L'Esprit de Chevalier 2024

Fresh, slightly herbal nose with red cherry, blackcurrant and a subtle roasted note; on the palate, approachable, soft, with fine, not overpowering tannins, balanced, with a fruity finish. Enjoy young, for its fruit.

Lightly presented, this has purity and clarity but is a touch sour and a little lacking in structure, with a tapering of fruit flavour and some wet-stone, graphite-laced tannins and accents on the finish. It leans nicely into the vintage, with no heavy-handedness, and should be a soft yet bright wine after ageing.

Cigar box, cocoa, black raspberries, and currants fill the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, crisp, racy, and vibrant, with a focus on its peppery notes, currants, and red plums on the mid-palate, as well as on the finish. I like the touch of mint that refreshes the palate and shows up on the finish. You can enjoy this upon release. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 12.4% ABV. Drink from 2027-2037. 90-92 pts

Plenty of impact, clear from the first nose, this is a little slim and savoury, rose bud and cassis bud, enjoyable if skirting ripeness. 30% new oak for ageing, harvest 20 September to 8 October. 3.61 pH. 48 hl/ha yield.