Château Croizet-Bages 2024

Ruby red; on the nose, pink grapefruit, a touch of cola, pronounced oak note; on the palate, round on the attack, then slightly drying tannins, medium length. Somewhat constructed.

Some black chocolate, vanilla and cardamom on the nose with blackcurrant. Quite lightly presented with some light blue fruit and fine, softly chalky tannins. This feels a little focused on texture rather than fruit or acidity right now, but there’s some definition and purity too. Nothing harsh, just not particularly fruit-forward. A little sombre.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot. Cask sample. Leafy Cabernet nose. Juicy and textured on the palate. Firm tannic frame. Dry and slightly chewy on the finish. Correct. (JL)

Black currants, cherries, cedar, and cocoa are the intro to the wine. Medium-bodied, chewy, savory, fresh, and vibrant, you find a minty edge to the sweet and spicy currants on the palate and in the finish. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot, 13% ABV. Harvesting took place September 23 - October 8. Drink from 2027-2040. 90-92 pts

An elegant oak note opens on the nose and fills the space. The velvety texture is a real pleasure, with chocolatey tannins, juicy fruit, toasty accents, and a lovely energy on the finish. A delight.

The nose is nicely elegant, offering a certain creaminess, pedigree, precision, accuracy, an alluring side, aromatic depth and a lovely texture. It reveals notes of vibrant wild blackcurrant and bright small fruits, combined with touches of crushed strawberry, as well as fine hints of fleshy gariguette strawberry, violet, liquorice, cherry blossom, a very discreet hint of delicate infusion and star anise. The palate is nicely fruity, mineral and balanced, offering a tangy backbone, minerality and a lovely sappy character that drives the tasting. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fresh wild blackcurrant, fresh/ripe wild cherry and, more subtly, lilac and pistil, combined with touches of crunchy small fruits, as well as fine hints of star anise and racy minerality. Good length. The tannins are precise, supple, elegant and flavourful. A wine offering delicacy, aromatic depth and indulgence. A touch of mocha and an almost infusion/concentration note in the background.

Slate, pumice, cassis bud, good Pauillac character wrapped up in an old school personality. Coffee bean on the finish, this is a balanced Croizet Bages with appellation signature. The Quie family owners, 45 hl/ha yield.