France — wine

Saint-Émilion

Principal Right Bank appellation. Merlot dominant on limestone plateau and clay-limestone slopes. Two Premier Grand Cru Classé A: Château Ausone (limestone plateau — precise, structured, exceptional longevity) and Château Cheval Blanc (the 1947 is widely considered the greatest wine ever made; unique Cabernet Franc dominant for Right Bank). The classification is revised every 10 years — controversially.

Benchmark products

Château Angélus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Château Angélus

wine still

Château Ausone Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Château Ausone

wine still

Château Figeac Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A

Château Figeac

wine still

Château Troplong Mondot Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Château Troplong Mondot

Vintage assessments

Year	Rating	Notes
2023	84	Variable year. Some exceptional plots from old vine parcels. Overall a careful buying year — producer selection critical.
2022	91	Very warm. Merlot opulent and structured. Clay retained moisture better than Médoc. Strong overall performance from grand cru estates.
2021	84	Cool vintage. Merlot-heavy sites handled better than Cabernet. Good freshness, lower alcohol. Classical style rewarded patience.
2020	91	Very good. Cooler conditions vs Médoc. Classic Right Bank plushness with precision. Reliable across all levels.
2019	93	Consistently excellent. Merlot ripeness and structure both present. Saint-Émilion classification drama aside — quality undeniable.
2018	96	Near-perfect Right Bank. Merlot reached extraordinary ripeness. Pétrus and Le Pin legendary. Saint-Émilion grand crus of lasting importance.
2017	87	Frost reduced yields. What survived dense and concentrated. Pomerol fared better than Saint-Émilion. Strong individual performances.
2016	94	Merlot supple and profound. Saint-Émilion limestone and clay soils retaining moisture through heat. Brilliant year. Right Bank rivalled Left Bank.
2015	93	Exceptional Saint-Émilion. Merlot-dominant blends of extraordinary depth. Cheval Blanc, Angélus, and Ausone producing profound wines. Richer than Left Bank.