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Tasting notes
Based on 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc brought up in a small amount of new oak, the 2023 Château Alcée has juicy blackberry and blueberry fruits intermixed with peppery herbs and crushed stone-like minerality. It's medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and elegant, with fine tannins and a great sense of minerality on the finish. Unfortunately, this cuvée was largely destroyed in a fire, which also destroyed La Prade and Les Charmes-Godard Blanc. Drink 2026-2040.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Alcée is soft and caressing right out of the gate. Floral and spice overtones lift a core of vibrant red-toned fruit in this tasty, open-knit Côtes de Castillon. A touch of Cabernet Franc savoriness lifts the super-expressive finish. This is a fine effort. Tasted three times.
The 2023 Alcée has quite a perfumed nose, clearly having opened up since I last tasted it. Black plum and touches of blue fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, just a splash of soy that tinctures the black fruit with a minerally finish. A fine Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.
Graphite, bark and licorice aromas. Medium- to full-bodied with elegant fruit. Soft and approachable, with subtle savoriness and a focused finish. Chalky profile that adds definition. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.