(97-99 points) (Pomerol; 100% Merlot; a final yield of 12 hl/ha; 14% ABV; just 1,700 bottles – usually more like 5000; tasted with Henri Parent at Le Gay). There's a beauty here to the black cherry fruit, very plump and plush. The famous florality of this wine takes a little bit of time to gather and express itself, but it's wonderful when it does so – not so much the violets you might expect, more in this vintage wild spring flowers and a little lilac and peony. The violet eventually arrives (you just need to be patient) and it's breathtaking in its purity and gentle beauty. This is a fascinating study in floral diversity. The fruit is dark, a mix of blueberry, bramble, mulberry and black cherry, and one feels one's fingers are going to be darkened by proximity to these vibrant purple hues. Supremely gracious and with hardly a hint of the oak in which the tiny quantities are vinified. Magnificent. And unique. This has impressive aging potential but is so vivid, intense and accessible already. 97-99

(96-98+ points) Deep purple-hued, the 2025 Château La Violette has a gorgeous nose of ripe red, blue, and black fruits as well as spicy herbs, chocolate, and graphite. Based on 100% Merlot that will spend 14 months in new barrels, it's rich and concentrated on the palate, medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a great finish. This ultra-classic, pure, seductive, incredibly impressive Pomerol will certainly play with the top wines in the vintage. It's the finest wine I've tasted from this château in some time. Bravo.

(95-97 points) The wine's trademark scents of violets come through loud and clear in the perfume, along with cherries, cocoa, licorice, espresso, truffles, and plums. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, hedonistic, lush, and fresh. The creamy tannins in the fruit-packed finish deliver a warm, sensuous, polished finish. The wine was produced from 100% Merlot. Drink from 2030-2055. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2025&wine=Chateau%20La%20Violette

Fruity and fresh but also perfumed, heady and layered. The flavours are super intense with blackcurrants, violets, liquorice, rose petals, plums and vanilla but the texture is smooth and sleek with plenty of juicy appeal. Certainly less oak impacted at this point than other En Primeur samples. Elegant with purity on offer. A strong backbone but lovely styling.

(94-96 points) Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2025 La Violette is a touch closed and oaky to begin, soon unfurling to reveal notes of juicy plums, blueberry preserves, and tar, followed by hints of lavender and licorice. The full-bodied palate is dense with black fruit preserves layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lively line, finishing long and perfumed.

This estate has a clear signature, and they are extremely consistent in sticking to it. Rich texture, peony, rose petals, iris flowers, this is attractive, skilfully put together, juicy finish, plenty of character, cocoa bean, incense, holds grip and interest, skilfully assembled. Vignobles Parent.

(93-95 points) The 2025 La Violette, 100% Merlot, is a dense, powerful wine. Blackberry, gravel, bittersweet chocolate, licorice and espresso are all dialed up. The 2025 possesses off-the-charts fruit richness and tannins to match. As usual, this vintage will not be released for many years, so there is plenty of time for it to come together. It is one of the wines on the Right Bank that are defined by miniscule yields. Saury Ecraine estimates that production will be around 1,500 bottles, about a third of the normal amount. -By Antonio Galloni