Chateau Fourcas Dupre 2023

Shows depth and complexity, dark fruit, violet blossoms; firm, dense, with drive and structure, the marked tannins harmonize with the fruit, a mineral-driven finish. Another success.

Very intensely dark colored wine, with high alcohol and acidity. One sample showcased a wall of tannin that urgently needs not only barrel ageing but also three to five years in your cellar, while another sample reflected a juicier mid-palate, a better sample. On both occasions the tannins show rawness, even if the wine has pleasing ripe fruit. For now, this wine lacks charm for a higher score, but impressive structure exists for ageing, so let's see after bottling.

Quite floral in its nose, you also find sweet, ripe, currants and a touch of cherries in the perfume. The palate is even better with its sweet, ripe, red, and black fruits that are vibrant, energetic and frankly delicious. This should be easy to enjoy shortly after release. Drink from 2026-2035.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Black forest berries, a hint of cherries, subtle herbal savouriness. Juicy, ripe fruit, opulent style, ripe tannins, lingers, chocolatey, yet with good freshness.

Open, blueberry-scented bouquet with a playful hint of lilac and blueberry jelly. On the compact palate, sandy extract, a tightly laced tannic framework, lively drive and a straight, linear body. In the focused finish, the Listrac tightens up and ends with a crumbly astringency, showing potential.

Cabernet-dominant aromatics set things up nicely here, with restrained black fruits and a sense of slow-motion progression. Expect tar, liquorice, fennel, bitter dark chocolate; this will age well and needs a good four or five years to soften.

Dense, with an impressive richness of tannins. Its dark color leads to a generous nose of black fruit, sweet spices, and brown caramel over a floral backdrop. The attack on the palate is velvety, followed by a firm tannic structure without a hint of aggressiveness. A spirited wine that time will tame.

The nose is fruity, indulgent, elegant and delicate. It offers precise power with an airy feel. It shows notes of juicy blackcurrant, dense/juicy wild raspberry and, more subtly, graphene, joined by touches of small wild red berries, pepper, infusion, licorice (zan) and almost aromatic herbs. The palate is elegant, delicate, suave, subtle and gourmand. It delivers tension and a certain power with precision and control, an airy profile, notes of juicy/bright blackberry, bright blackcurrant and, more subtly, roasted-juicy small red fruits, along with hints of violet, lilac, infusion, black tea, toastiness, blueberry, chocolate and almost aromatic herbs. Toasty and cocoa-tinged.