2014 St. Emilion Vintage Report, Wine Tasting Notes, Ratings, Reviews

As you know by now, 2014 St. Emilion wine is the product of a difficult summer, which can easily be described as a summerless summer. The 2014 Saint Emilion vintage was like most of Bordeaux, saved by the famous Indian summer of 2014 that kicked in August 27 with its warm, sunny, dry September and perfect October.

While it’s natural to compare Pomerol with St. Emilion, as both Right Bank appellations are dominated by Merlot, they are quite different this year. Clearly, 2014 Bordeaux did not treat all appellations equally. For example, it was much wetter in Pomerol. As a point of comparison, in Pomerol, the rainfall was close to 775 Millimeters, (30.5”) of rain in total. In St. Emilion, the rainfall was about 535 Millimeters, (21.06”) of rain in total. Interestingly, Pomerol experienced less rain during the summer than St. Emilion. By the time it came for harvest, conditions were picture perfect! I know, because I was there. The days were warm, sunny and dry and the nights were cool. It was everything you could ask for.

The big advantage 2014 Saint Emilion had over Pomerol is the extended growing season vineyard managers were able to give their grapes. The later harvest dates, with their extended hang time allowed the fruit more time to mature, which is exactly what the grapes needed. The vineyards in the cooler clay soils, as well as in the stonier limestone terroir, especially when coupled with later ripening Cabernet Franc in the vineyard made the difference with the 2014 St. Emilion vintage. Many producers were allowed to harvest at their leisure.

Fleur Cardinale for example did not begin to start picking until October 9 finishing October 25. Troplong Mondot, another estate that enjoys late harvesting brought in their older Merlot vines from October 6th to 14th. Their Cabernet Franc was picked October 15 and they did not harvest their Cabernet Sauvignon until October 21.

It was not just ability to harvest late that helped growers, it was the ability to pick over an extended time period. Larcis Ducasse was picked over a 2 week period, starting October 1 and finishing October 14, the same day as Pavie Macquin. The harvest for Chateau Angelus took even longer at close to 3 weeks, beginning October 3rd with the Merlot and finishing October 23rd with their Cabernet Franc.

With 2014 Saint Emilion, Figeac is an interesting property to look at, with their three grape varieties. They started early with their Merlot, picking September 29 to October 3, moved to Cabernet Franc from October 7 to October 11 and did not finish with their Cabernet Sauvignon until October 12. Canon La Gaffeliere began with their young Merlot vines even earlier than Figeac, starting September 25, but they did not finish until October 9. Canon picked their young vine Merlot earlier still starting September 22, taking until October 9 to complete their harvest with their Cabernet Franc. At Cheval Blanc, like at many estates their pattern is to stop and start. They began with their young Merlot September 19, finishing October 2. They worked on their Cabernet Franc from September 8, and completed their harvest, October 8. Chateau Ausone did not begin to start finish with their Merlot until October 8, bringing in the last of their Cabernet Franc, October 11. Clos Fourtet was even a little bit later as they did not begin to harvest until October 3, finishing October 16. For a more detailed overview on the weather conditions that shaped the 2014 Saint Emilion vintage and for information on the entire Bordeaux region, please read: 2014 Bordeaux Detailed Harvest and Vintage Summary

Those extended harvesting conditions allowed growers in St. Emilion with the willingness, desire and courage to wait for more ripeness, while risking further late season rain, to produce very good, but not great wines. Good, but not great means exactly that. The wines are good. They are vibrant, with soft textures, medium/full bodied and made with ripe fruit. But be aware that 2014 St. Emilion wines are on the fresh, red berry side of the style range. There are of course exceptions on both sides of the fence, with some chateau over extracting and using too much oak, and others picking too early. Some tasters are going to like 2014 St. Emilion more than others, as you would naturally expect in any vintage.

The 2014 St. Emilion campaign has not started yet. The first two releases, 2014 Faurie de Souchard came out at 22 Euros, which was almost 2% over 2013 and Daussault was released at 19.50 Euros which was 8.3% more than they charged in 2013. Chateau Angelus was the first major release in St Emilion, pricing their 2014 Angelus at 180 Euros ex-negociant which is a jump of 9.1% over 2013, bringing it back to the same price level as they charged with their 2012. While it’s a bit pricey, when you look at the current selling prices for other recent back vintages, it’s priced fairly. Pavie came out at the same 180 Euro price.

Several top 2014 St. Emilion wines were offered in mid May. 2014 Pavie Macquin came out at 40.80 Euros, a big jump of 33% over 2013.2014 Beausejour Duffau is offered at 54 Euros, up 18% from 2013. 2014 Canon joined the action at 38.50 Euros and continues to sell well. 2014 Larcis Ducasse came out at at 36 Euros. 2014 Clos Fourtet up 14.7% over 2013. 2014 Figeac at 60 Euros was 25% over their 2013, but it’s the best wine they have produced in decades so it is expected to sell well. As always, the final 2014 St. Emilion wines to be offered for sale were Cheval Blanc and Ausone. Both wines were released at 360 Euros, up 20% from their 2013 pricing.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the consumer as always to set the price. With 2014 Bordeaux, price increases are not sending the right signal to the marketplace, especially when you consider that Robert Parker, the most bullish taster and promoter of St. Emilion is no longer writing about and reviewing barrel samples. We will see what we will see as more 2014 St. Emilion wines are going to be offered shortly.

This is the 8th of 9 reports on the 2014 Bordeaux vintage. To read 2014 Bordeaux tasting notes from other appellations:2014 Bordeaux Tasting Notes The following 2014 Saint Emilion wines were tasted in non-blind conditions at either the chateau, or negociants in Bordeaux. This article was put together with help in editing from Audrey Lavin. The plan as of now is to publish the last of our reports, which is focused on more than 100 petits chateaux and wines from various satellite appellations in the Right Bank tomorrow, or at least within a day or two.

2014 Adaugusta – Crowd pleasing in style, this wine is forward, easy drinking, fruity and uncomplicated. 84-86 Pts

2014 Angelus – From a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, this wine is deep ruby in color. Rich, sensuous and polished, the fruit is ripe and fresh, leaving you with silky tannins and a long sensation of sweet, sexy, dark chocolate covered blackberries and plums. 94-95 Pts

2014 Le Carillon d’Angelus – This early drinking wine, with its ripe cherry and plum essence, will offer pleasurable charms upon release. 86-88 Pts

2014 Les Asteries – Mineral driven fruits, fresh, spicy plums and smoky cherries culminate in a distinctive stony finish. 91-93 Pts

2014 Ausone – Showing an espresso, earthy minerals, flowers and dark fruit nose, this wine has lush, sensuous tannins and there is a serious sense of purity to the fruit. The long finish is silky, giving you a posh texture in the mouth and finishing with a suave, black cherry and licorice note. Using 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, the wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.5 and represents 67% of the crop. The yields were only 27 hectoliters per hectare. 96-97 Pts

2014 Chapelle d’Ausone – With 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers tobacco, black raspberry, vanilla, cocoa and earthy character in its perfume. Medium bodied, with fresh, ripe, polished, elegant red fruits, this is a charming vintage for Chapelle d’Ausone. 90-92 Pts

2014 Badette – This medium-bodied wine is rich with red fruit and licorice character and will be best in its youth. 85-87 Pts

2014 Balestard La Tonnelle – Soft, medium bodied, approachable, silky and offering fresh, red fruits and licorice from start to finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 Barde Haut – Espresso and black cherry notes on the nose are followed by a sweet, fresh, lively cocoa, blueberry and plum finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and will be aged in 80% new, French oak barrels. 90-92 Pts

2014 Beau-Sejour Becot – Earthy, truffle, black cherry and licorice scents are found on the nose. On the palate this wine serves up a luxurious, plumy, cocoa and mineral-filled finish. 91-93 Pts

2014 Beausejour Duffau Lagarrosse – Licorice, stone, smoke, truffle, flowers and black raspberries create the multifaceted bouquet. On the palate, this wine plays like a goddess — sensuous, sexy, and sleek. It tastes as good as it feels with velvety tannins and sweet, luscious, fresh red and dark red fruits. Produced from a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.2% with a pH 3.5. 94-96 Pts

2014 Belair-Monange – Fresh black and red plum, olive and crushed stone aromatics bring forth a wine that displays richness. The lush tannins and a fresh, black cherry, satin-textured finish secures an lasting impression. 93-95 Pts

2014 Bel-Air-Ouy – Sweet, tart, juicy plums, this wine has a freshness and an early appeal. 86-88 Pts

2014 Bellefont-Belcier – Licorice, smoke and round, polished black cherries with a soft, forward, sweet cherry finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 Bellevue – With a touch of fresh-brewed espresso, earth and plums, this wine is forward, soft and open. Made from 100% Merlot, there is a nice touch of ripe red and black cherries in the finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 Bellevue Mondotte – Flowers, cherry and stone on the nose, this wine is a continuous wave of concentrated, fresh cherries being crushed atop of a block of ancient limestone. This will need time. 93-95 Pts

2014 Berliquet – Soft, sweet, plumy and medium-bodied, this wine has round, easy tannins. It was produced from a blend of 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Franc. 88-90 Pts

2014 Cadet Bon – A medium-bodied, easy-drinking wine with light, red fruits, it will be ready to drink on release. 86-88 Pts

2014 Canon – Black cherry, licorice, tobacco, crushed stone and wet earth on the nose, this wine has a fresh, silky, soft, sweet, red berry center, finishing with freshness and lively, ripe cherries. Blended with 72% Merlot with 28% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.7 and is aging in 70% new, French oak barrels. 91-93 Pts

2014 Canon La Gaffeliere – Distinctive floral scents with ripe, black raspberry and plum notes are found in the perfume. On the palate, this wine is soft yet vibrant with a fresh, sweet, black cherry and red licorice finish. Made from a blend of 55% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.58. 93-94 Pts

2014 Le Carre – Smoky black and red fruits, licorice, floral and spicy notes open to a stony, structured, fresh, red plum-filled wine. 90-92 Pts

2014 Cheval Blanc – Fresh black raspberries, flowers, red licorice and cherry blossoms create the exotic perfume. On the palate, the wine is refined, soft and silky, fresh, elegant and pure. It lacks the density found in recent vintages like 2009 but instead relies on refined tannins and textures, transporting the aromas of beautiful, pure fruit all the way to the finish. From a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.25% alcohol with a pH of 3.65, representing 75% of the Grand Vin. 94-96 Pts

2014 Le Petit Cheval – Blending 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc, this wine is packed with flowers, licorice and earthy notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh, silky, pure and medium bodied, focusing on fresh, sweet cherries. 90-91 Pts

2014 Chauvin – Sporting a new label, which history buffs may be interested to know is a redesign of their label from the 1920s, the medium-bodied, floral, red berry-dominated wine is on the fresh, smooth, easy drinking side. 86-88 Pts

2014 Clos Badon Thunevin – Earthy, lush black cherries with a fleshy, sweet, licorice and cocoa finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 Clos de Sarpe – Crushed stone, flowers and smoky, red fruits are coupled with a tannic, full bodied, fresh, red berry-packed style. This wine will enjoy one of the longest lives of the vintage. 92-94 Pts

2014 Clos Dubreuil – Chocolate and black raspberry notes in the nose pair well with the plush, soft, fresh black cherries on the palate. This wine is smooth with freshness in the fruit. From a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the first vintage to include Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.65. 92-93 Pts

2014 Dubreuil Chardonnay – Meyer lemon pie with orange and vanilla in the nose, this wine is bright with a sweet, lemon-lime finish. 85 Pts

2014 Clos des Jacobins – Medium-bodied, soft and sweet with dark red fruit and chocolate character, this wine has a forward personality. 88-90 Pts

2014 Clos Fourtet – Supple textures make it easy to enjoy the pure, fresh feeling of clean, ripe fruits and silky tannins. Red licorice and sweet, silky, fresh berries in the finish, this wine was made from a blend of 89% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. It reached 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.57 and will be aging in 60% new, French oak barrels for 15 months. 93-94 Pts

2014 Clos de l’Oratoire – Blending 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, there is a sweetness and softness to the tannins, carrying the fruit and freshness to the endnote. The wine is aging in 50% new, French oak barrels. 90-92 Pts

2014 Clos La Madeliene – Vanilla, coffee, licorice and fresh cherry notes with a sweet, soft, polished texture, this wine ends on a fresh, red cherry and licorice note. The wine was produced from a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. 89-91 Pts

2014 Clos Romanile – This wine is fruity, medium bodied and forward with a dark chocolate accent in the finish. 86-89 Pts

2014 Clos St. Julien – With a nose of espresso bean, vanilla, floral and plum notes, this wine showcases a unique, dark, red berry profile and a mineral-driven character. Created from a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% alcohol. 89-91 Pts

2014 Clos St. Martin – Silky, pure, sweet and fresh, with a licorice, cocoa, dark chocolate-covered red and black cherry charm, this wine ends with a supple, elegant, finish. 91-93 Pts

2014 La Clotte – The first vintage from the new owners – the Vauthier family – this wine sports a mineral-driven, black raspberry and cherry personality with a sweet, soft, slightly dusty finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 La Commanderie – A medium-bodied, soft, black raspberry and herb-filled wine for early drinking. 87-89 Pts

2014 La Confession – Blackberry and vanilla on the nose, supple textures in the mouth with a soft, sweet, fleshy, low acid, licorice and plum finish. Blending 69% Merlot with 31% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.6% alcohol. 91-93 Pts

2014 Cote de Baleau – Blending 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is sweet, fresh, soft, medium bodied and crisp in a sweet and tart finish. 86-88 Pts

2014 Corbin – With a nose as charming as estate manager Annabelle Cruse, the violet, licorice and black cherry aromas are a pleasure. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, fresh, soft and sweet with a black raspberry and thyme finish. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol and will be aged in 40% new, French oak barrels. 90-91 Pts

2014 La Couspaude – Medium bodied, soft and approachable with a smoky, chocolate covered cherry and fleshy black raspberry note in the finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 Couvent des Jacobins – Medium bodied and soft textured with a fruity charm, this wine has licorice, fresh red fruit and a touch of oak in the finish. 87-89 Pts

2014 Croix de Labrie – Chocolate, licorice and truffle accents with a soft, fresh, polished, black cherry personality and plush, supple textures that are available from the get-go. 91-93 Pts

2014 Dassault – A light breakfast of Black raspberry jam and espresso on the nose, this wine is soft, polished and already easy to drink. 89-91 Pts

2014 Daugay – This fresh, sweet, spicy, dark cherry and cocoa-filled wine should offer pleasure on release. 87-89 Pts

2014 Destieux – Medium bodied with a clear blast of black raspberry, vanilla, licorice and espresso beans, this wine has an open, forward and approachable style. 88-90 Pts

2014 Le Dome – Licorice, black plum liqueur, caramel and spice on the nose, this wine is concentrated with ripe tannins, minerals and a fresh, fennel, cocoa and black cherry finish. The wine was made from a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot reaching 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.71. 93-94 Pts

2014 La Dominique – Floral, black raspberry and coffee bean notes on the nose, open to a lavish, forward wine that ends with black cherries, licorice and chocolate in the finish. From a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.7 and will be aging in 60% new, French oak barrels for approximately 16 months. 90-92 Pts

2014 Edmus – A medium-bodied wine boasting light, fresh red fruits, this vintage will be best on the young side. 84-87 Pts

2014 Faugeres – The wine is approachable and easy to like. Lush, forward and filled with ripe, juicy plum, chocolate-covered cherry and licorice tones. 90-91 Pts

2014 Faurie de Souchard – With the aroma of earth, fresh fallen leaves and red fruit, this wine has a drying finish. 84-86 Pts

2014 de Ferrand – Cigar box, smoke and dark red fruits with a sweet, slightly oaky, red fruit finish. 86-88 Pts

2014 Ferrand Lartigue – A soft, medium-bodied, forward, easy drinking wine, dominated with red berries. 87-88 Pts

2014 Figeac – Deep in color, the first thing you notice is the gravel scents that move to blackberry, tobacco and cigar box aromas. There is richness and concentration, refined but present tannin, mineral drive and a dark berry finish. From a blend of 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol and will be aged in 100% new, French oak for 18 months. The yields were 33 hectoliters per hectare. 92-94 Pts

2014 Fleur Cardinale – Flowers, espresso, plum, truffle, chocolate notes, this wine is supple, round, ripe, sensuous, pure, clean and fresh. A very elegant, vintage for Fleur Cardinale, this wine is produced from a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Reaching 14% alcohol, the wine is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. 92-94 Pts

2014 Croix Cardinale – Chocolate-covered cherries with a hint of truffle in the nose, this wine is silky, smooth and inviting with sweet berries and coffee bean in the finish. 89-90 Pts

2014 Fombrauge – A licorice and black cherry-filled wine with a round, forward character and a slightly oaky finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 Fonbel – From a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenere and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine exhibits a soft, elegant, black cherry and spicy character. 88-89 Pts

2014 Fonroque – Licorice, herbs and cherries, this medium-bodied wine is elegantly styled with a fresh, light berry finish. 88-90 pts

2014 Fonplegade – Espresso bean, dark red fruits, supple textures and a blast of chocolate-covered plum are found on the nose. This elegant, fresh, mineral-driven wine offers black raspberries and juicy dark plums in the finish. Made from a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.4. 89-91 Pts

2014 Franc Mayne – Fresh red fruits with peppercorn tones, this is a forward-styled, medium-bodied wine, soft and approachable with a cherry and black raspberry finish. 88-89 Pts

2014 La Gaffeliere – Licorice, earth and dark, fresh plums, this wine is silky, limber and sweet with freshness and finesse in the finish. 91-93 pts

2014 Guadet – Licorice, black cherry and espresso aromas with a round, medium bodied wine that ends with a sweet, but drying finish. 86-88 Pts

2014 Godeau – Lush, forward and sweet with licorice, plum, cocoa and fresh red cherries. 88-90 Pts

2014 Gracia – Made from a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is deep in color with espresso, black cherry and plum, replete with silky tannins and a brilliant freshness. 92-94 Pts

2014 Les Angelots Gracia – Deep garnet in color with freshness of fruit and layered with licorice and chocolate covered cherries, this wine is plush in texture with a long, creamy finish. Made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 90-91 Pts.

2014 Grand Barrail Lamarazelle – An earthen, oaky, medium-bodied wine, which is light in fruit and better in nose than on the palate. 85-87 Pts

2014 Grand Corbin – Peppery with red fruits and a light red berry finish, this medium-bodied wine will be best in its youth. 85-87 Pts

2014 Grand Corbin Despagne – Medium bodied with an herbal, olive note to the plum character, this wine will drink well young. 86-88 Pts

2014 Grand Corbin Manuel – Salt, olives and herbal aromas with light red fruits. 83-85 Pts

2014 Grandes Murailles – With lilies, soil and cherry griotte in the nose, this polished, fresh wine ends with soft, elegant texture s Produced from 100% Merlot, the wine reached 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.56. 90-92 Pts

2014 Grand Mayne – Earth, plum, licorice and black cherry on the nose, this medium-bodied wine has an elegant, mineral-driven, fresh, plum character in the finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 Grand Pontet – Licorice and black raspberries with a stone and black cherry center and drying finish. 87-89 Pts

2014 Haut Brisson – Smoky, thyme and stone aromatics open to a medium bodied, elegant expression of fresh red fruits. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. 87-88 Pts

2014 Haut Brisson Reserve – Florals, black raspberries and thyme emanate from this 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc blend. With more concentration and better purity of fruit than the standard Haut Brisson, this wine ends with fresh sweet cherries and licorice. 88-89 Pts

2014 Haut Simard – Earthy, black raspberries and leafy notes in the nose with a sweet, black cherry center in the finish. Produced with a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aging in 20% new, French oak barrels. 88-90 Pts

2014 Jean Faure – Dark red berries with a round, plush center and a sweet, polished fruity finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 La Fleur Morange Mathilde – Fleshy, ripe and round with a profile of anise, black cherry, oak and cocoa, this wine is forward, smooth and delivers fresh black cherries in the finish. 100% Merlot, this vintage comes from vines that average 50 years of age — quite amazing when you consider how little the estate charges for the wine. 89-91 Pts

2014 La Fleur Morange – Made with fruit pulled from vines that are over 100-years old, this wine pops with licorice, dark red fruits, limestone and earth. Fused with fresh-brewed espresso and cocoa, this full-bodied, lustfully textured vintage finishes with smooth, fresh red and black berries. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% alcohol. 91-93 Pts

2014 Laforge – Fresh, soft and round with a nice sweetness in a black raspberry, chocolate and mocha-tinged finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 Lamarte Passage Secret – Filled with sweet, black raspberries, licorice and chocolate, this wine – new for me — is voluptuous with ripe boysenberry and black cherry fruits. 88-90 Pts

2014 Laniote – Fresh cherries and thyme, round textures with a light, red fruit finish. 83-85 Pts

2014 Larcis Ducasse – Produced from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this wine has a distinctive, mineral profile with licorice and fresh blackberries rounding out the exquisite perfume. On the palate the wine is round, supple, long and fresh, flaunting a unique and outstanding blackberry and plum character. 93-94 Pts

2014 Larmande – Medium bodied, round, fresh and forward with a crisp, red plum and cherry personality. 87-88 Pts

2014 Laroze – With a touch of oak, caramel and dark cherries, this wine is soft, plush, polished and easy to drink. 88-89 Pts

2014 L’if – Licorice, truffle, smoke and tobacco with fully ripened red and black fruits, there is a real purity to the fruit and a sensuality to the tannins that was very, very pleasing to the senses. This wine was produced with a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc and reached 14% alcohol. This is a wine to watch. 93-94 Pts

2014 Louis – With a black cherry core, this wine is soft, forward and easy to like with a plumy charm. 88-90 Pts

2014 Lucia – Forward, ripe, round and soft with a licorice, black cherry and espresso-filled personality, this wine is easy to enjoy. 88-89 Pts

2014 Lusseau – Medium bodied, sweet red fruits, soft, light and bright with a licorice tint to the finish. 86-88 Pts

2014 Lynsolence – A medium-bodied wine with a soft, dark chocolate and red plum note that is evident from start to finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 Magrez Fombrauge – Like a great night in Las Vegas, this wine is fleshy, flashy and fun. Round and supple in character and packed with fennel, cocoa and chocolate-coated black raspberries. 90-92 Pts

2014 La Marzelle – This is the best wine the property has ever made. Jean Luc Thunevin, who was recently brought in as the new consultant, has done an excellent turn for the estate. Revealing the deepest color ever for a La Marzelle wine, it is flush with licorice, plum, coffee bean, black cherries and fresh, forward, polished textures. 88-90 Pts

2014 Monbousquet – Licorice, espresso and black raspberries with a forward, open, flashy, oaky, dark cherry finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 La Mondotte – A lingering impression of smoke and earth with caramel-coated blackberries and buttery plums generating the perfume, this wine is full bodied, deep and concentrated with silky, lush textures and a stony, mineral, fresh, vibrant, ripe fruit filled finish. Blending 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aging in 100% new, French oak. 94-95 Pts

2014 Montlabert – Espresso, black plum and cocoa scents, open to a round, forward, licorice and dark red, fruity wine. 86-88 Pts

2014 Moulin Saint Georges – Vanilla bean and black raspberries at first, the wine is elegant in texture with sweet, fresh, silky cherries in the finish. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc create the blend and the wine will be aging in 85% new, French oak for 18 months. 89-91 Pts

2014 du Parc – Oak, stone and dark berries are paired with a forward, medium bodied, round, dark plum core that is easy to drink and to like. 87-89 Pts

2014 Pavie – Powerful, tannic and full-bodied with intense minerality, this wine is fashioned with fresh, sweet cherries and black and red plums. Compelling with ripe, silky tannins, this vintage demands time before it all comes together. Pavie can be difficult to taste in barrel. In fact, it was difficult to taste through the oak cloak. It took coaxing and effort to find it. I’m looking forward to tasting it again. 92-95 Pts

2014 Pavie Decesse – Black and blue fruit, oak, cherries and spice, this wine is sumptuous and full bodied with a fresh, pure cherry and plum sensation in a silky finish. 91-93 Pts

2014 Pavie Macquin – Floral, black raspberry and licorice notes open as soon as the liquid hits the glass. The wine feels soft, smooth and supple and there is tension and polish in the finish that tastes as good as it feels. 93-94 Pts

2014 Peby Faugeres – Rich with layers of ripe, luscious fruit, this wine has smooth, sensuous textures and a concentrated blast of licorice, black cherry, boysenberry and smoky-brewed espresso in the lushly textured finish. Produced from 100% Merlot, the wine was made from low yields of only 20 hectoliters per hectare. 93-94 Pts

2014 Petit Gravet Aine – Softer and more approachable than usual, this wine is smooth, mineral driven, fresh and long with a core of ripe fruit. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. 90-92 Pts

2014 Pindefleurs – A simple, easy drinking, crowd pleaser with soft, likable textures and a crisp red berry finish. 85-87 Pts

2014 Pierre de Lune – From 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this medium-bodied, fresh wine centers on a lush, cherry and cocoa core. This should be drinkable on release. 89-91 Pts

2014 Pipeau – With black cherries, espresso and cocoa. The wine is round, finishing with black raspberries, dark chocolate and espresso. 86-88 Pts

2014 Poesia – Floral, black cherry and earthy aromas entice you to stay for the soft, fresh, sweet, juicy dark berries in the charming finish. 90-92 Pts

2014 de Pressac –Smoky cherries and cocoa with silky, smooth textures, this wine is medium bodied with a cherry-coated, licorice finish. 90-91 Pts

2014 Le Prieure – Medium-bodied with a touch of oak among the fresh plum notes, this wine is soft, forward and easy to drink. The new partnership with the owners of Chateau Latour certainly made a difference as this is one of the best vintages from this estate in years.89-91 Pts

2014 Puy Blanquet – Dried cherries and herbs with a medium bodied, soft, open, plum and cherry personality. 84-86 Pts

2014 Quinault L’Enclos – Black cherry, kirsch and licorice on the nose, this wine is elegant, refined and ripe with fresh, pleasing, cherry character. Blending 69% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, the new owners have included their recent plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time and it has certainly added depth to the blend. 90-92 Pts

2014 Quintus – A medium-bodied wine, which is fresh and spicy with a hot, cherry pie character and a fresh, elegant black raspberry finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.45% alcohol. 90-91 Pts

2014 Le Dragon de Quintus – Light in color, medium-bodied and dominated by fresh, red berry fruits, this wine will drink well on the young side. 86-88 Pts

2014 Rol Valentin – With floral, cherry and plum scents in the nose, this medium-bodied, velvety textured wine delivers licorice and sweet, cherries in an open finish. 89-90

2014 Rocheyron – Dark in color, this wine is sweet, round and lush. Packed with sublime black cherries and hints of vanilla and dark chocolate covered boysenberries, this wine feels amazing and tastes even better. Due to the dedication of the new owners, Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz, this is a wine to watch for in the future. 91-93 Pts

2014 Sanctus – A soft, forward and medium-bodied wine with ripe, round plums, oak and cherry in the finish. 87-88 Pts

2014 Sanctus de La Bienfaisance – With flowers and black raspberries on the nose, this wine is smooth, elegant and easy to drink due to its fresh cherry-filled character. 88-89 Pts

2014 Sansonnet – A rich, dark color with loads of mature, dense, fat, sweet fruit meats and the texture of the rarest silks and velvets, this wine has length and character with a mouth-coating quality that makes you crave more. From a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this is the best vintage of Sansonnet yet — an estate to keep your eye on. 92-94 Pts

2014 Saintayme – Produced from 100% Merlot, this wine, made by Denis Durantou, offers an easy drinking, soft, round, open style with black cherry, licorice and chocolate in the end note. Drinkable on release. 87-89 Pts

2014 La Serre – Flowers and cherry blossoms in the nose are perfectly paired with the wine’s medium bodied, fresh, light, easy drinking, cherry-dominated style. 87-89 Pts

2014 Simard – Licorice, plum and chocolate on the nose, soft, medium bodied and easy drinking with a sweet, red berry finish. Blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, this wine is aging in 30% new, French oak barrels. 86-88 Pts

2014 Soutard – Floral aromas, paired with fresh red berries and licorice on the nose, this elegant medium-bodied wine carries the red fruit theme all the way through to the finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 Tertre Roteboeuf – From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, scents of wet earth, forest, caramel and black raspberries pop from the glass. In the mouth, lush cherry griotte, fresh black raspberry and spice, leave a lasting impression. The harvest took place from October 15 to October 20, making this one of the property’s latest crops. The wine reached 13.8% alcohol and the pH is 3.88. 93-95 Pts

2014 Teyssier – Forward with a licorice and sweet cherry character, this tasty wine is already approachable and should deliver pleasure on release. 87-89 Pts

2014 Trimoulet – Using 75% Merlot with 25% Cabernet Franc to produce a sweet, jammy strawberry nose, this medium-bodied wine with soft, smooth character will offer most of its charms in its youth. 86-88 Pts

2014 La Tour Figeac – Sweet cherries, earth and stone with fresh picked flowers on the nose, this medium bodied wine has a soft, sweet, cherry finish. 88-90 Pts

2014 Tour Saint Christophe – This vintage is not only from a great terroir but talented team. From a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this wine exhibits deep color. On the nose you will quickly find licorice, chocolate, espresso and black cherries, easing into a graceful, lavish, polished and easy-drinking wine. A soft, round finish of sweet boysenberries leaves a permanent impression. As we predicted last year, Tour Saint Christophe is a wine to watch. 90-92 Pts

2014 Troplong Mondot – Licorice, dark chocolate, coconut, smoke and black cherry liqueur pack the nose, making this is no wallflower of a wine. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, rich, lusty and eager to show off its dusty, sweet, fruit-filled finish. There is a touch of heat in the endnote but there is so much fruit that the warmth is barely noticeable. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.65. 94-95 Pts

2014 Valandraud – With plump, luxurious, black cherries and boysenberry notes which grab you as soon as you get close to the glass, this wine is full bodied, concentrated, fleshy and there is a fresh, supple quality to the dark cocoa, licorice and ripe fruits in the finish. Valandraud has been on quite a run for the last several years. 94-95 Pts

2014 Valandraud Blanc – Fresh, bright, crisp, and packed with just squeezed grapefruit, lemons, lime and green apples, with a bit of vanilla and honey to top things off. The wine combines freshness with ripe sweet fruits that is long and refreshing. 92 Pts

2014 Virginie de Valandraud – Juicy, forward and luscious, this wine delivers a blast of sweet, ripe, round fruit with a vanilla inflection in every sniff and sip. 89-91 Pts

2014 Valandraud 3 de Valandruad – Ready to drink, this crowd-pleaser serves up sweet, black raspberries and coffee bean charm. 87-88 Pts

2014 Vieux Chateau Mazerat – Mineral driven with crisp, ripe, red fruits and a crushed limestone character, this wine will need sufficient time to come together. 90-91 Pts

2014 Villemaurine – Earthy minerals, flowers, spice and plums create the perfume. On the palate, this wine is glossy and delicate with an elegant, fresh red fruit finish. 89-91 Pts

2014 Yon-Figeac – A light, easy-drinking wine dominated by crisp red fruits and produced in crowd-pleasing style for early consumption. 83-85 Pts