Château Croizet-Bages 2023

Slightly lactic, herbs, ripe blackberry, blond tobacco; approachable, sweet fruit, fine, well-judged tannins, medium length.

High-toned red berry fruit and crushed tobacco aromas introduce some Pauillac power on a palate with red fruit and plum flavours, although I get a sense of somewhat underripe tannin. While I like the wine's modest power and energy, the finish falls somewhat short for a cru classé. Let's see how the barrel ageing affects the wine.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot. Cask sample. Dark fruit with a leafy edge. Some graphite. Firm tannic frame. Competent rather than inspiring. (JL)

The 2023 Croizet-Bages has a light and earthy bouquet, simple and needing more fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins, savory red fruit, a little chunky and missing finesse on the finish.

Chewy, savory currants, with a minty edge are already expressive on the nose and on the medium-bodied, chewy, leafy, chalky palate. Give this at least a year or two of aging, and it should be even better. Drink from 2027–2043. 90–92 pts.

Dark ruby, purple reflections. Red cherry fruit with leafy undertones, hints of currant, tobacco nuances. Medium body, red cherries, vivid tannins, mineral on the finish, subtle fruit and some length, a good wine for the table.

An estate that I watch every year to see how it reflects the vintage, as over the past few years the quality has been quietly heading upwards. This is a good example of a drinking Pauillac with plenty of appellation typicity, perhaps a little lean but with depth through the mid-palate, blueberry and redcurrant fruit, crushed mint leaf and liquorice. 50% new oak for ageing, Quié family owners.