Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey 2023

Rather restrained, yet deep, with dates, figs, resinous notes; oily texture, top-notch acidity, the wine shows tension and density, finishes exceptionally long and feels perfectly balanced. Very high quality.

The 2023 Lafaurie-Peyraguey offers a captivating mix of exoticism and brightness. Tangerine peel, white flowers, orange peel and passion fruit give this dry white tons of complexity and dynamic energy. There's so much to admire. All this needs is a year or two in bottle.

A sublime, sweet treat that is packed with roasted apricots, candied orange rings, nuts, saffron, and pineapples, all slathered in honey. Lush, opulent, rich, sweet, and most importantly, with more than enough acidity to provide freshness and energy from start to finish. The wine is produced from 100% Semillon. Drink from 2029-2060.

Intense golden amber in colour, reflecting a small yield, this has the rich intensity of the appellation, succulent and opulent and yet bursting with powerful lime zest, orange peel, preserved lemons, white truffle, pineapple, mandarin peel and slate. Luscious with grip and lift, and a clear return to form after a challenging 2022 here. Now majority owned by the Lalique luxury goods company rather than its owner Silvio Denz, with the sale completed in October 2023 (the same group owns The Glenturret whisky).

Score: 90–92. An intense golden hue with amber highlights. Corinth raisins, dried pineapple, apricot and mirabelle contribute to a bouquet that retains superb freshness. Silky on the palate, it is all about dried fruit (apricot, mango, banana), roasted pineapple and fresh almond. Length and persistence define the finish.