Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary 2020

Crafted with expertise and passion, Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary 2020 showcases Bio-Précision, the unique philosophy of Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Château Cantelys. Its history of excellence makes it a top-notch selection with a refined taste.

Decanter: 93
Ginger and clove spiced black fruit on the nose, really aromatic but gentle, quite perfumed in a dark way. Sharp and tangy, lovely bright acidity yet with a really intense piercing fruit flavour, a tanginess - quite linear and streamlined. Wood spice gives the frame - there is tension here, a focus and precision with bite. It's darkly charming, punchy but still lean with mineral markers. Not overly exuberant or plush at all, much more refined with energy and concentration underneath. I love the expression, clarity and precision. Still serious, not overly generous right now, but this has sleek frame and a sense of style to it.

Decanter: 93

Ginger and clove spiced black fruit on the nose, really aromatic but gentle, quite perfumed in a dark way. Sharp and tangy, lovely bright acidity yet with a really intense piercing fruit flavour, a tanginess - quite linear and streamlined. Wood spice gives the frame - there is tension here, a focus and precision with bite. It's darkly charming, punchy but still lean with mineral markers. Not overly exuberant or plush at all, much more refined with energy and concentration underneath. I love the expression, clarity and precision. Still serious, not overly generous right now, but this has sleek frame and a sense of style to it.

Vinous: 92
The 2020 Le Thil is a gorgeous, enticing Merlot-based Pessac-Léognan from team at Smith Haut-Lafitte. Wild cherry, tobacco, cedar, mint and white pepper lend notable freshness to this very attractive, mid-weight 2020. Bright acids and lifted floral accents perk up the finish. There is a bit of nervousness in the tannin, but there always is here.

James Suckling: 93
Fine tannins with blackberries, currants and hints of hazelnut. It’s medium-bodied and linear with firmness and length. Needs three or four years to soften. Better after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck: 95
The 2020 Château Le Thil is shockingly good and reminds me of a great Pomerol with its ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit as well as notes of violets, damp earth, and chocolate nuances. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with notable purity and freshness, this is a thrilling Pessac to enjoy over the coming 15 years or so.