2023 Château Pedesclaux

There is a really pretty, powdery-tannin texture to this, with dark-berry and currant character. Some orange peel, too. It’s full and layered with a sense of precision and focus. Framed and open-grained in the texture. Velvety. Real Pauillac personality here. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022. (04/2024)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Pedesclaux charges out of the gate with exuberant scents of cassis, wild blueberries, and juicy strawberries giving way to nuances of violets, anise, and charcoal. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with vibrant black and red berry flavors and impressive tension, textured by fine-grained tannins, and finishing with great length and a real skip in its step. 2023 was the longest-ever harvest at Pedesclaux, lasting 17 days instead of the usual 11. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the ideal blend anticipated when the vineyard was restructured and replanted. It is aging in 65% new oak and the pH is 3.76. (04/2024)