Château La Rivière 2021 – Fronsac

The nose is fruity, fresh and reveals power (in elegance), fine grain, depth and elegance. Fleshy/pulpy blackberry, bright/pulpy blackcurrant and more lightly blueberry notes are combined with delicate hints of roasted cherry as well as fine hints of star anise, nutmeg, a discreet hint of clove, bourbon vanilla, a subtle hint of toastiness and an imperceptible hint of pepper (in the background). The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, minerality, an acidic backbone, good definition, a certain gourmandize, tension, a fine airy side in the balance, a nice acidity, energy and a fine crunch. There are notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, tangy blackcurrant and more slightly violet combined with hints of blueberry as well as fine roasted cherry, pulpy violet plums, fine vanilla, star anise, a subtle hint of sense of place, racy graphite/minerality, a discreet hint of salinity and pepper. The tannins are mellow. Fine chewiness on the finish/persistence.