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WEINWISSER: "57 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 43 % Merlot, 45 hl/ha. Delikates verwobenes Bouquet, frischgepflückte Brombeere, Veilchen und edle Cassiswürze. Am satten Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, engmaschigem Tanningerüst, energiegeladener Rasse und geradlinigem Körper. Im konzentrierten, aromatischen Finale mit Schattenmorelle, Orangenzeste und feinkörniger Adstringenz. Top-Wert aus Pessac-Léognan! Neuer Weinkeller seit 5 Jahren, setzt weniger auf Kraft und mehr auf elegantere Tannine."
94
DECANTER: "A step change for La Garde this year with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Floral and fragrant, really alive on the nose, expressive and so energetic. Fruit forward and lively, I love the finesse and the construction, really well made, layered with lots of minerality, crunchy red fruits, great acidity and focus on the crushed stones, graphite and pencil led. It has a smooth body, with a grip to the tannins but lots of focus and definition to the elements. Quite a serious take but all harmonious, nothing sticking out with plenty of underlying power. Polished and accomplished. A top value pick and exciting project to follow. Axel Marchal consultant. No Petit Verdot in the blend this year. 4% press wine - more so than in previous vintages. 35% grand vin production reduced from 50%."
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93
JAMES SUCKLING: "Solid and structured with good volume and length, showing notes of dark fruit and walnuts. Medium-bodied with compact, velvety tannins. The finish is firm and even."
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THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Owned by Maison Dourthe, this estate has strategically chosen to concentrate on cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on the central plateau, renowned for its gravelly soils. The 2023 La Garde reflects this focus, exhibiting a deep, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, mulberries, flowers and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, tense and layered palate with a structured but elegant mid-palate that segues into a long, mineral finish. This is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot."
91
FALSTAFF: „Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zarte Edelholzwürze, dunkle Beeren, frische Kirschen, mineralischer Touch, floral, Orangenzesten sind unterlegt. Mittlere Komplexität, Herzkirschen, integrierte Tannine, lebendig, bleibt haften, ein vielseitiger Begleiter bei Tisch."
