A serious take on the vintage, with massal selection vines grown at Pavie Macquin. Clear limestone character and does a great job of delivering sappy pumice stone character along with ripe fruits. 32hl/h yield, 6.51ha. Nicolas Thienpont estate, Stephane Derenoncourt consultant. Tasted twice. 92 points

Located on the limestone plateau, the 2023 La Prade reveals a somber, dark bouquet of gentian, licorice, dark wild berries and spices. Medium-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, it’s rich and dense with structured tannins and a long, chalky finish. This is a blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc. 88-90 points

The 2023 La Prade is pliant, racy and super-expressive. Black cherry, blood orange, plum, spice, new leather and mocha are front and center. Bright acids and lifted floral notes energize the exotic, beautifully perfumed finish. There`s a bit more Cabernet Franc this year, which very much comes through on the explosive, broad finish. This is nicely done. 89-91 points