Château Soutard 2025

Deep, cool and slightly smoky, with violet and blood orange aromas on the nose; a taut, juicy and dense palate that remains elegant, with perfectly integrated oak, very well structured, ripe, sweet tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. An outstanding Soutard, impressing with power, freshness and elegance.

Engaging aromas where ripe plum and dark berry aromas are lifted by a streak of crunchy cranberry freshness. The palate shows a composed, mid-weight profile, never too high-toned, with integrated and unobtrusive tannins at this stage. I like the quiet precision to the structure, suggesting careful extraction and a respect for fruit purity. The élevage, with a measured use of oak, should gradually broaden the mid-palate and lend additional roundness, helping to knit the components together over time. Notably, the wine was served quite cool, which further emphasized its freshness and restraint, yet it still conveyed ample depth and underlying ripeness. Furthermore, the wine achieves a high degree of finesse and balance.

Black raspberries, black cherries, flowers, licorice, and espresso beans form the core of the perfume. The palate is packed with layers of fresh, almost zesty, red with black fruits. Clean, pure, and touched with the essence of minerality, the lively finish is long, soft, and juicy. The wine blends 76% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2030-2050. 94-96 Pts

Chalky bright texture, sweet damson puree and blueberry fruits, finesse and serious structured, will soften further over ageing, needs a kiss of oak right now, which is something I rarely find myself writing.

The freshness, elegance and precision of the bouquet of Soutard 2025 immediately draw attention. It signals a great wine, straightforwardly, with almost no doubt! Iris aromas mingle with notes of raspberries, blackberries and mint. On the palate, the finesse foretold by the bouquet is perfectly carried through—if anything, enhanced! The wine stands out for its depth, its restraint, its desire to reveal itself gradually without raising its voice, simply underscoring its priorities and ambitions. With excellent definition, Soutard 2025 shines through its details and a commendable ability to rise to spheres of excellence without artifice. A truly great wine in the making!

Deep, vivid purple colour. Highly aromatic nose with ripe fruit notes, underlined by a hint of vanilla. A silky, very fruity palate that develops into a flavoursome wine with a melting, even airy body. The finish is slightly lively, giving the wine a somewhat cool edge. Average length. Blend: 76% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 13.5%.