Expert Left Bank Selections: Exquisite Texture, Sharp Pricing, Limited Availability

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The Left Bank presents two incredible, cellar-worthy 2024 vintages at exceptional prices: Les Carmes Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan) and Pauillac’s Pichon Baron. Both experienced 20–21% price drops, leading critics to rank them among the vintage's best.

The remarkable 97–98-point Les Carmes Haut-Brion for $94.99 owes its uniqueness to Olivier Pouthier’s meticulous work with the 60-year-old vines. Cellar use of stems, foudres, amphorae, and integrated new oak created “one of the most impressive wines of the vintage” (Wine Advocate). Its striking, distinct character—featuring 48% Cabernet Franc—is now 42% off 2022 prices, making it ideal for collectors.

Pauillac also shined with Pichon Baron despite 35% lower yields. This quality focus yielded a 95–96-point wine for $114. Higher Cabernet Sauvignon, new oak, and a week's cold maceration brought beautiful texture and pure red fruit. The saline tang and energetic wine even brought a smile to Antonio Galloni during tasting (our expert saw it)! Down 21% since 2023 with significantly lower yields, this Pichon Baron is a perfect gem to secure quickly at these low prices.

Today's Releases

Critical Acclaim

2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion

97–98 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: “This year it’s stunning, with a unique floral aspect and excellent depth of pure blue fruit, mulberries, dried herbs, and white pepper. So juicy and mouthwatering on the palate…This is already delicious, which indicates its superb balance.”

95–97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “Seamless and silky in the glass, with superb balance, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of the wines of the vintage. All the elements are so well balanced—always a sign of a superior vintage at this address.”

2024 Pichon Baron

95–96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: “A dense wine with good richness and concentration… Long, structured, and powerful.”

94–96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2024 Pichon Baron is a very sexy wine. Deep and layered on the palate, with fine depth, the 2024 exudes balance…The Cabernet Sauvignon is quite high at 87%, but it is really the wine's balance that speaks loudest.”

Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2024

96–97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: “Bright and acid-driven with medium to full body and a long, scented finish. Bone-dry and textured. Not a year of huge concentration, but a lot of freshness, length, and energy make this a wine to consider seriously.”

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2024

95–96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: “Fine cocoa powder, cedar, minerals, currants, and blue fruit. Juicy and medium- to full-bodied with fresh, firm tannins and a long, crunchy finish. It lingers well.”

Recent 2024 En Primeur Releases

Our Expert's Take on the 2024 Vintage

Despite the challenges of the year, 2024 is emerging as a collector’s vintage, defined by low yields, excellent balance, and the most compelling pricing in over a decade. With alcohol levels moderating to 12–13%, this vintage marks a return to Bordeaux's hallmark freshness, tannin quality, and aromatics. The result? Wines that are elegantly sculpted rather than exuding raw power. Faced with yields reduced by as much as 50%, the châteaux prioritized quality above all else in this vintage.

Here’s a look at some highlights:

- The top red wines from Margaux, Pauillac, and Pomerol are refined, expressive, and exceptionally rare.

- Sauternes enjoyed ideal conditions for the development of botrytis.

- White Bordeaux wines are showing vibrant energy and distinct salinity.

Regional Standouts:

- Left Bank: Margaux and Pauillac are the clear stars of the vintage.

- Right Bank: Pomerol stands out, with iconic estates like Vieux Château Certan (VCC), Figeac, and Cheval Blanc demonstrating remarkable depth.

Given the limited allocations and sharp pricing, En Primeur 2024 offers a prime opportunity to secure the top wines from this vintage before they disappear.