Château La Cabanne 2022

Raspberries, blackberries, black cherry and whipped cream on the nose; opulent on the palate, with ripe fruit, fine-grained tannins and a wonderful balance of fruit and structure, with only the alcohol showing at warmer temperatures; do not serve too warm.

Lively red fruits open the expression with a certain light, juicy aspect before the tannins settle in and expand the mouthfeel. Lots of sticky black liquorice, dark chocolate and slate combine to give the finish quite a dark and savoury aspect. The beginning and end aren't totally harmonious right now creating a push-pull of texture and flavour but this is a more delicate take on 2022 from Pomerol with good persistence.

Brambleberries and walnuts with hints of cedar on the nose follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with a dense core and a savory finish. Juicy and delicious. Caressing texture. Traditional personality in an excellent way. 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Drink in 2029 and beyond.

The 2022 La Cabanne has a bouquet similar to the one I encountered en primeur, with well-defined black fruit aromas tinged with tobacco and a background black truffle scent gaining intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, with a peppery entry, gentle grip, and touches of truffle and smoke toward the finish. While one bottle showed some greenness that I suspect came from an unclean cork, the second at the château bore more semblance to the showing from barrel.

Focused on its core of black cherries, chocolate, sweet plums, licorice, espresso, and black truffle, the wine is medium-bodied, soft, round, and polished, with a firm entry that softens into a plummy, chocolate-filled finish. Drink from 2025-2042.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening at the rim. Somewhat restrained nose, ripe plums, dark wild berries, nuances of fig and a herbal savouriness. Juicy, elegant, a touch of chocolate, delicate freshness, lingering finish, a substantial food wine.

Based on 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château La Cabanne offers juicy red and black cherries, floral notes, damp earth, and chocolaty oak. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and focused on the palate, it has ripe tannins and a beautifully balanced, lively, and elegant profile. Drink bottles over the coming 10–12 years, if not longer. 2,417 cases produced.

A classic Pomerol nose, inky with dark blackberry fruits, charm and approachability; tannins a touch drying on the finish, but this is good quality. Estager family. Second year of organic conversion, 33 hl/ha yield, 7.25 ha vineyard.

Stewed red and black fruits, maraschino cherry and hints of caramel make for an alluring nose. Sumptuous on the palate, the wine is concentrated, with generous fruit and acidity in perfect balance. The finish is finely etched and light, carried by a note of fresh coffee.

The vegetal freshness of Cabernet Franc is highlighted by peony notes complemented by hints of mint. With lovely density, the wine is built on finesse and linearity. The clays have clearly handled the vintage’s hot and especially dry conditions well. An inviting, precise and powerful wine that can already be enjoyed young, though a little patience is still advised!