2023 Deyrem Valentin (Margaux)

Deep colour, clearly full of anthocyanes, carefully extracted, I like that we have a good Left Bank/Right Bank distinction that was less clear in 2022. This is crayon and cassis, a little dilute throgh the mid palate, but has balance, and elegance. 100% new oak barrels for ageing. Vignobles Jean Sorge (also produced a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine in 2023 for the first time, not tasted by me). Cru Bourgeois Supérieur at last ranking, expected to be reconfirmed later this year. 90 points

The 2023 Deyrem Valentin is a terrific surprise. Rich, ample and explosive, Deyrem Valentin has a ton to offer. To be sure, readers should expect a dense, opulent style, but it works quite well here. Succulent red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal and citrus peel build into the deeply satisfying, resonant finish. Well done. 92-94 points

The 2023 Deyrem-Valentin has a quintessential Margaux bouquet that is extremely well defined. Pure black cherry and blueberry fruit tones gently unfurl in the glass. The oak here is neatly integrated. The palate is wonderfully balanced with gentle grip, sapid black fruit and veins of blueberry, harmonious and poised with an insistent tug on the finish. This over-performs given its status and comes highly recommended. 92-94 points