Château Moulin Saint-Georges 2023

Dark-fruited, still somewhat marked by oak, blond tobacco, plum, dark chocolate; taut palate, powerful yet elegant, good tension, juicy fruit, austere finish. Well done!

The 2023 Moulin Saint-Georges is soft, supple and quite attractive. Bright citrus and floral notes lift a core of vibrant red-toned fruit. Blood orange, white pepper, mint and chalk follow, adding layers of tension and energy. Clean saline notes support the brisk finish.

With just a hint of espresso mingling with the flowers, black raspberries, and plums in the fragrance, the wine gets off to a good start. From there, it is the layers of soft, elegant, sweet, silky fruit that grab and maintain your attention. 85% percent Merlot, with 15% Cabernet Franc create the blend. Drink from 2027-2042.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightness on the rim. Delicate herbal savouriness, in the background some red forest berries, a hint of liquorice, candied orange zest, a floral touch, inviting bouquet. Medium-bodied, hints of cloves, pleasant freshness, mineral and persistent, a touch of nougat on the finish, good ageing potential, a refined food wine.

Grip and length, grilled campfire smoke, slate texture, nuanced blueberry and raspberry fruits, cold ash and pumice stone. West exposure for the slopes here means cooler temperatures and lower pH, fresh acidities, helping to accentuate this oyster-shell salinity.

Score: 90–92. Fresh, floral, heady notes of flower pollen entice on the nose. The palate reveals a very sweet core of ripe, succulent red fruits, lifted by a tangy sorbet note. A very velvety, indulgent wine—irresistible.

The symbiosis between ripeness and freshness is exhilarating. This profile is found in many 2023s and ultimately reflects a certain climatic logic (with both freshness and warmth). The oak is also present, but it remains complementary and therefore does not take over. The silky character of the attack is quickly taken over by a slightly saline structure that brings verve and freshness. The tannins gradually fall into place. They appear late and make sure to shore up the finish with formidable efficiency. A sapid, vibrant and persistent Moulin Saint-Georges.

The nose is aromatic, fruity and gourmand, offering delicacy and a subtle infusion-like character. It reveals notes of pulpy/juicy blackcurrant, roasted-juicy cherry and bright blue fruits, with hints of cornflower, star anise and a subtle, almost sappy touch. The palate is beautifully juicy and fruity, with minerality, precision, a delicate graphite edge, lovely succulence and shine. It shows notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, pulpy/juicy blackcurrant and, more slightly, cornflower, joined by bursts of vibrant blue fruits, as well as fine, almost cherry-blossom nuances and licorice stick. Good freshness, with a fine touch of racy minerality. The tannins are flavorful and supple. Lovely definition and persistence.

From a cooler terroir just across from Ausone and aged 18 months in 100% new barrels, the 2023 Château Moulin Saint Georges offers up cassis, crushed stone, flint, and violet nuances. It's medium-bodied, with a pure, graceful, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and integrated acidity. I love the overall balance here, and it has the fresher profile of the terroir, perfectly integrated oak, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. It's a beautiful wine. Drink 2028-2045.

Bright red with good intensity. A very aromatic, subtle nose with lovely notes of strawberry and citrus. Delicate on the attack, very flavorful on the mid-palate with a lovely texture; the wine builds gently through the finish. It's delicious and very long.

As ever a lovely wine, even in this challenging vintage, with black cherry and wet stone. This has a certain austerity on the palate but with reasurring and pleasingly cool peppermint chocolate and seashell freshness. Some toasty notes from the oak complement obstruct the fruit a touch - the wine ages in 100% new oak. From a west-facing limestone hillside, near the southern entrance to St-Emilion, the soils of clay and limestone worked well for a solid 3.65pH to balance the alcohol. Potential for a higher score, but being careful here.

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Delicate, tightly woven bouquet with fresh sour-cherry juice, violet and cranberry drops. A straight, focused palate with a supple texture, vibrant energy, a fine, tight tannic frame and a taut body. The long, concentrated finish brings blackcurrant, refined cassis spice and a grainy astringency. This year, it wins me over with its tremendous precision.