Chateau Moulin Haut Laroque 2020

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Glossy, lush, fresh and silky, the dark red pit fruits linger in the mid-palate and in the finish, which bring in chocolate, licorice and a chalk of salty chalk in the endnote. This should deliver pleasure for at least 12 years. Drink from 2023-2035."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This has aromas of mulberries, blackberries, hazelnuts and violets. Full-bodied, with firm and compact tannins. Plenty of weight and depth. I like the blue fruit and floral character. 65% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec. Drink from 2026."

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Purpur mit schwarzer Mitte und zartem lila Rand. Opulentes Bouquet mit reifen Pflaumen, Demassine und Lakritze, dahinter dunkles Malz und Holundergelee. Am dichten Gaumen mit mehliger Textur, feinkörniges Extrakt, engmaschiges Tanningerüst, kompakter Gaumen, leicht mürbe werdend. Im gebündelten Finale ein Korb mit blauen Beeren, dunkles Graphit und fein spröde Adstringenz. Liegt leicht hinter dem 2019er."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Solidly built, with dark tobacco and cast iron notes framing a core of dark plum and black currant fruit. Shows ample drive and toast on the finish, but this has good tension from underlying chalky minerality. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Best from 2024 through 2033. 4,000 cases made, 500 cases imported."

DECANTER: "Confidently and deftly put together but needs time, and be aware of its powerful slightly biting attack. The tannins build up quickly, and it is full with concentrated cassis fruits with a brush of bitterness on the finish."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Lots darker, almost blue fruits as well as classic cedary spice, tobacco, and liquid violet notes emerge from the 2020 Château Moulin Haut-Laroque, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, round, seamless Fronsac offering tons of character. It plays in the pure, elegant, focused style of the vintage, has ripe tannins, and is going to deliver the goods over the coming decade."