Château Siran 2023

Dark-fruited, smoky, tar, peat; dense palate, crisp fruit, slightly firm tannins; very good length. Needs to age.

Ripe blackberry and cassis aromas with a hint of tar introduce a palate of both brambly red fruit and juicy plum, with deft, if slightly tart, tannins. Tasted twice, one sample showed steelier tannins than the other, but both displayed a more linear rather than broad texture leading to a medium finish. While I like the precision, there was something a bit more homespun about this fine wine compared to some of its Margaux peers, but barrel aging should lend more depth on the palate.

The 2023 Siran is a tasty, easygoing Margaux to drink now and over the next decade or so. Super-ripe black cherry, chocolate, new leather, licorice, menthol and sweet spice are front and center. The 2023 is a fine drink, although I would prefer to see a touch more complexity.

Smoke, flowers, licorice, and black raspberries pop in the perfume, while the soft, elegant, sweet, fruity palate seals the deal. Drink from 2028-2042.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening at the rim. Delicate nougat, blackberries, ripe plums, fine oak nuances. Complex, with depth, a full-bodied style, hints of chocolate and dried fruit, round tannins, remains persistent, has certain ageing potential.

Open blueberry-scented bouquet with a fragrant hint of lilac, light tobacco and blueberry candy. On the palate, ripe and generous with a soft texture, tightly knit tannic frame and medium body. Focused, finely aromatic finish with blue fruits, graphite and fine-grained astringency.

An enjoyably sculpted Siran, plenty of depth to the tannins, balanced, juicy and inky, with crushed pure liquorice root, blueberry and cassis pastille, rose petals and mint. This is delicious, with tension and a mouthwatering finish, great stuff from owner Edouard Miaihle and winemaker Marjolaine Defrance. 35% new oak for ageing. A buy.

Score: 93–95. An interlacing of floral (rose, peony) and fruity (raspberry, Burlat cherry) aromas creates a complex, shimmering, highly indulgent nose that evokes a late-summer garden. On the palate, immense concentration of ripe, rich fruit comes with a mouthwatering, tangy backbone, and impressive, full-bodied tannins on the finish for a Siran built to age. Deliciously good, almost sensual.