Chateau Ripeau 2020

COLOR
The wine is an intense and deep ruby color.

NOSE
The nose unveils a rich and complex aromatic palette, mixing fragrances of black fruits (blackcurrants, blackberries) and red fruits (raspberries) with refreshing mint and vanilla notes.

PALATE
The palate seduces with its aromas of mocha, cardamom and tannins, which mix power with a silky touch. The finish is wonderfully persistent.

Grape Composition: 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decanter: 93
There is definite reduction on the nose here, but as it opens you find sleek winemaking, plenty of deft blending of blackberry, slate, almond and fennel. Intense, but has juice, finesse and lift. From sandy gravel soils with some clay.

James Suckling: 93
Perfumed nose of dried flowers, bitter chocolate, blackberries, walnuts and sandalwood. Fine and pretty, with silky tannins and a medium body. Velvety, spicy finish. Caressing and very balanced. Drink from 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck: 96

Cassis, black raspberries, tobacco, spicy wood, and beautiful floral notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Ripeau, a seamless, medium to full-bodied beauty with perfectly integrated oak, an elegant, layered mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the finest vintages I've tasted from this estate and does everything right. It's already accessible given its purity and balance, yet I see no reason this shouldn't evolve nicely for a solid two decades.