2023 Larrivaux
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Tasting notes
A terrific Haut-Médoc with a fascinating history, Château Larrivaux has been managed by a female director/owner since 1581. The 2023 Château Larrivaux is based on 41% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot, aged 13 months in 34% new French oak with the balance in second-fill barrels, concrete, and amphora. It's a solidly built, rich, foursquare effort on the nose, with plenty of ripe black fruits and ample mid-palate depth. On the palate, it has some firmer tannins and a great finish. It's going to shine with 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades. I suspect it's a smoking value in the market today. Drink 2028-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Larrivaux turned out better than I expected. Deep and resonant in the glass, the 2023 races across the palate with sumptuous dark fruit. Hints of leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs appear later as the 2023 gains complexity and stature in the glass. Impressively delicious. Tasted two times.
The 2023 Larrivaux has what I call a "proper" nose, with dense blackberry and earthy scents, a touch of cedar and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied, with finely sculpted tannins, very harmonious, silky smooth, with a persistent and pure finish. I would gladly welcome this on my dinner table.
Juicy and succulent, showing cedar and thyme with fine-grained yet chewy tannins and focused, vibrant yet restrained dark fruit. Can be enjoyed now with some aeration.