Château La Croix du Casse 2024

Intense ruby red; fragrant nose with ripe-fruit notes, cherries, plums, cool smoke, licorice, the oak barely perceptible; elegant on the palate, light-bodied, mild, well-wrapped tannins, forest berry yogurt on the finish. A wine that will already be enjoyable to drink in its youth.

Bright acidity with slightly chalky, dry, stalky tannins. Good freshness with mint, clove, cedar — a little touched by oak right now, but it’s clean and there’s a sense of drive from start to finish. A little compact, blueberry, perfumed, some greenness, something bitter on the finish, but there’s good detail.

Cocoa, plums, licorice, and just a hint of espresso form the core here. Medium-bodied, vibrant, chewy, bright, and plummy, with a chocolate-inspired end note. You can enjoy this with ease upon release and for a decade or more afterward. The wine blends 95% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV. Harvesting took place September 20 - October 5. Drink from 2027-2038. 89-91 pts

A lovely sapid, floral, and bright nose. On the palate, a succulent, caressing texture with immediate approachability, carried by subtle salinity toward a toasted mocha finish. A true delight.