Many 90-91pt scores for this plush, creamy-textured, velvety Pessac-Lognan from a top vintageCritic Antonio Galloni described Pessac-Lognan’s La Garde 2020 as a heady exuberant wine. It was a top vintage too and has gained many 90+ point scores. Wine Advocate adored its “mouth-filling, crunchy black fruits with a lively backbone.”Maison Dourthe took over the running of Chteau La Garde in 1990, convinced of the potential of its exceptional terroir. It lies on a gravel outcrop, parts of which have large pebble stones to a depth of four metres, ideal for well-drained vines and intense, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Lower down the slope, there are fewer pebbles with a little clay and sand this is where the fruitier Merlot thrives. Since taking over, they have introduced sustainable methods and are now part of Terra Vitis and HVE. In 2020, on their 30th anniversary as owners, they began to build a new winery. Ageing in a third new oak barrels, this is a superbly balanced, silky wine with good fruit concentration and supple tannins. Ideal to cellar or open early.