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95
JAMES SUCKLING: "Very structured, yet the tannins are polished and poised, framing dark berries, minerals and a hint of cedar. Medium to full body and a long, creamy finish. Better than 2022?"
91-
94
JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2023 Château Cote De Baleau is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in 30% new barrels. It has a deeper ruby hue as well as gorgeous aromatics of cassis and ripe mulberries along with spring flowers, graphite, and a kiss of minerality. This medium-bodied, elegant, graceful Saint-Emilion has fine tannins, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It's clearly outstanding, if not a touch more."
92
DECANTER: "Cropped at 50hl/ha, this Merlot-dominated blend at 14% alcohol has subtle floral aromas. Coming from 17 hectares of vines on sandy clay and limestone soils on southern slopes, the wine is rounded with rather soft, powdery tannins. A bit strict towards the finish line (not tart, but tangy) however, noticeably lacking that 'extra leap of ripeness' you get from a vintage like 2018, 2019 or 2020, but well crafted. An orange rind freshness on the medium finish reassures. Tasted twice with similar results. Ageing in 25% new oak."
91
FALSTAFF: „Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Frische Brombeerkonfit, eingelegte Kirschen, etwas Feigen, kandierte Orangenzesten. Saftig, reife Pflaumen, dezente Süße, präsente Tannine, zarte Kräuterwürze, mineralisch, etwas trocken im Abgang."
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92
THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Anise, cherries, flowers, and black raspberries, with accents of espresso show nicely on the nose, and palate. The wine is fresh, spicy, bright, and lifted on the mid-palate, and in the elegant finish, leaving you with touches of dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet, red cherries. This should be quite a pleasure to enjoy on release, and over the next 10-12 years. The wine blends 95% Merlot, with 5% Cabernet Franc, 14% ABV. Drink from 2026-2036."
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91
THE WINE ADVOCATE: "From the team behind Clos Fourtet, the 2023 CĂ´te de Baleau offers up aromas of sweet cherries, berries and kirsch followed by a medium to full-bodied, polished and suave palate. It's a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc."
