Prime Time

The 2014 vintage in Bordeaux is the best since 2010, especially in the Saint-estèphe, Pauillac and Saint-julien areas of the Médoc, due to warm, sunny weather late in the growing season. Here are James Suckling’s top 10 from the vintage. With the exceptio

CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC

Incredible mineral character with a maritime element, as well as red iodine, algae and currants. Great intensity and some saltiness—almost like a pearl in an oyster. A true wine of the soil, with a full body, racy tannins and a lingering finish. Excellent and unique. The blend is 81 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 16 per cent merlot and 3 per cent cabernet franc. 96-97 points

CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES PAUILLAC

Fascinating aromas, with blackcurrant, cassis and hints of spice. It’s full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and has a long, focused finish. Muscular but toned and beautiful.

95-96 points

CHÂTEAU CANON SAINT-ÉMILION

A wonderful Canon with fabulous finesse and class. Full-bodied yet refined and polished. It touches your senses. Shows that the Right Bank made excellent wines in 2014.

95-96 points

CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC

I love the sexy, perfumed and feminine style of this young Lafite, with rose petals, rose stems and currants. A full body, super-fine tannins and a wonderful finish that lasts a very long time.

97-98 points

CHÂTEAU LATOUR PAUILLAC

Already displays complex aromas, including blackcurrant, blueberry, red chilli, stones and iodine. Full-bodied, yet tight and compressed, with an extraordinary finish and intensity that goes on for minutes. Vibrant. A good part of the production is made with biodynamically grown grapes. Alcohol is less than 13 per cent. 98-99 points

CHÂTEAU AUSONE SAINT-ÉMILION

A juicy red with beautiful blueberry, blackberry and mineral character. Oyster shell and iodine. Full and tight. The use of 60 per cent cabernet franc rather than 50 per cent gives the Ausone a fresher, more linear character. Fine finish. Fascinating, with such purity.

95-96 points

CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES SAINT-JULIEN

Enchanting aromas of blackberry, blueberry, dried flowers, citrus and stones. A full body, with ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. Undertones of citrus skin. Very long and structured. At 13.8 per cent alcohol, the cabernet was incredibly ripe for the vintage—yet it remains agile, structured and bright. 96-97 points

CHÂTEAU DUCRUBEAUCAILLOU SAINT-JULIEN

Stunning aromas of liquorice, blackcurrant, minerals, dried rose petals and wet earth. A full body with incredibly intense fruit, yet this remains compacted and toned with tannins. Long, long finish. What a wine. 96-97 points

CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR POMEROL

Full-bodied, very tight and chewy, with polished, intense tannins. Blueberry, blackberry and minerals. Displays more Pauillac character than many top Pauillac estates. Cabernet franc, about 56 per cent this year, always brings up the quality of the blend; the rest is merlot. Superb. 97-98 points

CHÂTEAU COSD’ESTOURNEL SAINT-ESTÈPHE

I love the style of this Cos, with Indian spices among the aromas and flavours. A full body, fine tannins and an ultra-long finish. Excellent structure, length and finesse.

96-97 points