Château Labrousse, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 2022

Toasted nose full of blackcurrant and bramble fruit - dark, rich, really quite floral with cocoa nibs and caramel-edged wood. Bright and juicy, supple with energy but there's also a strong structure of tannins and weight around the lively fruit. A lovely push pull of direction and intensity, I'd wait a bit for the wood to settle but this has a nice aspect of drinkability. Great acidity lifts the expression and this has fruit to the fore. Nicely enrobed with good approachability. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. Aged in barriques, 20% new. Sold in the USA. Organic. HVE3.