Clos Puy Arnaud 2023

Deep violet colour. Fresh mint nose. Is there a hint of just barely underripe fruit? Early picking here, from September 5–18. Even so, I think that adds complexity to the mostly ripe, brambly red fruit and even some dark plum jam. It is a pleasing red that will pair with a wide variety of foods, from Thai to barbecue. Fine balance between the alcohol and the rather low pH of 3.53. Aged in about 10% new oak.

The 2023 Clos Puy Arnaud has a ripe nose with red plum and raspberry jam scents, with touches of brown spice and sage. The palate is ripe on the entry, although the acidity keeps it in check and avoids cloyingness. Liquorice-tinged red fruit, laced with blood orange towards the finish, makes this a fine Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.

Black raspberries and forest-floor notes create the attention-grabbing perfume. Supple and fruity on the palate, with long notes of sweet, ripe cherries to finish everything off nicely. The wine blends 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2027-2035.

This bouquet has the merit of immediately highlighting the authenticity and identity of Clos Puy Arnaud. Incomparable in its weave, it follows a path all its own—part of its DNA—both on the nose and on the palate. The bouquet reveals notes of sour cherry, followed by smoky and floral nuances. On the palate, the wine stands out for its lively character and mouthwatering structure. In the context of 2023, it’s a comforting message! A polarising wine that will delight its devotees—and that is what matters most.

Once again this year, a poem: deep, noble, clear and pure on the nose, plenty of fruit, plenty of florality; juicy on the palate, delicate fruit, the finest tannins, everything is in its place, great tension, very good length. A success once more.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Fresh blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum, candied orange zest. Juicy, fine berry fruit, shows energy and freshness, delicate tannins, lively structure, a multi-faceted food companion.

Dark purple colour and hue. Intense and floral with great purity of fruit – violet, blackberry, cassis, chalk, black truffle and liquorice. The palate shows great concentration and density, paired with vibrant freshness, good layers, discreet oak, mild spice, and a long, lingering finish. Elegant and powerful with great potential.

A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged nine months in a mix of barrels (10% new), amphora, and concrete, the 2023 Clos Puy Arnaud sports a deep plum hue as well as ripe black fruit, roasted herbs, chocolate, and graphite, with some obvious minerality. It's medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a big, fleshy, layered mouthfeel and a great finish. I don't see this making terribly old bones, but it has plenty of depth and density. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2026-2033.

Deep, intense colour with purplish highlights. Very aromatic nose with pure, ripe fruit. Fresher, creamier touches when the glass is swirled. Precise on the attack and flavoursome through the mid-palate, the wine develops with a fleshy texture towards a tasty finish, with slightly chalky tannins but no hard edges. Very good!