Château Laffitte Carcasset 2023

Dark fruit, stony notes; a fresh palate showing verticality and freshness, the tannins make their mark and add grip; fresh, red-fruited finish.

Brambly red-fruit aromatics presage a palate of high-toned fruit—and I like the energy to this wine, as one of the better showings among the Cru Bourgeois tasted. It just lacks enough sumptuousness compared to some other Cru Bourgeois, but give it time in barrel—aged in 50% new oak—and let’s see to what extent the palate will broaden. Conservative score. Tasted twice with similar results.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Ripe wild berries, delicate hint of liquorice, black cherry, fine herbal savouriness. Medium body, good complexity, blackberry, fine tannins, subtle acidity, mineral on the finish, already accessible.

Inky, medium-plus intensity, opening with bitter dark chocolate and dried herbs, then layering blackberry fruit with raspberry leaf and tobacco. 50% new oak, 5% amphora for ageing. Pierre Rousseau owner, serious investments underway including a new cellar and vineyard restructuring. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur at the last ranking, expected to be reconfirmed later this year.

Score: 87–89. Superb elegance of a bouquet full of finesse, with powdery floral notes and delicate fruit. The palate is more intense, with an imposing tannic structure that masks the fruit. The finish lacks acidity.

Flowers, licorice, chocolate and black cherries fill the perfume. The palate is equal to the task with its display of round, soft-textured, black with red fruits. While already charming, this will be even better with a few more years in the bottle. Drink from 2027-2037.