2023 Clos Les Lunelles
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Tasting notes
One of the best Castillons out there, the 2023 Clos Lunelles is based on 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 19 months in 50% new French oak. Red and black fruits, flowers, chalky, truffly earth, and spice are just some of its nuances, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, the classic minerality of the appellation, and a great finish. It's brilliant today yet has another two decades of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2026-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Clos Lunelles is fabulous. There's a bit more Cabernet Franc in the blend this year, and that works so well here. A burst of red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and blood orange are all finely sculpted in a mid-weight, gracious red. Clean mineral notes extend the finish. The 2023 is a brilliant Clos Lunelles.
The 2023 Clos Lunelles was tasted on two occasions. The first, the bottle came across a little stewed, the second, at the château, just missing a bit of freshness and vitality. There remains a patina of over-ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated, quite grippy tannins. Good density, muscular in style, it has a decent line of acidity with an assertive finish. The bottle at the property actually showed much better than others, though it will need 3 or 4 years in bottle.
Aromas of ripe plums, graphite and blackberries with a touch of asphalt as well as tar. The palate is full-bodied with graphite flavors, chalky tannins and broadt fruit, leading to a chalky finish with some definition from the tannins. Cassis at the finish. 80% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold