94-
95
James Suckling: A solid La Garde with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, crushed stones and spices. It is sophisticated and chic. 59% cabernet sauvignon and 41% merlot."
93
Decanter: Super precise fragrance on the nose, crystalline and pure. Smooth and silky, this is delicious from the off, sappy and dense with bright acidity and cool blueberry fruit alongside really chalky, powdery tannins. Characterful. Maybe a bit more tense and firm than in the past couple of years but there’s plenty of depth and complexity on offer. I love the juiciness. Elegant yet still packing power and intensity. Harvest 8-24 September. 3.53pH. A yield of 39hl/ha for reds and whites. Ageing 12-14 months, 30% new oak. Pénélope Godefroy now technical director across the Maison Dourthe portfolio."
92
Jane Anson: Well structured fruits and tannins, nothing too intrusive, enjoyable balance, good length and grip, unfussy and easy to recommend. A clear example of how much work is being done at La Garde right now. 3.5ph, 39hl/ha yields, 30% new oak. Penelope Godefroy's first full vintage at Dourthe as director (a great year to read the difference between the terroirs). Harvest September 8 to 24."
91-
93
Wine Advocate: Less introverted and more approachable than in recent vintages, the 2025 La Garde reveals aromas of dark berries, cassis, mulberries, flowers and spice. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and enveloping, it’s built around a tense, structuring mid-palate framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, ethereal and perfumed finish. This is a strong effort. It's a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot."
92
Vinum: Verspielte, komplexe Nase nach roten Kirschen, Himbeeren, Tabak sowie steinigen Noten; fruchtbetonter Auftakt, wirkt bereits verführerisch und zugänglich, knackige Frucht, feines Tannin; salines, rotfruchtiges und feinwürziges Finale. Ein stimmiger La Garde, perfekt für die Gastronomie."
91-
93
Falstaff: Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Einladende Herzkirschen, feiner Cassis-Touch, ein Hauch von Orangenzesten, einladendes Bukett. Gute Komplexität, zarte Pflaumenfrucht, tragende, runde Tannine, mineralisch und anhaftend, etwas Nougat im Nachhall, zeigt Entwicklungspotenzial."
