CHÂTEAU COUVENT DES JACOBINS

The 2023 Couvent des Jacobins is an elegant, silky Saint-Émilion. Crushed flowers, spice, lavender and mint are some of the many notes that flesh out. Succulent contours and lifted, floral overtones wrap it all together. This stylish Saint-Émilion is all charm. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

The fruit character on the nose here is dark and concentrated, with a slightly smudged soft-focus definition. There is a touch of violet perfume to it though, which appeals, as well as some barrel lactones. This is followed by a palate with a welcoming and gently polished substance, showing a little more presence through the middle than many of its peers, with a core of dark berry and bramble fruits dressed with dark chocolate. A nice grip to it in the end, and the tannins throughout feel ripe and completely integrated with the wine, with just a chalky polish to the end. This is really charming, the aromatic definition a trade off for the texture and quality of tannin. I suspect it will come out very well in the end. Tasted twice. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Couvent des Jacobins offers up attractive aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of pencil shaving, licorice and petals. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, with velvety tannins and good mid-palate density, it displays plenty of potential. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)