Château Le Bon Pasteur 2024

Fruit-driven and seemingly fresh, roasted almonds, rose petals, fruit tea, noble toasted notes, garrigue herbs; a fresh palate, delicate fruit, fine tannins; light in body, with a very beautiful aromatic length, finishing on blood orange. Elegant and balanced.

Round and nicely filling, this has grip and focus. I like the salty touches with liquorice, dark cherry and black chocolate, quite herbal and spiced but nuanced too. They haven't pushed too hard here and this is definitely more elegant than it could have been. Raspberries and cranberries with some cool blueberry accent too. This has good persistence and no let up on the mid palate. Will be approachable soon after drinking. Impressive and a clear success.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Supple fruit with a touch of oak. Plush for the vintage. Polished tannins but some dryness from the oak on the finish. Stylistically true to form. (JL)

Plummy, black cherry, cocoa, and flower-filled wine that exudes charm, soft, supple textures, and a fresh, medium-bodied finish. The wine has good energy in the endnotes, leaving you with sweet cherries, chocolate, spices, and licorice. The wine is a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2040. 91-93 pts

Fresh and tender, the nose combines floral scents and fruity aromas in a charming, refined bouquet, with well-integrated oak. Intense and fleshy, generous, the palate offers a beautiful tangy framework, very dynamic and bright. A versatile wine.