Château Maucaillou 2023

Behaviour on the nose, slender on the palate, red-fruited, comes across a bit austere, short finish, drying tannins.

Plenty of red-fruit ripeness aromatically along with some crushed tobacco, but also some green, drying tannin that undermines the profile in this vintage. While the palate brightness is pleasing, it also comes across too tart on the finish. Fingers crossed for the result after ageing in barrel...

Licorice, flowers, cherries, and currants show in the nose. The wine is forward, fresh, and fruity, with a nice touch of cocoa in the finish. Drink from 2026-2036.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Delicate notes of cassis, dark cherries, fine herbal savouriness, candied orange zest, a hint of nougat. Juicy, fresh cherries, subtle tannins, round and harmonious, good freshness, already accessible.

Enticing ruby-violet reflections, this has a bright feel, with the smoky, sweet oak of Moulis giving appellation typicity. A little sharp in its acidity but with lift and a ton of raspberry and black cherry fruits.

Score: 88–90. A discreet, slightly austere nose revealing hints of flowers and tart black fruits. The palate is more inviting—fresh and dense—with ripe, juicy fruit. Overall, fairly simple and pleasant, with slightly rough tannins.