Château La Tour Figeac 2023

I really enjoyed the open-knit, fruit-forward nature of this wine, with orange-rind-like freshness along with vivid ripe plum and cherry. While not among the longest finishes, compared with some other Grands Cru Classés, it is a well-balanced wine with éclat and brightness. Bravo!

65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Lifted and fruit-driven on the nose. Juicy and floral on the palate. Fine, integrated tannins. Fruit present. Should make an enjoyable bottle. (JL)

Spring flowers, cherries, plums, licorice, and a hint of espresso get the wine going. Medium-bodied, soft, silky, fresh, and creamy, the red fruits with their spicy accents express a nice sense of purity on the mid-palate, which carries through to the finish, where you also find a refreshing salty, licorice nuance. The wine blends 65% Merlot with 35% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027–2042. 92–94 pts.

Dark garnet, deep core, purple reflections, discreet brightening on the rim. Ripe black cherries, floral nuances of hibiscus, fresh plums. Medium body, blackberry confit, hints of cloves, round tannins, fine nougat on the finish, mineral aftertaste, remains persistent, with some ageing potential.

Score: 92–94. Such elegance from the very first aromas! You can sense the fruit balancing perfectly with more floral notes in a bouquet full of charm and tenderness. On the palate, there are juicy dark fruits (blackcurrant, cherry), giving a silky, easy-drinking wine with a long, flowing finish.

Austere, dark blueberry and cassis fruits, edges of charred caramel and sweet fruit given balance and pep by grilled mandarin peel and oyster shell salinity. 35% new 225L and 400L barrels for ageing, 5% amphora, 40 hl/ha yield.

93-95. Barrel Sample. This fine, structured wine has a firm layer of tannins. It is well balanced, the wine's ripe texture, juicy black fruits and core of dryness promising well. Organic.

Deep color, intense nose; highly floral and playful, jasmine blossoms over black cherries and plums; on the palate, approachable and round, with a creamy texture, ripe fruit, finely polished tannins, silky-smooth across the tongue, very seductive and long-lasting, with a saline finish. Buying tip!