2023 Joanin Becot (Cotes de Castillon)

Vibrant plum colour, Merlot on clay profile, meaning round, soft and gourmet on the opening, giving a jolt of limestone chalk and pumice stone through the mid palate. Like this enormously, combines crunchy blue and red fruits with richer cocoa bean and liqourice. 25% new oak barrels for ageing, plus 25% one year oak, and the rest split between stainless steel vats and oak casks. Harvest September 25 to October 4. 92 points

The 2023 Joanin Becot is a solid performance this year, evoking aromas of violet, flowers, dark wild berries and iris, followed by a precise, tense, juicy and savory palate that is fleshier than the 2022 vintage, with velvety tannins and a tense, ethereal and calcareous finish. It`s a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 91-93 points

The 2023 Joanin-Bécot is one of the best wines I have tasted here. Vibrant and floral, with explosive fruit, Joanin-Bécot has it all. Dark and resonant notes of rose petal, spice and blood orange lift from the glass. There’s terrific density, class and purity. All the elements are so well balanced. Tasted two times. 90-93 points