Château d'Agassac 2023

Crafted from grapes picked between September 13 and October 5, this wine showcases iodine freshness with cool cassis, aptly reflecting what one expects from the Médoc. The added plus is an almost creamy palate, even if the nose lacks the intensity for a higher score. Barrel ageing will broaden the already fine palate marked by subtle depth and a medium finish.

Soft, fresh, fruity, and round, with sweet currants, cherries, licorice, espresso, and floral notes on the nose and palate. The wine is crisp, juicy, soft, and vibrant on the palate and in the finish. Drink from 2026–2038. 90–92 pts.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate cherry fruit, some nougat, fine plum, inviting bouquet. Medium body, fine fruit sweetness, round tannins, fresh and balanced, versatile.

A touch of reduction on opening, followed by plenty of bright, luscious damson and black cherry fruit, firm tannins, lots of cocoa and liquorice—good stuff. Score up by one point. The estate still plans to open a hotel over the next few years, although the schedule has been slightly delayed. Lucas Lecerc, director; 50% new oak for ageing.

Score: 90–92. Very classic nose of red and black fruits, aromas of full-bloom peony and warm hay. The palate offers superb freshness, with a rather vibrant substance. The tannins are velvety and the finish is full of energy.

The bouquet of Agassac 2023 shows precision, definition and depth. Complex, it unveils subtle fruity and spicy nuances. The elegant attack heralds a wine of fine density with velvety, fleshy tannins, while the acidity brings a refreshing, structuring edge. A savory, harmonious and persistent wine.

The nose is delicate, closed at first. It then offers notes of black plum, blackberry, morello cherry, crushed blackcurrant, a floral side (cornflower, peony, rose), a fine and elegant spicy touch (licorice, nutmeg in the background), as well as a hint of chocolate plum. The palate is enveloping and silky, with very fine, velvety tannins. It shows the same flavors found on the nose (black plum, morello cherry, blackcurrant), but with a more pronounced chocolate morello cherry note. The finish is gourmand and expressive. A fairly delicate and elegant wine.

Sour cherry and redcurrant, with herbal-spicy notes and a hint of cool fireplace; on the palate, straight and focused, fresh and juicy, with fine, powdery tannins and a pleasantly long, slightly austere, red-fruited finish. A wine with freshness and great drinkability.

The 2023 d'Agassac is gorgeous. Sweet floral notes, cedar, pipe tobacco, menthol, dried herbs and mocha are beautifully amplified in this mid-weight, aromatic Haut-Médoc. The 2023 is lifted, finessed and compelling. Commendable. Tasted two times.

Bright dark garnet with a youthful purple hue. Pure nose blending red and dark fruit, fresh herbs, cassis, tobacco and mild oak and butterscotch. The palate shows medium-weight, a youthful but ripe texture, rather mild tannins, a fresh backbone, integrated oak and savoury young fruit leading to a long finish, shaped in a classic and fresh style.

92-94. Barrel Sample. This is a very fine wine from the southern Haut-Médoc region, close to Bordeaux. It is smoky, ripe with dark-chocolate aromas and intense black-currant fruits.