2025 Monbousquet (St-Emilion)

Inky deep dark cassis fruits, a ton of salinity, this is full on crushed oyster shell, built to last, with a slow unroll. Monbousquet character, slate and liquorice, slightly more measured alcohols than in past years. Laurent Lusseau technical director. Harvest September 10 to 18. 3.75 pH, Yield 21 hl/ha. 91 points

The 2025 Monbousquet is powerful and explosive in the glass. Creme de cassis, menthol, licorice, plum, pine and spice convey tons of textural intensity and sheer power. This is Monbousquet dialed up to eleven, with copious fruit, huge, sweeping tannins and tons of sheer power. 91-93 points

The 2025 Monbousquet was picked at 21 hl/ha between September 10 and 18, matured in 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old. It has a straightforward nose with blackberry and iodine aromas, perhaps just a little loose-knit and needing a touch more complexity. The palate is marked by some grainy, slightly dry tannins on the entry. Dark berry fruit, quite concentrated, the finish is just a little chewy and aggressive, although these were tempered when I specifically requested a re-taste in a smaller glass. 88-90 points