2020 Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary Pessac-Leognan

Winemaker Notes:  Located in the heart of Pessac and surrounded by the well-known estates of Chateaux Carbonnieux and Smith Haut Lafitte, Le Thil Comte Clary benefits from the same expertise of the latter as it is also owned by Florence and Daniel Cathiard. An estate on the up and a little hidden gem.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "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."


Decanter - "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."


James Suckling - "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."


Vinous - "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"