Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2016 vintage. This estate, owned by the Thomas family, is known for a very high percentage of Petit Verdot in the blend. In this case 20%, with equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While 2019 still has some rough edges, in 2016 the Petit Verdot seems to have been perfectly ripe. Violet, black pepper, blackberries, licorice and cherries. Abv. 14%. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. I've tasted many vintages of this estate, and I have never been disappointed. While the nose is flirting with jammy flavours, it displays amazing freshness in the mouth. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2016 vintage. It didn't shine at the Grand Crus Classés tasting, where competition was extremely tough, but on its own it is pretty good...and very reasonably priced . — 9 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

Château Grand Dousprat. Sainte Croix du Mont is worth a visit for the 20 million years old fossilized oyster shell caves, but also for some of the wines. It's hard to find good cheap sweet wines, but if you are on a budget, this is the place to be. This is a good example of less than 10 euro. Ripe peach and pineapple,with slightly roasted botritys aromas. Don't expect the complexity of a great Sauternes, but enjoy the bright sweet fruit, freshness and more than decent length. Abv. 12,5%. — 15 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. A small 8 hectares estate, owned by the Meffre family, who also own Château Di Glana in Saint-Julien. Like for Glana, Ludovic and Julien Meffre believe that the 2022 Bellegrave is the greatest they've ever produced. Classic Pauillac nose with cassis, lead pencil and cedar wood. A bit more restrained than Glana, but impeccably balanced, with ripe black fruits, fresh acidity, and perfectly integrated high alcohol ( abv. 15%, the label states 14,5%). Fine Pauillac value at around 30 euro and another estate to watch. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2018 vintage. From the négociant business of François Thienpont. This comes from a 4 hectares parcel of Château Manoir du Gravoux planted in 1958 with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. While the nose isn't particularly seductive, in the mouth it displays the sweetest,ripest fruit I have ever tasted from the Castillon appellation. This would have deserved a higher score if it wasn't for the drying finish. Diam 10 cork. Abv. 14%. A bit tired the next day, so drink quickly after opening. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2023 vintage. Stunning! Abv. 14% — 13 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2012 vintage. Not in the same league as the more recent vintages, but a nice mature Margaux that shows no sign of fatigue. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

This is a red Douro wine from Carm. 2019 vintage. 40% Touriga Nacional with equal parts of Tints Roriz and Touriga Franca. Aged 8 months in barrels of French and American oak. Dark red with only slight evolution. Intense portlike aromas, with raspberry jam, amarena cherries and violet. Concentrated jammy black and red fruit, balanced by juicy acidity. The oak is perfectly integrated and there is a serious spicy length. Abv. 14%. Tastes like a dry version of Fonseca's Bin 27 port. The wine is organic and vegan, and it stood up well to my spicy vegan zucchini/potato curry. — 6 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2023 vintage. More Cabernet Sauvignon (61 %) compared to Tronquoy 2023 tasted alongside, with 38% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. More flowers ( it seems to me that somehow 2023 is the floral vintage), cassis, blackberries and a mineral touch (less pronounced compared to the Tronquoy). Elegant, ripe and juicy. — 11 days ago