Clos des Jacobins 2023

Still clearly marked by the maturation, yet with depth and complexity: blackberry, menthol, cherry, mineral notes; full on the palate, very dense, compact, ripe tannins, long finish. Needs to age.

Sweet and agreeable plum and blackberry fruit, with a supple palate that comes across a touch jammy. I would give this Grand Cru Classé a higher score but for some slightly drying tannins on the finish, leaving the impression of high alcohol leaching some new oak aspects (it is ageing in 60% new oak). Let's see how it tastes from bottle, so a rather conservative score.

Quite chocolatey, with an oaky edge that adds richness, as well as an espresso, dusty note to all the sweet, dark red berries on the palate and into the finish. Drink from 2026–2038. 91–93 pts.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening at the rim. Nougat, black forest berry fruit, a touch of cardamom and cloves, inviting bouquet. Deep, juicy, ripe plums, a hint of figs, ripe tannins, mineral finish, lingers well, shows length and certain ageing potential.

Refined aroma, red currant nectar, light tobacco and noble cassis spice. On the compact palate, with supporting freshness, a tight tannic framework and medium body. In the concentrated finish, blue berry skin, graphite and a floury astringency.

Inky plum colour, good En Primeur personality, with vivid fruits, inky plum colour, pretty high alcohol (they did some leaf stripping in September on one side because of humidity, then the hot days concentrated the Merlot grapes) but with supple texture, plenty of depth through the black fruits, espresso and cocoa bean layers. Enjoyable, with ageing potential.

Score: 92–94. Great power from the first aromas of very ripe, almost jammy red berries. The palate is fresher and more approachable. The fruit is still there, but juicier than intense, driven by energy. The tannins are starting to settle in, and the finish already makes you want to come back for more. A good sign!

Bright dark purple core and hue. Pure, chalky and floral aromas of violet, blackberry, cassis, black truffle, mild toast and oak-derived spiciness. Good density without being bold, coated with young and pure dark fruit, cassis and cherry notes with a good presence of chalk, grainy tannin, a vivid freshness underneath with a gentle hint of butterscotch leading to a very long and pure finish.