2025 Le Prieure (St-Emilion)

The 2025 Le Prieure is elegant, classy and polished, as it so often is. Blue-toned fruit, lavender, graphite, licorice, menthol and mocha are all finely knit in a Saint-Emilion that exudes finesse. Time in the glass brings out the wine`s gorgeous mid-palate presence and overall balance. Silky tannins wrap it all together in style. 93-95 points

The 2025 Le Prieure, which expanded to 11.6 hectares in 2021 with acquisitions from Cardinal-Villemaurine and Malineau, was picked from 4 September at 32 hl/ha and aged in 50% new oak. The alcohol level here is quite high at 14.7%, with a pH of 3.30. This has quite an intense nose and that alcohol is more apparent here than on the palate, due to the acidity. Black cherries, cassis and light iris flower scents, just a touch of baking powder and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, a keen line of acidity that lends this Saint-Emilion brightness. That alcohol does slightly sway the finish compared with its peers, though it does retain balance. This is a fine 2025, even if I think there is better to come. 91-93 points

Salinity and mouthwatering impression from start to finish, balancing berry fruit, ink, liquorice, saffron, cold ash. Two new plots as of 2021, taking the estate to almost 16ha, 3.3ph but the mouthfeel remains luscious. 50% new oak. 3.30 pH. Yield 23 hl/ha. 93 points