Château Soutard 2011

Juicy and fresh, perfectly made, full of character, with slightly coarse tannins that still need a bit more polish; a real pleasure.

Direct, with a core of crushed plum, raspberry preserves and dark currant inlaid with tobacco leaf and charcoal hints. Delivers a grippy edge, showing ample flesh through the finish. Best from 2015 through 2020.

89-91. Barrel sample. Mint and plum-juice flavors mingle easily in this densely fruity wine. It combines sweet tannins and dark fruit with spice imparted from wood aging. It's already juicily attractive.

High-toned red and black fruit aromas complemented by 'mineral' wet stone. The tannins however show rusticity and – yes – the acidity (the pH a very low 3.21!) is still prominent. Considering how the 2011 vintage came out with almost biting acidity, this wine has mellowed 14 years later. Here is an example where the 14% alcohol along with ripe fruit balances that high-toned aspect. After 2011, the estate replanted Cabernet Franc vines previously in clay along the slopes to a higher point on the plateau. Medium finish. Try with rich foods.

From 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV. Fennel, truffle and black raspberry can be found in this medium-bodied wine with a cherry-filled, round finish. 90-91 Pts

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Spicy bouquet with candied sugar notes, black tea, dark plums, and a hint of cinnamon. A sublime palate, immediately focused on length, delicate on the finish. An honest, refined cru.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Spicy bouquet showing notes of rock candy, black tea, dark plums and a hint of cinnamon. Sublime on the palate, focusing on length from the outset, delicate on the finish. An honest, refined cru.

The 2013 has a deep colour and the nose is slightly truffly. The wine is dense, compact, dense, with plenty of depth. It needs a little time.

The nose is fruity, elegant and refined, offering freshness and depth. It reveals notes of blackberry, ripe blackcurrant and, more subtly, crushed raspberry, alongside small touches of smoke, delicate hints of spice and a discreet touch of lilac. Subtle tertiary nuances appear in the background. The palate is fresh, fruity, elegant and balanced, with nice precision, a slight salinity, a pleasing polished/satiny texture, a lively tang and lovely freshness. On the palate, the wine shows notes of juicy Boysenberry, violet and, more lightly, fleshy/juicy plum, together with a touch of raspberry and redcurrant, plus hints of tonka bean and smoke, a subtle touch of tobacco, fine tertiary notes and an almost imperceptible, nearly rosemary-like hint.

Logo on the cork: AL Deep, intense, vibrant colour. Refined nose with ripe, vanilla-tinged fruit. Delicious, meticulously balanced palate, developing into a flavourful profile with good presence and a spicy finish with fine-grained tannins.