Château Carlmagnus 2023

Floral notes, red berries, cola; fresh attack, medium body, well-judged tannins, sour cherries on the finish. Uncomplicated, harmonious.

The 2023 Carlmagnus is an attractive, mid-weight Fronsac. Crushed flowers, mint, sage, tobacco, mint, orange peel and bright red-toned fruit are nicely delineated. I find the 2023 just a touch vegetal, something that needs to be addressed here.

Fresh acidities, but it closes down quickly on the palate with concentrated, intense tannic grip and grilled oak. There are autumnal fruits here and a limestone scrape; it needs a little time to reveal the joy.

Score: 87–89. The powdery scent of iris and violet accompanies juicy dark fruit (ripe damson) on a rich, generous nose. The palate is very gourmand, with powerful, tangy fruit like a blackcurrant candy, and a hint of almond-kernel bitterness. The tannins return on the finish to take center stage.