En primeur offer: Bordeaux 2025

From the producer of The Society’s Exhibition Saint-Emilion, François Despagne’s property is the last classified growth in Saint-Emilion before entering Pomerol, and the wine has benefitted from the deep clay soils in this warm vintage. More structured than recent vintages, there’s a gorgeous combination of sweetness of fruit from the clay alongside a touch of bitterness on the dynamic, energetic palate. François compares the 2025 to his 2005 and we couldn’t agree more. Drink from 2030 to 2042. 13.5%

Under the control of David Suire (winemaker of Larcis Ducasse, which is one of the stars of the vintage), Laroque is one of the largest properties in Saint-Emilion, and the wine showed impeccable class throughout the week. This estate is situated on pure limestone, and there’s a moreish, salty quality to the wine which, combined with sweet cherry and cranberry fruit and structured, grainy tannins, mean this is one of the picks of 2025. Drink from 2032 to 2042. 14.2%

The most northerly property within the Saint-Estèphe appellation, Le Boscq reflects the broader success of the region this year with an expressive and beautifully balanced wine with flecks of herbaceousness to mitigate the rich blackberry fruit and terracotta-like earthy notes. Drink from 2028 to 2038. 13%

Cantemerle is often the first wine we taste en primeur as it acts as a brilliant spirit level for the vintage. Delicious from the first taste, it got better and better with each showing throughout the week. With 71% cabernet sauvignon, it’s almost opaque in the glass with a sweet and silky palate and supple, fleshy tannins. 18% merlot, 7% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc lend notes of blackberry crumble, kirsch and freshly toasted spices that give huge pleasure and opulence to a wine that always provides outstanding value. A brilliant addition to any cellar. Drink from 2032 to 2045. Magnums (CM34834 @ £124 per three) and halves (CM34832 @£126 per dozen) available. 13%

Brane Cantenac was one of the standout properties in Margaux in 2025 and this, their second wine, didn’t look out of place alongside its big brother. Midweight with great precision and direction on the palate, with cool blackberry fruit and well managed, prickly tannins. A little wood-heavy in youth, but this should turn out to be one of the best ever Baron de Branes – a wine that Society members can’t get enough of! Drink from 2032 to 2040. 13.5%

Also under Dourthe ownership, Belgrave this year was initially tannic and insular, building mid-palate and sweetness throughout the week. This makes us confident it’s a wine that will continue to fill out during élevage and will be a great option to stow away for five to ten years. Drink from 2032 to 2043. 13%

Perhaps more famed for their white wines, Bouscaut’s red impressed this year for its chalky tannins, poise and some appealing spice from 10% malbec – the only instance of the variety in the appellation. Attractive short-to-medium-term claret. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 13.5%

A welcome return to form from this popular Moulis property, showcasing its traditional medium-body, sinewy tannins and savoury aromas of tobacco leaf and crushed slate. The wine built throughout the week and gained extra sweetness to the mid palate – always a good sign of things to come. Drink from 2030 to 2040. Magnums (CM34954 £132 per three) available. 12.5%

Spicy and tight-knit Pauillac from the same family as member favourite Château Batailley. Less oak and more fruit weight and fragrance in a year where the Casteja properties (also including Trotte Vieille in Saint-Emilion) excelled. Drink from 2033 to 2045. 13%

Vibrant berry fruit and a touch of herbaceousness give spice and energy to this member favourite. A wine that always ages well, the 2025 is a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 15% petit verdot. Drink from 2033 to 2045. 14%

In effect, the second wine of popular Pauillac property Grand Puy Lacoste, but the grapes come from a distinctly different, sandier terroir. It’s a softer, earlier-drinking version that still goes through the same rigorous processes as the grand vin. Extremely charming with floral perfume, red-berry fruit and soft, powdery tannins. Delicious. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 13.2%

The third wine of top property Ducru Beaucaillou, whose range was one of the most impressive across the whole of Bordeaux. We were impressed by its density of fruit and, thanks to 8% petit verdot, dark bramble and baking-spice notes. Big, serious, structured and a great introduction to the estate. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 13.5%