Château Puyblanquet 2023

Shows a cedary edge out front, with a restrained feel to the core of red currant and bitter cherry fruit. A tobacco edge creeps in on the lightly toasted finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2034. 3,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Gorgeous inky colour. Bright, zesty, full of bright fruit and fresh acidities, great floral aromatics, heavy spice on the finish. 50% new oak, 42hl/h yields, harvest September 20 to October 5.

From the outset, the freshness takes on an exhilarating character. It comes through in hints of peony and chalky notes, while aromas of cocoa beans and then a touch of oak ageing play in the background. The velvety attack sets the tone for an airy texture, while perfectly integrated tannins provide a comfortable framework. A savoury, well-structured wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth, without ruling out a little cellaring!

The nose is nicely crafted and precise, offering a fine, precise and powerful texture, with accuracy and a certain depth. It reveals notes of fleshy wild blackcurrant and ripe purple plum, and, more lightly, bright small red berries, alongside delicate hints of infusion, a touch of sense of place, and a discreet peppery note. The palate is fruity and delivers minerality and precision, with a tangy acid-driven framework, fine definition and deliciousness, tension, precision, a subtle smoothness and a finely textured feel. It brings out notes of juicy, fleshy blackberry and vibrant blackcurrant and, more lightly, bright raspberry, together with touches of bright plum, as well as delicate hints of blueberry, black pepper and a subtle touch of smoke.

Deep purple-hued, the 2023 Château Puyblanquet offers juicy red fruits, chalky minerality, flowers, and spice. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and aged in 50% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and balanced, with fine tannins and a great finish. It's terrific today yet will keep for 20 years if well stored. Drink 2026-2045.

It received “my best score awarded to this wine en primeur”. Confirmed. A beautiful deep red with purple highlights. An intense, refined and pure nose, fruity and subtle. A creamy touch when the glass is swirled. Gently mellow on entry, very flavoursome through the mid-palate, with a tender yet present body; the wine develops with a long, sappy finish, lifted by a chalky mineral note. It’s impossible to spit. Alcohol: 14.5% – pH: 3.45.