critic reviews
The 2023 Bourgneuf is deep garnet-purple in color. A little broody to start, it offers notes of tar and damp soil before opening out to a core of fresh plums and black cherries followed by hints of crushed rocks and black olives. The medium-bodied palate has a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
Medium intensity ruby, with soft violet edging, aromatics slightly subdued, opening to show punch of spiced plum, grilled oak, fennel and pomegranate. This is a wine that I just love, such a consistent estate, and often great value. Harvest September 12 to 27.
The 2023 Bourgneuf was picked September 12 to 27. This has an enticing bouquet with black cherries and wild strawberry fruit, cohesive and focused with neatly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine structure. A keen line of acidity cuts through the black cherries and bilberry fruit, closing with a tangy, saline finish that urges you back for more. Bravo. This is a fine Pomerol from what continues to be an under-estimated estate.
The 2023 Bourgneuf is an especially impressive effort that underlines this estate's proximity to Trotanoy (one block actually reaches the outbuildings of Trotanoy). Unwinding in the glass with aromas of mulberries, exotic spices, licorice, incense and lilac, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with a dense, creamy core of concentrated fruit framed by a serious chassis of sweet, powdery tannin. This is likely to number among the sleepers of the vintage.