Laguna Cellar Wine of the Month - September 2023

Château Coutet 2020 - "The 2020 Coutet has a pale lemon-gold color, waltzing out of the glass with energetic notes of lemon tart, pink grapefruit, green mango and lime blossoms, with hints of chopped almonds, clover honey, candle wax and straw, plus a waft of sea spray. The palate is all class, featuring ethereal intensity and amazing poise, enveloped in a satiny texture and seamless acidity, finishing long and mineral laced. Currently, while it is just a tick or so down on the impressive 2019, I love the restraint and energy of this 2020 and wouldn't be surprised if it eventually spreads its wings and surpasses its showier sibling over time." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, Ratings: 94-96, Drink: 2025-2055

"Bright, yellow gold colour, with citrus, apricot, pineapple and a ton of mango fruits on the palate. Silky texture with spikes of lime juice bringing pep and definition. Saffron and white pepper add even more lift through the finish, this is excellent and easy to recommend." Jane Anson, Bordeaux Primeur Tastings (4/30/2021) Rating: 94 Drink: 2022-2050

C de Carmes Haut-Brion 2019 - "A nose so fresh, so floral (lavender), so seductive, you can almost smell the salinity. A very fluid mouth, quite well rolled up with hints of ink. An opulent wine that needs a little time to open up. We end with accents of blue fruits, sap and blackcurrant leaves." - Ella Lister, Le Figaro (2020), Rating: 94, Drink:2028-2040

Château Grand Mayne 2010 - "The opaque ruby/purple-hued 2010 Grand-Mayne is a beefy, medium to full-bodied effort revealing aggressive, slightly astringent tannins. The wine possesses a terrific color as well as an impressive attack (blueberries, boysenberries and earth), but the tannins cut in on the finish. This cuvee may have been late finishing its malolactic and thus may be easier to evaluate in a few months." - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate (5/1/2011, Issue 194), Ratings: 89-91, Drink: 2013-2028

Château Gruaud Larose 2017 - "A barrel sample made up of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Gruaud Larose offers a lifted nose of violets and kirsch over a core of cassis, baked plums and black raspberries with hints of cigar box, menthol and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, elegant and very finely structured with ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it has loads of vibrant red and black fruits with a mineral-laced finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (3/29/2019), Ratings: 92-94