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Saint-Julien

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Saint-Julien
Although Saint-Julien is the smallest of the Médoc appellations in terms of surface area (920 hectares), it is nonetheless one of the most prestigious and sought-after. Situated near the river port of Beychevelle, the Saint-Julien terroir stands out for the quality of its soils and their excellent drainage, on a gravelly terrace of Garonne origin that favors deep vine rooting. This terrace rests on a substrate of marl, pebbles and alios.

Saint-Julien wines offer an intense, complex aromatic palette, and are generally characterized by their dense ruby color. They combine power and concentration with feminine finesse and elegance. Notes of blueberry and blackcurrant, blackberry, prune, tobacco and licorice dominate. Over time, pleasant tertiary aromas such as leather, fur, venison and truffle appear. The palate is dense, full-bodied and opulent, with powerful yet finely woven, velvety tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape variety in the Saint-Julien blend. It is combined with Merlot and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Franc. Saint-Julien wines combine power and concentration with feminine finesse and elegance. They have great ageing potential. The Saint-Julien appellation boasts 11 renowned Crus Classés, including Château Léoville Poyferré, Château Léoville Barton, Château Talbot, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Lagrange, Château Gruaud Larose, Château Léoville Las Cases and Château Beychevelle.

The history of AOC Saint-Julien

Saint-Julien lies between Paillac and Margaux, on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. The area is also not far from the Gironde estuary. It was granted its appellation in 1936. However, the history of this terroir goes back much further. Over 2,000 years ago, the Greeks and Romans planted vines in the Bordeaux region. They produced quality wines even then. As for the English, they encouraged the growth of the Saint Julien wine trade when they arrived in the region in the 17th century. In 1855, Napoleon III commissioned a classification of the best French wines for the Paris Universal Exhibition. This event made Médoc wines famous, including Saint Julien red wine.

A homogeneous terroir

The Saint-Julien AOC has 24 producers, most of whom own large estates. Château Lagrange has a vineyard area of 118 ha, while Château Talbot has 110 ha. The area also boasts a number of smaller estates, including Château Saint-Pierre with a vineyard area of 17 ha. In all cases, each estate benefits from a magnificent terroir. The geological specificity of the region is due to a shallow sea that covered the western Aquitaine basin 40 million years ago. The sea withdrew for the first time 30 million years ago, and again 12 million years ago. This phenomenon gave the region its clay soils.

Deposits of sand and gravel then formed alluvial deposits over 5 million years ago. Clayey gravels also appeared as a result of tectonic plate movements in the Pyrenees. Saint-Julien has two terraces. The oldest is at an altitude of 25 metres above sea level. The most recent is 17 meters above sea level.

The region also benefits from excellent water regulation thanks to good drainage. The soil type prevents water storage. As for incoming air masses, they play a thermoregulatory role, reducing temperature variations. The vines are protected from the effects of frost, enabling them to produce an exceptional Bordeaux Saint Julien wine.

Exceptional vintages

Over 90% of the wines produced in Saint-Julien are classified as 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grands Crus. The Léoville-Barton estate is one of them. It has belonged to the Irish Barton family for over 3 centuries. It boasts several old vines. Château Léoville-Las-Cases is home to the region's ancient vineyards. The wines of this estate are characterized by their intensity and power. Among the grands crus, those of Château Léoville-Poyferré stand out for their full bouquet. Then there's Château Beychevelle, whose reputation is built on the elegance of its wines.

Saint-Julien vintages

Each year, the Saint-Julien vineyards produce 41,000 hl of red wine. There are several vintages in this area. Among the oldest, 1995 is the most exceptional. The wines are harmonious, characterized by richness and structure. The 2000 vintages are also exceptional. They are both racy and elegant. The years 2009, 2010 and 2011 also brought together all the conditions needed to produce outstanding vintages. The same is true of 2015, 2016 and 2018. Saint-Julien wines are wines for laying down. They are generally enjoyed after 10 to 15 years of cellaring.

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Château Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2020 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

98/100 Decanter

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96-97/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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96/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Robert Parker

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96/100 Yves Beck

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96/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

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96/100 Le Figaro

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96/100 Vert de Vin

cabernet sauvignon
delicious
delicacy
grand cru classé

"Among Saint-Julien's elite: attention to detail, subtlety and delicacy!"

"A sense of detail, subtlety and delicacy seem to be taken for granted at Gruaud-Larose, yet it takes relentless effort every year to achieve such a level. And that's where Gruaud-Larose stands among St-Julien's elite, with its ability to present great wines year after year. Like the bouquet, the palate displays high definition, with tight but integrated tannins that have the substance to carry the wine through the decades to come. A dense, young, precise and powerful wine. What relevance and continuity! Bravo!" (Yves Beck 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Léoville-Poyferré Saint-Julien 2015 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

Rated 4.8/5Rated 4.8/5Rated 4.8/5Rated 4.8/5Rated 4.8/5

4.8/5 (12 reviews)

98/100 Coup de Cœur RVF

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19/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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97/100 Vinous

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97/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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97/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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96/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Yves Beck

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2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

rich
textured
impressive
grand cru classé

"Here is a very solid candidate in the race to the top of the vintage! ~ La RVF "

"Léoville-Poyferré 2015 is spectacular. Inky, dense and explosive, this 2015 possesses uncommon richness, with supple, smooth contours and exceptional balance. All the elements are simply fused. Notes of blue and purplish fruits, chocolate, new leather, blueberry jam, exotic spices and violets are all beautifully underlined. Fresh, vibrant and totally sexy, Léoville-Poyferré is one of the wines of the vintage, so don't miss it! " (Vinous 2018) - Wooden case delivery available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Lagrange Saint-Julien 2020 - 3ème Grand Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

95-96/100 Terre de Vins

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95/100 Robert Parker

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95/100 Yves Beck

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95/100 Le Figaro

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95/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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94/100 James Suckling

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94/100 Decanter

freshness
vibrating
grand cru classé
great success

"Year after year, Lagrange's style is acclaimed! ~ Yves Beck "

"In terms of authenticity and repetitiveness, this vintage is very strong! Year after year, Lagrange's style is acclaimed. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings out its freshness, while the Merlot smoothes out the edges. Lagrange is sapid, full-bodied and perfectly supported by creamy tannins. The acid structure provides a good backbone and highlights the aromatic expression on the finish. An expressive, persistent Lagrange with a revitalizing freshness" (Yves Beck 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Gloria - Saint-Julien 2019

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (6 reviews)

94-95/100 Terre de Vins

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94/100 James Suckling

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94/100 Le Figaro

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94/100 Decanter

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94/100 Vinous

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94/100 Wine Enthusiast

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93-94/100 Bettane & Desseauve

salivating
epicurean wine
great classic

"If you like gourmet style, this one is excellent ~ Decanter"

"Such a deep, concentrated nose, full of ripe blackcurrants and black cherries. Great intensity and concentration on the palate, some dark spice, licorice, black pepper and cinnamon notes on the edges, all accompanied by layers of juicy, succulent ripe fruit. Definitely a full, bold wine. Real power here, but elegant and energetic. If you like the gourmet style, this is an excellent one". (Decanter 2022) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château du Glana - Saint-Julien 2017

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (1 review)

2*Étoiles Hachette

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93/100 Le Figaro

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90-92/100 Yves Beck

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91/100 Vinous

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91/100 Decanter

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90/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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15,5/20 RVF

round-tipped
prepared foods
ready to drink

"It is impressive and could represent the insiders' choice! ~ Vinous "

"The 2017 Glana has a well-defined, concentrated bouquet, with aromas of blackberry, cedar and light tobacco. It shows elegance and refinement. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins, finely pearled acidity and a pinch of black pepper on the finish. While not the most high-profile property in Saint-Julien, this Glana is impressive and could represent the insider's choice." (Vinous 2019) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Connétable Talbot Saint-Julien 2020 - Second vin

93-94/100 Vert de Vin

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90-91/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Yves Beck

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92/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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90/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

elegant
second wine
safe bet

"The charm of this safe bet works once again!

"What a level for Talbot's 2nd wine! Of course, it's well marked by its ageing through notes of roasting, but the bouquet also reveals nuances of dark berries. As the minutes go by, it's clearly the fruity notes that take over, and this continues right through to the finish. A structured, inviting and elegant wine! (Yves Beck 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Talbot Saint-Julien 2021 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

94-95/100 RVF

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94-95/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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94-95/100 Terre de Vins

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94-95/100 Yves Beck

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94/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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93/100 Decanter

refined
promising
grand cru classé

"A Talbot that excels in its ability to reconcile freshness and fruit! ~ Yves Beck "

"On a dapper fruit pulp, Talbot confirms its new style despite the prejudices of the vintage. The nose is pleasantly deep, more plunging than slender, but the palate takes us by surprise, biting, vertical, signed by a tonic, sharp juice, finely smoked on the finish. The wine stretches out in length and persistence, for our pleasure". (Terre de Vins 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Beychevelle Saint-Julien 2019 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

98/100 Terre de Vins

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2*Étoiles Hachette

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96/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Vinous

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96/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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95-97/100 Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

powerful
finesse
grand cru classé
haute couture

"The refinement of the ~ Versailles of the Médoc ~ "

"Admirable nose that makes you love it in blind tasting from the very first second, with a charm and finesse that's hard to describe in words and that's found in a "haute-couture" mouthfeel. The Cabernets are beginning to better define the terroir, but there are clearly some remarkable Merlots here. Great class from a terroir that has fully rediscovered its prestige". (Bettane & Desseauve) - A Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classé nicknamed the "Versailles of the Médoc" in homage to the elegance of its architecture and French gardens. - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Léoville Barton Saint-Julien 2021 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

97/100 Wine Enthusiast

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96/100 Yves Beck

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96/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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95-96/100 Coup de Cœur Terre de Vins

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94-96/100 Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

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2*Étoiles Hachette

cabernet sauvignon
silky
refined
grand cru classé

"A vintage that is particularly suited to this cru, which in my opinion makes a wine above 2020 ~ Anthocyanes "

"Léoville-Barton expresses itself in majesty on this 2021 vintage, just captured on a firm, tasty, articulate flesh, with a touch of austerity in the tannic framework that characterizes its terroir signature. The body is bloody and straightforward, elongated and slender. Well done." Favorite ! (Terre de Vins 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Duluc de Branaire-Ducru Saint-Julien 2019 - Second vin

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (3 reviews)

92/100 James Suckling

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92/100 RVF

round-tipped
juicy
second wine
best seller

"Among your favorite second wines!"

"Lots of tasty fruit, tobacco and chocolate. Medium body. Fine, creamy texture. Already juicy and delicious." (James Suckling 2023)

Château Lalande - Saint-Julien 2018

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (4 reviews)

93/100 Wine Enthusiast

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91/100 James Suckling

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1*Étoile Hachette

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90/100 Wine Spectator

structured
black fruits
quality-price
discovery

"A beautiful discovery typical of St-Julien!"

" The discreet but elegant bouquet opens up gently to black fruit on aeration. This straightforward, well-balanced wine finds full expression on the palate, buoyed by a solid tannic structure and a pleasant freshness that gives it good length." (Guide Hachette des Vins - Edition 2022). One of Saint-Julien's finest discoveries, with unbeatable value for money!

Château Saint-Pierre Saint-Julien - Grand Cru Classé 2019

96/100 James Suckling

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95/100 Decanter

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95/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

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95/100 Le Figaro

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95/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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95/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

corpulent
textured
delicious
red meat
grand cru classé

"A worthy representative of St. Julien!

"In blind tastings, the intensity of body was greater than that of its neighbors, a mark of the high age of the vines, but also with an improvement in refinement of texture and ageing, which brings it considerably closer to the appellation's Second Classified Growths. Remarkable value for money". (Bettane & Desseauve) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Sarget de Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2019 - Second Vin

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

92-93/100 Vert de Vin

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92/100 Yves Beck

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91/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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90/100 Le Figaro

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89/100 Vinous

freshness
gourmet
delicious
uprightness
red meat
second wine

"Remarkable value for money! B&D "

"The bouquet of the 2019 reveals itself with delicacy. Nuances of blackberry and peppermint followed by a touch of graphite. On the palate, the attack suggests a slender character, but that's without counting the tannic structure that reveals itself step by step, ideally supported by the acid structure. The wine has body, muscle and plenty of freshness. It can certainly be enjoyed in its youth, but like its predecessors, you'll have to wait for it" (Yves Beck 2021).

Château Léoville Barton Saint-Julien 2020 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

97/100 Yves Beck

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96/100 James Suckling

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96/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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96/100 Vinous

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96/100 Wine Enthusiast

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96/100 Wine Spectator

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96/100 Le Figaro

cabernet sauvignon
powerful
wonder
grand cru classé
large class

"A breathtaking St-Julien!"

"Finesse, complexity and depth. This line has been applied for a long time, with exceptional precision, but also with a subtle way of displaying it... it's not obvious to the eye (or nose, rather), but it's well established! The bouquet displays nuances of dark berries, sweet spices, cocoa beans and graphite. The wine is full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins. These ensure the wine's power and harmony, as they go hand in hand with its acid structure and freshness. Another Barton that combines finesse, vigor and depth". (Yves Beck 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château du Glana - Saint-Julien 2019

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

93-94/100 Coup de Coeur Terre de Vins

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92-93/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Decanter

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92/100 Wine Enthusiast

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91-92/100 Yves Beck

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1*Étoile Hachette

spicy
elegant
accessible
potential
poultry
safe bet

"Absolute refinement according to Terre de Vins".

"What sets this wine apart during tasting is its absolutely refined ageing. It has all the characteristics of the vintage: concentration, ripeness, but also a fine balance of acidity and fine tannins. The result is a tasty, dense and fluid palate. The barrel work seems to surround the wine in a thick self-fabric, perfumed with coffee and incense. Let's not forget it on delivery ". (Terre de Vins 2020) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).