Amazingly dense, beautiful inky colour, lovely bright spice, this has lift and floral aromatics that come in waves through the palate, soft and successful extraction, 45% new oak, with a part in large format 400l barrels. Vincent Priou director. 94 points

As usual, the 2023 Puygueraud, a blend of 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, remains a sure bet for readers seeking well-executed Bordeaux wines. It exhibits aromas of mulberries, blueberries, spices and delicate oaky hints. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s fleshy and seamless with a long, dense and mineral finish framed by licorice and spice hints. 88-91 points