G d'Estournel 2023

Blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, and licorice pop effortlessly. The medium-bodied palate is easy to like, forward, fresh, and mildly chalky, with a fun, peppery accent on the finish. This is the first vintage to include their new parcels, bringing the vineyard to 24 hectares of vines. You can enjoy this on release. The wine blends 64% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2026-2034. 90-92 pts.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Fresh black heart cherry, a hint of plum, subtle herbal savoriness. Juicy, elegant, fresh cherry on the palate, integrated tannins, fresh and persistent, a finely savory food companion with a delicately leafy finish.

Delicately fine red-berry bouquet with subtle notes of lilac and tarragon. On the elegant palate, a soft texture, lively nervy freshness and a medium, sinewy body. The focused, finely aromatic finish shows black berries, light tobacco and fine-grained extract.

A little subdued on the opening, reflecting how serious it felt En Primeur, but there is plenty of bright blue fruit here, and controlled power. Vivid, with a real through line of acidity and supple tannic lift. 45hl/h yield, harvest September 13 to October 2, 20% new oak for ageing. In organic conversion. Tasted twice.

Smells cool and blue-fruited, quite ripe as well, extremely fragrant with plenty of oak accents on the nose. Quite tart, high acidity on the palate, bright red fruits underpinned by a clear minerality that leaves a graphite and liquorice note on the tongue. A little lean, quite straight and a touch strict, with acidity that sticks out. I like the cleanness, the sense of coolness and the elongated finish. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 20% new oak. In organic conversion.