critic reviews
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.
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 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.