Château Chauvin 2024

Floral notes over ripe blackberry; approachable on the palate, light-bodied, marked acidity, fine-grained tannins supporting the delicate red fruit; medium-length finish, ending on redcurrants and an almond note.

This leans into the vintage with a certain delicacy and light touch. Sappy acidity, crisp red fruit with some herbal and dried spice aspects as well as an enjoyable chalkiness on the finish. Cool and calm, a touch shy right now, clean and delicate, fragrant, unfussy and not pushed too hard, but will no doubt put on a bit of weight during ageing.

Soft, fresh, and fruity, the wine is round, bright, and expressive on the nose and on the palate. You can enjoy this charming, medium-bodied, vibrant wine on release. The wine is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2038. 91-91 pts

Do not stop at the warm wood aromas that open the bouquet. Ripe red fruits are very much present—slightly shy, yet indulgent. Fresh and full of pep, the palate coils around a tangy framework with notes of raspberry, Napoleon cherry, and a touch of blackcurrant. The texture is luminous and the energetic finish heralds a bright future.

The nose is fruity, straightforward, with a touch of concentration and a lovely hint of velvetiness. It reveals notes of ripe wild blackcurrant, concentrated small fruits and, more lightly, wild strawberry, together with hints of lily and saffron in its floral side, gentle spices, as well as a fine touch of cinnamon and a discreet hint of cornflower and camphor. The palate is fruity and mineral, offering a fresh backbone, a slight tension, precision, energy, purity and fine concentration. It also shows a lovely elegant grain, silky, delicate, fresh and discreetly tight. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy blueberry, radiant raspberry and, more lightly, bright red berries, combined with a touch of bergamot and star anise. Good length. A subtle almost sappy note, with chocolate and mocha in the background.

A fine wash of smoked oak, well measured, a little soft through the mid palate, but there are attractive brambled red fruits here, with raspberry leaf and peony aromatics. Captures the potential elegance of the vintage, no need to wait too long to begin drinking. Highest proportion to date of Cabernet Franc in the blend. Cazes-Regimbeau family, 17.5ha, Jérmémie Gravier technical director, 45% new oak for ageing, harvest September 24 to October 4.

A lovely deep red. A moderately intense nose with ripe, fresh fruit. Delicate on the attack, aromatic through the mid-palate, with a sleek structure, the wine finishes savoury and very enjoyable. Good length. Blend: 68% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc.