Château Ripeau 2020

Robust and spicy, with somewhat flaky, herbaceous tannins.

Juicy, vibrant, excellent acidity and energy, with massive concentration and layers of deep, brooding blackcurrant that just stop short of being too liqueur-like. Salty touches come in, as well as some soft spicing. Tannins are brilliant and they are sleek, so this also has quite a lot of focus. A soft touch of sweetness is also very pleasant. Has potential.

Perfumed nose of dried flowers, bitter chocolate, blackberries, walnuts and sandalwood. Fine and pretty, with silky tannins and a medium body. Velvety, spicy finish. Caressing and very balanced. Drink from 2025.

The 2020 Ripeau has a slight reduction on the nose, but there is real complexity and terroir expression underneath, with sous-bois and light Earl Grey scents. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and slightly savory, almost Pomerol-like on the finish. Bravo!

Flowers and licorice pop with espresso and ripe cherries in the perfume. Fresh, supple and rich, with ample layers of ripe, red and black fruits that provide a lusciously textured, polished and plush finish with length and hedonistic pleasures. Under the new owners, the wines here keep improving vintage after vintage. Drink from 2023-2040.

Dark garnet, purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Black forest berry confit, blackberries, but also a hint of strawberries, candied orange zest, fine oak savouriness. Complex, juicy and elegant, sweet blueberries, some nougat, velvety, ripe tannins, balanced and long lasting. A versatile food companion with good length. Certain ageing potential. Clearly stronger than the barrel sample.

Cassis, black raspberries, tobacco, spicy wood, and beautiful floral notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Ripeau, a seamless, medium to full-bodied beauty with perfectly integrated oak, an elegant, layered mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the finest vintages I've tasted from this estate and does everything right. It's already accessible given its purity and balance, yet I see no reason this shouldn't evolve nicely for a solid two decades.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Ripeau charges out with vibrant blueberries, black cherries, and raspberry preserves scents, followed by hints of cedar chest and iron ore with an earthy charcoal waft. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with red and black berry preserves layers, lifted by spicy cedar and toast notes, finishing long and hedonic.

90-91

A rather shy nose, wavering between small black berries and gently spiced notes. The palate is perfectly balanced, combining fruit intensity with elegant tannins. The texture is vibrant and elongated, with a very lovely finish that marries energy and delicacy.

Ripeau’s 2020 reveals itself with finesse. It shows freshness and notes of red berries followed by candied nuances. The freshness promised by the bouquet is confirmed right from the attack. The wine is elegant, harmonious, and already quite approachable. Ripeau still needs to gain in depth and substance. The path is set and the outlook is promising.

The nose offers concentration, power, a certain intensity and a slightly tight grain. It reveals notes of blackcurrant and wild berries/small berries, combined with touches of violet, licorice, pepper, as well as hints of iris/lily, spices, subtle notes of coffee and a delicate hint of roast. The palate is fruity and offers fresh/tangy fruit, a fine crunch, tension, power, as well as a certain concentration, fine juiciness and a touch of straightness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/crisp blackcurrant, tangy/juicy plum and, more slightly, small berries, combined with touches of fresh/tangy redcurrant, as well as hints of violet, toast, chocolate/mocha, iris/violet, subtle notes of toasted almond, and a hint of coffee and vanilla. Good length. The tannins are well handled and finely firm.

Dark color of moderate intensity. Moderately aromatic nose with pure, ripe fruit. A new floral touch on this cru. The palate is soft, fruity, tasty and pleasant, with fragrance lingering on the finish where it ends without any tannic edge. Medium body and length. Blend: 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 14%. Yield: 31 hl/ha.