Château de Pédesclaux 2023 en Primeur

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.

Mint and dark chocolate on the nose with bramble fruit. Structured and almost chewy, this has texture and body, more of a serious step up, certainly less lively and fruit forward than second wine Fleur, this is more serious with well-defined tannins, gorgeous minty, blackcurrant Cabernet markers and in-balance acidity. Cool definitely but no hint of greenness - full of ripe fruit. Lots of Pauillac signature but without any harshness or too much tension. There’s a gentle softness that the Merlot gives which calms the expression. Lovely tannins give a powdery, chalky fleshiness around the cheeks and long lifted, minty finish. Feels elegant, precise and focussed. Still tense and a little strict but this is complete and has charm. Longest harvest ever, 17 days instead of 11. 14.5% press. 3.76pH. Ageing 65% new oak.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Dark forest berries, fine cassis, black cherry, fine herbal savouriness, delicate hints of nougat, inviting bouquet. Medium body, ripe red cherry fruit, fine tannins, good freshness, firm, well adhering, mineral, shows length and certain ageing potential.

Le vin le plus équilibré et le plus harmonieux des dernières années, avec un côté floral élégant qui le rapproche dans ce millésime du style des pauillacs sur la finesse et la sève.

The 2023 Pedésclaux is the estate's second organic-certified vintage. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it offers up attractive aromas of cassis and dark berries mingled with notions of mint and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with sweet tannins, succulent acids and a rather rich, giving profile.