Chateau Couvent des Jacobins 2023

JAMES SUCKLING: "Density and fullness to this, but at the same time it is tight and formed with creamy tannins that envelop the wine. Medium to full body. Pretty blackberry and black-cherry character. Very pure. Well balanced, but so structured as well. Merlot with 11% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Mostly limestone. Tasted twice."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2023 Couvent des Jacobins offers up attractive aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of pencil shaving, licorice and petals. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, with velvety tannins and good mid-palate density, it displays plenty of potential."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2023 Couvent Des Jacobins is based on 84% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot that's still resting in 40% new oak. It's a deep purple-hued, almost inky 2023 revealing a gorgeous nose of ripe black cherries, roasted herbs, spicy oak, and chocolate. It brings ample richness and depth, has building, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I love its overall level of concentration, and it's a beautiful wine that I'd put up with the finest I've tasted from this château."

DECANTER: "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."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "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."

VINUM: "Offen, rauchig, kühl im Ausdruck, dabei mit reifer Frucht und würzigen Noten; gradlinig, frisch, weniger üppig als im Vorjahr, mit feinen Gerbstoffen und viel roter Frucht sowie Blutorangenzesten im Abgang; herbes Finale."

FALSTAFF: „Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart tabakig-kräuterwürzig unterlegte dunkle Waldbeerfrucht, Orangenzesten. Mittlere Komplexität, Herzkirschen präsente Tannine etwas trocken im Abgang, ein Hauch von Nugat im Rückgeschmack."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Composed of 84% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2023 Couvent des Jacobins is deep garnet-purple colored with notes of blackberry pie, preserved plums, and raspberry coulis hopping from the glass, leading to hints of sassafras, black pepper, and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft and delicate with just enough freshness and a peppery finish."