Description

Deep garnet-purple in the glass, the 2022 Réserve de la Comtesse announces itself with exuberant aromatics of juicy black plum, blackcurrant and boysenberry, lifted by violets, cedar and a graphite-and-pencil-shaving minerality that is pure Pauillac. Unusually, all of the property's Petit Verdot found its way into this second wine, lending extra floral perfume and structural spine. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, plush and layered, with a rich core of ripe dark fruit framed by fine, powdery tannins and a savoury seam of tobacco and dark chocolate. Fresh acidity keeps the generous fruit weightless rather than heavy, carrying through to a long, penetrating finish. Beautifully accomplished for a second wine, showing much of the grand vin's personality; approachable now with air, but built to reward five to fifteen years in the cellar.