2020 Pedesclaux (Pauillac)

Matured in 55% new oak, the 2020 Pedesclaux, has a very Cabernet-driven nose as indeed, this Pauillac estate has been gradually moving towards the variety in recent years. Blackberry, freshly-rolled tobacco and light pencil box notes. This is clean and precise. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fresh and fleshy, yet there is backbone here with a gentle but insistent grip towards the smooth finish. Maybe it just needs a little more complexity overall, but this should still drink well for the next two decades. 91 points

The 2020 Pedesclaux is a powerhouse. The tannins are a bit less searing than they were en primeur, but only slightly. Dark fruit, chocolate, leather, spice and licorice struggle to emerge. This feels pushed. Pédesclaux is a Pauillac that relies more on power than finesse. 87 points

Tasted blind. Black core with purplish rim. Peppery dark fruit and perhaps a hint of smoky reduction. Smells pretty oaky. Tastes pretty oaky, too, but the tannins are fine grained and it’s fresh on the finish. Straightforward Pauillac. 16 points