Cannes Yacht Dining, & 2023 Bordeaux Wines

Cannes Yacht Dining, & 2023 Bordeaux Wines
Fresh seafood from the Bay of Cannes, southern France

Superyacht Dining—

Some years ago I flew from Bordeaux to Cannes in southern France for lunch on a yacht at Port Pierre Canto (actually, flown into Nice, and driven in).

Lunch in Cannes on Superyacht Cecilia

The yacht, the M/Y Cecilia, appeared magnificent. And the food and wine pairings were so amazing that I contacted the chef later and wrote an article about him and his wife and their restaurants for Forbes.

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Tour and lunch aboard Superyacht Cecilia

Chef Paolo Amadori and his wife Francesca now own a Gastronomic Village, which includes with four restaurants as well as a deli, in Ramatuelle in the Gulf of Saint Tropez. He came to Cannes that day to prepare lunch.

Paolo took my cookbook—The Winemakers' Cooking Companion—for a test drive and enjoyed the ride! Below is his testimonial about the book.

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Chef Paolo Amadori's testimonial for The Winemakers' Cooking Companion
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Yacht appetizers from Chef Paolo Amadori

Insider Insights—

Read more about The Winemakers' Cooking Companion at this site.

Read more about Paolo's restaurant La Forge de Ramatuelle here.

Recipe—

Here is a free recipe for Lamb and Sweetbreads Caillettes from my cookbook The Winemakers' Cooking Companion. It comes from Roussas in the Rhone Valley, a few hours drive north of where Paolo resides.

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Re-Tasting Winning Bordeaux 2023 Wines

In 2024 I wrote the following for Forbes regarding the 2023 Bordeaux vintage:

". . . what about those occasional 2023 creamy tannins that are almost erotic so that you consider it risqué even mentioning them? As though from another planet—and fully welcome. In some candlelit cellar with a group of select friends in the year 2050—drinking vintage 2023 may be associated with and remembered by such fluidly melting tannins and brazen oval acidity."

I recently tasted (and re-tasted) over 50 Bordeaux wines from vintage 2023 again.

Generally they were delicious and all within a relatively narrow range of good quality. Meaning—few awful outliers.

In Forbes in 2024 I wrote this about the 2023 vintage:

"Striking acidity within much of Bordeaux vintage 2023 is more pronounced and better integrated with fruit than that of vintage 2021, as well as more homogenous across the region in comparison.

"Tannins for 2023 red wines often appear unusually creamy, which—combined with perky acidity—may give this vintage an edgy flavor profile and aging ability to be raved over and sought twenty years down the road (and, yes, also after five, ten and thirty years), with those who drink it likely calling it fresh and even velvety.

"For red wines, 2023 Bordeaux shares much of the buoyant fruit and open energy of vintage 2019, the coy tannic confidence of 2020 and the pronounced acidity of 2021—although rounder, more focused, refined and supremely successful at enveloping components of fruit, alcohol and tannins. The vintage also includes a sliver of 2015 bright sunshine brilliance."

I then spoke with Hubert du Boüard, winemaker and owner of Château Angelus in Saint-Émilion. Regarding the 2023 vintage he said.

“2023 was more sunny than hot, and ripeness comes with sunshine more than with heat. Spring was difficult with rain. But the berries were healthy—fresh and with violets on the nose. Vibrancy when I tasted the grapes. Very juicy. It is not a classic vintage, because you have tension and freshness, but classic does not have this creaminess.”

Below are my tasting notes, written this past week after I sampled these 2023 bottles.

Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux city, France

LEFT BANK BORDEAUX

Red Wines

Château Larose—Trintaudon. Haut-Médoc. 2023. 93+ points.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend with 13.5% alcohol. A luscious, decadent, sumptuous set of deliciously crisp aromas that include cherry juice, meringue pie and a slice of lime from the acidity. In the mouth, dark nougat and stroganoff and an almost Christmas concoction of swirling mocha red fruit flavors. Bright raspberries on the finish. Subtle tannins, crisp acidity. Pair with meatballs with tomato sauce or with bulghur and mint leaves.

Prelude Grand Puy Ducasse. Pauillac. 2023. 93 points.

A Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend with aromas of succulent black fruit, hickory, mocha, malt balls and cherries. Well-structured with broad shoulders and flavors of black licorice mid palate. A stout left bank blend with resonant tannins.

Château Siran. Margaux. 2023. 95 points.

A 14% alcohol blend with a lively label painting titled Learning the Language of Gaia which shows a robot curiously inspecting grapes. Perky, energetic, engaging red fruit aromas as well as cola and redwood. Deliciously balanced mid palate bursting with red fruit—chunky and hearty—with elegant tannins and fresh acidity. A light, vibrant, flavorful beauty. Pair with a plum clafoutis dessert or a main course of grilled duck breast with slightly salted corn and broccoli.

Château de Chantegrive. Graves. 2023. 91-92 points.

From the Lévéque family, this Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 14% alcohol includes perky aromas of red fruits, brownies and cherry juice. Light and easy drinking with fresh mid palate flavors that include chocolate chunks and walnut whip as well as balsamic on the finish. Scrumptious, easy drinking.

Photo I took from the inside of Château Haut Brion on the left bank of Bordeaux

Château Branas Grand Poujeaux. Moulis-en-Médoc. 2023. 94 points.

50/35/15 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot with 14% alcohol. Fresh, delicate aromas that include blueberries, followed by red cherries, biltong, cola and orange peel. Delicious, light, well balanced with firm but quiet tannins and balsamic on the finish. Easy drinking but somewhat complex with rich lacquer in the mouth of dark fruit flavors. 

Château Haut-Beauséjour. Saint-Estèphe. 2023. 95 points.

Rum rich and syrupy aromas that are complex and hearty and include spring florals as well as red and black cherries. Well balanced with ample fruit and robust supportive tannins. A lovely, focused wine bursting with fresh fruit wrapped in bright acidity. Pair with grilled duck breast or sausage, or for vegetarians try battered porcini mushrooms.

Château Meyney. Saint-Estèphe. 2023. 94 points.

Rich and luxurious aromas that include bright, crackling fresh fruit and spring florals. Cola and menthol and dark fruits mid palate. A stroganoff of power and suavity from Bordeaux’s left bank. Subtle but firm tannins and bright acidity. Pair with meatloaf or with butternut squash ravioli.

Château Tour de Pez. Saint-Estephe. 2023. 94 points.

13% alcohol in this Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend from Bordeaux’s left bank. Textured and rich aromas of raspberries, cranberries, pine needles and slight teak. A delicious and well balanced beauty from the left bank with subtle tannins, concentrated dark fruit and slight molasses flavors. Pair with a cheese platter or with soy doused Asian fare.

Laffitte Carcasset. T3—Vignes de la Terrasse 3. Saint-Estèphe. 2023. 93-94 points

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Billowing black cherry aromas with slight teak and hickory. A lush, fruity beauty with deliciously focused flavors that include raspberries and sage. Soft tannins and opulent finish. What a treat.

Château Arnauld. Haut-Médoc. 2023. 92+ points.

13.5% alcohol. Teak and bouillon aromas, as well as red cherries and orange segments. Balanced, subtle and engaging in the mouth—with flavors that include blackberries and caramel and chocolate sauce. Easy drinking, semi-complex beauty with robust yet subdued tannins and crackling acidity that highlights fruit. Pair with a hearty board of charcuteries or with rich cheeses and rye crackers.

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse. Pauillac. 2023. 94-95 points.

55/45 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend with 13.5% alcohol. Luscious full and sweet aromas of florals that include hibiscus, roses and bluebells as well as black cherries. Delightfully drinkable mid palate—layered, complex, balanced and with soft tannins and buckets of blackberries and a stream of chocolate sauce. Dark licorice on the finish. Pair with roast beef and baked potatoes with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Left Bank Bordeaux wines

Château Magnol. Haut-Médoc. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. 2023. 93+ points.

Bright and cheery summertime floral and red fruit aromas as well as Oreos, prunes and Dutch licorice. A hearty full mid palate bursting with dark flavors that include juicy fruit as well as figs and Fry’s chocolate cream. Bright and zesty acidity; firm yet quiet tannins. Well-structured and complex.

 Château Laffitte Carcasset. Saint-Estèphe. Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. 2023. 94 points.

13.5% alcohol blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Somewhat light and ethereal, but brisk, aromas. A fruit cake for certain mid palate, with lovely finish that is elegant and silky. Crisp acidity dominates. This will pair with a Christmas cake or hearty goulash.

 Château Deyrem Valentin. Margaux. 2023. 94 points.

From Jean Sorge, this is a13.5% alcohol blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot that includes brisk aromas laden with fruit as well as fresh taffy. A snappy bucketful of gorgeous bright fruit flavors with scintillating acidity. An awakening start to the evening. Pair with salted edamame or sashimi. Light as a Beaujolais.

Château Larose Perganson. Haut-Medoc. 2023. 91-92 points.

14% alcohol Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Aromas are brisk, mid palate is fresh and fruity with bright and energetic acidity. Soft tannins and clean flavors in this slow afternoon drinking wine.

Château Charmail. Haut-Medoc. 2023. 94+ points.

Spry red fruit aromas as well as earth and slight mint. Beautiful mouthful of luscious fruit balanced with acidity and silky tannins. Uplifting finish. Delicious! Pair with carrot soup or a parfait dessert. Fine tannins, precise flavors. Balanced and generous.

White Wines

Château de Chantegrive. Caroline. Graves. 2023.

Upbeat tropical aromas that include grapefruit and lime. Slight salt, honey and lime mid palate with a moderate body and flavors that include peaches, mangos and white pears. Pair with edamame or hummus on salted crackers.

Château de Chantegrive. Graves. 2023. 94 points.

White wine blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Aromas of pumpelmousse, pear, peach, apricot, grapefruit, menthol and slight salinity.  Bright and sparky attack, full fruit fusillade, nippy acidity and creamy texture. To arouse and satisfy. Pair with smoke salmon or even caramel banoffee pie dessert.

Laffitte Carcasset. Le Chardonnay. IGP Atlantic. 2024. 93+ points.

12.5% alcohol from the challenging 2024 vintage. Delicate and angled aromas include mango, lime, pear and papaya. Quite a luscious mid palate that is rich with layers of complex fruit flavors; includes a hit of orange sherbet on the finish. 

Chardonnay from Château Laffitte Carcasset on Bordeaux's left bank

RIGHT BANK BORDEAUX

 Red Wines

Château La Commanderie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2023. 92 points.

15% alcohol in this 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Busting and lively rip roaring smattering of spring fruit aromas that include raspberries, blueberries as well as charcoal, blueberries, butterscotch and red hot candies. In the mouth this includes a chunky dense mid palate of dark red fruit, molasses and licorice strips, with juicy cranberries on the finish. Pair with goulash or biltong.

Château Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 94-96 points.

14% alcohol in this 60/40 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Brisk, frothy, seductive and lush aromas cherry parfait, blueberry cheesecake and nuts. Wispy as some dragonfly cartoon character. Agility and alacrity on the attack in this wine with splendid balance and harmony. Full but suave mid palate striated tannins and a balanced red fruit flush with clean acidity. Smoky and layered with cranberries on the finish. Pair with charcuterie and mozzarella cheese.

 Château Moine Vieux. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 93+ points.

Fresh and vigorous aromas of dark licorice, strudel, tar, peat and black cherries. A hefty mid palate brew of dark blackberries and espresso, with cranberries on the finish. Suave tannins and bracing acidity. Pair with figs in red wine dessert.

Right Bank Bordeaux wines from Saint-Émilion

 Clos Saint-Vincent. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 93-94 points.

Dark and peaty aromas with morels and mint crisp in this 13.5% alcohol wine. Vibrant and powerful and chunky delicious flavors of minestrone, blue and black berries and Dutch dorp licorice. Subtle but well shouldered tannins and crisp acidity on the finish. Pair with grilled lamb or with a vegetarian tajine.

 Clos des Jacobins. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2023. 96+ points.

From Bernard and Thibaut Decoster. Full and embracing fruity aromas that include red cherries, slices of mandarin, soy and black pepper. A lovely light and balanced beauty in the mouth—with suave tannins, spring sunshine bright acidity, caramel, sesame seeds and black licorice. Layered, complex, delightful. Pair with grilled lamb or beef or with hummus and poppyseed crackers.

 L’Éclat du Château L’Éperon. Vignoble de Vérac. 2023. 93 points.

Unmistakable golden rooster on the label. 80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec. 13.5% alcohol. Spry aromas of dark brownies, anise, red currants and black pepper. A hearty mid palate stew of multiple red and black fruits and flavors that include Spry’s chocolate cream, taffy, dark chocolate and mushrooms. Buoyant acidity, subtle tannins. Pair with teriyaki steak or with a butternut squash velouté.

 Château L’Éperon. Le Merlot. Vignoble de Vérac. 2023. 93+ points

14% alcohol. Bright, cheerful, buoyant aromas of hibiscus, orange peel, lapsang souchong tea, teak and gorse. Suave and delicious mid palate that brims with acidity that enhances flavors of red cherries, chocolate syrup, poppyseed pastry and slight soy on the finish. Pair with grilled shish kebab that includes lamb and pineapple.

 Château L’Éperon. Bordeaux Supérieur. Vignoble de Vérac. 2023. 93+ points.

13.5% alcohol in this blend with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the right bank. Slightly tart and earthy aromas that include molasses, red cherries, and forest trail. Bright and buoyant acidity mid palate, which oozes with luscious and chewy flavors of red fruit. A quaffable delight with layers of chocolate, dark licorice and cherries. Tannins are subtle but firm.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines

 Château Trianon. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 93-94 points.

13.5% alcohol. Brisk, fresh blasts of aromas that include cola, red cherries, pine and maple syrup. Full, balanced, satisfying mid palate with flavors of blackberries, treacle and slight soy. Well-crafted and statured with subtle but firm tannins and brilliant acidity.

 Château Montlabert. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2023. 94-95 points.

13.5% alcohol in this wine with rich, rummy aromas that include pine forest, molasses and bacon. Full and beautiful mouth full of dark and rich fruit and flavors that include candy cane and mint brittle. A complex, invigorating beauty. Subtle tannins, sleek acidity. Pair with grilled venison and tabouleh.

 Château Haut-Surget. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2023. 94 points.

14.5% alcohol in this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Feisty and delicious bloom of aromas that include rum, red cherries, nougat, orange peel, teak, and pine grove. Beautiful fruitful mid palate with black pepper; excellent tannic structure, bracing bright acidity and a fine finish that includes hickory and black licorice.

 Vieux Château Palon. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2023. 95+ points.

A 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend from five hectares (12 acres) from this Saint-Émilon satellite appellation. A syrupy, fruity set of bright aromas that include spearmint, pine, cocoa and cola. Beautifully rich and concentrated mid palate bursting with dark fruit, maple syrup, pine nut and caraway seed flavors. Rich and robust with excellent firm but unobtrusive tannic structure and swashbuckling bright acidity. Pair with lemon meringue dessert or with a goat cheese and butternut squash ravioli.

 Château La Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2023. 94 points.

From a satellite appellation of Saint-Émilion, this 14% alcohol wine has a quiet nose, with subtle black currant aromas. The body is rich, delicate and well-structured with excellent tannic balance and fruit/acidity harmony. A powerful but subtle expression that includes delicious flavors of dark fruit and chocolate. Pair with a tajine or with cassoulet.

Medieval wall in Saint-Èmilion, Bordeaux

 Château de La Fleur de Boüard. Le Plus. 2023. 94+ points.

A dizzying blast of sweet florals and fruits on the nose. Include sandalwood and tropicals and slight menthol. Rich, syrupy and dense mid palate that includes firm tannins and focused fruit such as figs. Also rum and chocolate flake. Brisk and well-integrated acidity. Pair this with a meat pie or vegetarian lasagna.

 Château Haut-Carles. Fronsac. 2023. 96 points.

13.5% alcohol in this 90/5/5 blend of Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet Franc. Bright aromas of spring florals and fresh young red fruits that include raspberries as well as teak and mint chocolate. Beautifully balanced and rich mid palate with fruit and dark tea. Tannins, fruit and alcohol work together here in harmony. This wine is light and focused and will pair with a range of foods. Think Andouille—smoked sausage, grilled duck breast or a chickpea, corn and beetroot salad.

 Château de Carles. Fronsac. 2023. 94+ points.

Snappy aromas that include teak, orange peel, dark dorp licorice, soy and slight butterscotch. A rich and royal mid palate with firm tannins and bright acidity that envelopes textured flavors of red cherries, blueberries, toffee and black pepper. Delicious, concentrated, powerful and versatile to pair with food; think mushroom and cheddar cheese omelet or duck confit.

 Château Tour de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 92 points.

A 70/18/7/2/2/1 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Carménère/Petit Verdot/Malbec that includes 14% alcohol. Aromas are sharp and include soy, molasses and teak. Buoyant and fruity in the mouth with flavors of red cherries, dark chocolate and anise. Fresh acidity and quiet tannins. Pair with hard cheeses or a fig dessert.

 Château La Croix Younan. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 90 points.

Aromas of bluebells, sandalwood and dark licorice. Dark flavors that include soy, black tea and red cherries. Firm tannins.

 Château de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2023. 93+ points.

A 70/16/9/2/2/1 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Carménère/Petit Verdot/Malbec. Opulent and soft aromas of perfume, spring flowers, French toast and biltong. Attractively firm and focused mid palate with espresso, licorice, black fruit flavors. Lusciously light tannins and bright fruit. Crisp acidity.

 Château Magnan la Gaffelière. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 92+ points.

65/35 Merlot/Cabernet France blend. Forest floor and soy aromas. Delicate and fruit buoyant mid palate with sesame on the finish. Flavors of cherry parfait and blackberry tart. Soft tannins.

Wines from Saint-Émiion on the right bank of Bordeaux

 La Croix de Montlabert. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 90-91 points.

Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend with 13% alcohol. Light floral aromas. Soft flavors mid palate of raspberries, cherries, black currants. Firm but subdued tannins.

 Château Plain Point. 2023. 93-94 points.

Opulent and bright fruity aromas that include raspberries, cherries, and slight mint. Deliciously drinkable and full flavored with ample bright fruit; easy drinking. Subtle tannins, bright acidity.

 Château Plain Point. M de Plain Point. 2023. 91+ points

Cabernet Franc. Quiet aromas that include hickory, tar, tobacco and pine. Rounded, easy drinking mid palate filled with black and red fruits. Laid back tannins and well-balanced fruit and acidity. Darkly delicious and well-focused flavors.

 Chateau Adaugusta. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2023. 96-97 points.

From Gerard & Catherine Canuel, this 14% alcohol wine is made from 40 yr old vines. A 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged 25 months in French oak. Aromas of peat, acorns, tasted chestnuts and black licorice as well as slight hawthorn and nutmeg. Oily mid palate of dark berries and soy, with hints of cherries and seductive creamy tannins of 2023. Ebullient cumin/mandarin finish with lip tingling acidity. Brilliant! Pair with Szechuan beef and grilled mandarin slices and star anise. This will topple your expectations.

 Clos Bertineau. Merlot. 2023. 95+ points.

Precise and precious first nose, including rollicking chilled cherry aromas, slight evergreen and bumptious energy of spring. Smooth and delicious mid palate, suave tannins, after eight mints and a long, wavy finish that is evening gastronomic foreplay. Pair with food as light as sashimi, as sweet as cherry tart and as heavy as tagliatelle with shaved truffles and big hunks of black pepper. Mamma Mia! 14.5% alcohol.

 Château Mondou. Saint Emilion Grand Cru. 2023. 94+ points.

A 66/34 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with 15% alcohol presented in a hefty dark bottle with a powerfully austere black label. From Grégory Naulet. Dark and deep purple with fresh and zesty red and black fruit, earth and slight cinnamon aromas. Pleasant and pleasurable flush of full fruit in the mouth—statured, structured and nuanced with slight black licorice and soy. Tannins quiet and a chewy length. Pair with wild boar or a hearty butternut squash soup.

Right Bank wines from Saint-Émilion and Fronsac

 White Wines

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Chardonnay. 2023. 92+ points.

Crisp and racy tropical aromas of peach, as well as a dose of honey, salt and nectarines. Quiet and subtle attack, honeyed mid palate with guavas, kiwi fruit, white pears and crisp salinity on the finish. A gourmand wine for excellent seafood—scallops or octopus—on a Sunday noon with friends.

 Château Plain Point. Fronsac. 2023. 94-95 points.

Soft and delicate tropical fruit aromas rippling with vibrant acidity. Slight butter and lime. Layered, complex, joyful assembly of spritzy flavors mid palate. Quite the balanced kaleidoscope mid palate. Pair with buttered scallops or a lemon-mint risotto.

ENTRE-DEUX-MERS BORDEAUX

Red Wines

Château Laurence. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2023. 94 points.

From Philippe Nunes. Full, balanced and fruity aromas that include black cherries as well as slight caramel. A cheerful mid palate with black pepper, red and black fruit and a long, luscious finish. Crisp acidity, balanced and subtle tannins. Easy drinking, rich and inviting. Pair with a range of foods—consider hard cheeses, grilled meats or vegetarian casserole.

Fleur de Thénac. 2023. 94-95 points.

A malty brew of earthy aromas, including peat, gorse, lush black cherries and black berries. Dark and magical mid palate that is crisp, chocolatey with salty Dutch licorice and mushroom flavors as well as juicy dark fruit. Elegant tannins and bright embracing acidity. Pair with goulash.

Château Thénac. 2023. 94 points.

Fluffy and bright beautiful aromas of red candy cane, red cherries, After Eight mints and malt balls. A dark biscuity mid palate, with chewy and chunky flavors of chocolate, slight pine nuts, red cherries. Moderate tannins and subtle acidity on the finish. Pair with truffle linguini. 

Closerie Vitis Arbor. Les Calcaires. 2023. 93 points.

13% alcohol from winemaker Jeremy Mourgues. Delicate initial aromas of a fern glen, pine cones and golden syrup as well as black fruit and cola. A dark and chunky mid palate here—almost Cahors like stature and gravitas. Singing acidity, taut tannins, meaty flavors in this soup of flavors that includes black and blueberry juice and fig rolls. Different, compelling and unique. Pair with a meat pie or a vegetarian lasagna that includes mushrooms.

From Philippe Nunes in Entre-Deux-Mers

Closerie Vitis Arbor. Les Charmes. 2023. 92+ points.

Subtle and attractive aromas that include black pepper, gorse, ripe black cherries. Quite the rounded fruit punch bowl in the mouth, crackling with soft fruit flavors that include crushed raspberries and red cherries and strawberries. A still young beauty that will deliver magnificently after another year. Pair with grilled sirloin or a tabouleh and chicken salad. 

Château Laurence “Petite Laurence”. Philippe Nunes. 2023. 92-93 points.

From Entre-Deux-Mers. Darkly fruity aromas with some light raspberries and pine. Brisk, fresh, snappy mid palate and crisp acidity. Easy drinking, balanced with subtle tannins. Pair with balsamic asparagus or even with salmon. Flexible easy drinking.

White Wines

Château Laurence. Sauvignon Blanc. 2023. 93-94+ points.

From Philippe Nunes in Entre-Deux-Mers, wielding the classic Bordeaux white grape. 12.5% alcohol. Lush and plush aromas that are crisp and direct—lime, mangos, grapefruit segments. Beautifully balanced mid palate gushing with flavors of a tropical paradise; think key lime pie, green apple tart, limoncello spritz with bright acidity and a slightly caramel finish. His best yet.

Château Thénac. 2023. 90-91 points.

Voluptuous, keen and racy aromas that include nectarines, white pear and grapefruit. A full and creamy mid palate with flavors that include peaches and lime. Bright forthright acidity.

Château Thénac. Fleur de Thénac. 2023. 92-93 points.

Bounteous and scintillating crisp aromas, fresh as coastal Atlantic breakers. Pear, grapefruit, mangos. A crisp mouthful of gorgeous, angled flavors including watermelon, lime sorbet, mango and white pears. Complex, energetic and engaging. Brilliant acidity. Consider pairing with shrimp, oysters or scallops or papaya cheese toast. 

White wines from Bordeaux—right and left banks as well as from Entre-Deux-Mers

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