Chateau Fourcas Dupre 2022

Noble nose, blackberries, elderberry, smoky notes, green bell pepper; straight-lined palate, firm, crisp berry fruit, distinctive, slightly powdery tannins, shows breed, spice, length and plenty of freshness; lingers on dark chocolate and candied orange zest. This is fun.

Dark plum and bitter cherry notes extend, along with a chalky spine, while savory and cedar run along the edges. Finishes with a shot of toast. Drink now through 2030. 8,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.

Ripe and concentrated blackcurrant and black cherry aromas on the nose. Full and alive on the palate, this has a lovely texture – not too light and juicy, not too thick and heavy – more of a glossy, satin-like texture to the tannins. Lovely powdery elements combine with some clear wood spice, tobacco, coffee beans and liquorice which just detract from the fruit and easy enjoyment from the mid-palate onwards and create quite a serious expression. Once the oak settles a bit more this will be lovely.

Attractive aromas of dark cherries, blackcurrants, red spices, pencil shavings and dried orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with firm and compact tannins and a smooth, rounded texture. Dense and velvety. Drink from 2026.

The 2022 Fourcas Dupré is a virile, bombastic wine. Dark red fruit, herbs, licorice and gravel give this effusive Listrac much of its immediacy and personality. The 2022 has excellent depth. All it needs is a bit of polish around the edges. Floral and savory notes lift the finish.

Medium-bodied, minty, and forward, there is a tobacco- and herb-stained character that accompanies the black and red spicy fruits on the finish. Drink from 2025-2038.

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening on the rim. Red-berry bouquet, fresh cherries, a hint of cassis and orange zest. Medium complexity, cherry, fresh and mineral, chalky lemon finish.

The best vintage of this cuvée I've tasted, the 2022 Château Fourcas Dupré is inky hued with a concentrated, medium to full-bodied, incredibly impressive style that stays light on its feet and balanced. Smoky darker currants, leafy tobacco, chocolate, and crushed stone notes all shine here, and this beauty will have at least two decades of longevity if well stored.

Medium intensity in colour, starts off with black pepper spice, figs, black tea, pomegranate and blackberries. They have done a good job of teasing out the acidity among the ripe fruit character, a little short on the finish. 40% new oak, 40% one-year barrels, 2% amphora and 18% cement vats. Gérard Jicquel owner.

A clear, delicate and intriguing nose, offering pure fruit and an earthy note. The palate is broad, driven by discreet, delicate energy. The caressing fluidity of its fruit is perfectly balanced by its earthy, mineral side.

The initial nose is enticing, with crushed strawberry and elderflower. On the palate, the attack is lively and the tannic structure coats the mouth. Welcome to Listrac, all the more so in a sunny vintage. Its tannins will soften over the years, revealing excellent cellaring potential.