Château Monbrison 2023

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Leafy, floral aromas. Juicy, though a little light in fruit weight. Dry and short on the finish. The fruit seems not to have reached full maturity. (JL)

Black currants, espresso, and spearmint define the character here. The wine is medium-bodied, forward, soft, and fruity, with an easy-going charm. Drink from 2026-2036. 89-91 pts.

Strong ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Delicate aromas of nougat and ripe plums, some fig, with a hint of tobacco spice in the background. Medium-bodied, fruity, elegant and balanced, ripe tannins, a touch of caramel on the finish, an accessible food wine with charm.

Sweet black cherry aromatics, overall soft, slightly smoky with red liquorice and cedar, soft on the finish. 30% new oak for ageing, yields of 40 hl/ha.

Score: 90–92. A dark, luxurious nose of red-fruit coulis and chocolate, with a pastry-like note of warm vanilla cream. The palate is more fluid and shimmering, with more pronounced fruit, bright acidity, delicate tannins, and a lovely sweetness on the refined finish.

The 2023 Monbrison has a delineated and attractive nose with blackberry, briar and pencil-shaving scents that gradually unfold. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit, touches of black olive, a little grainy in texture but here there is commendable substance on the finish. A well-crafted Margaux that should repay three to five years in bottle.