2024 Le Prieure (St-Emilion)

Some austerity on the opening but expands to show greater depths of raspberry and red cherry fruit through the mid palate, helped by the addition of clay-dominant Merlots from Château Malineau just opposite Troplong Mondot, bought in 2021 and included since 2022 in the blend. Fingerprint of limestone in evidence, fresh acidities on the finish. 3.40 pH. 40 hl/ha. 50% new oak. First year of the new cellar here. 91 points

The 2024 Le Prieure is a very beautiful wine. Dark and vibrant in the glass, the 2024 offers up an attractive mix of black fruits, gravel, incense, licorice, tobacco and chocolate. There`s lovely breadth and resonance, within the context of the year. Elevage is projected to be 18 months, with 50% new barrels. This is a fine Le Prieure. It`s the first vintage made in the newly renovated cellar. 91-93 points

The 2024 Le Prieure is the first vintage produced in the new cellar facility, which is equipped with smaller vats made from stainless steel instead of concrete to allow more precision. This has a floral bouquet with mulberry and raspberry scents, demonstrating a touch more lift and vigour than it stablemate, the Vray Croix de Gay. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity, fresher than the aforementioned Pomerol with a bright finish. This is a success for the vintage. 92-94 points