Top 200 wines of 2024, part two, 93 point wines, second tranche,  149-123

This second batch of 93 point wines are by definition preferred to the first batch by virtue of their higher rankings.

Some of them are knocking on the 94 point door, like for example, Leoville Barton 1988, #130, a wine I have awarded 94 points to before. This one was also a fine example, well into its tertiary phase now, but quintessentially defines the essence of left bank claret. 

As in the first batch of wines some of these performed about as well as I expected while quite a few of  them exceeded my expectations. 

The two standouts in the latter category are #144, Kershaw Elgin 2018, a beautiful SA Pinot when I find the chardonnays from this address a bit too oaky; and Ch. Poujeaux 1997, #126 a wine which continues to defy physics by continuing to improve - an astonishing cru bourgeois from what is regarded as a weak vintage - and quite possibly wine of the vintage. 

Delightful new discoveries included #148, #136 and #125, while there are some very rare and grand wines here which provided enormous pleasure too including #143, #142 and #134