
Clear, deep ruby in color; on the nose, it's clean with medium intensity primary and secondary aromas of black cherries, green peppercorns, and black currents; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, high tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and medium intensity primary and secondary flavors of blackberries, eucalyptus, tar, and graphite with a long finish. This wine is balanced,and complex. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — 3 days ago
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc 2019 – Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A classic Pessac-Léognan white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon (Sauvignon dominant) 70% Sauvignon Blanc with 30% Sémillon, delivering tension, texture, and layered complexity. Sauvignon Blanc drives citrus energy, minerality, and aromatic lift, while Sémillon contributes mid-palate weight, subtle creaminess, and aging potential. This is a serious white Bordeaux built for balance rather than flash, expressive yet restrained, polished and quietly powerful.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh lemon zest, grapefruit pith, white peach, and green apple. Subtle white flowers, crushed stone, and gentle herbal tones. Light almond, beeswax, and faint vanilla from integrated oak. Citrus oil and saline minerality linger through the finish with beautiful clarity and precision.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a vibrant, energetic entry. Crisp, linear acidity balanced by Sémillon’s rounded texture. Silky mid-palate with excellent tension and freshness. Clean, focused, long finish with mineral persistence and refined structure.
Food Pairings
Chilean sea bass, halibut, or turbot with light citrus or beurre blanc. Scallops, shrimp, or lobster. Roast chicken with herbs and lemon. Soft cheeses, triple-cream brie, or fresh chèvre. Elegant vegetable dishes, asparagus, fennel, or spring peas. A natural partner for delicate yet flavorful cuisine.
🍷 Personal Pick
This sits right in my sweet spot for Bordeaux whites, delicacy, precision, freshness, and texture in perfect harmony. Beautiful on its own, but truly shines at the table. One of those bottles that reminds you why great Sauvignon-driven Bordeaux can quietly outperform flashier styles.
Did You Know?
Pessac-Léognan whites are often fermented and aged partially in oak with lees contact, giving Sauvignon Blanc added depth and texture without masking freshness. Sémillon plays a crucial role by enhancing mouthfeel, aging potential, and savory complexity, a hallmark of top Graves and Pessac whites. — 15 days ago
An absolute stunner of a bottle from the legendary 1961 vintage. astounding nose of red fruits, roses, brilliantly balanced ethereal on the mouthfeel with a superb lingering finish! Will have to check the cellar if there are any more of this! The 1961 still has legs! — 10 days ago
Very tasty classic Bordeaux of twenty years, medium bodied earthy red fruited lifted profile — 14 days ago
This was a very fun experiment. I bought this for 149€ due to the 2013 vintage being terrible. Would this be a waste of money or a bargin? It was a bargin. Classic high end Bordeaux nose with complexity and flavour. Lots of mint. Tailed off quite quickly but still so much to enjoy. The art of wine making should shine through on "off" years as all of the producers make excellent wines in a 09 or 10 vintage. Will definately buy more!
Paired with cod, beans and chorizo — 10 days ago
Château Cantemerle 2023 – Haut-Médoc, BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A beautifully expressive Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 7%, and Cabernet Franc 4% that delivers immediate charm while retaining classic Haut-Médoc structure and aging potential. The wine shows vibrant fruit purity, polished tannins, and a well-judged touch of oak, making it approachable young yet capable of evolving gracefully over the coming decade.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with subtle cedar, vanilla spice, graphite, and a gentle floral lift. Fresh berry brightness carries through the palate, framed by light savory notes and a refined oak accent that enhances rather than dominates.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple texture and finely integrated tannins. Juicy, energetic entry with excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness. Smooth mid-palate flow and a clean, persistent finish that stays lively and inviting.
Food Pairings
Grilled steak, roast chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, aged Gruyère or Comté, and classic bistro fare. A versatile table wine that shines across a wide range of savory dishes.
🍷 Personal Pick
Cantemerle never disappoints, this is pure drinking pleasure wrapped in Bordeaux elegance. Juicy, polished, and instantly enjoyable, yet grounded with just enough structure to remind you why Haut-Médoc remains timeless. A perfect bottle when you want serious pedigree without serious effort.
Did You Know?
Château Cantemerle is classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is known for producing some of the most consistently approachable and age-worthy wines of the Médoc, often offering outstanding value relative to its pedigree. — 13 days ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
1961 vintage. Ahoy there! Lower neck fill. Durand employed. Opened (not decanted) with plenty of cork splintering/crumbles despite the Durand and meticulous/slow movements. Cork stayed intact but just barely and about 80% saturated. Extensive (3-4 minutes) cleaning of the bottle lip and inch-deep, upper neck to remove fused cork residue. Tasted 45 mins, 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours after opening. Heavier body than expected given the producer. A bit of a slap in the face as it rolled in as medium/medium-heavy body which is hilarious. Nose initially a mysterious, century+ sitting room with plenty of decay, dust and past. Things shifted to soy/teriyaki sauce fairly shortly after with a little 5-10 minute fried chicken nose that vanished. Various (dark/semi-sweet) chocolates and cherry reduction sauce eventually emerged. A paced, harmonious narrative stayed constant throughout. Gorgeous experience. Didn't exactly diminish my impressions of H-B being the best first growth in BDX. It's generally the lightest and least-flashy. 1.23.26. — 12 days ago