Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2023 vintage. This is Château Domeyne, Saint-Estèphe, a 9 hectares estate neighbouring Calon Ségur, that was purchased in 2018 by Vincent Ginestet from Claire and Gonzague Lurton. 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Eric Boissenot consults. Dark transparent ruby red. Distinctively floral perfume, with blueberries and raspberries lurking in the background, and fresh rosemary impressions after 30 minutes. This could easily be mistaken for Margaux, maybe the Ginestets are a bit nostalgic after selling their Margaux estate Château Boston to Palmer. Also in the mouth, this is more about finesse than power, with subtle, juicy red fruit, fresh acidity and ripe tannins that kick in on the finish. There is harmony and length. Another gorgeous Bordeaux for less than 20 euros. Abv. 13%. — a day ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.5

2018 vintage. Under 8 euro. Slightly drying finish (Diam 10 Cork). — 15 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

Champagne Angel Castel is a special selection from the Castel owned Champagne house Malard, with a high proportion (42%) of reserve wines (with 58% of those from the 2020 vintage). Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (31%), and Pinot Meunier (29%), predominantly from Premiers Crus of the Montagne de Reims (Chamery, Ludes, Eceuil, Trois-Puits). Aged 57 months on the lees. Dosage 8g/l. — 17 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. An unusually high percentage of Petit Verdot (25%), with 60% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark red, with a tiny orange rim. The first nose is not particularly attractive, give it an hour to open up, and let the violet, spices and black fruits take over. In the mouth it features serious concentration and an intense spiciness in a framework of slightly dusty, but ripe tannins. Petit Verdot tends to dominate quickly in a blend, and in this wine it seems to play the first violin, but it's perfectly ripe and therefore it adds to the power and character of the wine. Good value at 16 euro. Abv. 14,5%. — 2 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2020 vintage. The recent vintages of this estate are all worth our attention. This one will need a bit of patience. — 13 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2023 vintage. Easy-drinking, fresh Haut-Médoc. Just pop and pour. Abv. 13,5% — 17 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2022 La Petite Julia, Haut-Médoc. Château Julia produces both (Merlot-driven) Pauillac and Haut-Médoc. The Pauillac (only 0,62 hectare) is hard to find, but their Haut-Médoc (4,5ha) is pretty good too. This is the entry level Haut-Médoc, an unoaked blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. A delicious, unpretentious fruit bomb that shows that Bordeaux stands for many different styles. A steal for 10 euro if you want to try something different. Abv. 14,5%. — 19 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2023 vintage. Light golden colour. You can't miss the Sauvignon Blanc on the first nose. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2015 vintage. Delicious, mature Pessac-Léognan that doesn't break the bank. Tasted better than a bottle I've had two months ago. Abv. 14%. — 9 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.5

2020 vintage. "Le Haut-Médoc revealed by Dauzac". 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The website doesn't mention this, and it's not the same blend as the Haut-Médoc de Dauzac 2020. This seems to be a line designed as a modern, more accessible take on Bordeaux ( even if they are doing a pretty good job at that with the grand vin too). This is definitely a crowd pleaser, soft and creamy, and I suspect a little residual sugar(?). Found this in a supermarket under 13 euro, which is reasonable, even if competition is stiff in Bordeaux at this price point. Maybe not the most exciting for seasoned Bordeaux fans, but this might definitely attract new customers. Abv. 13,5%. — 15 days ago