Château Citran 2023

The aromas suggest brambly red fruit, indeed echoed on the palate, but with some perturbing tartness. Thankfully, the wine has mid-palate sap. Ageing in barrel should help, but the end result is a solid enough wine that at least is not a costly consumer endeavour.

Dark ruby colour, purple reflections. Ripe plums, candied orange zest, a hint of dried fruit, fine savory herbal notes. Lean, red-berried profile, a delicate texture with subtle tannins, a touch of redcurrant on the finish, offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure.

Vivid ruby red in color, this has settled a little with ageing: tannins and oak are far better integrated with the fruit, although it still struggles to maintain full momentum. +1 point.

Score: 86–88. An old-school nose, slightly evolved, with small berries and fern. The palate is juicy and pleasant, with a rather pretty, fluid texture despite marked acidity.

The nose is spicy, with brightness and concentration. It reveals notes of black cherry, violet and, more subtly, cubeb pepper, along with hints of spices, graphite, small roasted-juicy red berries and clove. The palate is fresh and fruity, offering minerality, juiciness, a certain sparkle and brightness, and energy. It shows notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, tangy redcurrant and, more lightly, fresh/juicy cherry, with touches of cornflower, fresh blond tobacco, sage, smoke, licorice and toasted nuances. Good length, with sapid and flavorful tannins. Juiciness and indulgence, a sapid finish.

Medium-bodied, fresh and bright, with red berries and floral accents that come through easily on the medium-bodied, vibrant, crisp, chalky palate. Drink from 2027-2042. 88-90 pts.

Open, ripe and fruity, marked by oak, plums, geraniums, a hint of cola; medium-bodied palate, harsh tannins, a bit rustic, with a medium-length finish.

The wine's black coffee aroma and ripe tannins are balanced by layers of blackberry fruits and acidity. It is a ripe wine, blended by the wine team from Château Citran, still showing structure and a firm edge that will soften into the fruit. Drink from 2027.