Couvent des Jacobins 2023

Open, smoky, cool in expression, with ripe fruit and spicy notes; straightforward, fresh, less opulent than last year, with fine tannins and plenty of red fruit as well as blood orange zest on the finish; austere finale.

With aromas of ripe red and dark fruit and smoky and spicy notes, the attack is bright and intense, with a more linear mid-palate, not as opulent as last year to be sure, but with attractive precision and energy, although the tannins harden and dry a bit on the finish. Let’s see how the wine develops after ageing - in 60% new oak. A conservative score for now.

Cask sample. Harmonious, with juicy fruit and fine, integrated tannins. Fresh, clean and appetising. Classic St-Émilion but it won’t shake the world. (JL)

Round, fruity, rich, and dark, with loads of chocolate-covered black cherries, licorice, flowers, and spice. The ripe, sweet, round, creamy finish really works this year. The wine blends 84% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2040. 91-93 pts.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Dark forest-berry fruit with a savory tobacco and herbal note in the background, orange zest. Medium complexity, ripe cherries, vivid tannins, somewhat dry on the finish, a hint of nougat on the aftertaste.

Intense, spicy, with high levels of freshness and rosebud notes, good aromatics. It starts at full intensity but then opens nicely through the mid-palate, showing energy, juiciness, and balance.

The nose is beautifully crafted, precise, fine, elegant, and aromatic, with a delicate touch of noble austerity. It reveals notes of violet, blackberry and, more lightly, dense small fruits, combined with a hint of graphite, black pepper, and a discreet touch of lily. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, smoothness, a mineral backbone, good definition, a certain indulgence, and accuracy. It shows notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry and violet and, more lightly, bright purple plum, joined by touches of almost roasted red berries, as well as hints of star anise, sage, and a subtle floral note with almost aromatic herbs in the background. The tannins are plush, sapid, and gourmand. A subtle hint of fresh coffee on the finish