Château de Sales 2024

80 percent of the harvest was not brought in due to hail; bright ruby; on the nose, forest berries, blood orange, faded violet, lilac, plum, with a touch of herbal notes; on the palate, straightforward, with gripping tannins, delicate, ripe fruit; the wine is light-footed, fresh, the acidity feels harmonious; the finish is red-fruited with a stimulating bitterness.

Lovely vibrant colour in the glass with pronounced aromas of blackcurrant and red cherries with some milk chocolate and violet scents. Round and smooth, this has a good density of fruit and flesh on the palate with a really juicy core before a chalky sensation comes in on the finish. Hints of cinnamon and clove accent the finish with freshly picked mint. Lovely purity with a dollop of sweetness that is so appealing. Structured and balanced. A success in the vintage. Ageing 15% new, 85% second or third fill. A yield of 10hl/ha. Less than 50% grand vin production. Manual hand sorting. 14 days maceration. 3.70 pH.

Medium-bodied, almost light, this fresh, early-drinking, soft, vibrant wine with a core of red plums is accompanied by a touch of cocoa on the mid-palate and in the finish. The blend is 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2035. 88-90 pts

Very ripe, the nose speaks of sugar-laden berries, black cherry, and the tenderness of crushed raspberry. The palate is still a little tight, even if the fruit is not far off. The velvety tannins are present, but the fresh finish restores energy to the finale.

Light in structure but crisp and fruit forward, well defined, crunchy red cherry fruit, crushed sage, white pepper spice, fragrant and tasty, no need to wait more than a year or two to begin drinking. 15% new oak barrels for ageing. Harvest 19 September to 4 October.