Château Fombrauge 2024

Subtly smoky on the nose, with red and dark berries and a hint of tobacco; light palate, round tannins, well-judged oak, a red-fruited, medium-length finish that ends slightly dry.

Fragrant raspberry and blueberry on the nose. Smells sweet, ripe and floral. Quite a textured wine, tannins make the most impact, but they’re grippy and are combined with round fruit that adds purity and clarity. It’s certainly generous but balanced and kept in check. Cool and crystalline, there's vibrancy but a sense of finesse too while punchy. This has good potential.

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 26 hl/ha. Cask sample. Red-berry aromas. Juicy and fresh with supple fruit on the palate. Firmness and grip behind. Some persistence. (JL)

Licorice, cocoa, and cherries quickly develop on the nose. Medium-bodied, with a core of black cherries, spice, and a touch of leafy herbs that show on the finish. You can enjoy this wine without hesitation upon release. The wine blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2038. 90-92 pts

Score: 88–90. An inviting, self-assured nose bursting with blackcurrant berries, ripe and juicy. On the palate, those same vibrant berries are tangy, succulent, and dance with verve across the palate.