Château Croizet-Bages 2023

Slightly lactic, herbs, ripe blackberry, blond tobacco; approachable, sweet fruit, fine, well-judged tannins, medium length.

High-toned red berry fruit and crushed tobacco aromas introduce some Pauillac power on a palate with red fruit and plum flavours, although I get a sense of somewhat underripe tannin. While I like the wine's modest power and energy, the finish falls somewhat short for a cru classé. Let's see how the barrel ageing affects the wine.

The 2023 Croizet-Bages has a light and earthy bouquet, simple and needing more fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins, savory red fruit, a little chunky and missing finesse on the finish.

Chewy, savory currants, with a minty edge are already expressive on the nose and on the medium-bodied, chewy, leafy, chalky palate. Give this at least a year or two of aging, and it should be even better. Drink from 2027–2043. 90–92 pts.

Dark ruby, purple reflections. Red cherry fruit with leafy undertones, hints of currant, tobacco nuances. Medium body, red cherries, vivid tannins, mineral on the finish, subtle fruit and some length, a good wine for the table.

A pretty, complex Pauillac, the 2023 Château Croizet-Bages offers lots of spicy red and black berry fruits as well as sappy flowers, iris, and spicy wood on the nose. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot and aged 12 months in 50% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and balanced, with a charming, elegant mouthfeel, solid purity, and a good finish. Drink this accessible effort over the coming 15 years or more. Drink 2026-2041.

Attractive slate quality to the tannins, poised raspberry and redcurrant, mint leaf, rosebud, touch of creaminess that started to appear with 15 minutes in the glass, a lovely wine that holds the savoury slim feel of En Primeur. Looking at how Croizet Bages tends to age, I would suggest it will begin to drink well in three or four years. Plenty to enjoy here. 50% new oak for ageing, traditional egg white fining. 14.8% press, Eric Boissenot consultant, Quié family owners.

An aromatic, fruity, floral nose—tense and precise. It shows notes of violet, licorice stick and, more subtly, concentrated blackberry, joined by hints of crushed strawberry, fine toasty nuances, almond, and discreet touches of tobacco and vanilla pod. The palate is fruity, mineral and fresh, offering lovely purity and fruit gourmandise, precise density, control, quiet strength and contained power. It reveals notes of pulpy/juicy raspberry, bright red berries and, more lightly, cornflower, with hints of nutmeg as well as fine flecks of nutmeg, small red fruits/juicy roasted cherry and cornflower. The tannins are plush, precise and indulgent, with a fine chalky feel. Plush and gourmand on the finish/persistence.

Deep colour. Moderately aromatic nose, with fresh, subtle fruit. Hints of black fruit. Smooth on the attack, the wine doesn’t really settle on the mid-palate. It does come back afterwards, but a little late. Medium length. Blend: 70% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot. Alcohol content: 13.5%. Yield: 45 hl/ha.