Chateau La Croix du Casse 2023

JAMES SUCKLING: "This shows firmness and depth, with ripe, dark berries and a hint of chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with compact and velvety tannins. Structured, showing good volume and length. Juicy and round. 96% merlot and 4% cabernet franc."

DECANTER: "Punchy and bright, lively and high toned with plenty of juiciness on show. A touch restricted and lacking a little in Pomerol plushness but there’s energy and brightness with some serious tannins and edges of tobacco, dried herbs, liquorice and cedar. Quite robust and a bit severe and tight on the end but nice freshness."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Plums, cocoa, herbs, and flowers form the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, juicy, fruity, soft-textured, forward, upbeat, and already charming in your glass, with its minty, plummy, and cocoa endnote. The wine blends 96% Merlot, with 4% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV. Drink from 2026-2038."