2025 La Garde Rouge (Pessac-Leognan)

Well structured fruits and tannins, nothing too intrusive, enjoyable balance, good length and grip, unfussy and easy to recommend. A clear example of how much work is being done at La Garde right now. 3.5ph, 39hl/ha yields, 30% new oak. Penelope Godefroy`s first full vintage at Dourthe as director (a great year to read the difference between the terroirs). Harvest September 8 to 24. 92 points

Less introverted and more approachable than in recent vintages, the 2025 La Garde reveals aromas of dark berries, cassis, mulberries, flowers and spice. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and enveloping, it’s built around a tense, structuring mid-palate framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, ethereal and perfumed finish. This is a strong effort. It`s a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot. 91-93 points

The 2025 La Garde is a very beautiful wine with lovely forward fruit and fine balance. Pretty bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, pomegranate and blood orange all meld together seamlessly. Ripe, silky tannins and a closing floral burst extend the finish effortlessly. 90-92 points