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Remembering Michel Rolland
Vinous Remembers, featured, France: Bordeaux
, Mar 2026
Michel Rolland was a towering figure not just in Bordeaux, but across the entire world of wine for half a century. His legacy will be long-lasting. I will always remember his zest for life, humour and kindness.
Keeping Everyone Happy: Southwold Bordeaux 2022
featured, France: Bordeaux
, Mar 2026
Another January, another blind tasting at Southwold. This year's edition shone a light on the lauded 2022 Bordeaux vintage. As usual, there were surprises, controversies and thankfully, a batch of spectacular wines that will require patience.
2023 Bordeaux: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
featured, France: Bordeaux
, Mar 2026
Bordeaux’s bottled 2023s enter the world during an especially volatile time. I say “enter” because over the last decade or so, the market for Bordeaux wines has changed radically. En primeur is relevant only for a few dozen wines that might appreciate significantly from the time they are first offered from barrel. That applies to fewer and fewer wines with each passing vintage. For all other properties, which means the overwhelming majority, the real market is the market for bottled, finished wines.
Cellar Favorite: 2023 Yquem & Y de Yquem
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Mar 2026
The defining feature of the newly released 2023 Yquem is its elegance.
Remembering Daniel Cathiard
Vinous Remembers, France: Bordeaux
, Feb 2026
I was deeply saddened to learn of Daniel Cathiard’s recent passing. With his wife and life partner Florence, Cathiard transformed Smith Haut Lafitte from a sleepy, run-down estate into one of Bordeaux’s most respected châteaux.
Cellar Favorite: Château Latour 2026 New Releases
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Feb 2026
There’s a lot to like in the 2026 releases from Château Latour. I tasted the wines with Estate Director Hélène Génin during a visit to the château in December 2025.
Cellar Favorite: 1961 & 2019 Smith Haut Lafitte
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Feb 2026
There is nothing greater than a good man, and Daniel Cathiard was a good man. He and his wife, Florence, took Smith Haut-Lafitte, a once dilapidated estate, and devoted their lives to creating two of the region’s finest wines, both red and white. These two bottles were opened with my oldest friends to raise a toast to Daniel Cathiard.
Bordeaux 2023 in Bottle: Coming Around Again
featured, France: Bordeaux
, Feb 2026
Though Bordeaux has its travails, the vintages continue to roll. The bottled 2023s have much to offer those seeking a less concentrated style of claret than the previous vintage provided. As usual, 2023 is not a season without caveats, and as always, it is important to choose wisely. Those who do could be handsomely rewarded.
Cellar Favorite: 2005 Le Dôme
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Feb 2026
Having consistently tasted Le Dôme since the maiden 1996 vintage, it is always fascinating to return to those earliest vintages. The 2005 is drinking perfectly now, and will offer another 12 to 15 years’ drinking pleasure.
Cellar Favorite: 1962 La Gaffelière
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Jan 2026
My experience with older vintages of La Gaffelière is few and far between, but I had heard others wax lyrical about bottles from the 1950s and 1960s. A group of friends recently poured the 1962 at dinner, and I was absolutely smitten.