Château de Sales 2024

80 percent of the harvest was not brought in due to hail; bright ruby; on the nose, forest berries, blood orange, faded violet, lilac, plum, with a touch of herbal notes; on the palate, straightforward, with gripping tannins, delicate, ripe fruit; the wine is light-footed, fresh, the acidity feels harmonious; the finish is red-fruited with a stimulating bitterness.

Lovely vibrant colour in the glass with pronounced aromas of blackcurrant and red cherries with some milk chocolate and violet scents. Round and smooth, this has a good density of fruit and flesh on the palate with a really juicy core before a chalky sensation comes in on the finish. Hints of cinnamon and clove accent the finish with freshly picked mint. Lovely purity with a dollop of sweetness that is so appealing. Structured and balanced. A success in the vintage. Ageing 15% new, 85% second or third fill. A yield of 10hl/ha. Less than 50% grand vin production. Manual hand sorting. 14 days maceration. 3.70 pH.

Medium-bodied, almost light, this fresh, early-drinking, soft, vibrant wine with a core of red plums is accompanied by a touch of cocoa on the mid-palate and in the finish. The blend is 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2035. 88-90 pts

Very ripe, the nose speaks of sugar-laden berries, black cherry, and the tenderness of crushed raspberry. The palate is still a little tight, even if the fruit is not far off. The velvety tannins are present, but the fresh finish restores energy to the finale.