Updates Index

For as long as I have published Loire and Bordeaux profiles on Winedoctor, I have returned to update, expand and improve them, alongside the ongoing publication of new profiles and tasting reports. In recent times I have publicised this programme of updates on my home page, but it can be challenging to find a balance between this and the publishing of new material.

My solution is to focus on the new material on my home page, new profiles, Loire and Bordeaux vintage reports, vertical tastings, tasting updates and indeed any other tastings I think worthy of writing up, alongside my wine guides and the occasional dining report. I will continue refreshing and adding updated information to my many profiles in the background though, and I will record those changes here rather than on the homepage.

These are the most recent updates this year.

• Château Ausone (29/3/25) An update to reflect the increasing roles taken on by the younger generation of the Vauthier family, particularly Édouard and Constance, as well as adding a couple of new images.
• Château Troplong-Mondot (29/3/25) A revitalised profile for a revitalised estate; an update to describe developments since 2017 when Aymeric de Gironde took charge. An expanded vineyard with 10 new hectares added, expanded and re-equipped cellars, a new role for the second wine, and a shift in style and quality (both in the right direction).

Below are all my prior updates.

• Château Haut-Bages-Libéral (22/3/25) Following my visit last year I overhaul this profile, with more up-to-date information on the work in the vineyard and cellar, including Claire Villars’ adoption of organic and biodynamic methods (certified), and her move into regenerative viticulture. Includes plenty of new images.
• Château d’Yquem (22/3/25) I update my profile with new details on the current Yquem team, as well as some new images (and some ‘refreshed’ old ones!).
• Château La Louvière (8/3/25) An update with new detail on the vineyards, team, winemaking and consultants, as well as new images.
• Clos Rougeard (8/3/25) An extensive update detail the developments since the Bouygues family acquired this estate, including the period under the management of Jacques Toublanc, and the more recently appointed Cyril Chirouze, with new details on the refurbished cellar and the winemaking, as well as new images.
• Château La Roche en Loire (1/3/25) A property which sold in 2022, I add to my previous update reporting on this with details of the new owners, and their refashioned range of wines..
• Château Couhins (1/3/25) An update with a few new details and images.
• Domaine de Montcy (22/2/25) A thorough overhaul following significant developments here, including the domaine’s sale in 2022, with detail on the new owners, the relocation to newly constructed cellars, a new winemaker and a refashioned portfolio of wines.
• Château Couhins-Lurton (22/2/25) A minor update with a few new details and images.
• Château Beauséjour (25/1/25) Updated with more details on the new cellars, with new images including the new moulded vats.
• Domaine de Bellivière (18/1/25) An extensive update, with new details added now that Clément and Laure-Anne are in charge, with a deeper exploration of the vines and wines, and new images.
• Domaine du Closel (18/1/25) A sad update to note the passing of Evelyne de Jessey-Pontbriand.
• Domaine de la Bergerie (11/1/25) An update to my profile of this domaine, now in the hands of the next generation, Yves having fully ceded control to daughters Anne and Marie. Includes details of their refashioned range of cuvées, with some labels discontinued, and new arrivals including Zerzilles and Vauchaumier.
• Domaine Ogereau (11/1/25) A few new details added to my profile of this leading Anjou domaine.

• Château Lafon-Rochet (23/11/24) An update to describe the Lorenzetti reshuffle, with the recently appointed Christophe Congé moving to Pédesclaux, to be replaced by Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen.
• Château Lilian Ladouys (23/11/24) Updated with fresh details on the team here.
• Château Pédesclaux (23/11/24) Details of the Lorenzetti reshuffle added, with Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen moving to Lafon-Rochet, as Christophe Congé comes to Pédesclaux. Also includes new details on the organic and biodynamic trials, the estate’s current organic status, and new images, including labels old and new.
• Vignobles Berthier (16/11/24) More precise details on the range of wines added, including Gamay de Pépé and Le Champ Jacquot, as well as details of the domaine’s organic status and some new images.
• Château Branaire-Ducru (16/11/24) Update with details of the new cellars, completed in time for the 2022 harvest, and inaugurated in early 2024.
• Château Kirwan (16/11/24) An update to incorporate new details on the team and the current approach to winemaking, as well as the new vineyard of white varieties and new white cuvée.
• Eric Morgat (3/11/24) An extensive overhaul of this profile, with more detail on Eric’s vineyards, including the Clos Serteaux, his latest (and permanent) cellars at Clos Ferrand, and detail on the winemaking and range of cuvées. Plenty of new images also added.
• Château Haut-Brion (3/11/24) An update to add detail on the team currently running the property, as well as a more precise description of the vineyards and blends, for both the red and white wines. Some new images added.
• Château La Mission Haut-Brion (3/11/24) Updated exactly as for Haut-Brion; new detail on the people, vineyards and blends, plus some new images.
• Château Lafleur (26/10/24) My profile brought up to date with details of the new cellars, the ‘second’ wine Les Pensées, and some new images.
• Château d’Agassac (26/10/24) More detail added on vineyards and wines, as well as the owner Gérard Jicquel, and the current team.
• Domaine de Bablut (20/9/24) An extensive update with greater detail on vineyards and wines, more history too, and new images.
• Château Trotte Vieille (20/9/24) Another extensive update with more precise information on the vineyard, and several new images of the new cellars.
• The Cellar (20/9/24) A quick note to recognise the sad closure of this restaurant in Anstruther.
• Château Mouton-Rothschild (20/9/24) Images for the 2020 and 2021 labels added to the label viewer.
• Domaine du Haut Bourg (14/9/24) Updated to included details of the Choblet brothers’ work towards organic certification on part of their vineyard, which necessitated the creation of a new label, the wines now sold under the names of Domaine du Haut Bourg and Domaine H & N Choblet. And new images added.
• Château de Tracy (14/9/24) Another domaine which has sought organic certification, details now included, and I also add the new cuvée, La Dame de Tracy, to the portfolio of wines. New images added.
• Château Chasse-Spleen (14/9/24) I bring this profile up to date with details of the running of the domaine in recent times, and details on vineyards and wines today.
• Domaine Grosbois (7/9/24) Updated with new details on the expanded portfolio of cuvées parcellaires, now including Montet, Clôture, Glacière and more, as well as the domaine’s biodynamic status, polycultural activities, and restaurant.
• Château Faugères (7/9/24) New images added, with a few new details and fresh opinion on the most recent vintages.
• Couvent des Jacobins (7/9/24) New images added, along with more precise details on the vineyard, and fresh opinion on older and the most recent vintages.
• Calicem (7/9/24) I add new images alongside a few new details.
• Domaine des Baumard (31/8/24) My profile expanded and updated, with new tasting notes pages, and up-to-date detail on how Florent has responded to the prohibition of his vignes hautes et larges and the use of freezing technologies in making his Quarts de Chaume.
• Château Péby Faugères (31/8/24) Updated with detail on the new cellars, with new images.
• Château La Vieille Cure (31/8/24) An update to reflect changes here over the past few years, including a huge expansion of the vineyard under the new owner.
• Château Bellefont-Belcier (24/8/24) My profile of this Vignoble K estate updated with new detail, including the appointment of Emmanuelle d’Aligny Fulchi as technical director.
• Château Tour Saint Christophe, Château Haut-Brisson, Enclos Tourmaline, Château La Patache (24/8/24) Four more profiles of Vignobles K properties updated with similar detail.
• Château Gaudrelle (24/8/24) My profile expanded to provide more information on the portfolio of vineyards, as well as new detail on the range of wines now made here since the estate’s acquisition by Éric Pasquier.
• Thibaud Boudignon (17/8/24) An extensive update with more details on the vineyards and wines following a visit last year, an abundance of new images particularly of Thibaud’s remarkable vineyards, and plenty of Boudignon soundbites.
• Château Climens (17/8/24) A broad update with complete details on the modern-day portfolio of wines, including all the dry cuvées, which are now four in number. Also includes new images.
• Château Malartic-Lagravière (17/8/24) An update to note the change in name of the second wine, thoughts on more recent vintages, and a new image or two.
• Château Franc Mayne (10/8/24) Updated to provide new details on the current owners, the team running the property today, and the estate’s organic status.
• Château Petit Village (10/8/24) An update to provide new detail on the team here, the work in the vines, the renamed second wine, and new images.
• Château de la Rivière (10/8/24) I bring this profile thoroughly up to date with details of the team and the current range of wines, with new and refreshed images throughout.
• Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste (4/8/24) New images added, with a few minor details updated.
• Château Larcis Ducasse (4/8/24) An update to reflect the stepping-back of Nicolas Thienpont in the management of this estate, this now falling to David Suire, as well as updated detail on ownership and new images.
• Château Lassègue (4/8/24) An update with new details on the blend here, changed significantly in the 2023 vintage, as well as more detail on Pierre Seillan’s (unusual!) cellar methods, and new images.
• Henri Bourgeois (4/8/24) An update with details of their certified organic status, including a complete overhaul of the range of wines, and images of the beautiful new labels.
• Pierre Ménard (21/7/24) An update with new details on more recent vine purchases, the vineyard today, and a complete run-down of all Pierre’s wines including recent additions Quarts de Gastines, Les Mailles Jeanne and others.
• Domaine Cady (27/1/24) A new update with more details on the new cellars at Rochefort-sur-Loire, including new images of the cellars under construction and in use during the 2023 harvest.
• Château Pontet-Canet (21/7/24) Updated with a few new details about the estate today, such as the new lightweight bottle, fresh opinion on the wines, and new images of the team.
• Château du Domaine de L’Église (21/7/24) I add some detail on the team behind the wine, and add a new image of the magnificent Frédéric Castéja and his bottles.
• Château de Camensac (14/7/24) An update to provide clarification on ownership and name changes across the years, plus new details on the property under the current owners, including changes in the vineyard and cellars.
• Château Le Gay (14/7/24) An update primarily to add detail on the new La Dame de Pomerol cuvée, with images.
• Château Rol Valentin (14/7/24) I add up-to-date details on the vineyards and new cellars at St-Etienne-de-Lisse, including images of both.
• Michel Redde (14/7/24) I update my profile with a full description of the portfolio of wines, including Les Toupées and Barre à Mine, as well as the domaine’s organic certification.
• Château Brown (7/7/24) Profile brought up to date with details on the vineyards and estate today, with some refreshed images too.
• Château Margaux 7/7/24) Details of the new second wine in white added, as well as a shift in control from Corinne Mentzelopoulos to her two children.
• Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey (7/7/24) Update with accurate details on ownership, the property having been passed from Silvio Denz to Lalique.
• Château Pierre-Bise (7/7/24) A further update to clarify how the portfolio of wines has changed under René Papin, who has culled some sweet wines from the range.
• Château d’Arsac (30/6/24) Updated to update the sad passing of Philippe Raoux early in 2023, control of the estate passing to his son Pierre.
• Château de Fargues (30/6/24) Updated with new details on the vines and vinifications, as well as new images, and to note the passing of Alexandre de Lur-Saluces early in 2023.
• Château Langoa-Barton (30/6/24) An update with new details on the team at Langoa-Barton, the wines, and some new and refreshed images.
• Château Léoville-Barton (30/6/24) Updated with details of the new cellars, fully functional for the 2022 vintage, new details on the vinifications, and plenty of new images.
• Château Cantelys (19/5/24) An update to reflect a recent change in ownership, passing from the Cathiards to Grands Chais de France, as well as changed in the vineyards and cellars, and new images added.
• Château Beauséjour (19/5/24) Another update here, adding the latest details on changes instituted by Joséphine Duffau-Lagarosse, the new label and abbreviated name, and new images.
• My reviews of The Honours and Aurora updated (19/5/24) Both sadly closed.
• Domaine Luneau-Papin (19/5/24) An extensive update, with a touch more history and a complete and restructured discussion of all the cuvées, starting with those from the Goulaine cru communal.
• Château Giscours (12/5/24) Updated with new detail on ownership, the work in the vineyard, and new images.
• Château Fleur Cardinale (12/5/24) Updated with new detail on the portfolio of wines, including white wines, and a new technical director.
• Château Cheval Blanc (12/5/24) An update to take account of the expanded vineyard following the acquisition of the second half of the La Tour du Pin Figeac vineyard, and some new images.
• Château Lafon-Rochet (12/5/24) Updated with more details of plans for this property after a change of hands in 2021, and new images.
• Château Guiraud (5/5/24) Updated with details of Luc Planty’s departure after Xavier Planty sold his share in the property.
• Château de Malle (5/5/24) A change of ownership added to this profile, this historic estate now in the hands of Luc Planty and family.
• Château Bellevue (5/5/24) An update to take account of the division of this estate, with just 3 hectares remaining, now completely under the control of the de Lavaux family.
• Château Angélus (5/5/24) Some small updates here, to reflect the absorption of vines from Château Bellevue, and a consolidation of ownership by Hubert and Stéphanie, but also to cover the expanded range of wines right down to Clos du Milieu and Tempo d’Angélus.
• Château Bauduc (7/4/24) A general refresh for this profile, which I wrote more than a decade ago.
• Château Fonplégade (7/4/24) Updated after the passing of Stephen Adams, but also includes new details on the team, consultant and work in the vineyards.
• Château Suau (7/4/24) An update to report on recent vintages and to reflect the relationship with the Bernard family.
• Domaine de L’A (17/3/24) A general update to this profile, home to Stéphane & Christine Derenoncourt.
• Château Marojallia (17/3/24) An update to reflect the sale and winding up of this Margaux domaine.
• Château Marquis de Terme (17/3/24) An update with more details on the vineyards and wines.

• Domaine Léandre-Chevalier (24/12/23) Updated with details of new owner.
• Domaine Ogereau (17/12/23) An expanded and updated profile, with new detail on the current portfolio of cuvées, and more tasting notes pages.
• Mono (17/12/23) An Italian diner – now closed.
• Château Montrose (10/12/23) Updated with new detail and images.
• Château Sérilhan (10/12/23) An update to note the end of the Marcelis era at Sérilhan.
• Château Caronne-Ste-Gemme (3/12/23) My profile updated to reflect the sale of this property in 2022.
• Château Labat (3/12/23) My profile updated to reflect the sale of this property in 2022.
• Château Charmail (26/11/23) Updated to reflect recent expansions and a change in ownership.
• Château La Fleur de Boüard (26/11/23) Updated with details of the sale of a majority stake in this property.
• Château Tronquoy (19/11/23) Updated with new detail, but also to reflect the change in name – previously Château Tronquoy-Lalande.
• Château de la Roche en Loire (19/11/23) A biodynamic estate on the Indre, my profile updated as it has changed hands.
• Château L’Église-Clinet (5/11/23) Updated with new details and images.
• Jonathan Pabiot (29/10/23) Details of portfolio updated, with names new and old for all the cuvées.
• Les Maisons Rouges (29/10/23) A brief update with new detail.
• Château de Bonnezeaux (24/9/23) New detail on team and vineyards added.
• Château Pierre-Bise (17/9/23) An expanded and updated profile, now over eight pages.
• Château Climens (10/9/23) Updated with new notes and new images, including Jean-Philippe Moitry.
• Château Le Boscq (10/9/23) Details of Vignobles Dourthe purchasing this property (which was in 2021 – how time flies!) added.
• Château Lascombes (3/9/23) A further update after the appointment of Axel Heinz.
• Clos Dubreuil (3/9/23) Updated with new details following Benoît Trocard’s departure.
• Château Lafleur-Gazin (27/8/23) Includes new details after sale of vines in 2023.
• Château Vieux Maillet (27/8/23) A change of hands, and an expanded vineyard.
• Château Le Pape (20/8/23) A now defunct estate; detail added.
• Château Haut-Bailly (20/8/23) Updated with new detail on history, the cellars and the blends.
• Rosé d’Anjou (6/8/23) Updated with some historical details on early 20th-century rosé appellations (yes, really!)
• Cabernet d’Anjou (6/8/23) See above!
• Château Lynch-Bages (30/7/23) A sad update following the passing of Jean-Michel Cazes, but also detail added on the new cellars, and new images too.
• Château Nenin (23/7/23) Updated with new detail and opinion.
• Château Sérilhan (23/7/23) Updated with new detail.
• Chenin Blanc (16/7/23) My guide updated to include the latest knowledge of the parentage of this variety (both parents are now known)
• Château Duhart-Milon (16/7/23) New detail added, including the creation of the estate’s dry white wine, Le Blanc de Duhart-Milon.
• Domaine de la Taille aux Loups (9/7/23) A sad update to note the passing of Jacky Blot.
• Château Pichon-Baron (9/7/23) Updated with detail on recent upgrades at the estate, and the arrival of Pierre Montégut.
• Château Daugay (2/7/23) Updated with some minor historical details.
• Domaine de l’Ecu (2/7/23) A sad update to note the passing of Guy Bossard, plus some fresh detail on Frédéric Niger’s wines.
• Château Figeac (25/6/23) Updated with details of recent work on the estate particularly the new cellars, the addition of new images, and of course details of its promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classe level ‘A’.
• Clos du Marquis (11/6/23) Updated with news on the second wine, and other details.
• Château Peyrabon (9/4/23) Updated to reflect this property’s acquisition by the Castéja family.
• Alain & Loïc Cailbourdin (9/4/23) Updated with details of the new and renamed cuvées.
• Clos La Madeleine (2/4/23) An updated profile of this domaine, now disappeared, having been subsumed into Château Belair-Monange.
• Château Belair-Monange (2/4/23) An update following the absorption of the vines of Clos La Madeleine.
• Château Cos Labory (26/3/23) Updated to include its purchase by Michel Reybier, of Château Cos d’Estournel.
• Clos Fourtet (26/3/23) A huge update with new detail and images.
• Château Beauséjour (19/3/23) Updated with some background details on Joséphine Duffau-Lagarosse.
• Domaine des Aubuisières (19/3/23) Updated with details of Charles Lesaffre, and his plans for the domaine.
• Château Dassault (12/3/23) An expanded vineyard, with the vines of Château Faurie de Souchard.
• Château Faurie de Souchard (12/3/23) Disappeared in the 2022 St Emilion classification; presumed now part of Château Dassault.
• Domaine Cady (8/1/23) Updated with details of the 2021 fire and the subsequent construction of new cellars.
• Château Lascombes (8/1/23) Sold in 2022, this updated profile includes details of the new owners.

• Château Pavie (13/11/22) Updated with new opinion on recent vintages, and detailed of the expanded vineyard after the absorption of the vines of Château Pavie-Decesse.
• Château Fourcas Dupré (13/11/22) Updated to reflect a change in ownership in 2019, as well as new detail on vineyards, winemaking and recent vintages.
• Château Cheval Blanc (9/10/22) An update to reflect the property’s new position outside the St Emilion classification.
• Domaine Richou (9/10/22) The domaine has been sold, and rechristened Terra Vita Vinum. My profile updated to reflect these developments.
• Château Ausone (2/10/22) Updated to reflect the Vauthier family rescinding this property’s premier grand cru classé status.
• Clos Roche Blanche (2/10/22) A sad update to note the passing of Catherine Roussel in September 2022.
• Le Clos Galerne (2/10/22) A broad update to add new details on the vineyards, and new images, following my visit there this year.
• Château La Gaffelière (25/9/22) Updated with details of the withdrawal from the 2022 St Emilion classification, also added details on the new white cuvée.
• Château Angélus (25/9/22) Updated to reflect the property’s change in status following its withdrawal from the 2022 St Emilion classification, added details on new cuvées (Hommage à Elisabeth Bouchet, and the new white cuvée), and added new images.
• Château les Grandes Murailles (18/9/22) An update on this estate, disappeared from the St Emilion classification, and absorbed into the vineyard of Clos Fourtet.
• Château Pavie-Decesse (18/9/22) An update on this estate, disappeared from the St Emilion classification, and absorbed in to the vineyard of Château Pavie.
• Château La Clotte (11/9/22) Updated to reflect this property’s departure from the St Emilion classification, plus new commentary on recent vintages.
• Château Quinault L’Enclos (11/9/22) Updated to reflect this property’s departure from the St Emilion classification, plus new commentary on recent vintages.
• Sidebar Updates (11/9/22) I have amended all my St Emilion sidebars to reflect the new rankings of the châteaux following the publication of the 2022 St Emilion classification, and I have commenced a programme of St Emilion updates where necessary.
• Château Couhins-Lurton (7/9/22) New details of the domaine’s recent history added, with details of Jacques Lurton’s role as head of Vignobles André Lurton, and the creation of a new ‘parallel’ grand vin, Acte II.
• Château Climens (21/8/22) Another update, to include details of recent difficult vintages, and to note the sale of this property to the Moitry family. Bérénice Lurton stays on as a consultant.
• Les Roches Sèches (21/8/22) Despite a promising start, this domaine folded in 2017. I update my profile to reflect these developments.
• Château Guiraud (14/8/22) Added details of the sale of the controlling share of the property to Matthieu Gufflet, and the introduction of the new dry grand vin. Also noted the arrival of Sandrine Garbay from Château d’Yquem. Updated some historical details.
• Château d’Yquem (14/8/22) Updated some historical details, as well as noting changes in the team, including the departures of Sandrine Garbay and Francis Mayeur (winemaker and technical director respectively) in 2022.
• Château Belle-Vue (10/8/22) New details added after the termination of Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen’s involvement with the domaine in 2019, and the sale to Treasury Wine Estates in 2021.
• Domaine Léandre-Chevalier (7/8/22) A sad update, as it turns out Dominique Léandre-Chevalier quietly declared bankruptcy in 2018.
• Château Romer du Hayot (6/8/22) An expanded and refreshed profile.
• Château Doisy-Dubroca (30/7/22) Expanded to three pages, with new details on its history, its acquisition by the Dubourdieu family, its replanting and the first vintages from this reborn estate.
• Vincent Carême (27/7/22) Updated with new detail on the vineyards and portfolio of wines, including the new cuvée, Clos de la Roche Vouvray.
• Château Pichon-Lalande (24/7/22) New details added on Nicolas Glumineau’s replanting program and his conversion of the vineyard to biodynamics, as well as his secret white project, as he plants Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay (with Chenin Blanc to follow?).
• Château Nairac (23/7/22) Updated historical details, and noted recent difficult (frosted vintages), as well as the signing over of the management of the vineyard to Grands Chais de France.
• Château Villemaurine (20/7/22) An update to note the sale of the property by the Onclin family to the Lefévère family in 2021.
• Château de Myrat (16/7/22) Updated some historical details, added thoughts on recent vintages.
• Château de Malle (9/7/22) Updated some historical details, added new images, added opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Lamothe-Guignard (2/7/22) Updated some historical details, added opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Lamothe (25/6/22) Updated some historical details, added opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Suduiraut (12/6/22) Added details of the new portfolio of dry wines, including the Grand Vin Blanc Sec and Pur Sémillon, as well as adding some historical details and opinions on recent vintages.
• Château Filhot (18/6/22) Updated some historical details, added new images, added opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Doisy-Védrines (11/6/22) Updated some historical details, added opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Margaux (8/6/22) A long-overdue overhaul of this profile, expanded from one page to twelve, with more historical detail, information on the construction and use of the new cellars, details and images of the white vineyard, new images throughout and fresh opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Doisy-Daëne (9/4/22) Updated with opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Broustet (26/3/22) Updated with opinion on recent vintages.
• Château Caillou (19/3/22) Updated with opinion on recent vintages.
• Château La Tour Blanche (29/1/22) Updated with opinion on recent vintages.