Château La Prade 2022

Juicy and fun, this has a playful edge that’s really enjoyable, a sweet, mouthwatering cherry and blueberry flavour with tannins that are textured like ripe grape skins, fleshy and filling. Plump weight yet this remains still quite direct and focussed. Good energy and persistence with layers and bitter, minty, herbal spice on the finish giving the lingering and lasting impression, but well made. Really so effortless in the glass, appealing, full, weighty, lovely concentration – tannic strength but finesse and cool juiciness all the way through. Great quality and value. Tasted twice. Harvest 14 – 29 September. Ageing 16 – 18 months; 40% new barrel, 40% one wine (225L and 500L), 20% cement.Derenoncourt consultants. Drinking window: 2025-2034. (Georgina Hindle,decanter.com)