La Dame de Montrose 2021

Cocoa dusted blackberries and strawberries, you get that deep core, the baked fruit with aromatics touches – more herbal than the grand vin. Quite high-toned, verging on sharp with a real brightness and vivacity to the red cherry and strawberry fruit. Fruit forward, smooth and direct, with mouthwatering acidity to the fore. You salivate such a lot here – and then get the wet stone mineral notes cleansing the palate. Pierre Graffeuille replaces Hervé Berland here, having arrived in March and taking over fully in October. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Drinking window: 2024-2036. Score – 90. (Georgina Hindle, decanter.com)