2024 Picque Caillou
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Tasting notes
Sumptuous and succulent both for Picque Caillou and for the vintage. Very intense aromatically in its dark berry fruitiness. A lovely damson stone note too and plenty of graphite. Cassis, too, with aeration. Creamy and glossy, if a little lacking in delineation in the mid-palate where it becomes rather monotone. But there is no astringency nor dryness and this has a pleasing balance to it. Likely to prove excellent value.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Softly spoken, lovely bright white fruits, charming, lime zest, saffron and white flowers, soft on the finish but good quality. Isabelle and Paulin Calvet. 36 hl/ha
The 2024 Picque Caillou is soft, fruity and open-knit, all of which will make it a delight to drink on release. Sweet red cherry, licorice, mint, tobacco and dried herbs are all vibrant in the glass. This understated Pessac-Léognan is very nicely balanced, with no hard edges and plenty of charm on offer.
The 2024 Pique Caillou feels a little woody on the nose, obscuring the fruit behind it. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, grainy texture and decent grip, but it lacks some bandwidth on the finish. I prefer the white this year.
About the producer
Neighbouring Haut-Brion and Pape Clément, this estate has been turned around since Paulin Calvet took over in 2007. Working with the legendary late Denis Dubourdieu and Valérie Lavigne, results have been impressive.