Château Boyd-Cantenac 2023

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Ripe cherry fruit, a hint of cassis and blackberry confit, fine oak spice, in the background some candied orange zest. Deep with dark cherries, hints of plums, ripe, firm tannins, dark nougat and Petit Verdot savouriness, mineral, fresh with a salty finish, lingers long with good length and certain ageing potential.

A reductive nose with dark fruit, marzipan, black olives and toasted notes; a fruity opening, medium-bodied, slightly grainy tannins, good length and a drying finish. A somewhat rough-and-ready Margaux that wants a piece of meat by its side.

The 2023 Boyd-Cantenac has quite a concentrated nose, blackberry, melted tar and light gravely scents, just missing the delineation of its peers at the moment. The palate is soft and rounded on the entry. Decent weight, a little oaky, though I am seeking more complexity and terroir expression to come through on the finish that, again, is just a bit softish. Not bad at all, though I would just need to see more grip and backbone.