2020 La Vieille Cure (Fronsac)

New owners for a few years now at La Vieille Cure, and it continues to be one of the go-to names in the appellation. This is a little closed down right now, the oaking a little evident, but the big berry fruits charm their way in after a few moments, as do charred cedar notes and grippy tannins. Enjoyable and confident and overall one of the Fronsacs that is tasting great. 92 points

The 2020 La Vieille Cure offers plenty of black fruit intermingling with dark chocolate and leathery notes on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, mint and a touch of menthol toward the high-toned finish that will need to calm down during élevage. Maybe this Fronsac is trying a little too hard? 87-89 points

Very deep, blackish purple. Intense – so intense there is almost no aroma. Lots of sweet, floral notes on palate entry and then a certain inkiness on the finish. Needs quite a lot of time but it could eventually be refreshing despite its concentration of sweet fruit. Though the finish is rather hot at the moment. 15.5++ points