Château Croizet-Bages 2021

On the nose, ripe berries, herbs, floral aromas and cedar. On the palate, sweet fruit, a tannin structure that is not overly firm, medium length, with licorice and black cherry on the finish.

The 2021 Croizet-Bages reveals notes of plums and cassis, followed by a medium-bodied palate that is youthfully firm and compact, lacking the charm it showed en primeur.

Quite a toasted nose, full of liquorice, cedar and tobacco nuances. Structured and full for the vintage, quite a serious take with not as much acidity shining through as some. Here the tannins take the fore as well as the mineral, salty, liquorice edges giving this more of a savoury ending with a feeling of licking wet stones. Maybe in time this will open and soften a little more.

Tobacco, cedar, forest leaves, peppery herbs and bright red currants with a crisp, crunchy edge define this medium-bodied, forward wine. The finish focuses on its core of bright, energetic, fresh red currants. Drink from 2025-2042.

Dark ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. A fresh bouquet of red cherries, a touch of cranberries and some vanilla. Light-bodied, dark cherries on the palate with integrated tannins, cloves and nougat on the finish, ideal with food.

Red and black fruits, cedary herbs, spice, and a kiss of loamy earth all emerge from the 2021 Château Croizet-Bages, a medium-bodied, enjoyable, nicely balanced Pauillac that has ripe tannins and a good finish. Based on two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot (there's a splash of Petit Verdot), this solid Pauillac will keep for 10-15 years.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 36 hl/ha, 13% alc. vol.) Silky, sweet bouquet, plum, licorice, nougat. Medium-bodied, firm palate with moderate fruit, fine sandy tannins, light sweet aromatics, slightly angular structure, bitter finish. Has room to improve.

(66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 36 hl/ha, 13% vol. alcohol) Velvety, sweet bouquet, plum, licorice, nougat. Medium-bodied, firm palate with medium fruit, fine sandy tannins, light sweet aromatics, slightly angular structure, bitter finish. Can still improve. 16/20 2028 - 2038

Cloves, black pepper, cassis, tobacco, a firm tannic grip; consistent with the En Primeur tasting, offering angular tannins with plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon character. 36 hl/ha yield, 50% new oak for ageing.

The nose is distinguished, well-guided and offers refined power/elegance, a touch of density, and concentration. It reveals notes of vibrant wild blackcurrant, cherry and, more subtly, fleshy strawberry, combined with hints of violet, lily, star anise, and fine touches of tonka bean. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, freshness, minerality, balanced density, precision, a hint of straightness, finesse in its linearity, a lovely guideline, and a velvety touch. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, fleshy/juicy morello cherry and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of racy minerality, fresh raspberry, as well as touches of fresh blond tobacco, a subtle floral/fresh-flowers note, a discreet sappy hint, and licorice. Good length. The tannins are refined. The tannins are finely supple and powdery.

Dark, deep color. Intense nose with pure, ripe fruit. Precise on the attack, juicy mid-palate, slightly lively, the wine unfolds with savory notes over a medium length.