2022, Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker, MARGAUX 3ème grand cru classé

3rd growth. One of the earliest estates in the appellation, established in 1585. Owned and managed by Nathalie Perrodo.

Glass-staining purple gives vibrancy and sets the tone for the stunning depths and character of the wine. This has so much texture, with rippling powerful cassis and blueberry fruit, slate and pummice stone, grips on through the palate, and like the best 2022s manages to be extremely ripe without being overly sweet, with a build up of tannins that gives structure without being drying. As it opens you get pulses of pummice stone minerality, and floral aromatics. Harvest September 15 to October 4. 60% new oak. Marjolaine de Coninck CEO and technical director. 95 Jane Anson.

Really quite expressive on the nose, rich blackcurrants, bramble fruits, perfumed violets and irises. Lovely supple texture, smooth and grippy, holds interest from the first sip, concentrated and intense, this has a great fully fruit-forward aspect with ripe tannins that fill the mouth, chewy, lively, bright and fun. So fresh and friendly, I love this expression, more structured and serious - you can feel the depth and weight and sophistication, the Cabernet shines and I love the soft, salty dark chocolate and flint touches too. Sweet, sharp, great acidity, layered and forward. Long and still a bit lean which gives focus on the finish. Will be delicious and great to enjoy when ready. 95 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.