CHÂTEAU CARONNE SAINTE GEMME

A solid red with currants, plums and some chocolate and cream undertones. Medium body, firm tannins and a linear finish. Nicely done for the vintage. Rating: 91-92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2022)

The 2021 Caronne Ste Gemme, recently added to Bernard Magrez's expanding portfolio and possibly blended into La Tour Carnet henceforth, has a pleasant mulberry, wild strawberry and cedar nose that unfurls nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and a little oaky, with a veneer of black fruit, but there is a jarring greenness on the finish. Drinking range: 2025 - 2029 Rating: 82-84 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2022)

As Ch Maldeleine in St Emilion ended up in Belair Monange, and Pontac Lynch ended up in Issan, it seems Caronne Ste Gemme might be the next well-loved name to disappear, as this estate has recently been sold by the Nony family to Bernard Magrez, and it likely to be included in his Médoc 1855 Château La Tour Carnet as of next year. That makes it a wine to buy in 2021, as a mark of respect for what has been one of the true quality value wines in the Haut-Médoc appellation around 35% of its production going into the UK market), on excellent gravel soils close to the St Julien borders. You’ll find some of the dark fruits that are generally a little hard to find in this vintage, not exuberant but measured, with bilberry, cassis bud, touches of earthy smoky oak, all carefully extracted and balanced and with an effortless juice. A little old school and rustic, but clear skill in winemaking on dislay, and mouthwateringly sappy tannins on the finish. Lovely stuff from François Nony. It will be a fine, if sad, addition to La Tour Carnet. Drinking range: 2025 - 2038 Rating: 91 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2022)