En Primeur Bordeaux 2023

Blackcurrant, blueberry, cedar, pine needle and black truffle here. I don't think much about the nose with barrel samples, but this is splendid. It's medium-bodied with very fresh acidity and fine, linear tannins that are long and lively. Energy here. Refined. Salty character at the last minute. I may like this better than 2022. A blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

There is clarity and freshness to this, with crunchy dark fruit, cedar and blackberry. It’s medium-bodied, racy and fine. Lead pencil at the end. More precise than 2022. 69% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The finesse is pretty phenomenal here, with such complexity of fruit and vivid, bright flowers. Lavender and rose. Seductive. Ever-so long and precise. Lead pencil and graphite. Reminiscent of old, great Cos, such as 1955 or 1982, but with so much more form and modernity. A renaissance of Cos. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

Lead pencil and graphite to the blackcurrant and blackberry character. Hint of cedar, too. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and impressive precision. Juicy and spicy. New Cos Labory after the purchase by Cos d’Estournel. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com