En primeur offer: Bordeaux 2025

More restrained and less oak-forward than previous iterations and there’s so much more energy, perfume, and direction here. A very traditional-style claret with plenty of tannins, cedar-spice and nutmeg notes, this is a brilliant option for those looking for a classically styled Saint-Julien for medium-term cellaring. Drink from 2032 to 2045. 13%

This biodynamic property owned by Claire Villars-Lurton is situated next door to Latour, right on the banks of the Gironde estuary. Uniquely for Bordeaux’s left-bank, half of Haut-Bages Liberal occupies an outcrop of limestone, which has provided real chalkiness to the tannins and lift and precision to the fruit. Impressive, with great delineation. Drink from 2032 to 2045. 13.2%

A Pessac property that’s perhaps better known for its white wines, but in a vintage like 2025 where the red wines excelled, we thought this was fantastic and punched well above its weight. A big, full-bodied wine with plentiful tannins that will require a bit of time to settle. Wild red berries, kirsch and a touch of crushed slate. Delicious. Drink from 2032 to 2045. 13.5%

Montrose is arguably the form property of the last five years and their second wine, Dame de Montrose, puts many a grand vin from classified growths to shame. This is partly down to the brilliant leadership of Pierre Graffeuille, exceptional terroir and very deep pockets courtesy of the Bouygues family, who own Montrose. Soft and supple with powdery tannins, La Dame is juicy and fleshy with attractive strawberry and red-berry fruits, but also enough guts to mature with grace. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 13.2%

A welcome return to our offer from this top Margaux property that, after a number of years of relative obscurity, is excelling again. Cantenac Brown is now under the leadership of the young Romain Courtier, who shares the owners’ vision of sustainability and expressing the terroir of Margaux. The smallest berries here in 25 years, resulting in a deeply coloured, intense wine with creamy oak notes and gorgeously sweet, silky tannins. An impressive return to form. Drink from 2033 to 2045. 13.5%

Owned by Claire Villars-Lurton, this biodynamic-certified property in the heart of the Margaux appellation offers a 2025 with dusty tannins and almost Pauillac-like structure, alongside all the appealing Margaux fragrance and seductive rose and red-berry notes. 80% barrel lends toasty cedar notes, while 20% in concrete egg ensures that the wine retains purity of fruit. Drink from 2033 to 2045. 12.7%

This modest Margaux property always seems to tick all the pleasure and drinkability buttons. Located to the south of the appellation, the wines are typically brimming with red fruits and have soft, velvety tannins and moderate body. The 2025 is fleshy with strawberry and cherry notes and an appealing dark core. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 13.5%

Energetic and perfumed, this really impressed on each occasion when it was tasted. A notably black-fruited core with appealing flesh and a juicy character to the palate. Perfectly ripe, mouth-coating tannins and building tension on the finish. Drink from 2028 to 2035. 14%

Tiny quantities of Ducru-Beaucaillou’s second wine this year, but we were so impressed by its intensely dark-fruited profile (thanks in part to 11% petit verdot) that we’ve managed to gain UK exclusivity on the small amount that is available. From vines closer to the river than those for Petit Ducru-Beaucaillou, there’s amazing weight and presence on the palate with a powerful tannin structure. A fascinating second wine and one of the most individual wines of the vintage. Drink from 2033 to 2045. 13.5%