This 20ha estate has been owned since 1994 by Florence and Daniel Cathiard, who also own Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Today, its 15ha for reds are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, on mostly gravel soils with some clay. Grapes are handpicked and sorted twice, whole-berry fermented in large oak vats before ageing 14 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Andy Howard MW: Damson and cherry dominate the nose. Fleshy palate, bright acidity and some firm but ripe tannins. Hint of bitterness on the finish, but this adds to the feeling of freshness. Long, lingering, a classy Pessac. Robert Mathias: Nose is closed but has lots of detail: clove, anise, cedar and coffee. Great concentration, firm and fine-grained tannin. Energy with a spicy liquorice and black pepper finish. Tim Triptree MW: Rich and complex aromatics, great fruit intensity with wellintegrated oak. Generous ripe plum, red and black cherry, with fine tannins and persistence.

Lush in feel, with lovely boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit notes that glide through atop a velvety structure, while licorice snap and warm Christmas pudding details fill in. A flash of apple wood adds some lift on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2031. 1,250 cases made.