2024 Puygueraud (Francs-Cotes de Bordeaux)

Sappy, vivid red and black fruits, nice depth of colour, and although there is austerity here, it is enjoyable, washed by cloves, black pepper and gunsmoke, 20% new oak casks, harvest 30 September to 7 October. In organic conversion. Family estate of Nicolas and Cyrille Thienpont. First vintage with some Malbec in the wine, tasted twice. 91 points

The 2024 Puygueraud is promising. In 2024, Puygueraud is not quite as dark or powerful as it can be, but that is not a bad thing. Crushed flowers, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco lend notable aromatic presence. The profile in 2024 is distinctly red-fruit leaning, which I find quite attractive. This is very nicely done. Tasted two times. 89-91 points

The 2024 Puygueraud initially comes across as a little blowsy on the nose compared to its peers, although it settles in the glass with black cherry and blueberry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite supple in the mouth with raspberry and tayberry towards the finish. Drink over the next four to five years. 87-89 points