Château Franc Baudron L’Audacieux 2022 – Montagne Saint-Emilion

The wine has a deep ruby color. The nose is aromatic, dense and deep, even textured. The initial aromas are chocolatey and gourmand (morello cherry in chocolate, dark chocolate, prunes), and are then complemented by notes of wild strawberry, raspberry jam, crushed blueberry, blackberry, as well as a distinct spicy and peppery hint (liquorice, grated nutmeg, crushed black peppercorns), fresh mint, pine needles, toasted almond and fresh wood in the background (even a touch of sappiness). After aeration, we also find a limestone and dry stone minerality, as well as a floral perfume of violet and peony. The palate is dense, firm and solid, with a beautiful concentrated, tangy and fruity matter. It expresses the flavors of morello cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and red cherry, associated with notes of bird cherry, chocolate morello cherry, bitter cocoa, with a woody and slightly sappy nuance (fresh wood, toasted hazelnut, a touch of pine sap). We also find spicy notes (liquorice, nutmeg, cumin, black pepper) and roasting (coffee), as well as a good bitterness of cocoa on the persistence. Tannins are sapid, gourmand and chocolatey, with a solid structure and a fine grain. Beautiful salivating acidity and a herbaceous touch of mint and blackcurrant leaf on the persistence. Good length.