critic reviews
As anticipated, the 2023 Bourgneuf has turned out very well, revealing aromas of dark berries, dark cherries, incense and lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, it is seamless and layered, built around a fleshy core of fruit perfectly framed by velvety, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. The blend comprises 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
Remains fairly tight on the opening, as it was En Primeur, give a few more years in bottle, but there are lovely spice notes running throughout, rosemary, white pepper, anis, fennel, grilled pepper, with dark autumnal fruits and a touch of salted cracker. Love this wine. Harvest September 12 to 27, 35% new oak for ageing. One point upscore.
The 2023 Bourgneuf was a little gem from barrel. Now in bottle, it takes a few minutes to really settle aromatically, eventually delivering pretty black plum, raspberry and allspice scents, just a touch of tobacco in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, a little more savoury than I recall, due to that 10% Cabernet Franc. Funny how that can be so expressive, even as a bit-part player, lending an edgy spiciness toward the finish. I suspect this might close for a short while, and re-emerge later.
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.