2022, Château Bouscaut, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN, Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. 

Inky plum, bright violet reflections. A test of the new more understated winemaking style at Bouscaut, as this was a vintage where the temptation to go big or go home must have been huge. Plenty of chocolate, smoked bacon rind and damson puree on the nose, and the texture is full-on velvet and silk. Measured extraction on the palate though, you can feel pulses of heat trying to break through the fruit but the tannins keep things steady, and this is a seriously impressive wine, with cassis, slate and crushed rocks, pressure exterted on the close of play that suggests there are decades of life ahead. It's a successful Bouscaut that doesn't sacrifice its glamorous style but doesn't overdo things in any way. 94/100 Jane Anson.

Juicy and vibrant, a real strawberry and raspberry tang to the palate with grippy, chalky, soft liquorice, chocolate and spiced tannins. Smooth and enjoyable, nicely presented with such ease of drinking - you don't feel they have overdone things at all. A lovely effort with succulence, grip, salty minerality, clearly ripe fruit but still with an appealing structure and tension. Great stuff. 94/100 Georgina Hindle, Decanter. 

Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040