas of sliced and dripping black cherries, red plums, raspberries and mint crisp. The mid palate is neat, with crisp acidity and fresh red fruit and a delicate, slightly bourbon chocolate biscuit finish. Well integrated tannins. Still young, but kicking and alive.

Château Franc Le Maine. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 94 points.

From Vignobles Bardet, includes a soft set or aromas with light traces of pine, lemon peel, truffles and raspberries. A soft yet brisk and well-integrated set of flavors, including raspberries and cherry fruits mid palate and slight hazelnut and toast on the finish. Easy drinking, well integrated acidity and tannins. Pair with salted ham or a cherry tart dessert.

Château Haut-Surget. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2020. 94 – 95 points.

A Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon blend aged in new oak for a year. Joyous aromas of layered and frosted chocolate cake, pine and pine nuts, sultanas, maraschino cherries and brandy liqueur. A layered and festive mouthful of that includes flavors of strawberries, red plums, black pepper, anise, Armagnac and toffee. Fun, layered, lively. Holiday fireworks in a glass. Pair with wild game meat or a cep mushroom risotto.

Clos Saint-Vincent. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 89 – 90 points.

Aromas of wet earth and ferns and red plums. Slightly acidic mid palate, with flavors of cherry and mocha.

Château Moine Vieux. Saint Emilion Grand Cru. 2020. 93 points.

A full and joyous set of hearty holiday aromas—lavender, bark, cherry and cocoa powder. Firm tannins, ripe red fruit and some caramel mid palate; succulent strawberries on the finish.

Château Emmanuelle de Boüard. Mon Jardin de Vignes. Lussac Saint-Émilion. 2020. 92 points.

A rounded set of dark plum and pine aromas. Balanced and with a lively mid palate with malt balls, red fruit. Easy drinking with buoyant acidity and low-key tannins. As with the name, this is ready to open in the garden on a spring afternoon. Pair with charcuterie or a tajine that includes sultanas and orange segments.

Le Lion de La Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2020. 93 points.

Bright, precise aromas that include florals, chocolate wafers, red and black fruit. A meaty mid palate of mocha and red plums and a textured finish. Full, satisfying, with rich tannins.

Dame de Boüard. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2020. 94 points.

Round, hefty, bright aromas of blackberries, red cherries and tar. A firmly structured, well balanced wine—with raspberries on the attack, a chewy mid palate of red plums, cherries and mocha. Integrated tannins, luscious acidity. A tight package of joy.

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2020. 96+ points.

Plush aromas of red and black fruit, as well as moist forest. A firm, bright, well-balanced wine with a shining, deep fruit mid palate and raspberries on the finish. Bright acidity highlights bright fruit. Overall integrated and enjoyable. Pair with a pepper steak or a hearty bean cassoulet. Wonderful.

Château Clos de Boüard. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2020. 94 points.

Light, bright, perky aromas of treacle, black cherries, earth and pine. A light, lambent mouthful of dark fruit, dark chocolate, red plums and mandarins. Full and textured enjoyment mid palate, with suave tannins and mild acidity. Pair with a souffle or angel food cake—where lightness meets lightness.

Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard. 2020. 96 – 97 points.

Chocolate wafer, raspberry and candy cane aromas. Bright and butterfly-light. A juicy, textured and meaty mid palate that is almost as edible as a well-cooked steak. This wine is a three-course meal. Gorgeous finish. Confident and quiet tannins, gripping acidity. Wow.

Hubert de Boüard. Merlot. 2020. 94 points.

Soft aromas of a lovely fruit assembly—strawberries, plums, raspberries—with mild salinity. A light, soft, buoyant and beautiful set of fruits in the mouth. A cherry mid palate treat with a mild lick of mint on the finish. Easy drinking beauty with shining acidity and elegant tannins. Pair with trout or with sesame/soy beef. Delightful and uplifting.

Hubert de Boüard. Cabernet Franc. 2020. 93 points.

A spunky set of fresh and gripping aromas that include a slice of lime (from the acidity), lemongrass, clover and kiwi fruit. In the mouth the acidity highlights the cherry, strawberry and hazelnut flavors, and tannins remain low key. A bright and distinctive wine.

La Garagiste. Grand Turismo. 2020. 93 points.

From Côtes de Bourg, a succulent set of red plum, mocha, minestrone and dark plum aromas—full bodied, spicy, fulfilling with succulent acidity. Made to share with a Sunday roast, grilled potatoes, and good companions. Winemaker Ben Hall at the top of his game.

Château La Vue. Saint-Émilion. 2020. 93 – 94 points.

A 90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, includes a hefty plume of cocoa and raspberry aromas, as well as some earth and minestrone. Deft tannins, and a light touch on the attack, followed by a roil of cocoa and red fruit flavors mid palate and some mint and malt on the finish. Generous acidity. Well balanced and layered. Still young but within two years – delightful.

Domaine L’Ecrivaine. 2020. 93 – 94 points.

Not from Bordeaux, but from Perigord nearby. This 67/33 blend of Merlot/Cabernt Franc includes amazing deep scent of roasted chestnuts, hickory, blueberries, dark plums and charcoal. Buoyant and waving acidity in the mouth, with a mid palate of blackberries, dark plums and chewy chocolate. 6,000 bottles produced.

Château Pavillon Beauregard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2020. 94 points.

A 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend of certified organic wine from grapes grown on a clay-gravel plateau. Aged 14 months in 20% new oak. Lush, deep, full and gentle aromas of mocha licorice, strawberries. A full, balanced, fruity wine with a firm structure and tightly integrated components. Lush and elegant tannins, gripping acidity that coats a medley of flavors, including black berries and cinnamon. This is a harmonious package, and though will age for decades, is delicious for drinking now.

Benjamin de Beauregard. Pomerol. 2020. 95 points.

85/15 Merlot/Cabernet Franc, with 13.5% alcohol. From grapes grown on the southeast edge of the Pomerol plateau, this wine ages in barrels for 12 months with 25% new oak from a half dozen cooperates. Open, fruity, rich, firm and coherent aromas of rich and bright black and red fruit—rounded from the generous Merlot contribution. A firm and coherent wine in the mouth, with cocoa and cinnamon mid palate and cherries on the finish. Gentle tannins and acidity that highlight bright fruit.

Château Beauregard. Pomerol. 2020. 97 points.

70/30 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend with 14% alcohol that ages 18 months in 45% new oak, and a small percentage aged in terra cotta. Firm, coiled but also open and round aromas of bright and dark fruit. Coherent flavors of fruit integrate deliciously with acidity. An assemblage of mocha, blackberries mid palate and slight cherries on the finish. Balanced package with firm tannins; brimming with tension.

Château Petit-Village. Le Petit. Pomerol. 2020.

A 96/4 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc from 35-year-old vines grapes grown over deep gravel and clay and aged 14 months in 20% new oak and a small selection of amphorae. Balanced and well-integrated aromas of dark fruit. Cloud-like flavors as a Cheval Blanc; layered complexity including a mid-palate of mocha and red cherries and generally dripping with integrated red fruit bathed in coherent acidity. Soft tannins. Slight eucalyptus and red cherries on the finish.

Château Petit-Village. Pomerol. 2020. 98 points.

60/32/8 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 35-year-old vines grown over deep gravel and clay and aged 16 months in 50% new oak and some amphorae. A true set of dazzling opulent aromas of acorns, black and red fruit, as well as florals—lilacs and roses. Tasting this is like enjoying a full meal—a truly balanced mouthful of joy. Rich and textured mouth feel with a mid palate that includes red and black cherries and some black pepper on the finish. Howling with balanced tension.

Château de Sales. Pomerol. 2020. 93 points.

Crisp and buoyant aromas of gorse, black licorice and red cherries. Smooth attack and velvety finish. Mid palate a quiet jamboree of fruit, fudge, anise and licorice. Pair with breaded veal or a spicy tajine.

Château L’Haur du Chay. Virtuoses. Noémie Lilon. 2020. 92 – 93 points.

From a family producer located in the small commune of Fours in the Blaye region of Bordeaux, this 90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from 60-year-old vines spends nine months aging in oak. Rich and deep set of red fruit aromas, as well as clay and orange rind and mocha. Firm tannins, full flavors; a cocoa waffle delight on the tongue. Maltesers and Cadburys mid palate with orange liqueur on the finish. A rich and creamy wine to pair with a gravy coated set of char broiled high quality beef medallions, or a parfait dessert. Production is 3,000 bottles.

Château L’Haur du Chay. Tradition. Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux. 2020. 92 points.

This 90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend ages in Inox steel and cement tanks. A chocolatey aroma collection, with bramble and blackberry aromas. In the mouth a crisply acidic sliver of dark black and blue berries dovetailing with mocha and some dorp licorice. Firm tannins, though acidity takes the front seat here. Malt ball chocolates predominant in a scrumptious banquet of flavors.

Château Croix de Labrie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95-97 points.

This 90/7/3 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc includes hefty though elegant aromas of prunes and cocoa and violets. Succulent in the mouth with flavors that include blueberries and red plums, with slight menthol on the finish. Elegant and balanced with ribbons of subtle acidity. Still young.

Château La Croix des Moines. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2020. 91 – 92 points.

80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of cocoa, raspberries and red plums. Balanced flavors and tannins with clean acidity and beautiful red and black fruit mid palate.

Château Croix de Rambeau. Lussac-Saint-Émilion. 2020. 91 – 92 points.

A 90/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with aromas of hickory, strawberries and red currants. Ripe acidity, though still young tannins and mid palate flavors that include red plums.

Château La Croix Bellevue. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2020. 94 points.

Rich and deep aromas that include those of red plums and blackberries and slight smoke. A deft, elegant, rich and tantalizing wine—a beauty with gripping acidity and soft tannins.

L’Aubroisie. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2020. 94 points.

From Benoît Trocard, this 100% Merlot includes rich, thick aromas of minestrone, red cherries and mint brittle. Firm structure, soft tannins, juicy acidity and delicate flavors.

Château Porte Chic. Pomerol. 2020. 93+ points.

This 70/25/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from Jean-Louis and Benoît Trocard includes light and harmonious aromas of include forest, fresh cut wood and raspberries. In the mouth, flavors mid palate include black pepper, salt, tarragon, sage and dark plumbs. Hefty but succulent tannins and smooth, well-integrated acidity.

Clos de Vielle Église. Pomerol. 2020. 93 points.

This 70/30 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend includes aromas of roasted coffee, blueberries and forest. A light wine with well-balanced tannins and sleek acidity and flavors of both red and blue fruit mid palate. Consider pairing with a rich casserole.

Château Franc La Rose. Grand Cru Saint-Émilion. 2020. 93 points.

A 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend with ebullient, explosive, eclectic fruit aromas as well as a hint of marzipan. Acidity is clean and sharp, structure is well balanced and the finish includes beautiful mocha and menthol.

Anna. Clos Dubreuil. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 94 points.

Rich, full aromas of mocha, black pepper, black licorice and some sage. A full bodied wine with balanced tannins, clear acidity, and mid palate flavors that include red fruit and black pepper.

Clos Dubreuil. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 93 points.

A 75/25 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with aromas of forest, pine, sage and treacle. Rich acidity and sleek tannins and beautiful, ebullient flavors of red and black fruit. Consider pairing with a semi-spicy tajine.

Château La Marzelle. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classè. 2020. 93 points.

Aromas include forest, butter, menthol, red cherries and red plums. In the mouth still young but promising with soft tannins, an earthy mid palate and some mint on the finish.

Heritage de Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95 – 96 points.

Soft, aromas of forest floor, violets, red cherries and red plumbs. Sleek acidity and elegant tannins with full ripe red fruit mid palate, and licorice and black pepper on the finish.

Château Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 96 points.

An aroma explosion that is complex, airy and energetic of delicate red fruit as well as blueberries, violets, roses strawberries and tar. A leviathan of a beauty—a poised and fresh mouthful with acidity on the attack, minestrone and red plumbs mid palate and some mint on the finish. Balanced and earthy, with ample heft.

Château Petit Val. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95 points.

A 70/20/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot with aromas of violets and strawberries, as well as red plums, blackberries and some apricots. A strong and elegant wine with crisp, precise, focused flavors that include blueberries, raspberries and strawberries mid palate. Delicate and delicious.

Muse du Val. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 96+ points.

From Olivia and Jean-Louis Alloin comes this 50/50 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend with aromas of cranberries, strawberries, red plums and white pepper. A complex, uplifting, winning wine with juicy acidity and clean, soft tannins. Delicate, delicious and rounded flavors that include fresh sliced red fruit and a hint of blueberries.

Château Gaby. Princess Gaby. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 92 – 93 points.

Light, elegant, soft aromas of blue berries, red cherries and red plums. Well-structured and balanced wine with elegant and soft tannins and suave acidity. A mid-afternoon beauty to start the weekend.

Château Gaby. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 94 points.

From Canon-Fronsac, this wine from Tom Sullivan includes earthy aromas of green grass and gorse and some red fruit. Full bodied but still young with balanced fruit and soft tannins. A strong, shouldered wine waiting for a barbecue. Magnificent finish of nuts, mocha and mint.

Château Gaby. Cuvée. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 95 points.

Aromas of coffee, acorns, bark and red fruit. Soft tannins and enfolding acidity cover delicate fruit flavors in this complex and burly wine with blueberries mid palate. Serve with a grilled steak or a bulgur dish.

Château Moya. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 92 points.

90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux. Aromas include red fruit and some green grass. Acidity is crisp, tannins still young. Well balanced and still young.

Château Du Parc. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95 points.

This 80/20 Merlot/Cabernet Franc from Dr. Alain Raynaud and Damien Landouar includes redolent and rich aromas of succulent, ripe red fruit, as well as blackberries and heather. A delight on the nose. Lush red fruit flavors mid palate, laid back though both delicate and elegant tannins and fresh acidity. Let it age another year.

Château Clos Beauséjour. Pomerol. 2020. 97 points.

Bursting and statured aromas include red cherries, mint and tree bark. A soft Pomerol beauty that includes delicate and rich flavors such as red plumbs and red cherries mid palate, some mocha on the finish and finessed tannins. A succulent beauty.

Château L’Etampe. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 95+ points.

84/16 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend from Vignobles Jade. Poised, uplifting, succulent and elegant aromas of fresh pine and red cherries. This is a polished and inspiring wine with soft and delicate flavors of red cherries, black cherries, some mint crisp, black licorice mid palate, and buttered toast on the finish. Delightful.

Fontfleurie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 97 points.

A red cherry and black cherry garden bursting with fresh and energetic aromas, as well as some hickory, sage and menthol in this 68/32 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Delightful. Soft, delicate touch to this well-crafted beauty. Light, layered, elegant tannins and sleek acidity. Red cherries and mocha mid palate, some oranges and molasses on the finish. Gripping and memorable.

Bien-Aimée de Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion. 2020. 96+ points.

This 100% Merlot includes forward and elegant aromas of chocolate, mint crisp, red plums, red cherries, some sage and black pepper. A balanced, elegant wine with well-integrated, soft tannins and bright acidity. An easy drinking, well-balanced wine.

Château Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2020. 96 points.

Full, rounded, fresh red fruit aromas that are delicate and uplifting in this 74/26 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Also violets, chocolate and dark plums. Flavors include red plumbs and strawberries mid palate, some textured tarragon on the finish. Succulent tannins. A soft, well-crafted, well-balanced wine.

Château De La Chapelle. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 92 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux. A light, bright, fruity concoction with vibrant aromas of tar, gorse and black licorice. Well balanced and crafted, with a mid palate of sage, blackberries and dark plumbs, though somewhat tannic on the finish.

Château Les Clottiers. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2020. 91 – 92 points.

Aromas of forest, smoke, gorse in this Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Blaye. Raspberries and minestrone mid palate, some chocolate and mint on the finish. Tannins still need taming, while acidity is forthcoming and bright. Young still. Pair with grilled beef.

Château Bourdieu. Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux. 2020. 93 points.

Aromas of heather, gorse, spearmint and red cherries in this Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend. Gripping tannins, black fruit mid palate and some pepper steak on the finish. Succulent acidity—verging on a soft and elegant wine, but still needs aging.

Château Bourdieu. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. No 1. 2020. 93+ points.

Elegant and rounded aromas of spearmint, raspberries and some menthol in this blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec. Well shouldered tannins and powerful acidity coat dark black and red fruit flavors mid palate, with some cumin and black pepper on the finish. Layered and intriguing. A burly wine for grilled food.

Château Bourdieu. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. Absolu. 2020. 95 points.

Aromas of gorse, heather, some licorice and black berries in this Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend from Luc Schweitzer in Blaye. A full mouthful of elegant tannins in this hearty, gripping wine with minestrone, strawberries and red plums mid palate, and menthol on the finish.

Château Trocard. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2020. 95 points.

A 70/15/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of After Eight mints, raspberries, red plums and anise. A chewy, delightful wine layered like a cake with flavors mid palate of mocha and German chocolate cake, as well as mint on the finish.

Château Trocard Monrepos. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2020. 95 points.

100% Merlot aged for a year in 25% new oak. Bursting with aromas of black and red cherries, some honey and menthol. Full, rich, rounded flavors of red fruit with elegant tannins and crisp acidity. Pair with a mocha dessert.