Author Jeff Leve

2020 was a challenging vintage for many producers in the Haut Medoc. It was difficult to achieve full ripeness due to the hot, bone-dry, hot summer. But if you look closely, there are several, well-priced gems worth tasting and cellaring.

2020 Pessac Leognan red and white wines were successful. The reds, because more are picked early and include large amounts of Merlot, frankly rock! The whites are fresh, creamy, vibrant, and expressive.

The best 2020 Margaux wines will rival 2015 and 2018. They are rich, sensuous, elegant, fresh, floral and texturally silky. The fruits are ripe, lively and complex, exactly what you seek in Margaux wines.

2020 St. Julien wines are richly colored, deep, refined, elegant, classic and age-worthy. Stylish, silky, long and fresh, the appellation is consistent, but all wines were not created equally this year.

2020 Pauillac produced classic, age-worthy, aromatic wines with deep color, ripe, strong tannins and refined character. But not 2020 Pauillac are created alike. There are big differences this year.

2020 Saint Estephe wines are just great! Due to their cooler terroir and deep clay, water-retentive soils, several producers at every level of the price range spectrum produced beautiful wines.