Decanter: 95 Punkte
Ripe and concentrated sun-kissed bramble fruit on the nose - heady and opulent aromatics. Richly juicy with a chewy, plush texture that is quite enjoyable. This is on the serious, fully charged spectrum - the 15.5% alcohol isn't totally noticeable but there is cleary strength and power on offer here yet it retains a stylish and finessed flavour and texture with a fresh and cool minty finish. A wine that really leans into the vintage giving confidence and a chiselled, muscular frame. A touch of tobacco, clove and liquorice appears on the end. - Georgina Hindle (01/2025)
Jane Anson: 94 Punkte
This is a big wine in a vintage that needed no extra pushing (a full 2% higher alcohol than the 2021). Pretty much the most intense colour and texture of the vertical, with a nose you can chew through. Cloves, cinnamon, tar, grilled sandalwood. The billow of violet flowers from fully ripe Cabernet Franc is extremely welcome, and there is juiciness on the finish, alongside this muscular swagger. Great stuff, but as I said during En Primeur, I can't help but wonder how good this would be if they scaled things back a little? Fruit from the former site of Les Asteries included in here. Harvest September 14 to 28. 80% new oak for ageing, Thomas Duclos consultant, Neil Whyte winemaker. Second year in the new Norman Foster winery. (01/2025)
