Haut-Médoc

Haut-Médoc forms the southern heart of the Médoc peninsula, a broad sweep of vineyard between the Atlantic and the Gironde Estuary that accounts for two-thirds of the region's production. Within this zone lie the famous four appellations of Margaux, PauillacSaint-Julien, and Saint-Estèphe, alongside the lesser-known Listrac and MoulisGravel terraces and clay-rich soils provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, producing wines defined by structuredepth, and longevity. Below, we have selected one wine from each of the leading communes, all offering a clear expression of this incredible region.

Find all our Haut-Médoc wines available here.

Margaux

Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, 2020
6 × 75cl - £230 per case In Bond

The Brane-Cantenac 2020 comes from a very highly rated vintage with strong critic ratings across the board. It's a classic representation of Margaux driven by its Cabernet character. Dark blue and black fruit, cassis, and floral notes give real intensity, while the balance and structure are coming together as each year passes. It needs time, but you will be rewarded.

Tasting Note

95
Neal Martin
The 2020 Brane-Cantenac is cut from a similar cloth to the 2019 rather than the 2018. Quite strict at first, it opens with blackberry, cedar and tobacco notes, veering strongly towards Pauillac as Brane-Cantenac is wont to do. The nose has wonderful delineation but is certainly less expressive than the 2019 at the moment. The palate is very well balanced with silky-smooth tannins and perfectly judged acidity. Sapid and focused with plenty of grip on the finish, this supremely gifted wine will require patience, but it will be worth it. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.
(Drink between 2030-2055)
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2038
Brane
Barton

Saint-Julien

Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien, 2020
6 × 75cl - £290 per case, In Bond

Léoville Barton is consistently a trade favourite for good reason. It delivers classical Saint-Julien style with remarkable purity and depth. From the brilliant 2020 vintage, it shows all the hallmarks of the property and will only gain complexity and finesse as it matures.

Tasting Note

96
Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Léoville Barton is compelling. It offers up a gorgeous mix of vintage 2020 intensity married to the classicism Léoville-Barton have come to expect. Blackberry, graphite, dried herbs, menthol, and dark spice abound. Whereas so many Saint-Juliens are exuberant in 2020, Léoville-Barton is very much buttoned up, showing just a twinkle of mischief that lets you know the best is yet to come.
(Drink between 2030-2060)
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2038

Saint-Estèphe

Calon Segur, Saint-Estèphe, 2016
6 × 75cl - £500 per case, In Bond

truly outstanding opportunity to experience Saint-Estèphe at its finest. The 2016 vintage stands among the great modern classics of Bordeaux and shows the iconic Calon Ségur estate in exceptional form. Layered with concentrated dark fruit and a sublime integration of oak, this is a wine in a beautiful place today, yet one that will continue to gain depth and complexity with age.

Tasting Note

96
Neal Martin
The 2016 Calon-Ségur has a very concentrated, multifaceted bouquet of blackberry, cedar and wild mint. I adore this – so involving and so intoxicating! The palate is very well balanced with succulent tannins and a fine bead of acidity, full of tension and poise. Black cherry and blueberry emerge toward the satisfying, complete finish. A gorgeous Saint-Estèphe. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.
(Drink between 2026-2055)
Calon Segur
Milon

Pauillac

Duhart-Milon, Pauillac, 2019
6 × 75cl - £500 per case, In Bond

Duhart-Milon, Pauillac 2019 comes from one of Pauillac’s most improved estates, a Fourth Growth that has benefited enormously from its ownership by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, neighbouring Château Lafite on the plateau of Carruades. Over the past two decades, quality has risen markedly, and Duhart-Milon is now widely regarded as one of the best value classified growths in Pauillac. The 2019 vintage captures both the authority of the appellation and the precision of modern winemakingCabernet Sauvignon dominates, delivering structure, freshness and longevity, while Merlot adds suppleness. This wine is designed for long-term cellaring.

Tasting Note

98
Nel Martin
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW  - 92-94/100
The 2019 Duhart-Milon is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, harvested from the 19th of September to the 4th of October. Deep garnet-purple in colour, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of plum preserves, black raspberries and blackcurrant pastilles with suggestions of menthol, dark chocolate, pencil lead and woodsmoke plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied, the palate is spritely and refreshing, with bags of juicy, mint-laced black fruits and an approachable, plush texture, finishing long and lively.
(Drink between 2026-2052)
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2038