BORDEAUX 2019 BARREL SAMPLES TASTED FROM MAY TO JULY 2020 AT LOCATION COPENHAGEN, DENMARK!
THEN A VISIT TO BORDEAUX IN NOVEMBER 2021 - TASTING SEVERAL 2019s FROM THE BOTTLE. ADDITIONAL 2019s TASTED IN COPENHAGEN - JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 2022, IN BORDEAUX (APRIL 2022) AND AGAIN IN COPENHAGEN IN NOVEMBER 2022
In October 2019, I went to Bordeaux for the harvest and got an idea of how the 2019 vintage would turn out. I tasted samples drawn directly from vats at several properties before and after fermentation and concluded that it was a mix of 2018 and 2016 vintages.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, I couldn't travel to Bordeaux in the spring of 2020 to taste the 350+ barrel samples. All tastings in Bordeaux were canceled. Fortunately, some kind proprietors and chateau groups (such as 1855 GCC, St. Emilion GCC, and Grand Cercle) sent me samples directly to my address in Copenhagen, Denmark. I tasted them 48 hours after receiving the samples.
I decided to say, "If I can't come to Bordeaux, then Bordeaux must come to me!" Not all producers were willing to send samples, and I respected their decision.
It was a new experience to taste samples in one place without having to run from one place to another, jump in and out of the car, or fight the queue in front of the serving table.
The main advantage was the possibility of tasting samples in silence and peace and retasting them. It was also great to taste some "small wines" that I usually don't have time to even look at and receive samples unexpectedly from properties I had never heard of before. I made some great discoveries!
After tasting more than 300 barrel samples, I believe that the 2019 vintage is stunning. The ripeness of grapes, the sweetness, and the grained texture of tannin are fantastic for reds. Each grape variety shows its typicity and character alone and dramatically complements the other varieties in the blend!
All the samples listed below were sent directly from Bordeaux to my home in Copenhagen. They rested upright for at least 48 hours and tasted with labels in the same room (my living room) from the same glasses, often grouped by commune/district, if possible. They were, in most cases, retasted later the same day.
The 2019 vintage can be compared to the 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, and 2018 vintages, depending on the wine critic you trust. Still, there's no doubt that most red wines are just excellent. The Left Bank is powerful with Saint-Estephe and Pauillac, and then the Right Bank with Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. However, you can easily find many beautiful wines outside the classified growth for small money everywhere in Bordeaux. The 2019 vintage will be a well-prepared blend of 2009 (the sweetness of fruit), 2016 (nobility and elegance), and 2018 (quality of tannins).
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Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux:
Bourdieu - 87% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Sauvignon + 3% Cabernet Franc, vinification, and aging in stainless steel vats. Black cherries/blueberries, fresh and aromatic, well-equipped with creamy fruit and sweet tannins. Lovely fruity finish. 90p.
Bourdieu N ̊1 - 89% Merlot + 8% Cabernet Sauvignon + 3% powerful, partial aging in barrels. Aromatic black-/blueberries, fatter and more powerful than standard cuvée, vanilla, complex with a long caressing finish. 91p.
Bourdieu Absolu - 79% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Sauvignon + 4% Malbec, aging in barrels for 18 months. Thick and dense, concentrated plenty of blueberries, strong backbone, delicious complexity, and length. 91-92p. It was a pleasant surprise and proof that they could produce some interesting wines in Blaye! All three cuvées from Bourdieu's owner are like that.
Haut Bertinerie - the aroma of roses and yellow cherries, sleek and attractive with tasty berries and sweet tannin, delicate finish. 90-91p.
Bordeaux:
D'Aiguilhe white – very fragrant on the nose with associations with green apple, white peach, and acacia flower, elegant acidity, very crispy on the palate with great length. Well-balanced. Subtle finish. 91p.
Clos des Lunes Lunes d'Argent - 70% Semillon + 30% Sauvignon, alcohol is 13%. 6 to 7 months aging in 25% oak barrels. The owner, Olivier Bernard's son, Hugo, has been responsible for exploitation since 2014. This sample is fresh and aromatic on the nose and palate with acacia flower/acacia honey, pineapple, pear, and dried apricot. There's fine acidity, length, and balance on the palate. The finish is fruity, lively, and persistent. The best d'Argent yet produced? Possibly yes. 91-92p.
Cos d’Estournel white - 65% Sauvignon Blanc + 35% Semillon, 14.4% alcohol, 8% new oak. It's the fatter version of Pagodes and has more intensity, concentration, acidity, and longer on the palate. Very pineapple and peach, lively and with much freshness. Splendid effort. 93+p.
Domaine de Cambes - 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. Vineyard on the banks of Gironde river. Very intense nose of black-/blueberries, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate, smooth and creamy on the palate, good backbone, lovely balance, and fine fruity finish. Attractive and tasty. Delightful. 90-91p.
Magrez Fombrauge white - plenty of pineapple and green apples on the nose and palate, new oak eager to support crisp fruit, fine acidity, potent on the palate, firm finish. 92p.
Le Nardian white - it's owned by Jonathan Maltus (Teyssier, Le Carre, Le Dôme, and others), and the vineyard is situated several kilometers south of St.Emilion village. It's planted with old vines that are app. half a century old or even older. The blend in 2019 is 70% of Sauvignon Blanc, 15% of Semillon, and 15% Muscadelle. Great freshness and intensity of aromas and fragrances on the nose with acacia flower, pear, and peaches. Creamy pineapples, peaches, and apricots on the palate. High acidity, too, to complement the beautifully scented fruit. Excellent complexity and length. I'm impressed! 93+p.
Pagodes de Cos white - 88% Sauvignon Blanc + 12% Semillon, 14.4% alcohol, 8% new barrels. Pleasant litchi, white flowers, aromatic pineapple on the palate, vibrant with fine acidity and complexity. Tasty and smooth finish. It will go very well with lighter food. 91-92p.
Valandraud white – 1.5 ha, clayey-limestone, 50% Semillon + 40% Sauvignon Blanc + 10% Sauvignon Gris. Myriad of aromas like f.i. acacia flower, peaches, pineapple, mango, vibrant, multi-faceted, splendid complexity and acidity, and a lingering aftertaste. 93-94p.
Virginie de Valandraud white – the second label of white Valandraud. 2.5 ha, clayey-limestone, 50% Semillon + 40% Sauvignon Blanc + 10% Sauvignon Gris. It was full of freshness and vivacity, aromas of pineapple and grapefruit, fine acidity, well-bolstered on the palate, and a delicious fruity finish. 92p.
A single variety of wines made by Hubert de Bouard:
Cabernet Franc – freshness, characteristic "green" flavors of leek, ripe fruit, fine acidity, backbone, firm aftertaste. 87-88p.
Cabernet Sauvignon has refined concentration, graphite, pencil, minerality, acidity, grained tannin, and a persistent finish. 87-88p.
Chardonnay – acacia flower, melted butter, fresh acidity, crisp fruit, nicely structured. 86-87p.
Merlot – cherries/blueberries, violets, is soft and sweet, silky tannins, tasty, lingering finish. 88-89p.
Sauvignon – a fine example of this grape's characteristics. Minerality, green apple, pear, lemongrass, fine acidity and crispiness, lingering finish. 88-89p.
Semillon – aromatic, tropical fruit like mango, honey melon, sweetness, acidity present, crisp fruit, fruity aftertaste. 88p.
Bordeaux Superieur:
20 Mille - 1.4 ha, neighbor to Croix Mouton, 100% Merlot, 14.2% alcohol, alcoholic fermentation at max. 26/27 degrees C, aging in the specially cigar-shaped barrels from Demptos and Remond. Dense and intense nose of black cherries and blueberries, plush and spicy black fruit on the palate with lovely backbone, complexity, structure, and length. Fine depth. Excellent cooperation between aromatic fruit and sweet tannin. Splendid effort. 92+p.
Balthus, de Reignac's 100% Merlot cuvée, showed the fine intensity of dark cherries and blueberries, lovely complexity, silky texture, and delicate lingering finish. 91-92p.
Croix Mouton - one of several estates on Right Bank belonging to Jean-Philippe Janoueix, owns 20 Mille, La Confession, and Cap St. Georges. He stands for running/making wine at Sacre Coeur and La Croix St.Georges. He doesn't use an external oenologist at his properties.
70 ha, just outside Fronsac appellation and close to Dordogne river, the blend here is 96% Merlot + 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.2% alcohol, alcoholic fermentation at max. 26/27 degrees C, aging in 20% oak, and resting in vats. More powerful than in 2018, but more precise and with more significant depth. It's an enormously seductive and attractive effort filled with perfectly ripe blackberries, sweet tannin, fine structure, and a subtly fruity, smooth, lingering finish. Probably the best CM ever produced. For the price, it'll make a great qpr in this vintage! 92+p.
De Reignac and Sainte Barbre are well-constructed, have nice concentration and structure, are lovely fruity and grained tannins, and are sleek and silky. A beautiful effort for both. 91p.
Tayet Cuvêe Prestige - 55% Merlot + 35% Cabernet Sauvignon + 10% Petit Verdot. Owners - Famille de Schepper - de Mour. The nose displays a lovely intensity of cherries, and the palate seems light in texture and concentration. However, it's a nicely constructed and balanced baby wine with a smooth and fruity finish. 89p.
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux:
Carat de Reaut - 80% Cabernet Sauvignon + 20% Merlot. A special selection of manually harvested grapes from the vineyard aging in barrels. Only produced in exceptional vintages. More flair and elegance than in Reaut, opulent and splendid length, complex and persistent finish. 92p.
Reaut - 26 ha, Merlot 58%, Cabernet Sauvignon 37%, Cabernet Franc 5%. This vineyard in 2012 by Yannick Evenou was the manager of La Dominique, responsible for creating the Terrasse Rouge project at this property. He purchased Reaut with some investors, and then private wine lovers and others could buy a share. Jean-Claude Ramonet, from the famous Burgundy producer Domaine Ramonet, is among the investors!
Strong and potent, lots of creamy dark cherries/blueberries/blackcurrants, well-composed, complex, fat tannin, long and firm finish. An impressive effort. Great value for money. 92p.
Canon-Fronsac:
Gaby Princess - dark berries, nice acidity, polished, nicely structured, and good length. 87p.
Gaby - dark cherries on the nose, creamy berries, and sweet tannin, but it is a bit overshadowed by new oak on the palate and a hint of over-extraction. Fine structure and length, and a long and persistent finish. 90p.
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux:
D'Aiguilhe – spicy raspberries, earthy, nicely concentrated, some power here, just enough sweet tannin to balance the fruit. Tense finale. 90-91p.
Ampelia – displayed a fragrant nose of a rose bush, violets, and raspberries, distinct on the palate with creamy berries and sweet tannins, lingering finish. Seductive effort. 91-92p.
L’Aurage - 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. It was made by the son of Francois Mitjavile, Louis. Minty on the nose, spicy berries with some eucalyptus, well-assorted and harmonious. You can taste the presence of Cabernet Franc in the blend (backbone). Fine effort! 91-92p.
La Brande - aromatically perfumed nose of roses/rosebush, silky all over, crunchy fruit and tannin, vibrant, lovely taste, harmonious and lingering. Pretty good effort. 91+p.
Clos Lunelles - 8.5 ha, 80% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc +and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.48% alcohol, a fragrance of rose bush, spicy fruit, tannins are a bit dominating. Still, all in all, it's a decent effort with roundness and attraction. 90p.
Cote Montpezat - a delicate aromatic nose of dark cherries/blackberries, fine acidity, fragrant roses, and violets, and well-assorted. Balanced, fine structure. Seductive effort. 91-92p.
Clos Puy Arnaud and Laussac - very raspberry, nicely structured, fragrant, and tasty. 90-91p. Laussac Cuvée Sacha - more intensity, concentration, and length on the palate than Laussac. 91-92p.
Le Rey Les Argileuses – parcels 1-3, 12 ha, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.6% alcohol. Vinification in stainless steel tanks, no oak. A lovely and aromatic fragrance of roses/rose bush, round and tasty, catchy, smooth, and silky on the palate with raspberries. Perfect for drinking at garden parties and to light dishes. 90-91p.
Le Rey Les Rocheuses – parcels 5-6, 12 ha, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% alcohol. 40% new oak, 40% one-year barrels, and 20% second-year barrels. Vanilla, creamy berries on the palate, impressive depth and complex, sweet tannins, again and again, superb balance, long fruity finish. It's delicious stuff. 92-93p.
Cotes de Bourg:
Roc de Cambes - 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc. Big, fully packed nose of black fruit, very intense, complex with creamy berries on the palate, splendid acidity and length, fine complexity, velvety texture, and persistent finish. Tremendous effort! 93-94p.
Entre-Deux-Mers:
Auguste - same owner as Gaby in Canon-Fronsac. The nose of red berries and roses was aromatic and seductive, same fragrances on the palate, tasty berries, and a delicate, soft aftertaste. Attractive. 88p.
Fronsac:
Dalem - dark aromatic cherries on the nose, quite potent on the palate with strong structure, splendid acidity, balance, fine-grained tannin to support creamy fruit, and long firm finish. 93p.
Fontenil - 10 ha, 100% Merlot. A full-bodied wine with concentrated black cherries on the nose, a strong backbone, minerality, a lot of creamy fruit and fat tannin, splendid complexity, and a meaty aftertaste. A very successful effort for the vintage. 93p.
De la Riviere - everything is in the right place here. Intense nose of blueberries, a strong structure and backbone, splendid complexity, and length. Some minerality and splendid acidity. 93-94p.
Villars had earthy flavors, spicy black cherries, and spicy, potent, and well-structured with a persistent finish. Okay, for the vintage. 92p.
Graves:
Crabitey white - 70% Sauvignon Blanc + 30% Semillon. Aromatic and attractive on the nose and palate, green apple and pear, well-assorted, corresponding fine acidity, crispy with nice length and sleek aftertaste. 92-93p.
De Portets - fresh, green apples and acacia flower, fine acidity, crisp fruit, nice length, and sleek aftertaste. 90-91p.
Rahoul – 35 ha, 62% Cabernet Sauvignon + 35% Merlot + 3% Petit Verdot. A light scent of graphite and grilled bacon. Robust and intense, well-proportioned, fine structure and length. Complex and with a persistent finish. 91-92p.
Rahoul white – 4 ha, 61% Semillon + 39% Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, quite aromatic, delicate, light and linear, and reasonable length. 87p.
Roquetaillade La Grange - similar to Saint Robert Poncet Deville with more concentration and length. As seductive and tasty. 92p.
Saint Robert Poncet Devillark aromatic berries on the nose and crushed blackcurrant on the nose, all in a silky package with excellent structure, complexity, and lingering finish. Well-made. 90p.
Brondelle, de Cerons, and Crabitey - tasty, fruity, round, soft fruit and tannin. 88p to all three wines.
Haut Medoc:
Belgrave – 59 ha, 62% Cabernet Sauvignon + 35% Merlot + 3% Petit Verdot. Cherry/raspberry drops on the nose, polished on the palate, lovely scented, soft texture, appetizing with a mellow finish. 91p.
Cantemerle – fresh cherries, fragrant, polished on the palate, crunchy berries and sweet tannin, gentle kick of oak, subtle complexity. Pretty wine. 90-91p.
La Demoiselle de Sociando Mallet - 83% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% new oak for 12 months. Very scented, intense, and seductive nose of blackcurrants with some roasted bacon flavor. There's a nice amount of creamy black fruit and crunchy sweet tannin on the palate. Excellent structure and lingering finish. Impressive effort for a second wine. 91p.
La Lagune - 70% Cabernet Sauvignon + 26% Merlot + 4% Petit Verdot, 14% alcohol, 50% new oak. Dense and deep nose of fragrant blackcurrants, scents of roasted bacon and graphite on the palate, splendid acidity, creamy berries, and grained tannin. Full-bodied yet elegant with finesse. Complex with splendid structure and length. Long aftertaste. Another great effort from this property. Great value for money here! 95-96p.
Lanessan – spicy blackcurrants, aromatic, polished palate with some bite, nicely structured, and soft finish. 90p.
Malescasse – very fragrant cherries on the nose and creamy black fruit on the palate. Well-constructed with bold tannins working well with creamy fruit. Persistent finish. Well-made. 91-92p.
Madame de Beaucaillou – comes from vineyards in the district brought by Madame Eugene-Borie through her marriage. 68% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Sauvignon + 13% Petit Verdot, 13,92% alcohol, 20% new oak. Lovely, tasty black cherries, lush fruit, and pleasant tannins. Round and very delicious. 89p
Sociando Mallet - 77 ha, 55% Merlot + 43% Cabernet Sauvignon + 2% Cabernet Franc, 35 years old vines, 90% new oak, malolactic fermentation in vats. Deep nose and palate with tobacco leaves and cigar box scent, intermixed with creamy blackcurrants and blackberries. Very potent on the palate, with depth, a strong backbone, and great complexity and balance. Fat tannins and fat creamy finish fully match every corner 2018 version and may show even better after bottling. It fully deserved 95p.
La Tour Carnet - spicy berries, earthy flavors, nicely composed on the palate with good structure and length. Harmonious, tasty, and crunchy fruit. Soft finish. 90-91p.
Du Carillon and Lestage Simon - correctly made, round, and pleasant. 87-88p.
Lalande-de-Pomerol:
L'Ambroisie - here is something to hang on to. Huge berry nose with some alcohol attack, spicy, concentrated, creamy berries on the palate. A very modern approach with power and flamboyant fruit and tannin. No over-extraction here. 91p.
Bertineau St.-Vincent - 5.6 ha, 75% Merlot, + 25% Cabernet Franc. Elegant, round, pleasant, tasty berries, silky texture, and fruity finish. Immediate pleasure. 88p.
Domaine des Sabines – 6 ha, gravel and clay, 80% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Franc. Fresh raspberry drops, soft, silky fruit, and tannin with pleasant sweetness, very accessible and tasty. Attractive effort. 90p.
Enclos de Viaud - 3.18 ha, 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc, 13.8% alcohol. Aromatic blueberries with nice spicy palate power, nice structure, and depth. Considerable length and fruity finish. A bit one-dimensional but attractive and tasty. 88p.
La Fleur de Bouard - modern style, plenty of black cherries concentrated on the palate, creamy fruit, nice complexity and length, and grained tannins. Lingering finish. A good one. 92p.
Haut Chaigneau - it's the domicile of Pascal Chatonnet. He's consulting an oenologist with many clients around the world. For instance, in Bordeaux he consults Cos d'Estournel and d'Issan, in Rhone it's Chateau de Beaucastel and in Spain Vega Sicilia. And, of course, his properties (Haut Chaigneau and D'Archange).
It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Aromatic cherry/raspberry drops on the nose, lovely intensity, structure, concentration, subtle complexity, bright fruit well, matching sweet-grained tannin. Very attractive and tasty. Smooth aftertaste. 91p.
Jean de Gue - nicely made, polished with spicy raspberries, complementing grained tannin, excellent structure, and lovely fruity finish. 90p.
Le Lion de La Fleur de Bouard - second wine of La Fleur de Bouard. Sweet and tasty cherries, polished on the palate, alcohol was well-present, round, well-balanced, sweet tannin, soft and silky. 88-89p.
Moncets - a well-trimmed, aromatic classic for the district with spicy fruit flavors, outstanding balance, and a sleek, fruity finish. 90p.
Le Plus de La Fleur de Bouard - 100% Merlot. Dense and concentrated cherries/blueberries on the nose, creamy berries on the palate, sweet tannin and adequate acidity, splendid complexity and structure, long lingering finish. Alcohol is there but well masked by wool curtains of fruit! Impressive. 94p.
Sergant - aromatic roses and violets on the nose, spicy blackcurrants on the palate, well-constructed, nice concentration and length, well-balanced, and silky tannins. Terrific effort. 91p.
La Sergue - this wine combines three parcels in the district, each with different soil, grape variety, and microclimate. 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. The average age of vines is 45 years for Merlot, 35% for Cabernet Franc, and 50% for Malbec. Pascal Chatonnet performed vinification using maceration at a max temperature of 27 degrees C.
It displayed intense, aromatic dark berries on the nose and palate, creamy and elastic taste with splendid complexity, strong backbone, and lingering finish. Excellent winemaking. 92+p.
Margaux:
Baron de Brane - 54% Cabernet Sauvignon + 45% Merlot + 1% Carmenere, 14.2% alcohol. A gorgeous nose of black cherries/blueberries, aromatic and dense. Fine elegance on the palate, creamy berries, and sweet tannins to balance them, silky texture, and delicious fruity finish. Fine second label of Brane Cantenac. 92p.
Brane Cantenac – 70% Cabernet Sauvignon + 26% Merlot + 2% Cabernet Franc + 1% Carmenere + 1% Petit Verdot, 14.1% alcohol. The distinctive nose of fragrant blackcurrants, a scent of grilled bacon and tobacco leaves. Quite concentrated on the palate yet elegant. Creamy with grained tannin and excellent support by acidity. Long lingering finish. Excellent effort for the vintage and may even surpass 2018. 95+p.
Cantenac Brown – 68% Cabernet Sauvignon + 32% Merlot, 60% new oak. Some power, fragrant blackcurrants and blueberries on the nose in big numbers, gentle palate with sweet berries and tannin. On the elegant side with fine structure and lingering finish. Pretty wine. 93p.
Le Coteau and La Tour de Bessan - round and pleasant, nicely structured with delicate fruit and sweet tannin. 89p.
Le Createur - this is a special cuvée of Haut Breton Larigaudiere. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (old vines) aged in 100% new oak. Dark berries like wild black cherries and black currants. There is a splendid intensity here on the nose and palate, fine-grained tannins supporting the fruit, elegant composition and balance, silky texture, and lingering finish. Very seductive indeed. 92+p.
Desmirail – 50% Cabernet Sauvignon + 45% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot, 13% alcohol. Black cherry nose, catchy and seductive, elegant, crunchy fruit and silky tannins, delicate complexity, and structure. Well-balanced. Attractive and pretty wine. 92-93p.
Giscours – very fine and deep nose of sweet blackcurrants, creamy and potent on the palate, adequate oak support, splendid complexity, and structure. Quite a significant effort. 94p.
Haut Breton Larigaudiere - 85% Cabernet Sauvignon + 10% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot. Owners - Famille de Schepper.Quite lovely and tasty wine that is well-made and should improve after staying in new oak. It displayed a fragrant and attractive nose of black cherries and a palate with lovely silkiness, acidity, and harmony. 91+p.
D’Issan – 70% Cabernet Sauvignon + 30% Merlot, 50% new oak, 13.37% alcohol. Fine cherry/blueberry drops on the nose, elegant with finesse, subtle, velvety texture, silky berries, and tannin. Tasty and attractive. Fine fruity finish. 93p.
Kirwan – 59% Cabernet Sauvignon + 28% Merlot + 6% Cabernet Franc + 6% Petit Verdot + 1% Carmenere. A lot of fragrances here with cherries and blackcurrants. Vibrant, lovely composed with a fine backbone, balance, and structure. Creamy berries and sweet tannins on the palate. Fine lingering finish. Excellent effort. 94p.
Lascombes – 50% Cabernet Sauvignon + 45% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot, 60% new oak, 14.5% alcohol for Merlot, 13% for Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. A very intense and noble nose of crushed blackcurrants, refined with great elegance and finesse. Remarkable precision. Great length and a long finish. Sublime stuff! 96p.
Malescot St. Exupery – fresh, vivid, more elegant than usual, splendid acidity, structure, and complexity. Excellent balance between crunchy berries and sweet-grained tannins. Velvety-clad finish. 94p.
Ch. Margaux 1. Growth - only 37% of the whole production into Grand Vin. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon + 7% Merlot + 2% Cabernet Franc + 1% Petit Verdot, 13.9% alcohol. Ch. Margaux's technical director, Philippe Bascaules, told me Merlot must be vinified gently due to its voluptuousness and high alcohol. He compared the 2018 and 2019 Grand Vin - "when I taste 2018 Ch. Margaux, I taste the 2018 vintage first, then Ch. Margaux. When I taste 2019 Ch. Margaux, it's Ch. Margaux first, then 2019 vintage!"
It showcases Cabernet Sauvignon with wonderful aromas of cigar box and tobacco leaves. Extremely elegant and multi-faceted, sophisticated and very stylish for the property. Exceptional complexity and purity. Liquid silk. True perfection here! 99-100p.
Marojallia - 2.5 ha, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon + 30% Merlot, 13.5% alcohol. Powerful on the nose and palate with creamy berries and sweet tannin, polished and modern style but not pushed and overdone. Fragrant and delicious with a fine backbone and length. Fine caressing finish. 91-92p.
Marquis d’Alesme – 57% Cabernet Sauvignon + 37% Merlot + 6% Petit Verdot, 50% new oak, 14% alcohol. Densely aromatic blackcurrants, very spicy, powerful on the palate with creamy berries, strong tannin support, superb depth, and superb finish. Excellent effort, for sure. 94p+.
Marquis de Terme – it's a lovely wine but rather light-footed. Sweet aromatic berries, delicate structure, and balance lack a bit of vibrancy and excitement. After aging, we'll see if it puts more weight and intensity and is not up to the 2018 effort. 91p.
Pavillon Rouge de Ch. Margaux - represents 27% of the production. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon + 19% Merlot + 3% Petit Verdot + 2% Cabernet Franc, 14.2% alcohol. It displays a very intense aroma of black cherries on the nose that is distinctive, deep, and noble: silky berries and grained tannin. The acidity keeps the whole thing fresh. Sophisticated and with a long and lingering aftertaste. As excellent as 2018, more typical for the property. 94p.
Prieure Lichine – 62% Cabernet Sauvignon + 35% Merlot + 3% Petit Verdot, 40% new oak. Fresh and vivid, fragrant with intense blackcurrants, sweet tannins, velvety texture, gentle kick of new oak, and subtle and attractive finish. Catchy effort. 93-94p.
Rauzan Gassies – 72% Cabernet Sauvignon + 28% Merlot, 50% new oak, 14% alcohol. Aromatic blackcurrants on the nose and palate are fresh and elegant with finesse. Tasty with subtle complexity, grained tannins, fine structure, and length. This property continues its improvement, as seen in the 2018 vintage. 2019 is as appealing and seductive. 94p.
Du Tertre is gentle and elegant, with finesse, splendid composition, silky fruit with helpful tannin support, and a smooth fruity finish. 92-93p.
Medoc:
Blaignan – aromatic blackcurrants on the nose, ripe fruit, and tannin, pleasant on the palate with a nice bite, uncomplicated, soft finish. 88p.
Goulee by Cos d'Estournel - this vineyard is situated further north of Cos d'Estournel and close to Gironde banks. 86% Merlot + 13% Cabernet Sauvignon + 1% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% alcohol, 20% new oak. Same owner as Cos'd'Estournel (Reybier). Pascal Chatonnet is consulting oenologist here. There is an aromatic nose here, freshness, crushed blueberries, fine complexity, silky texture, spicy-sweet berries on the palate, and sweet tannins. Gentle. It's fine elegance to it. 92p.
La Cardonne and Loudenne are attractive, fruity, and tasty wines. 89-90p.
Les Grands Chenes and Griviere - were correctly made, round, and pleasant. 87-88p.
Pauillac:
D'Armailhac – voluptuous, creamy blackcurrants, potent and concentrated, luscious fruit on the palate, rich, excellent complexity and length, Persistent and fruity finish. Splendid effort. 94p.
Batailley – 74% Cabernet Sauvignon + 25% Merlot + 1% Petit Verdot. Very fragrant nose with sweet blackcurrants, well-defined and well-balanced on the palate with crunchy berries and sweet tannins, sleek finish. Very elegant in 2019. Terrific effort. 92-93p.
Clerc Milon possessed an inviting nose full of aromatic blackcurrants, a well-assorted palate, fine structure, splendid concentration, and a fleshy and persistent finish. Imho, it equals the 2018 effort here. 93p.
Croizet Bages – 66% Cabernet Sauvignon + 34% Merlot, 14.5% alcohol, 50% new oak. Same owners as at sister property in Margaux, Rauzan Gassies. Also, here you can spot the improvement in quality in recent vintages. Quite fragrant on the nose and creamy on the palate, elegant with lovely structure and complexity. Sweet and velvety finish. Beautiful wine. 92p.
Fonbadet - fresh, aromatic black, tasty blackcurrants on the nose, nicely structured on the palate with acidity, tasty fruit, and soft tannin. Nice balance. Good effort. 90-91p.
Grand Puy Ducasse – 53% Cabernet Sauvignon + 47% Merlot, 35% new oak. Powerful with luscious blackcurrants, tight structure, well-equipped with creamy black fruit and sweet tannin on the palate, subtle complexity, and just enough oak to have a perfect balance. Firm finish, and it keeps its style well. 93p.
Haut Batailley – 76% Cabernet Sauvignon + 24% Merlot, 14.1% alcohol, 60% new oak. This property was purchased in 2017 by the Cazes family from neighboring Lynch Bages. Not surprisingly, 2019 here has many associations with Lynch Bage's effort in 2019; however, it's more elegant and lighter in intensity. 93p.
Lynch Bages – 70% Cabernet Sauvignon + 24% Merlot + 3% Cabernet Franc + 3% Petit Verdot, 75% new oak. Gentle effort in 2019 and sheer delight for one's taste buds with creamy berries and sweet tannin in every "corner." Silky texture yet quite fleshy and with a splendid structure. It finishes nicely with a long lingering finish. 94p.
Lynch Moussas – 73% Cabernet Sauvignon + 27% Merlot. It belongs to the Casteja family, who also owns Trottevieille in Saint-Emilion. There's been a vast quality improvement in recent vintages, and 2019 confirms it with aplomb. Potent yet elegant and with great flair. Aromatic blackcurrants on the nose, creamy on the palate with fine-grained tannin, gentle kick of oak to balance the fruit and great length. 93p.
Pedesclaux – 72% Cabernet Sauvignon + 20% Merlot + 6% Cabernet Franc + 2% Petit Verdot, 13,64% alcohol, 68% new oak. Flowery and fragrant nose of violets plus some spicy blackcurrants. Rather elegant than powerful on the palate with delicate fruit and subtle tannins. Finesse. Soft finish. 91+p.
Pichon Baron – 87% Cabernet Sauvignon + 13% Merlot, 80% new oak. Sheer power and concentration, blocks and blocks of creamy blackberries and sweet tannin, remarkable complexity and depth, luscious and with many layers. Spectacular effort and as thrilling as 2018 or maybe even better! 98+p.
Pichon Comtesse – 71% Cabernet Sauvignon + 23% Merlot + 6% Cabernet Franc, 14.12% alcohol, 60% new oak. Sensual with breathtaking elegance and finesse, refined and sophisticated, long rows of creamy blackcurrants and cherries, spectacular complexity, and length, multilayered, noble, and graceful. Another magic effort from the property! 99p.
Moulis:
Dutruch Grand Poujeaux - nicely composed with flair, excellent concentration, acidity, dark cherries with some spice, silky texture, and delicate finish. Attractive. 90p.
Pessac-Leognan:
Bouscaut – intense and fragrant blackcurrants/blueberries on the nose, crunchy fruit and sweet tannins on the palate, silky texture, and persistent finish. 92p.
Bouscaut white – displays freshness, good cooperation between crispy fruit and well-present acidity, and some minerality and complexity. Lingering finish. 91-92p.
Cantelys – adorable nose and palate of ripe blackcurrants. Very nicely put together, meaning the structure, balance, and length are adorable. It finishes off with a fruity, mellow finish. Attractive effort. 91p.
Cantelys white – many aromas here, like peaches, acacia flower, and lemongrass, underlying acidity, work well with creamy fruit. Fresh and vivid. Catchy effort. 90-91p.
Carbonnieux – quite intense on the nose and concentrated on the palate with creamy fruit and crunchy tannins, well-structured with splendid complexity. Elegant and lingering finish. 93p.
Carbonnieux white - elegant nose of acacia flower, green apple, and lemongrass, fine acidity, finesse, and refined touch. Delightful on the palate with freshness and crisp fruit. Delicate aftertaste. 93-94p.
Les Chenes de Bouscaut – second wine. Fresh, cherries, aromatic, round, and pleasant. 87p.
Les Chenes de Bouscaut white – second wine. Fresh, green apple, round and pleasant, crispy and tasty. To enjoy its youth. 87p.
Clementin de Pape Clement – second wine. Freshness, nicely composed, aromatic blackcurrants, nice acidity, and some power and firm finish. 88p.
Clementin de Pape Clement white - second wine. Fresh, lovely intensity and acidity. Scents of acacia flowers and peaches. Delicate fruity finish. 91-92p.
Clos Marsalette – very aromatic cherries/raspberries, fleshy, delicious fruit and tannin, lovely structure, and delicate finish. Cute wine. 90p.
Clos Marsalette white – intense aroma of green apple, pear, acacia flower, and lemongrass, nice acidity that balances the fruit, quite elegant with finesse. Soft finish. Attractive effort. 91p.
Couhins – very cherry on the nose and palate, sleek and velvety texture, well-structured, creamy, crunchy tannins. Fine fruity finish. 92p.
Couhins white – more of everything than in the second wine, some minerality here, more concentration and length. Subtle complexity. 91-92p.
Couhins Lurton – 16 ha, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon + 15% Merlot. Aromatic blackcurrants on the nose and crunchy fruit on the palate mix well with soft tannins, nice structure and complexity, and a caressingly fruity finish. 91-92p.
Couhins Lurton white - 6 ha, 100% Sauvignon. A vibrant nose of lemongrass, green apple, and pear, very expressive, splendidly constructed on the palate with great acidity, intensity, and complexity, long and persistent finish. It's classified property, and it never disappoints. Very impressive indeed! 93-94p.
La Croix de Carbonnieux – second wine. Aromatic and attractive, nicely structured, round, and with tasty fruit. One to be consumed in its early days. 87p.
La Croix de Carbonnieux white – second wine. Crispy, a scent of acacia flower and green apple. Smooth and supple on the palate. Tasty, round, and pleasant. 87p.
La Dame des Couhins – second wine. Round, supple, harmonious, tasty black cherries, velvety texture, sleek. 88p.
La Dame des Couhins white – second wine. Pear and apricots on the nose and palate are round and crispy with nice acidity and length and a soft aftertaste. 87p.
Domaine de Chevalier red - 65% Cabernet Sauvignon + 30% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot. Alcohol is only 13%. 35% new oak, malolactic fermentation in barrel. A sophisticated, intense nose of blackberries and blueberries, a classy one. Full-bodied with style on the palate with excellent structure, complexity, and length. Some graphite and a scent of red meat on the palate from Cabernet Sauvignon, lush black fruit from Merlot, and a strong backbone from Petit Verdot. The fruit cooperates perfectly with sweet-and-grained tannin. Great sophisticated touch and excellent length with a strong finish. Possibly the best vintage for red wine at Domaine de Chevalier yet? It quickly reaches the heights of the 2018 vintage or surpasses a bit compared to when tasting from the barrel! 96-98p.
Domaine de Chevalier white - 70% Sauvignon + 30% Semillon. Alcohol is 14%. 35% new oak and aging on the lees in barrels for 18 months. A dazzlingly fresh, sublime, dignified nose of flowers mixed with peaches and citron grass. Great presence of acidity. Lively, sophisticated, and refined on the palate with tremendous complexity, depth, and length. A classic and highly stylish wine for the property. Amazing stuff! 97+p.
De France – 36% ha, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon + 50% Merlot. Spicy blackcurrants and raspberries on the nose, some creamy berries on the palate well supported by grained tannins, nice length, and soft aftertaste. Already very approachable. 91p.
De France white – 3.5 ha, 80% Sauvignon + 20% Semillon. Had an attractive nose of acacia flower and lemongrass, plus some pineapple. Acidity is discreetly present. Elegant and engaging, with a pleasant fruity finish. 91-92p.
La Garde – 50 ha, 52% Merlot + 46% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromatic cherries/blackcurrants, fresh, nice structure, spicy berries, and nicely balanced, smooth fruity finish. 90-91p.
La Garde white – 3.7 ha, 89% Sauvignon Blanc + 11% Semillon. Very pineapple, pleasant and inviting, elegant and crispy, nice acidity and delicate finish. For drinking in its youth. 88p.
Haut Bacalan was attractive and silky, with blackberries and sweet tannin, then polished on the palate, delicate with creamy fruit, excellent complexity, and a nice smooth finish. 91-92p.
Haut Bailly II - 60% Merlot + 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.2% alcohol, 30% new oak. There is a fine mix of cherries and blackcurrants on the nose, well-constructed with fine complexity on the palate with a velvety texture, sweet tannins, and persistent aftertaste. Fine second wine. 92p.
Haut Bailly - 56% Cabernet Sauvignon + 36% Merlot + 4% Cabernet Franc + 4% Petit Verdot, 13.7% alcohol, 50% new oak. Very mineral, very Cabernet Sauvignon scented with associations to red meat and grilled bacon. Gentler and more elegant than usual, keeping the rich and sophisticated touch intact. Excellent complexity, balance, and persistent finish. Refined and finesse. Tremendous effort. 97p.
Haut Lagrange - attractive, well-balanced with creamy berries and nice acidity. Fruity aftertaste. 90p.
Hauts de Les Smith – 40% Cabernet Sauvignon + 60% Merlot, 20% new oak. Similar to Le Petit Haut Lafitte, gentler, however, and softer. 91-92p.
Hauts de Les Smith white – 100% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% new oak. Similar to Le Petit Haut Lafitte white but more expressive and intense. 92+p.
Latour Martillac is powerful, creamy berries and fat tannin with splendid complexity and length. Strong backbone and lovely balance. Long and delightful aftertaste. 93p.
La Louviere – 48 ha, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon + 40% Merlot. Well-equipped on the nose and palate with aromatic and tasty blackcurrants/blueberries. Creamy berries and corresponding grained tannin. Excellent complexity and length. Intelligent and thoughtful winemaking here. 92-93p.
La Louviere white – 15 ha, 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This property makes wines of great value for money. I don't remember ever getting a bad white wine from it. The 2019 vintage is huge on the nose with intense pineapple and pear aroma, sublime complexity, striking acidity, and great length with a long lingering finish. Spectacular effort. 94p.
Malartic Lagraviere – 56% Merlot + 39% Cabernet Sauvignon + 3% Cabernet Franc + 2% Petit Verdot. Intense on the nose with concentrated blackcurrants, cherries, and violets scent. The palate has excellent complexity, acidity, structure, creamy berries, and grained tannin. A complete effort, refined and with a sophisticated touch. Excellent. 95+p.
Malartic Lagraviere white – 76% Sauvignon Blanc + 24% Semillon. Full-bodied with a deep nose of green apple and pear. Vigorous, rich and complex, refined and with a sophisticated touch. Remarkable acidity and minerality. Long and caressing aftertaste. Textbook dry white Bordeaux! 95p.
Olivier - elegant with finesse, subtle, creamy berries, grained tannin, velvety texture, sleek, lovely structure, and delicate finish. 93p.
Olivier white – very potent on the nose and palate, lemongrass and white peaches, crisp fruit, splendid acidity, refined. Long finish. 93-94p.
Pape Clement is a modern-styled wine with a strong backbone, great concentration, plenty of fruit, and new oak. Strong structure and acidity are well present. Made for long keeping. 94p.
Pape Clement white is big-scaled and intense, has remarkable acidity and depth, and a hefty dose of new oak. Strong structure and lengthy finish. A great future awaits. 95p.
Le Petit Haut Lafitte – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon + 40% Merlot, 20% new oak. Fresh, powerful, and intense on the nose, livid, crunchy fruit and tannin, plenty of blackcurrants, lovely complexity, well-balanced and persistent aftertaste. 92p.
Le Petit Haut Lafitte white – 80% Sauvignon Blanc + 20% Semillon, 50% new oak. Freshness, the dense aroma of green apple and lemongrass, crispy, elegant, and tasty. Very joyful and attractive. 92+p.
La Reserve de Malartic – second wine. 83% Merlot + 12% Cabernet Sauvignon + 5% Petit Verdot. A nose of crushed berries then polished on the palate with crunchy blackcurrants and sweet tannin. Well-balanced and appetizing. 90p.
La Reserve de Malartic white – second wine. 81% Sauvignon Blanc + 19% Semillon. Freshness, aromas of lemongrass and pear, crispy on the palate with an acidity well present, pleasant, and tasty. Nice fruity aftertaste. 88p.
De Rouillac - on the light side, some lovely berries and tannin, round and tasty. 87p.
De Rouillac white - freshness, crisp fruit, pleasant acidity, some minerality, and a nice fruity finish. 89p.
Smith Haut Lafitte – 59% Cabernet Sauvignon + 36% Merlot + 4% Cabernet Franc + 1% Petit Verdot, 60% new oak. Great, great effort with everything, just tremendous. Intense, sophisticated, refined, strong backbone, great complexity, depth, and balance. Velvety texture and long, lingering finish. 97+p.
Smith Haut Lafitte white – 90% Sauvignon Blanc + 5% Sauvignon Gris + 5% Semillon, 50% new oak. A lot of green apples, acacia flowers, and pears. Fat and creamy with excellent acidity. Great complexity and multi-faceted. Tremendous effort. 96-97p.
Seguin - 55% Merlot + 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. It starts amicably attractive with delicate aromatics on the nose with violet, mint, and cherries. A little touch of heat/alcohol on the nose disappears rapidly. Silky on the palate, with superb balance, a gentle kiss of oak, and a long and firm finish. It's a great effort, and for me, 2019 here looks like a mix of 2018 and 2016 with the latter's elegance and nobility. 94+p.
Le Thil – intense blackcurrants on the nose, creamy blackcurrants on the palate. A well-constructed wine with a solid backbone, delicate balance, and persistent finish. 91+p.
Pomerol:
Beauregard - 17.5 ha, 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% alcohol. The owners recently purchased a neighbor on the other side of the road (after you leave Catusseau towards Saint-Emilion), Petit Village. Intense dark cherries on the nose are aromatic, potent, and concentrated, with splendid structure, complexity, and a lingering finish. Very promising and probably the best vintage yet from this property! For me, it's better than in 2016 and 2018. 93p.
Le Bon Pasteur - 6.6 ha, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. Potent, well-packed with creamy dark berries, strong backbone, splendid structure, and length. Grained yet strong tannin. Persistent finish. Excellent effort. 94+p.
Bourgneuf - 9 ha in one block, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% alcohol, the temperature during alcoholic fermentation goes slowly up and continues at max. Twenty-eight degrees at the end, 35% new oak. Bourgneuf's consulting oenologist is Stéphane Toutoundji, one of the members of Thomas Duclos' oenoteam. Many violets on the nose intermixed with blueberries and black cherries, which are distinctive and noble. It's refined with unique complexity and harmony between creamy berries and sweet-grained tannin on the palate. Lingering and long finish. It is a beautiful effort from the very talented winemaker, Frederique Vayron, and it deserves all 95p in rating!
Cantelauze – is owned by the Boidron family (Corbin Michotte). 0.9 ha, a vineyard is several parcels in Pomerol, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet franc. The elegant and noble nose of aromatic blueberries is very complex and velvety, with sweet tannins and superb balance on the palate. However, it's not as intense and creamy as its 2018 counterpart. There's a lot of elegance and finesse for those who prefer that over much power and strength. 94p.
La Clemence - powerful on the nose and palate with dark sweet berries, fat tannin, and plenty of oak, well-structured, complex, and with a persistent finish. One to keep for a couple of decades to get it softened. 93p.
Le Clos de Beau-Pere – displayed an aromatic nose of black fruit, elegant and detailed on the palate with silky fruit and velvety tannins, fine structure and length, and lingering finish. Tasty effort. 92p.
La Commanderie - 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. A bit reserved nose of dark chocolate and aromatic cherries. Very potent and creamy on the palate with splendid structure, length, and persistent finish. Very complex too. Currently, it's a notch below in quality of both 2016 and 2018 vintages here, but let's see if it further improves during the stay in oak. 93p.
La Conseillante – 84% Merlot + 16% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% alcohol, 70% new oak. Marielle Cazaux, the winemaker, used a " debourbage " technique during maceration, separating clear juice and solids so that only clear juice returns to the vat/barrel. Freshness, complexity, sophisticated and rich. Very blueberry and black cherry. Velvety fruit and tannin. Awesome structure, elegance, and impressive length. It seems to me there is more precision in 2019 than in 2018 and more typicity of Pomerol. Stunning effort. 98+p.
La Croix St.Georges - 4.5 ha, surrounded by famous Le Pin, VCC, and Petit Village vineyards. 95% Merlot + 5% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% alcohol, alcoholic fermentation at 27-29 degrees C, aging in 20% cigar-shaped barrels + 80% standard barrels (different coopers). It is powerful, tight, and tastes a bit lighter than the 2018 version, tried last year, yet it seems more precise in the 2019 version, compote of perfectly ripe dark berries, voluptuous fruit, and sweet-grained tannin, perfectly balanced. It is an imposing effort, indeed. 95+p.
Enclos Tourmaline - 1 ha, 100% Merlot, 14.5% alcohol. The first sample received wasn't optimal (one week's travel), so I requested a new sample. It arrived in prime condition. Very blueberry and a cherry on the nose with cocoa, intense and aromatic. Polished, creamy, and velvety on the palate with lovely complexity and length. A seductive effort. 93-94p.
Esprit de la Commanderie - the second label of La Commanderie. 80% Merlot. It tasted exceptionally well, fruity, attractive, and enjoyable, with aromatic blueberries, silky texture, and lovely balance. 88-89p.
Feytit Clinet - 92% Merlot + 8% Cabernet Franc, 14.8% alcohol. Intense nose of blueberries, blackberries, and violets. Powerful on the palate with creamy berries supported by acidity and silky tannin. The alcohol level is high here, but it's extremely well hidden by fruit packed in the "wool." You can't even taste it. Persistent finish. Very impressive indeed. 94p.
Mazeyres - elegant with a fragrant nose of violets and blueberries, creamy berries, and grained tannin on the palate, well-balanced, complex, and lingering aftertaste. 92-93p.
La Patache - 3.18 ha, 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc, 13.9% alcohol. Nicely made with pleasant aromas of blackberries and blueberries, with nice structure and depth. Pleasant sweetness in fruit and tannin. Easygoing, tasty, and smooth. 90-91p.
Petit Village - 10.5 ha, 80% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% alcohol. Very fragrant on the nose with seductive violets and blueberries. Distinguished and refined. Striking complexity and creaminess on the palate, silky fruit, and tannin. The acidity keeps everything in place here. It's a more sophisticated and less concentrated version of 2018. Still a beautifully made one! 95-96p.
Sacre Coeur is an exclusive selection made by Jean-Philippe Janoueix from one single parcel at La Croix. 1.5 ha, 100% Merlot, old vines, 14.2% alcohol, alcoholic fermentation at 27-29 degrees C, 50% new oak from Darnajou. Dense and tight on the nose and palate with towering rows of black cherries and blueberries, potent on the palate with creamy berries and sweet tannin. Opulent with high complexity and structure. Brilliant, brilliant effort. 94+p.
Taillefer - powerful on the nose and palate with dark sweet berries, fat tannin, and plenty of oak as a well-structured, complex, and persistent finish. 92-93p.
Clos de la Vieille Eglise, Clos Vieux Taillefer, and Lecuyer - modern style with a flashy approach, some extraction but not overdone, strong tannins, nice structure, and creamy berries and a finish with a little bit of dryness. 91-92p.
Saint-Emilion:
3 de Valandraud – clayey-limestone, 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc. Fruity is round, easygoing, tasty, and will do well as a picnic wine. 87p. Same owner (Murielle & Jean-Luc Thunevin) as Clos Badon, Domaine de Sabines, Valandraud, and others.
Alverne - 3.6 ha, clay-limestone plateau and sandy clay, 85% Merlot + 12% Cabernet Franc + 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. I haven't tasted a wine from this property before, so this sample was interesting. It was a surprise positively because it bubbled with freshness, spicy blueberries, and raspberries on the nose. Catchy and polished on the palate with crunchy tannins. Lovely finish. Excellent effort. 92p.
L'Archange - 100% Merlot and 40 years old vines. Cute cherry nose, pleasant on the palate with spicy raspberries, soft and silky texture, sweet tannins, delicate balance, and smooth fruity finish. Tasty one with an enjoyable future. 89-90p.
Aromas de Pavie – 29 ha, 65% Merlot + 18% Cabernet Franc + 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.67% alcohol. Round and pleasant with a considerable amount of dark cherries and lush tannin. Firm finish. Fine second label of Pavie. 91p.
Les Asteries - 83% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Franc. It's situated near Clos Fourtet. It's just stunning wine! It reminds Le Carre greatly, but there is more turbo concerning intensity and concentration. Velvety on the palate. More complex, more profound, and longer, with a great addition of pure elegance and sophisticated touch. It breaks your heart; it is so impressive! 95-96p.
Beausejour (Duffau-Lagarrosse) PGCC – 6.8 ha, clay-limestone plateau on limestones with asteries, 86% Merlot + 14% Cabernet Franc. It's a beautiful effort! Great nose with the remarkable intensity of black cherries, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder, fleshy on the palate with high complexity and sophisticated touch, and a luxurious and lingering finish. This wine oozes sheer class! 97-98p.
Bel-Air-Ouÿ – 4 ha, clayey-limestone, 65% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 10% Cabernet Sauvignon + 5% Malbec. It meets you with intense cherries and blackberries on the nose and palate. Quite powerful with ripe berry fruit and tannin on the palate, lovely length, and persistent finish. 89-90p.
Bellefont Belcier GCC - owned by Vignobles K together with Tour Saint Christophe, Haut Brisson, Clos Tourmaline, La Patache, Enclos de Viaud, and Chateau le Rey in Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 13.5 ha, 70% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.95% alcohol. Elegant on the nose, noble, finely constructed, polished, catchy sweetness to black fruit and tannin, silky texture, and smooth lingering finish. Gorgeous and attractive vine, but it doesn't have the opulence and intensity of the 2018 vintage. 92-93p.
Bellevue Mondotte - 2 ha, 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.81% alcohol. Dark fruit in big numbers, perfectly ripe, luscious, potent, great depth and complexity, and a fleshy and intense finish. A modern style here, but this wine is neither over-extracted nor overdone. Certainly not a wine for faint-hearted wine-freaks, but it will go perfectly with strong meat dishes. It shows great quality. 95p.
Cadet Bon GCC – 17 ha, 75% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Franc + 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet aromatic cherries on the nose, attractive and catchy, delicate fruit, and silky tannins, complex and well-structured. Lingering finish. A heartbreaker effort. 91-92p.
Canon La Gaffeliere PGCC – spicy black cherries/raspberries on the nose and palate, well-constructed and with subtle complexity, well-balanced and lingering finish. It proved itself quite well in 2019. 92-93p.
Le Carre - neighbor to Chateau Canon. 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc. Powerful and intense on the nose with black-/blueberries/blackcurrants, creamy on the palate with splendid acidity. The balance here is perfect for ripe berries and fatty, sweet tannins. A great mix of elegance and power here! 94p.
Le Chatelet GCC – 3.19 ha, limestone, and clay-limestone plateau, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. Cherry and raspberry drops on the nose, quite concentrated on the palate, very nice complexity and balance, sleek, smooth aftertaste. Pretty nice effort. 91-92p.
Chauvin GCC– 15 ha, sandy clay with iron dirt on clay, 70% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Uncomplicated tasty wine. Nicely made with delicious fruit complemented by sweet tannins and a smooth finish. 89p.
Clavis Orea - 70% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A joint venture of Lahcene Boutoba and Franck Jugelmann. The first vintage was in 2015. Grapes come from selected parcels by winemaker Franck Jugelmann (at Vignobles Rollet - plateau) in Saint Emilion. This wine may be the best effort yet, challenging 2018 and 2016. Intense black cherries, splendid complexity, structure, grained sweet tannins, a bit more refined than 2018, velvety texture, and long lingering finish. 94+p.
Clos Badon - 5 ha, gravels and sand, 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc. Intense aroma of raspberry drops, strong backbone, potent and well-constructed. A fine future awaits. 92+p.
Clos d'Oratoire GCC – was potent, well-structured, savory, and meaty, with delicious complexity and length. Fruity aftertaste. Fine winemaking. 92p.
Clos des Jacobins GCC– 8.5 ha, clay-limestone, 80% Merlot + 18% Cabernet Franc + 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet aromatic cherries, attractive, robust and elegant, complex, strong backbone, silky, and well-balanced. Finesse. Pretty confident effort. 93p.
Clos de Sarpe – 3.7 ha, clay-limestone on the plateau, 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc. Fruity and round, pleasant and tasty, a bit linear and light. Maybe it will put on weight during aging in barrels. 86-87p.
La Commanderie – 3.7 ha, gravel on sandy clay, 75% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc. Elegant on the nose with a light intensity of blueberries and blackberries. Crisp fruit and tannin, sophisticated and with a smooth finish. 91p.
La Confession - 7.3 ha, 73% Merlot + 27% Cabernet Franc, 14.2% alcohol, aging in normal and 500 l barrels (Stockinger ones). It's just great stuff! A very dense and opulent, big and deeply scented nose of black cherries and currants. Vibrant with a strong backbone provided by Cabernet Franc, great structure, tight, great complexity, and long persistence. I ask myself if it's the best La Confession ever made – I'm probably right in my prognosis! 95-96+p.
Corbin GCC – 13 ha, clay-sandy clay on ferrous clay, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. A distinctive and classy nose of sweet black cherries and blueberries with great elegance and finesse, vibrant on layers, sophisticated with high complexity. Silky and velvety. It's such a riveting and stylish effort! Will it pass by 2018 on the finish line? I believe so! 96p.
Corbin Michotte – made by the Boidron family. 7 ha, sand + clay + gravel on a subsoil of sand and clay. 65% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. I found this sample lighter than in 2018 and 2016, not offering the same intensity and concentration of flavors. Beware is a lovely wine with sweet cherries, accessible, elegant, and finesse. Attractive. I'm sure it puts on weight after aging and bottling. 92+p.
Cote de Baleau GCC – 11.24 ha, clay-limestone, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. Deliciously fragrant and aromatic cherries on the nose. Excellent and potent on the palate, with delicious complexity, style, and finesse. Creamy berries and sweet tannins. Excellent effort. 93p.
La Couspaude GCC – 7 ha, clay-limestones, 75% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense dark berries like blackberries and black cherries on the nose. Creamy black fruit and corresponding sweet tannins are vibrant with great complexity and a long crispy finish. Very impressive. 94p.
Couvent des Jacobins GCC – 10.7 ha, clay-limestones and sandy clay, 85% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc + 5% Petit Verdot. Cherry drops on the nose, spicy black cherries on the palate, sleek with fine cooperation between berries and tannin, nice fruity finish. Attractive and tasty. 90p.
Croix de Labrie - 97% Merlot + 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine, or should I call it baby wine, started a bit mute, but after 15 minutes in a carafe, it turned afterburners on! Intense nose of black fruit (blueberries/blackberries) with great flair, concentrated and seamless on the palate. Voluminous with great complexity and a long fruity finish. Seamless, so you can't feel the tannin. Alcohol? Where is it? Completely "eaten" or packed in or integrated/masked by fruit. It's a very, very impressive effort, indeed! 96+p.
Croix Cardinale – 4 ha on clay, 75% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc. Fleur Cardinale's neighbor and the Decoster family own both. Well-defined on the nose and palate, spicy and fragrant raspberries with nice structure, silky texture, and fruity finish. 90-91p.
La Croizille - 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Owners - Famille de Schepper - de Mour. Lots of blackberries here, an intense nose, and a creamy palate. Tannins are finely grained, with delicate complexity, elegance, and smoothness. A fine effort rated 91-92p.
Dassault GCC – 20 ha, sand-clay on clay-molasse, 74% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Elegant and polished, aromatic raspberries and blueberries, silky, fine structure and length. Persistent finish. Nice effort. 91p.
Destieux GCC – 8 ha, clay-limestones, 66% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Franc + 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. Quite powerful, more attacking wine, big backbone, and structure. Maybe a little bit too forceful. It's a substantial effort, and I am sure it will soften to softer edges when in a bottle for several years. 92+p.
Le Dôme - this vineyard is split into different parcels on the right side of the slopes near Beausejour Becot and Canon, heading towards the village of Saint-Emilion. When you "sniff" this barrel sample, you first notice a burst of Cabernet Franc, with 80% of it in the blend and 20% Merlot to support it. There is a sophisticated and intense nose of creamy black-/blueberries with great depth, a strong backbone provided by Cabernet Franc, silky texture on the palate yet high concentration, and sweet, crunchy tannins. Remarkable complexity, depth, and length. It's a beautiful piece of intelligent winemaking! Wow! 96-98p.
Faugeres – 37 ha, clay-limestones, 70% Merlot + 21% Cabernet Franc + 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cherries and blueberries, vibrant, modern style, nicely constructed with fine length. Pretty and attractive wine. 91-92p.
Figeac PGCC - 30% Merlot + 34% Cabernet Sauvignon + 36% Cabernet Franc, 14.1% alcohol. Very complete with great build-up and precision. Both Cabernets contributed perfectly, providing great minerality, depth, and backbone. Cabernet Franc is the best they've harvested in the last 20 years! Merlot contributes to voluptuousness and creamy fruit. Best Figeac yet made by present staff – I think so! 98p.
De Ferrand GCC – 32 ha, clay-limestones, 79% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 1% Petit Verdot. Aromatic and attractive on the nose, black cherries, intense and sappy on the palate, crunchy tannins, the gentle contribution of new oak, and fruity and persistent finish. Beautiful and tasty effort. 92-93p.
Fleur Cardinale GCC – 23.5 ha, clay-limestone slopes, 72% Merlot + 24% Cabernet Franc + 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very fragrant on the nose with violets, blueberries, and cherries. Well-defined, vibrant, complex, elegant with finesse, delicate fruit, lovely finish with persistency. Excellent winemaking here! 94+p.
La Fleur Morange GCC – 2.06 ha, clay-limestones-alluvial, 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc. Cherries with cocoa powder on the nose, nicely composed, vibrant, modern style, and nicely structured with tasty berries. Very catchy and attractive wine, which will drink well. 91-92p.
Fombrauge GCC – 58 ha, clay-limestones on molasse Frosandais, 89% Merlot + 8% Cabernet Franc + 2% Malbec + 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pretty wine. It is attractive and aromatic on the nose, vibrant on the palate, has creamy berries and sweet tannins, and is well-balanced. 91+p.
Fonplegade GCC – 18.5 ha, limestone plateau and clay-limestone terraces, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. Powerful on the nose and palate with concentrated cherries and blueberries. Fat tannins complex and with a lovely savory finish. 92-93p.
Fonroque GCC – 17.6 ha, limestone plateau and clay-limestone slopes, 86% Merlot + 14% Cabernet Franc. A pretty but light wine with aromatically scented berries, lovely tannins, a delicate palate, and a smooth finish. 90-91p.
Franc Mayne GCC – 5.68 ha, limestone plateau + clay-sandy clay, 100% Merlot. A very approachable wine with silky fruit and tannin on the light side. Delicate structure and length. Correctly made wine but a bit plain. 88p.
La Grace Dieu des Prieurs – 8 ha on sandy clay and limestones, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 100% grained new oak from Radoux. New owner since 2013, a Russian art collector. Louis Mitjavile, son of the famous Francois Mitjavile from Tertre Roteboeuf, is the winemaker here.
Very intense sweet black cherries wrapped in chocolate on the nose, very fragrant. It's seamless on the palate with perfectly integrated luscious fruit and sweet tannin, pure elegance and finesse, and a long velvety finish. It catches your attention immediately with so surprisingly complete performance. Hold my beer! 93p.
Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac – 15 ha, 73% Merlot + 23% Cabernet Franc. It is attractive on the nose with fragrant blueberries, polished and velvety on the palate, and easygoing with a soft texture and fruity finish. 88p.
Grand Corbin GCC – 28.5 ha, silica on the bed of blue clay, 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc. It is cherry on the nose, aromatic and attractive, polished and crunchy fruit on the palate, with sweet tannins, silky texture, and lingering finish. 91+p.
Grand Corbin Despagne GCC – 28.8 ha, clay-silica on iron dirt/sandy clay, 75% Merlot + 24% Cabernet Franc + 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Splendid on the nose and palate. Intense with blackberries. Great complexity. The perfect harmony between fruit and sweet tannins. Velvety and persistent finish. Highly impressive. 94p.
Les Grandes Murailles GCC – 2 ha, clay-limestones, 100% Merlot. A great nose with a beautiful aromatic string of berries, creamy stuff on the palate, dense and concentrated, velvety tannins, very complex and lengthy finish. An excellent effort. 94p.
Grand Pontet GCC – 14 ha, soil on limestones + clay-limestones and sandy clay, 65% Merlot+ 24% Cabernet Franc + 11% Malbec. Spicy fruit, polished, on the light side with elegance and roundness. Nice balance and length. Attractive and tasty. 90p.
Haut Brisson - 8 ha, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc, 13.95 alcohol. Correct wine, but I find it a bit anonymous and light-footed. There is nice spicy fruit and tannin, nice structure and length, but this effort doesn't get me moved overall. 87p.
Haut Sarpe GCC – 19.5 ha, clay-limestones, 75% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc. Everything is correct in this wine, it's nicely made with polished aromas and taste. But also a bit simple. 87p.
Jean Faure GCC – 18 ha, clay-silica plateau, 65% Cabernet Franc + 30% Merlot + 5% Malbec. This is a rather unusual blend, and this sample differs in aromas from other tasted wines. A bit peppery and with a leek aroma, but ripeness is fine here. On the light side, silky texture and smooth finish. 90p.
Laforge - 92% Merlot + 8% Cabernet Franc. It had a splendid nose of spicy raspberries/blackcurrants and was splendid on the palate with creamy fruit well-supported by grained and sweet tannins. Violets and some eucalyptus on the palate, strong backbone, lovely complexity, and long creamy finish are fragrant. Excellent effort. 93p.
Laniote GCC – 5 ha, clay-limestones on a subsoil of limestones and asteries, 73% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very reasonable effort. An attractive wine with a charming appeal, tasty fruit, sweet tannins, and a lingering finish. 89-90p.
Laroque GCC – 30.1 ha, clay-limestone plateau, 97% Merlot + 3% Cabernet Franc. All in all, it's a nicely made wine, a bit simple and light. It's, however, a certain charm and roundness. 87-88p.
Larcis Ducasse PGCC – 11.15 ha, clay-limestone plateau and clay-limestone on slopes, 88% Merlot + 12% Cabernet Franc. Dark cherries on the nose, lovely intensity, elegant and polished, delicate sweet tannins, smooth finish. It tasted somewhat light, and I hope it will gain some weight after aging in the barrel. 92+p.
Laroze GCC – 27.35 ha, silica + clay, 65% Merlot + 35% Cabernet Franc. Elegant and delicate, raspberry drops, palate quite complex with finesse, silky fruit and tannins, and persistent aftertaste. Splendid effort. 93p.
Mangot – 37 ha, 75% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Spicy and aromatic cherries/raspberries on the nose, fresh and vibrant, fine structure, complexity, and length. Lingering finish. Lovely stuff. 92-93p.
Mangot Distique 12 – 2 ha parcel selection from 5 plots, including three grape varieties, 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The first sample received wasn't optimal (one week's travel), so I requested a new sample. It arrived in prime condition. Dark and heavy berries on the nose, a touch of green pepper and spicy raspberries on the palate, strong backbone, meaty, persistent finish. Different but exciting wine to follow up. 93p.
La Marzelle GCC – 17 ha, terraces with gravel, sand, and red stones, 75% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Franc + 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet cherries on the nose, aromatic and delicate fruit, well-composed with a velvety texture, silky tannins, and a lovely fruity finish. Appetizing. 91+p.
La Mondotte PGCC – had plenty of sweet black cherries on the nose and palate, potent, refined, complex, and depth. Silky fruit and tannin yet robust and with a fat lingering finish. Imposing effort. 96+p.
Monbousquet – 32 ha, 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.55% alcohol. Seductive cherries on the nose, aromatic and attractive, crunchy fruit and tannin, pleasing composition on the palate, silky texture, and fine length. Owned by Gerard Perse and Clos Lunelles, Bellevue Mondotte, and Pavie Decesse. 91-92p.
Moulin de Cadet GCC – 2.85 ha, clay-limestones, 100% Merlot. Lovely and aromatic black cherries wrapped in chocolate and cacao powder, well-defined, delicate, delicious complexity, sweet tannin, velvety structure, attractive finish, lingering. Excellent effort. 93p.
Muse du Val – 1 ha, clayey limestone slopes, 50% Merlot + 50% Cabernet Franc, 100% new barrels. Same owner as Petit Val. Typical blend for Saint-Emilion: Raspberry drops on the nose and creamy raspberries on the palate. A lovely wine, not intellectual, drinks well and attracts some attention. 90p.
Pavie PGCC "A" – 37ha, 50% Merlot + 32% Cabernet Franc + 18% Cabernet Sauvignon not that different from Pavie Decesse. Dark berries have power, great depth, structure, and length in big numbers. Richer and longer on the palate than Pavie Decesse. Persistent finish. Stupendous effort. 97-98p.
Pavie Decesse GCC – 3.65 ha, 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc, 14.51% alcohol. Excellently scented dark cherries and blueberries, vibrant, potent fruit with a good kick of tannin. Strong backbone and great complexity. Like other top wines from the owner, you have plentiful fruit, fat tannins, and dark berry flavors. Nothing negative to say. It's just the style they fashioned in 2019. High quality here too. 95+p.
Pavie Macquin PGCC – 15 ha, a clay-limestone plateau on limestones with asteries, 78% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. More elegant and with more finesse if compared to 2018. It is intense on the nose and palate with splendid complexity, depth, length, luscious berries, and a lingering finish. 94+p.
Petit Val – 12 ha, sandy clay + clayey limestone slopes, 70% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 10% Petit Verdot, 100% new barrels. There is an unusual blend for Saint-Emilion with the addition of Petit Verdot, who you would rather see on the left bank. I could taste its contribution to the wine with spicy dark fruit aromas and a solid backbone on the palate with creaminess. Persistent finish. Not bad at all. 91p.
De Pressac GCC - 36.5 ha, limestone plateau, clay-limestone plateau, 77% Merlot + 9% Cabernet Franc + 11% Cabernet Sauvignon + 2% Carmenere + 1% Malbec. Tight and intense dark berries, creamy on the palate with vigor and energy, splendid complexity and structure, and lingering finish. Splendid effort. 94p.
Le Prieure GCC - 6.24 ha, limestone plateau, 83% Merlot + 17% Cabernet Franc. Cherry and raspberry drop on the nose, concentrated on the palate, harmonious and subtle. Pretty nice effort. 91-92p.
Ripeau GCC – 16.1 ha, sand + light gravel on the clay + iron subsoil vein, 65% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intensely aromatic blueberries mixed with cherries on the nose and palate, quite well-equipped wine, creamy on the palate, Splendid structure and length. Lovely and persistent aftertaste. 93-94p.
Rochebelle GCC – 3 ha, clay-limestone on the top of the limestone plateau, 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc. Cherry drops on the nose are powerful yet voluptuous with elegance and finesse. Complex and sleek. Smooth and lingering finish. Pretty enjoyable stuff. 92-93p.
Sansonnet GCC – 7 ha, clay-limestone, 90% Merlot + 7% Cabernet Sauvignon + 3% Cabernet Franc. The delicate nose of dark berries, fine structure, silky fruit, and crunchy tannins are sleek and elegant. Well-made. Finesse. 91-92p.
La Serre GCC – 7 ha, limestone plateau, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. Intense black fruit flavors on the nose and palate, creamy berries and fat tannin, vibrant, well-constructed, splendid complexity, and length. Intelligent winemaking. 93-94p.
Tertre Roteboeuf - 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. A thick nose full of flower fragrances and blackberry aroma. Violets, wild cherries, cocoa powder, and chocolate. Creamy all the way. It's a magical wine with great flair, sophisticated touch, fatness, seamless structure, and silkiness. Again an exceptional wine from Francois Mitjavile hits the roof! Wow! 97-100p.
Teyssier - it's the residence of Jonathan Maltus, an Englishman who arrived at Saint Emilion in 1994. He also owns Laforge, Le Carre, Les Asteries, Vieux Chateau Mazerat, and Le Dôme, all red wines, plus a "white" vineyard, Le Nardian. All are situated in Saint-Emilion. It's one of the "hottest" consulting oenologists in Bordeaux, Thomas Duclos, who advises at all Jonathan Maltus properties.
The blend here is 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc. It was intense on the nose with spicy dark blackberries and raspberries, powerful and concentrated on the palate, with subtle complexity, depth, and length. Cabernet Franc adds backbone and strength to balance the voluptuous Merlot. This is the best vintage from this property I've ever tasted! 92+p.
Tour Baladoz - 70% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Owners - Famille de Schepper - de Mour. It displays spicy dark fruit in vast quantities, a powerful appearance, and slightly rough tannins. It showed a nice complexity, balance, and length present. 91p.
La Tour Figeac GCC - 14.5 ha, gravel, and sand on clay, 70% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc. A bit stern and aggressive, filled with black fruit and tannin, some power here, and it needs time to soften. 91+p.
Tour St. Christophe - 20 ha, 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.3% alcohol, 40% new oak. The 2019 vintage's great qualities are apparent here and constantly repeated. Big, intense aroma of sweet blueberries, voluptuous and creamy on the palate with grained tannin, high complexity, and length. The acidity keeps everything in prima order. Sublime effort! 94p.
Trianon is a lovely black cherry fragrance on the nose, with alcohol very present, sweet tannin, and creamy berries. Velvety texture. Well-balanced with a smooth fruity finish. 89p.
Trianon Cuvée Kosher - slightly different than regular cuvée with darker aromas of cherries and blueberries, more depth here, and alcohol is better masked by fruit. Longer aftertaste. 89-90p.
Yon Figeac GCC – 24 ha, clay-sand on iron dirt, 80% Merlot + 13% Cabernet Franc + 7% Petit Verdot. Aromatic nose of violets, attractive and elegant on the palate. On the light side concerning concentration. Charming. A little bit four-square but drinks well. 89-90p.
Valandraud PGCC - 7 ha, clayey-limestone, 90% Merlot, 7% C. Franc and 3% C. Sauvignon. It wasn't a powerhouse in 2019. Still a wine with pure elegance and finesse and refined and sophisticated with a velvety texture. Remarkable complexity and a long lingering finish. Sheer class and tasteful style we have here! 96-97p.
Vieux Chateau Mazerat - 65% Merlot + 35% Cabernet Franc. It's situated near Angelus. Opulent and bursts on the nose with chocolate-wrapped wild cherries and blackcurrants. Classy on the palate, strong and creamy, and with crunchy sweet tannins. Great complexity and length.s a great effort. 95+p.
Virginie Thunevin - had a pretty and attractive nose of cherries, well-placed creamy fruit on the palate, silky texture, and well-integrated sweet tannin. Catchy wine and not too complicated. 91p.
Virginie de Valandraud – 12 ha, clayey-limestone, gravels, 70% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc + 9% Cabernet Sauvignon + 1% Carmenere. Fresh and lively with aromatic and tasty cherries/raspberries, lovely fruit and tannin on the palate, fine length, and fruity finish. 92p.
La Voute - 1.42 ha, 100% Merlot, 14.3% alcohol, 100% new oak. Aromatic blueberries, polished, well-balanced, lovely structure, delicate and crunchy tannin, smooth finish. A crowd-pleaser. 90-92p.
Carteau, Faugeres, Godeau, Lynsolence, Pas de Ane, Rol Valentin, Soutard-Cadet and Tauzinat. Attractive with tasty dark berries, nice acidity, and lingering aftertaste. Well-deserved 90-91p to all.
Messile-Aubert - round, pleasant with tasty black fruit and delicate aftertaste. 89p.
Fourney, Osage, and Vieux Guinot - correct, aromatic, round, and pleasant wines. 87-88p.
Saint-Estephe:
Le Boscq - 46% Cabernet Sauvignon + 46% Merlot + 6% Petit Verdot + 2% Cabernet Franc. Quite compact, nicely constructed, fleshy with delicious blackcurrants, firm finish. 90-91p.
Calon Segur - 73% Cabernet Sauvignon + 14% Merlot + 12% Cabernet Franc + 1% Petit Verdot, 100% new oak. This property made a blockbuster wine in the 2018 vintage, and 2019 is close to that effort, as expressive but less concentrated. There's more elegance, silkiness, and finesse here. Stunning structure and length, sophisticated. Among the best wines in this vintage, that's for sure! 98+p.
Cos d’Estournel - 65% Cabernet Sauvignon + 35% Merlot, 14% alcohol, 55% new oak. Wow, this is real, real enjoyment for one's senses! 2019 here definitively breaks up with old-style Cos and continues with the gentler and more soil character-oriented style, which started in 2014. Max. 27 degrees C during alcoholic fermentation. Excellent cigar box, tobacco leaf, and a scent of grilled bacon typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Extremely refined and sophisticated on the nose and palate, multilayered with stunning complexity, depth, and length. Touch down!! 98-100p.
Cos Labory – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon + 34% Merlot + 6% Petit Verdot. 13.5% alcohol, 50% new oak. Spicy blackcurrants on the nose, aromatic potent and creamy on the palate, well-structured and with a velvety texture. Well-made. 92+p.
Lafon Rochet – 65% Cabernet Sauvignon + 30% Merlot + 5% Cabernet Franc. 14.3% alcohol. Aromatic, vivid, sleek, creamy blackcurrants on the nose and palate, fine complexity and structure, balance, and sweet-grained tannins. Lingering aftertaste. Splendid effort. 93-94p.
Meyney – 16% Petit Verdot in the blend (18% in 2018), and the remaining parts are split equally between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Voluptuous, strong backbone, lush and concentrated on the full-bodied, creamy, and complex palate. It continues in excellent 2018, but I taste more elegance here. 95p.
Pagodes de Cos - 55% Cabernet Sauvignon + 36% Merlot + 5% Cabernet Franc + 4% Petit Verdot, 14% alcohol, 20% new barrels. Second wine of Cos d'Estournel. An attractive and aromatic burst of sweet blackcurrants on the nose, quite opulent on the palate, creamy berries, silky texture, and splendid support of sweet tannins. Nice touch of minerality. I can easily feel the presence of Petit Verdot, which contributes well to the backbone here! Sublime effort! 93-94p.
Phelan Segur - 70 ha, 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 14.5 alcohol. More Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019 than in 2018 (40%) and less Merlot (52%). You can taste the change in the blend proportions immediately! Aromatic cherries and blackcurrants in big numbers! Deep and big scaled nose, strong backbone, high complexity, and significant concentration. Large, very complex, big ripe tannins. A beast in ship clothes! Different from 2018, which was much more sheep clothes than wolf ones. Will it outgun the 2018 vintage – I think it will! 95p.
Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion:
Cap St.George - 19 ha, 83% Merlot + 9% Cabernet Franc + 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14,2% alcohol, alcoholic fermentation at max. Twenty-eight degrees C, aging in normal and 500 l barrels (Stockinger ones). The fine aromatic nose of spicy blackberries and creamy black fruit on the palate is well supported by sweet-grained tannin. Focused wine with a silky texture and smooth lingering finish. Gentle and impressive effort! 93+p.
Saint Julien:
Beychevelle – 49% Cabernet Sauvignon + 46% Merlot +3% Petit Verdot + 2% Cabernet Franc, 13.7% alcohol, 60% new oak. It's full of aromas of blackcurrants and black cherries on the nose, refined and classy with great elegance, full-bodied, cashmere everywhere, lingering long finish. 94+p.
Branaire Ducru – 56% Cabernet Sauvignon + 35% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot + 4% Cabernet Franc. The young generation at this property has brought the quality at least one step up than vintages before that. After the excellent 2018 effort, 2019 is no less exciting. Many aromatic blackcurrants on the nose and palate, creamy with silky tannins, complex, elegant, and stylish. Precise and focused. 94p.
La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou - 50% Cabernet Sauvignon + 46% Merlot + 4% Petit Verdot, 14.3% alcohol, 60% new oak. Delightful second wine. Dense blackcurrants/cherries on the nose, full-bodied on the palate, fine acidity, and structure, creamy fruit well-supported by velvety tannin. 92-93p.
Ducru Beaucaillou – 80% Cabernet Sauvignon + 20% Merlot, 14.2% alcohol, 100% new oak. A textbook effort from this property, perfectly combining power and elegance. Great complex nose of dense blackcurrants and a palate coated with creamy berries and sweet tannins. Riveting structure, sophisticated and multilayered. Awesome finish. Amazing stuff. 98+p.
Du Glana - elegant with finesse, nicely composed with flair, dark cherries with some spice, silky texture, and delicate finish. Attractive. 91p.
Lagrange – 80% Cabernet Sauvignon + 18% Merlot + 2% Petit Verdot, 50% new oak. It was fragrant on the nose with sweet blackcurrants, stylish, beefy, well-assorted on the palate, and well-balanced with elegance and finesse. Very seductive effort. 93p.
Langoa Barton – 67% Cabernet Sauvignon + 26% Merlot + 7% Cabernet Franc, 13.92% alcohol, 60% new oak. Dense blackberries on the nose, sappy and well-assorted on the palate, and many layers. Impressive structure and length. Sweet tannins and silky fruit. Entertaining stuff! 94+p.
Leoville Barton – 84% Cabernet Sauvignon + 16% Merlot, 13.88% alcohol, 60% new oak. A detailed and refined nose of high-quality blackcurrants, striking balance, and multilayered. Great complexity, structure, and length. No modern vinification frills here! This property always delivers classy wine to keep for several years. Amazing effort. 96p.
Leoville Poyferre - 67% Cabernet Sauvignon + 27% Merlot + 3% Petit Verdot + 2% Cabernet Franc, 14.18% alcohol, 80% new oak. The modern style here means more "attacking" fruit and tannin. Aromatic nose of crushed blackcurrants, splendidly constructed with creamy fruit and sweet tannin, energetic, great complexity, and excellent persistent finish. This property you can always rely on - stable and making excellent wines. 95-96p.
Sauternes & Barsac:
Twenty-one properties tasted - 19 classified chateaux and two unclassified ones (Haut Bergeron and Raymond Lafon).
D’Arche – 50 ha, 90% Semillon + 9% Sauvignon Blanc + 1% Muscadelle. Had inviting aromas of white peaches, mango, and litchi, splendid acidity keeping it all in fine shape. Fine depth and length. Delicate aftertaste. Attractive effort. 92p.
Broustet – acacia honey, grapefruit, mango, fine acidity, and sweet aromas. Delicate too on the palate with tasty honey melon and guava, harmonious. Delicate. Fine honeyed finish. Fine effort. 92p.
Clos Haut Peyraguey – 8.5 ha, 95% Semillon + 5% Sauvignon Blanc. Intensely aromatic nose of white flowers/fruit, acacia honey, elegant with finesse, splendid complexity, acidity, splendid structure and complexity lingering and honeyed finish. 94-95p. Excellent stuff.
Coutet – 38 ha, 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle. You find intensely fragrant sweet pineapple on the nose, remarkable acidity and sweetness on the palate, acacia, and heather honey, refined and sophisticated, with lovely balance and finish. There are great finesse and elegance and great effort. 95p.
Doisy Daëne – 17.8 ha, 82% Sémillon, 17.6% Sauvignon Blanc, 0.4% Muscadelle. It was intense on the nose with botrytised pineapple flavors, acacia flower, and peaches, potent with acidity and complexity, refined with great length on the palate. Very significant effort. 95p.
Doisy Vedrines – 30 ha, 96% Semillon + 4% Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle. Fragrant acacia flowers and peaches on the nose are elegant with finesse, fine acidity and depth on the palate, and a lingering finish. Tasty and attractive. 92-93p.
Filhot – 62 ha, 50% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle. Intense aromas of pineapple, sweet grapefruit, and some mango on the nose, great cooperation between sweetness and acidity on the palate, Great length combined with a very flavorful honeyed finish. Excellent effort for the vintage. 94-95p.
Guiraud - 25 ha, 65% Semillon + 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Botrytised aromas of grapefruit and orange peel on the nose, harmonious on the palate, finesse, and elegance, acidity here greatly supports sweetness and vice-versa. It finishes with a creamy honeyed aftertaste. Excellent effort. 94-95p.
Haut Bergeron was another surprise and the best effort from this property yet. Fresh, intense pineapple and orange peel nose, elegant with finesse on the palate, sweetness, and acidity, make a great pair. Expressive with flair. Honeyed aftertaste. 94p.
Lafaurie Peyraguey - 30 ha, 93% Semillon + 7% Sauvignon Blanc. Intense nose of sweet pineapple, grapefruit, and orange peel. Very concentrated and powerful on the palate, yet with flair and grace. Striking acidity and sweetness. Sophisticated and with a mega-long heather honey finish. Amazing stuff. 96-97p.
Lamothe - 12.8 ha, 85% Semillon + 10% Sauvignon Blanc/Gris + 5% Muscadelle. Light aromas of grapefruit and pineapple, fruity and tasty on the palate with some sweetness and acidity. Nice honeyed finish. 90-91p.
Lamothe Guignard - 18 ha, 90% Semillon + 5% Sauvignon + 5% Muscadelle. Very similar and with the same characteristics as Lamothe. 90-91p.
de Malle - 22 ha, 90% Semillon + 4% Sauvignon + 6% Muscadelle. Acacia flower, sweet pineapple, dried apricots on the nose, fresh attitude with finesse, splendid acidity, and complexity on the palate. Refined with a beautiful finish of creamy acacia honey. Excellent effort. 95p.
De Myrat - aromas of sweet grapefruit, guava, and mango, well-balanced on the palate with elegance and finesse. Sleek and well-structured. Fine acidity and delicate aftertaste. Impressive effort. 94-95p.
Raymond Lafon - fine aromas of pineapple and peaches on the nose, a bit lighter than usual on the palate. Still, there's great finesse, elegance, fine acidity, and a honeyed aftertaste. Hopefully, it will take on weight during aging. 93-94p.
Romer - 6.5 ha, 100% Semillon. Fresh and intense nose of honey melon, guava, and mango, fine depth and acidity, a myriad of botrytised flavors on the palate, long lingering finish. Big scaled. Expressive and very captivating. I don't recall such a splendid effort as 2019 tasted from this property! 93-94p.
Romer du Hayot - pleasant and round with some pineapple and grapefruit flavors, very enjoyable and tasty. Nice acidity and sweetness. Lightly honeyed aftertaste. 90p.
Sigalas Rabaud - showed a splendid nose of honey melon, guava, and mango, much well-defined on the palate with remarkable acidity, several layers, striking complexity, refined and with a long lingering finish. Impressive effort. 94p.
Suau - 6.5 ha, 100% Semillon. Nice botrytised flavors of mango, pineapple, and mandarin peel on the nose. Nice acidity and sweetness on the palate, polished, tasty, and fine appeal. 92p.
Suduiraut - 94% Semillon + 6% Sauvignon Blanc. Very dense and intense on the nose with many botrytised flavors, great complexity, structure, and length on the palate, striking acidity, and sweetness make a great pair. It is a refined and sophisticated, and stupendous effort. 96p.
La Tour Blanche - 6.87 ha, 90% Semillon + 9.5% Sauvignon + 0.5% Muscadelle. Acacia flower, grapefruit, some orange peel on the nose, freshness, finesse, refined, splendid acidity and sweetness on the palate, splendid complexity and balance. Excellent effort. 95p.
Pictures above - all taken in 2020 while tasing sent barrel samples
1. Up left - samples from Cos d'Estournel
2. Upright - samples from Association de Grands Crus Classes de Saint-Emilion
3. Middle left - samples from 1855 Grands Crus Classes without Sauternes & Barsac samples
4. Middle right - my friends Anne and Ivar Bjurner helped me with tasting samples and participating in the evaluation of these
5. Bottom left - Zoom conference with Marielle Cazaux from La Conseillante
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2019 vintage in the bottle - tasted in Bordeaux, November 2021
2019 Lafite Rothschild 99-100p
Tasted in November 2021. Very classy blackcurrant nose, intense and refined. Awesome structure and length. The feel is like drinking liquid cashmere. So aristocratic and sophisticated on the palate, with fantastic complexity and length. Eternal stuff!
2019 Mouton Rothschild 99-100p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% C. Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% C. Franc. 13.56% alcohol. An extraordinary nose of tobacco, grilled bacon, and cigar box. Big concentration, depth, and length. Sophisticated with many layers, stunning midpalate, and long persistent aftertaste. Heavenly treat and yet another legend.
2019 Tertre Roteboeuf 98-100p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Merlot + 20% C. Franc. A thick nose full of blackberry aroma, violets, wild cherries, cocoa powder, and chocolate. Creamy all the way. It's a magical wine with great flair, sophisticated touch, fatness, seamless structure, and silkiness. It may be a long-standing cliché, but again, an exceptional wine from Francois Mitjavile hits the roof! Wow!
2019 Pichon Comtesse 99p
Tasted in November 2021. 71% C. Sauvignon + 23% Merlot + 6% C. Franc, 14.12% alcohol. Sensual with breathtaking elegance and finesse, refined and sophisticated, long rows of creamy blackcurrants and cherries, spectacular complexity and length, multilayered, noble, and graceful. An utterly magic effort from the property!
2019 Le Pin 99p
Tasted in November 2021. Excellent density, liquid silk or liquid cashmere, long, sophisticated, decadent and kinky, and fantastic mid-palate. Heavenly stuff.
2019 Angelus 98-99p
Tasted in November 2021. 60% Merlot + 40% C. Franc, 14.5% alcohol. I would say this wine is a mix of 2020 and 2018 vintages. 2020's elegance, finesse, and sophisticated touch combined with 2018's intensity and concentration. Beautifully scented nose, silky berries, and tannin, great complexity, and length made this wine quite irresistible!
2019 Cheval Blanc 98-99p
Tasted in November 2021. 58% Merlot, 34% C. Franc and 8% C. Sauvignon. Distinguished and intensely aromatic nose of violets and raspberries. Very refined and sophisticated on the palate with great structure, richness, and mega long aftertaste. Simply an extraordinary effort.
2019 L'Eglise Clinet 98-99p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Merlot + 10% C. Franc. 14.5% alcohol. It was the last vintage Denis Durantou made before leaving for heaven in May 2020. Very intense on the nose with black cherries, violets, and black winter truffle. Also, a secondary aroma of grated dark chocolate. Succulent, vibrant, and silky on the palate with great complexity and length. Persistent finish. Stupendous effort.
2019 Vieux Chateau Certan 98-99p
Tasted in November 2021. Very aromatic with violets and black truffles, some scent of iron, great midpalate, striking elegance and finesse, opulent and fabulous complexity, and long finish. It's an utterly fascinating wine!
2019 Montrose 98+p
Tasted in November 2021. 64% C. Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% C. Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Yes, it was a powerful wine, but it also had a lot of elegance and finesse. A little bit lighter in concentration than in 2020, with silky berries and tannin. Great complexity, depth, midpalate, and luscious aftertaste. Tremendous effort.
2019 Palmer 98+p
Tasted in November 2021. 53% C. Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Pure blackcurrant and cherry candy, sophisticated, refined, sheer elegance, and finesse. Aristocratic. Totally and stunningly impressive wine. Wow!
2019 Pichon Baron 98+p
Tasted in November 2021. 87% C. Sauvignon + 13% Merlot. Now in the bottle and same utterly impressive display as from the barrel. Sheer power and concentration, rows and rows of creamy blackberries and sweet tannin, remarkable complexity and depth, luscious and with many layers. Big meaty finish. Riveting effort.
2019 Troplong Mondot 98p
Tasted in November 2021. No malolactic fermentation in barrels. There is freshness, incredible intensity and complexity, great midpalate, striking elegance and finesse, vibrancy, sophisticated touch, great acidity, length, and precision. It's a beautiful effort!
2019 Beausejour Duffau Lagarrosse 97-98p
Tasted in November 2021. I wrote in June 2020 while tasting a barrel sample of 2019 BDL. "It's a beautiful effort! Remarkable intensity of black cherries, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder, fleshy on the palate with high complexity and sophisticated touch, luxurious and lingering finish. This wine oozes sheer class! 97-98p". From the bottle, it is identically impressive and got some elegance.
2019 de Fargues 97p
Tasted in November 2021. Many botrytised flavors, especially almonds, orange peel, mandarines and clementines, citrus, and heather honey. Hugely intense and sophisticated and had great acidity to match the sweetness. Long and luscious finish. It was a proper cracker of the wine and so stunning for the vintage.
2019 Smith Haut Lafitte 96-97p
Tasted in November 2021. 62% C. Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% C. Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Powerful and tight, intense cherries and blackcurrants, strong backbone, vibrant, bright acidity, great midpalate, long meaty finish. Fabulous stuff.
2019 Smith Haut Lafitte white 96-97p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Sauvignon Blanc + 5% Sauvignon Gris + 5% Semillon. A lot of green apples, acacia flowers, and pear. Fat and creamy with excellent acidity. Great complexity and multi-faceted. Tremendous effort.
2019 Valandraud 96-97p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Merlot, 7% C. Franc and 3% C. Sauvignon. Not a powerhouse but a wine with pure elegance and finesse, velvety texture, refined and sophisticated. Remarkable complexity and a long, lush finish.
2019 Le Dôme 96+p
Tasted in November 2021. This vineyard consists of several parcels situated on the right side of the slopes near Beausejour Becot and Canon. 80% C. Franc + 20% Merlot. There was a sophisticated and intense nose of creamy black-/blueberries with great depth, a strong backbone provided by C. Franc, silky texture on the palate, sweet, crunchy tannins, remarkable complexity, depth, and length. Intelligent winemaking! Wow!
2019 La Confession 96p
Tasted in November 2021. 73% Merlot + 27% C. Franc, 14.2% alcohol. A very dense, opulent, big, and intensely scented nose of black cherries and currants. Vibrant with a strong backbone provided by C. Franc, great structure, tight, great complexity, and long persistence. Utterly stupendous effort!
2019 Corbin 96p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Merlot + 10% C. Franc. A distinctive and classy nose of sweet black cherries and blueberries with dazzling elegance and finesse, rich, multilayered, excellent complexity. Silky and velvety. It's such a riveting and stylish effort!
2019 Lafaurie Peyraguey 96p
Tasted in November 2021. 93% Semillon + 7% Sauvignon Blanc. Intense nose of sweet pineapple, grapefruit, and orange peel. Very concentrated and powerful on the palate, yet with flair and grace. Striking acidity and sweetness. Sophisticated and with a mega-long heather honey finish. Amazing stuff.
2019 Les Asteries 95-96p
Tasted in November 2021. 83% Merlot + 17% C. Franc. It reminded Le Carre greatly, but there was more turbo concerning intensity and concentration. Velvety on the palate. More complex, more profound, and longer, with a great addition of pure elegance and sophisticated touch. It did break my heart; it was so impressive.
2019 Belle Brise 95-96p
Tasted in November 2021. If I tasted this wine blind, I would immediately say "Burgundy"! Black cherries, seamless structure, silky berries, velvety tannin, excellent balance, sheer elegance and finesse. It's a sensual and sublime effort!
2019 Beychevelle 95-96p
Tasted in November 2021. 49% C. Sauvignon + 46% Merlot + 3% Petit Verdot + 2% C. Franc, 13.7% alcohol. It was full of aromas of blackcurrants and black cherries on the nose, refined and classy with great elegance, full-bodied, cashmere everywhere, long and meaty aftertaste. Totally impressive effort.
2019 Raymond Lafon 95-96p
Tasted in November 2021. Only 40% of the harvest went into Grand Vin, which seriously improved after aging in the barrel. Now in the bottle, it's better in terms of intensity of flavors and depth and length. Botrytised almonds and honey melon are vibrant and refined and have excellent acidity and a long honeyed finish. Superb effort.
2019 Bourgneuf 95+p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% alcohol, lots of violets here on the nose intermixed with blueberries and black cherries. Very refined on the palate with a unique complexity, silkiness, and the interplay between creamy berries and grained tannin. Sublime aftertaste. A beautiful effort!
2019 La Croix St. Georges 95+p
Tasted in November 2021. 95% Merlot + 5% C. Franc, 14.5% alcohol. It was a powerful and tight wine, precise and focused, with lots of perfectly ripe dark berries and sweet-grained tannin, and very complex, vibrant, and balanced. It was an imposing effort, indeed.
2019 Rabaud Promis 95+p
Tasted in November 2021. The extraordinary things in 2018 are present in the 2019 vintage, with more intense botrytised flavors, concentration, acidity, depth, and precision. Beautiful effort, indeed! Yes, the eye-catching bottle has also been used for 2019!!
2019 Vieux Chateau Mazerat 95+p
Tasted in November 2021. 65% Merlot + 35% C. Franc. It burst on the nose with dark chocolate-wrapped wild cherries and blackcurrants. Classy on the palate, strong and creamy, and with crunchy sweet tannins. Great complexity and length, and it's a great effort.
2019 Fleur Cardinale 94+p
Tasted in November 2021. 72% Merlot + 24% C. Franc + 4% C. Sauvignon. Very fragrant on the nose with violets, blueberries, and cherries. Well-defined, vibrant, very complex, elegant with finesse, delicate fruit, lovely finish with persistency. Excellent winemaking here!
2019 Sacre Coeur 94+p
Tasted in November 2021. 100% Merlot, old vines from La Croix, 14.2% alcohol. Dense and tight on the nose and palate with towering rows of black cherries and blueberries, potent on the palate with creamy berries and sweet tannin. Opulent with high complexity, acidity, and structure. Brilliant effort.
2019 Soutard 94+p
Tasted in November 2021. This wine was fragrant on the nose with black cherries and violets, succulent and complex, luscious fruit and silky tannins, superb structure, length, and lush lingering aftertaste. Terrific effort.
2019 d'Armailhac 94p
Tasted in November 2021. 62% C. Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% C. Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Voluptuous, creamy blackcurrants, potent and concentrated, luscious fruit on the palate, rich, excellent complexity and length, Persistent and fruity finish. Splendid effort.
2019 Le Carre 94p
Tasted in November 2021. 85% Merlot + 15% C. Franc. Powerful and intense on the nose with black-/blueberries/blackcurrants, creamy on the palate with splendid acidity. The balance here is perfect between ripe berries and fatty, sweet tannins. A great mix of elegance and power here!
2019 Carruaders de Lafite 94p
Tasted in November 2021. Intense blackcurrants, black cherries, and violets on the nose, lively and succulent on the palate, with great complexity and silkiness of fruit and tannin. Probably the most complete Carruaders I've ever tasted.
2019 Clerc Milon 93-94p
Tasted in November 2021. 72% C. Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% C. Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It had an inviting nose full of aromatic blackcurrants, a well-assorted palate, fine structure, and splendid concentration, and a fleshy and persistent finish. Similar to d'Armailhac but more subtle and softer. Terrific effort.
2019 Larmande 93-94p
Tasted in November 2021. It was pretty flowery on the nose with violets and iris, some morello cherries, silky fruit, and tannin on the palate, superb balance and finesse, juicy and well-defined. Persistent finish.
2019 Roc de Cambes 93-94p
Tasted in November 2021. 85% Merlot + 15% C. Franc. It tasted identically from the bottle as from the barrel! Big, fully packed nose of black fruit, very intense, complex with creamy berries on the palate, splendid acidity and length, fine complexity, velvety texture, and persistent finish. Tremendous effort!
Valandraud white 93-94p
Tasted in November 2021. 50% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sauvignon Gris. Myriad of aromas like acacia flower, peaches, and pineapple, vibrant, multi-faceted, splendid complexity and acidity, lush aftertaste.
2019 Cap St. George 93+p
Tasted in November 2021. 83% Merlot + 9% C. Franc + 8% C. Sauvignon, 14,2% alcohol. Fragrant roses and spicy blackberries on the palate, splendid acidity, vibrant, well-trimmed with some grained tannin, lush, focused, silky and well-constructed, fruity finish (roses!). Great value for the money.
2019 Le Nardian (white) 93+p
Tasted in November 2021. It's planted with old vines that are app. half a century old or even older. 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon, and 15% Muscadelle. Great freshness and intensity of aromas and fragrances on the nose with acacia flower, pear, and peaches. Creamy pineapples and apricots on the palate. Great acidity. Excellent complexity and length. I'm impressed!
2019 La Petite Eglise 93+p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Merlot + 20% C. Franc. It's the second wine of L'Eglise Clinet and was impressive with cherries and violets, big intensity and vibrancy, splendid acidity, and great complexity on the palate. Persistent finish.
2019 Alter Ego 93p
Tasted in November 2021. 51% Merlot, 40% C. Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. This wine had an aromatic nose of cherries, silky fruit, tannin, and a polished palate with great complexity and length. Superb effort.
2019 Carillon d'Angelus 93p
Tasted in November 2021. Aromatic cherries wrapped in dark chocolate, succulent and vibrant, bright acidity, luscious berries and velvety tannin, seductive and lush, lingering finish. Superb effort.
2019 Duhart Milon 93p
Tasted in November 2021. Fresh with a fragrant nose of dark berries and tobacco, vibrant, well-equipped on the palate with lush berries and silky tannin, refined and with a long aftertaste. Very impressive effort indeed.
2019 Laforge 93p
Tasted in November 2021. 92% Merlot + 8% C. Franc. A splendid nose of spicy cherries and violets and splendid on the palate with creamy fruit well-supported by grained and sweet tannins. Strong backbone, lovely complexity, and long creamy finish. Excellent effort.
2019 Moulin du Cadet 93p
Tasted in November 2021. A lovely aroma of aromatic black cherries with cacao powder, well-defined, delicate, delicious complexity, sweet tannin, velvety structure, and attractive finish. Excellent effort.
2019 Petit Cheval 93p
Tasted in November 2021. 56% Merlot + 44% C. Franc. Sappy, smooth, silky, velvety texture, creamy fruit and grained tannin, subtle complexity, and meaty finish. Splendid second wine of Cheval Blanc.
2019 Le Petit Mouton 93p
Tasted in November 2021. 68% C. Sauvignon + 32% Merlot. A scent of tobacco leaves and ripe blackcurrants on the nose. Powerful and succulent on the nose with a tight structure and meaty finish. A classic vintage for this wine. 93p.
2019 D'Arche 92-93p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Semillon + 9% Sauvignon Blanc + 1% Muscadelle. It had inviting aromas of white peaches, oranges, and clementines. Splendid acidity keeps it all in fine shape and fine depth and length. Delicate aftertaste. Attractive effort.
2019 Pichon Comtesse Reserve 92-93p
Tasted in November 2021. 51% C. Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 3% C. Franc. Not that different from 2020. Very aromatic with black fruit and tobacco leaf, succulent, and with slightly more acidity and concentration. Excellent second wine.
2019 St. Georges 92-93p
Tasted in November 2021. Fresh, corpulent, well-structured. Aromatic dark fruit, silky tannin, juicy and lively. It finishes nicely with a fruity aftertaste.
2019 La Vieille Cure 92-93p
Tasted in November 2021. A splendid nose of wild cherries, fleshy on the palate, strong structure, vibrant, long aftertaste. Impressive effort.
2019 La Chenade 92+p
Tasted in November 2021. It had fragrant and ripe cherries/raspberries, delicate balance and fine structure, creamy berries, and silky tannin, tasty and quite seductive. As always, a superb quality here.
2019 Clos Badon 92+p
Tasted in November 2021. 70% Merlot + 30% C. Franc. It had an intense aroma of raspberry drops, a strong backbone, potent, and well-constructed. A fine future awaits.
2019 Corlacy 92+p
Tasted in November 2021. It's the second vintage of Henri-Bruno de Coincy's new property, purchased in 2018. Similar to Belle Brise in the same vintage. However, there was less intensity of flavors, a lighter body, and a shorter length in Corlacy. Still, it had enough elegance and finesse to seduce.
2019 Croix Mouton 92+p
Tasted in November 2021. 96% Merlot + 4% C. Sauvignon, 14.2% alcohol. It was a seductive and attractive effort filled with perfectly ripe raspberries, sweet tannin, fine structure, acidity, and a smooth and lingering finish. Probably the best CM ever produced. Great qpr for the money!
2019 Le Petit de Smith Haut Lafitte white 92+p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Sauvignon Blanc + 20% Semillon. The fresh, intense aroma of citrus, green apple, and lemongrass is crispy, elegant, and tasty. Very joyful and attractive. Splendid effort.
2019 Le Clos de Beau Pere 92p
Tasted in November 2021. It displayed an aromatic nose of black fruit, elegant and detailed on the palate with silky fruit and velvety tannins, fine structure and length, and a lingering finish. Tasty effort.
2019 Les Cruzelles 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Merlot + 20% C. Franc. Sister property of La Chenade, both from Lalande-de-Pomerol. Flowery with violets on the nose and some grated dark chocolate, vibrant, bright acidity, complex, and with a lingering finish. Splendid effort.
2019 de Fieuzal 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 65% Merlot, 30% C. Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Aromatic and elegant, well-structured with elegance and finesse. Silky berries and finely-grained tannin. Lingering finish. Heartbreaker wine.
2019 La Marzelle 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 75% Merlot, 17% C. Franc and 8% C. Sauvignon. Sweet cherries on the nose, aromatic and delicate fruit, well-composed with a velvety texture, silky tannins, and a lovely fruity finish. Tasty effort.
2019 Montlandrie 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 75% Merlot, 20% C. Franc and 5% C. Sauvignon. Freshness, intense rosebush, and raspberries on the nose, juicy, fine acidity, well-defined palate, crunchy finish. Much pleasure here.
2019 Le Petit de Smith Haut Lafitte 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 60% C. Sauvignon + 40% Merlot. Fresh, powerful, intense nose, livid, plenty of blackcurrants, minty, lovely complexity, well-balanced and persistent aftertaste. Fine.
2019 Teyssier 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 70% Merlot + 30% C. Franc. It was intense on the nose with spicy dark blackberries and raspberries, concentrated on the palate with subtle complexity, depth, and length. C. Franc added backbone and strength to balance the fleshy Merlot. Slightly less riveting than the barrel sample, but still a superb effort.
2019 Virginie de Valandraud 92p
Tasted in November 2021. 70% Merlot, 20% C. Franc, 9% C. Sauvignon and 1% Carmenere. Second wine of red Valandraud. Fresh and lively with aromatic cherries/raspberries, lovely fruit and tannin on the palate, fine length, and fruity finish.
2019 Virginie de Valandraud white 92p
Tasted in November 2021. White Valandraud's second wine. 50% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sauvignon Gris. Full of freshness and vivacity, aromas of pineapple and grapefruit, fine acidity, well-crafted on the palate, and delicious fruity finish.
2019 Croix Cardinale 91p
Tasted in November 2021. 75% Merlot + 25% C. Franc. Fleur Cardinale's neighbor and the Decoster family own both. Well-defined on the nose and palate, spicy and fragrant raspberries have a nice structure, silky texture, and fruity finish.
2019 Quinault L'Enclos 91p
Tasted in November 2021. It was a well-constructed wine with freshness, spicy raspberries/blackcurrants, nicely structured, and a lingering finish.
2019 Saintem/Saintayme 91p
Tasted in November 2021. 100% Merlot, 45-year-old vines. Rosebush fragrance on the nose, minerality and crushed stones, tender fruit, and gentle tannin. Lingering finish. Catchy wine.
2019 Sansonnet 91p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Merlot, 7% C. Sauvignon and 3% C. Franc. Delicate and attractive nose of dark berries, fine structure, silky fruit, and crunchy tannins. Sleek and elegant with finesse. Well-made.
2019 Soutard Cadet 91p
Tasted in November 2021. A very fragrant nose of cherry drops and raspberries, delicate and silky on the palate, elegant and well-balanced, lingering aftertaste. Lovely wine.
2019 Clos Romanile 90-91p
Tasted in November 2021. 90% Merlot + 10% C. Sauvignon. This is a wine from Valandraud's cellarmaster, Remi Dalmasso. Creamy berries, silky texture, and well-constructed. Voluptuous on the palate with fine ripe tannin and lush aftertaste.
2019 Domaine de Cambes 90-91p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Merlot + 20% C. Franc. Very intense nose of black-/blueberries, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate, smooth and creamy on the palate, good backbone, lovely balance, and fine fruity finish. Attractive and tasty. Delightful.
2019 Domaine des Sabines 90p
Tasted in November 2021. 80% Merlot, 15% C. Franc and 5% C. Franc. Fresh raspberry drops, soft, silky fruit, and tannin with pleasant sweetness, very accessible and tasty. Attractive effort.
2019 Intuition 90p
Tasted in November 2021. Second wine of Fleur Cardinale. Flowery on the nose with violets and iris, delightfully round and lush on the palate with ripe berries and silky tannin. Nice acidity and smooth finish. Quite an attractive mouthful.
2019 Virginie Thunevin 90p
Tasted in November 2021. Pretty and attractive nose of cherries, creamy fruit on the palate, silky texture, and well-integrated sweet tannin. Catchy wine and not too complicated.
2019 Bad Boy L'Original 89p
Tasted in November 2021. The L'Original part of the name was added some years ago and suggested by Cecile Monsec, J-L. Thunevin's assistant. Very cherry and fragrant on the nose, seductive, silky fruit, and tannin on the palate, caressing fruity finish. A pleasure to drink now.
2019 Villemaurine 89p
Tasted in November 2021. It had an elegant style with silky fruit, gentle tannin, a nice length, and a lush aftertaste. An amiable wine.
2019 Petit Faurie de Soutard 88-89p
Tasted in November 2021. Crushed morello cherries and spicy raspberries, smooth on the palate with upfront fruit, seductive and tasty. Soft tannins. Lovely effort.
2019 Cap d'Or 88p
Tasted in November 2021. Second wine of Cap St. George. Very cherry, silky texture, lush berries, and soft tannin, round and attractive. Smooth and fruity finish. Very nice wine.
2019 Bad Boy Chardonnay 87p
Tasted in November 2021. A pleasant aroma of melted butter, crisp with nice acidity, round and tasty. Party wine.
2019 Bad Boy Syrah 87p
Tasted in November 2021. It had very spicy fruit and nicely soft tannin and was tasty, round, and easy to drink.
2019 Clerc Milon Pastourelle 87p
Tasted in November 2021. 66% Merlot, 23% C. Sauvignon and 11% C. Franc. Aromatic black fruit, sappy, easygoing on the palate, soft tannin, tasty and fruity finish. Nice second wine.
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2019 vintage in the bottle - tasted in Copenhagen, January - March 2022
2019 Cos d’Estournel 99p
Tasted in February 2022. 65% C. Sauvignon + 35% Merlot, 14% alcohol. The wine here definitively breaks up with old-style Cos with the gentler and more soil character-oriented style, which started in 2014. Fabulous nose of blueberries and violets, and flavors of tobacco leaf, grilled bacon, and graphite typical for C. Sauvignon here. A scent of black winter truffle on the palate. Extremely refined and sophisticated on the nose and palate, multilayered with stunning complexity, depth, and length. Touch down!!
2019 Calon Segur 98+p
Tasted in February 2022. 73% C. Sauvignon + 14% Merlot + 12% C. Franc + 1% Petit Verdot. This property made a blockbuster wine in the 2018 vintage, and 2019 is very close to that effort. Similarly expressive and concentrated with stunning structure and length and sophisticated touch. Great display of St.Estephe’s soil characteristics. Among the best wines in this vintage, that's for sure!
2019 Domaine de Chevalier white (Pessac-Leognan) 97+p
Tasted in February 2022. 70% Sauvignon + 30% Semillon. Alcohol is 14%. A dazzlingly fresh, sublime, and dignified nose of flowers mixed with peaches and citron grass. Great presence of acidity. Lively, sophisticated, and refined on the palate with awesome complexity, depth and length. I'd say a classic and highly stylish wine for the property. Amazing stuff!
2019 Domaine de Chevalier (Pessac-Leognan) 97+p
Tasted in February 2022. 65% C. Sauvignon + 30% Merlot + 5% P. Verdot. Alcohol is only 13%. A sophisticated, intense nose of blackberries and blueberries, full-bodied on the palate with excellent structure, complexity, and length. P. Verdot contributed with a strong backbone, C. Sauvignon with graphite and lush black fruit coming from Merlot The fruit cooperated perfectly with sweet and grained tannin. Great sophisticated touch. Big finish. The best vintage from Domaine de Chevalier yet? For me, it is as thrilling as 2018 vintage and may surpass it in the long run!
2019 De La Huste (Fronsac) 94+p
Tasted in February 2022. Sister property to Dalem and same owner. I found this wine slightly better than Dalem. Similarly powerful but with more elegance and finesse. Sappy, complex and with a meaty and persistent aftertaste. Excellent stuff.
2019 De La Riviere (Fronsac) 94+p
Tasted in February 2022. 85 % Merlot, 11% C. Franc, 3% C Sauvignon, 1% Malbec. Everything was in the perfect place here. Intense nose of blueberries and cocoa powder, a firm structure and backbone, and remarkable complexity and length. Minerality was well present, and this wine had splendid acidity. Even better after bottling! Eminent effort.
2019 Dalem (Fronsac) 94p
Tasted in February 2022. 90% Merlot + 10% C. Franc. Dark aromatic cherries on the nose, potent on the palate with strong backbone and structure, splendid acidity and balance, fine-grained tannin to support creamy fruit, complex and vibrant, long firm finish. Sublime effort.
2019 Grand Corbin Despagne (St. Emilion GCC) 94p
Tasted in January 2022. 75% Merlot + 24% C. Franc + 1% C. Sauvignon. Splendid on the nose and palate. Intense blackberries and a few cherries marinated in vodka. Great complexity. The perfect harmony between fruit and sweet tannins. Velvety and persistent finish. Highly impressive.
2019 Laroze (St. Emilion GCC) 94p
Tasted in January 2022. 65% Merlot + 35% Cabernet Franc. Elegant, refined, delicate cherry/raspberry drops, complex with finesse, silky fruit and tannins, and long and persistent aftertaste. It showed great class and style. Excellent effort.
2019 de Pressac (St. Emilion GCC) 94p
Tasted in January 2022. 77% Merlot + 9% C. Franc + 11% C. Sauvignon + 2% Carmenere + 1% Malbec. Tight and intense dark berries, creamy on the palate with vigor and energy, splendid complexity and structure, superb mid-palate, and meaty finish. Glorious effort.
2019 Todeschini Distique 12 (St. Emilion GC) 94p
Tasted in February 2022. 2 ha big parcel selection from 5 plots including three grape varieties, 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark and heavy berries on the nose, a touch of green pepper and spicy raspberries on the palate, strong backbone, meaty, persistent finish. Exciting wine to follow.
2019 Villars (Fronsac) 94p
Tasted in February 2022. Dense and tight, with plenty of dark berries and fat tannin. Strong structure, backbone, creamy, splendid mid-palate, and long meaty finish. A significant improvement compared with tasting from the barrel. Textbook Fronsac wine of excellent quality.
2019 Clos de La Vieille Eglise (Pomerol) 93-94p
Tasted in February 2022. 70% Merlot + 30% C. Franc. A classy nose of intense morello cherries, violets, and grated chocolate. A scent of black winter truffle is there as well. Fleshy and vibrant palate, luscious and complex, grained tannin, long and persistent finish. Excellent effort.
2019 Cos d’Estournel white (Bordeaux) 93-94p
Tasted in February 2022. 65% Sauvignon Blanc + 35% Semillon, 14.4% alcohol A fatter version of Pagodes with more intensity and concentration, more acidity, and longer on the palate. Very pineapple and peach, lively and with much freshness. Splendid effort.
2019 La Dauphine (Fronsac) 93-94p
Tasted in February 2022. Like other wines from Fronsac tasted together, this wine displayed plenty of dark fruit, bright acidity, strong backbone, and minerality. Fronsac is highly successful in the 2019 vintage!
2019 Mangot (St. Emilion GC) 93-94p
Tasted in February 2022. 75% Merlot + 20% C. Franc + 5% C. Sauvignon. Spicy and aromatic cherries/raspberries on the nose, luscious on the palate, fresh and vibrant, fine structure, complexity, and length. Long lingering finish. It is superbly made!
2019 Vieux Chateau Palon (Montagne St. Emilion) 93-94p
Tasted in February 2022. 78% Merlot + 22% C. Franc, 14.5% alcohol. A big surprise for me! From the first sniff/sip, it was impressive. Opulent, fresh, vibrant, crunchy berries and crushed stones on the nose, great structure and length, great midpalate, and long persistent finish. Bravo!
2019 Moulin Haut Laroque (Fronsac) 93+p
Tasted in February 2022. Similarly, the strong performance among other Fronsac wines tasted here. Potent, vibrant, and with remarkable complexity. Long time a runner.
2019 Capbern (St. Estephe) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. Whooping 15.1% alcohol, but imho it's not allowed to disturb the balance of this wine because of the enormous fruit concentration. Opulent, strong backbone, a big structure, and a hefty dose of luscious blackcurrants. Long meaty finish, and this fleshy wine is certainly not for faint-hearted wine freaks!
2019 La Clemence (Pomerol) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. Powerful on the nose and palate with dark sweet berries, fat tannin, and plenty of oak, well-structured, complex, and persistent finish. One to keep for a couple of decades to get it softened.
2019 Clos Vieux Taillefer (Pomerol) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. Fragrant black cherries and violets on the nose, creamy berries on the palate well supported by grained tannin, velvety texture, splendid complexity, fine midpalate, and delightful finish. Gorgeous wine.
2019 La Commanderie (Pomerol) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. A bit reserved nose of dark chocolate and aromatic cherries. Very potent and creamy on the palate with magnificent structure, length, and persistent finish. Very complex as well. Terrific stuff.
2019 Destieux (St. Emilion GCC) 93p
Tasted in January 2022. 66% Merlot, 17% C. Franc and 17% C. Sauvignon. Quite a powerful and attacking wine with a big backbone and structure. Forceful and tight. Packed with concentrated berries, bright acidity, and fat tannin. A bit raw in appearance, but a fine quality is present. You have to wait several years to enjoy this wine.
2019 Fombrauge (St. Emilion GCC) 93p
Tasted in January 2022. 89% Merlot + 8% C. Franc + 2% Malbec + 1% C. Sauvignon. Beautiful and aromatic on the nose with sweet cherry drops, creamy and vibrant on the palate, luscious berries, and sweet tannins, well-structured and balanced. Superb stuff.
2019 Mazeyres (Pomerol) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. Plenty of blue-/blackberries plus grated chocolate on the nose, well-structured on the palate, lush berries with sweetness, silky tannin, and complex with a savory aftertaste. Textbook Pomerol.
2019 Pagodes de Cos (St. Estephe) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. 55% C. Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% C. Franc and 4% P. Verdot, 14% alcohol, Second wine of Cos d'Estournel. An aromatic burst of sweet blackcurrants on the nose, opulent on the palate, creamy berries, silky texture, and splendid support of sweet tannins. Nice touch of minerality. I could easily taste the contribution of Petit Verdot here! Sublime effort!
2019 Taillefer (Pomerol) 93p
Tasted in February 2022. Opulent, powerful on the nose and palate with dark sweet berries, fat tannin, vibrant and complex, well-structured and persistent finish. Superb and stylish wine.
2019 Tour St. Fort (St. Estephe) 93p
Tasted in January 2022. 65% Merlot, 30% C. Sauvignon and 5% P. Verdot. This Cru Bourgeois wine did quite excel in 2019. Potent, meaty, and concentrated, juicy blackcurrants and blueberries, a scent of black winter truffles, vibrant, splendid mid-palate, and long finish. Textbook St. Estephe of high quality. Excellent effort.
2019 La Brande (Castillon CdB) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Intense aroma of roses/rosebush on the nose, silky and crunchy fruit on the palate, silky tannin, and a vibrant, complex, harmonious, and lingering finish. This property produces better and better wine with every vintage. Superb effort.
2019 Le Coteau (Margaux) 92-93p
Tasted in January 2022. The vineyard is located in Arsac. 70% C. Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6% C. Franc and 2% P. Verdot. 13.3% alcohol. Great intensity of aromatic blueberries and blackcurrants on the nose, added some flavor of grated chocolate, fleshy on the palate, fine midpalate and structure, long caressing finish. Surprised to find this wine so well-made and seductive!
2019 Cruzeau (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Potent and intense, very aromatic on the nose with sweet blackberries and raspberries, creamy berries and grained tannin on the palate, splendid complexity, and a meaty and persistent aftertaste. Splendid effort.
2019 Cruzeau white (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Intense nose of acacia flower and green apples, crisp and complex on the palate, fresh and with bright acidity, complex, fine structure, and persistent finish. Textbook white Bordeaux.
2019 L’Esprit de Chevalier (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Fresh with crunchy blackcurrants and redcurrants. Luscious and finely scaled on the palate, vibrant, fine midpalate, splendid structure, complex and persistent finish. Superb wine.
2019 L’Esprit de Chevalier white (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Aromatic with pineapple and pear flavors on the nose, splendid crispiness and acidity on the palate, fine complexity, and a smooth lingering finish. Lovely wine.
2019 Fonroque (St. Emilion GCC) 92-93p
Tasted in January 2022. 86% Merlot + 14% C. Franc. A little bit of laid-back wine but delicious, elegant, aromatic, and tasty berries, lovely tannins, delicate palate, and lingering finish. Improved a lot after staying in the barrel. Pretty and seductive effort.
2019 Haut Bacalan (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Similar and as impressive as Cruzeau. Aromatic, potent, and intense. Quite complex. Persistent aftertaste.
2019 Maine Chaigneau Cuvée JS (Lalande de Pomerol) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. 100% Merlot. Intense nose of aromatic black cherries and blueberries, plenty of black crunchy fruit on the palate, luscious and with fat tannin, well-structured, delicate complexity, vibrant, and with a long meaty finish. Superb effort.
2019 Marquis de Calon (St. Estephe) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Second wine of Calon Segur. Minty on the nose with morello cherries and blueberries. Corpulent, lively, complex, well-structured, and long on the palate. Persistent aftertaste. Splendid effort.
2019 Rochemorin (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Very blackcurrant on the nose and palate, creamy, juicy. Splendid structure and complexity, vibrant and with a lingering finish. Splendid effort.
2019 Rochemorin white (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in March 2022. Splendid and aromatic nose of lemongrass, citrus, and acacia flower. Potent on the palate with fresh flowers, crisp lemon fruit, bright acidity, fine complexity, and lingering finish. This wine and others from Andre Lurton’s successors have superb quality and value for money.
2019 La Sergue (Lalande de Pomerol) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. This wine combines three parcels in the district, each with different soil, grape variety, and microclimate. 77% Merlot, 20% C. Franc and 3% Malbec. Renowned consulting oenologist Pascal Chatonnet made it. It displayed very intense and aromatic dark berries on the nose and palate, creamy and elastic taste with splendid complexity, strong backbone, and lingering finish. Excellent winemaking.
2019 Reclos de La Couronne (Montagne St. Emilion) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. 100% Merlot. Very intense on the nose and palate with black cherries and blueberries. Fat and luscious on the palate, vibrant, bright acidity, complex, and persistently fruity finish. Superb effort.
2019 La Rose Perriere (Lussac St. Emilion) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Potent, dark cherries and raspberries, juicy and fleshy, spicy dark fruit on the palate, grained tannin, well-structured with delicate complexity. Caressing finish. Impressive effort.
2019 Tour de Termes (St. Estephe) 92+p
Tasted in January 2022. 60% Merlot. 20% C. Sauvignon, 5% C. Franc and 5% P. Verdot. St. Estephe was truly blessed with high-quality wines in the 2019 vintage. The wine here confirmed it. Powerful, juicy, fresh, vibrant, luscious berries and grained tannin, meaty and lingering finish.
2019 L’Ambroise (Lalande de Pomerol) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. There was something to hang on to. Huge berry nose with some alcohol attack, spicy, concentrated creamy berries on the palate. A very modern approach with power and flamboyant fruit and tannin. No over-extraction here. Splendid effort.
2019 Barbe Blanche (Lussac St.Emilion) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. Cherry and raspberry sweeties on the nose, fresh and vivid, luscious and silky on the palate with fine intensity and length. Entertaining wine.
2019 L’Esprit de Chevalier white (Pessac-Leognan) 92-93p
Tasted in February 2022. Aromatic with pineapple and pear flavors on the nose, splendid crispiness and acidity on the palate, fine complexity, and a smooth lingering finish. Lovely wine.
2019 G d’Estournel (Medoc) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. This wine used to bear the name, Goulée by Cos d'Estournel. 86% Merlot + 13% C. Sauvignon + 1% C. Franc, 13.5% alcohol. There was an aromatic nose here, freshness, crushed blueberries, fine complexity and structure, minerality, acidity, luscious berries on the palate, and sweet tannins. Persistent aftertaste. Lovely effort.
2019 La Grace Fonrazade (St. Emilion GC) 92p
Tasted in January 2022. 70% Merlot, 10% C. Sauvignon and 5% C. Franc. Plenty of concentrated raspberries and grated dark chocolate. Potent on the palate with strong structure, luscious berries, and corresponding tannin, persistent finish. Splendid effort.
2019 La Haye (St. Estephe) 92p
Tasted in January 2022. 55% C. Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% P. Verdot. 14% alcohol. This Cru Bourgeois Exceptionel made a splendid wine. Crushed cherries and crushed stones on the nose, fleshy and luscious on the palate, vibrant and persistent finish. True to the soil and splendid effort.
2019 Lespault Martillac (Pessac-Leognan) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. There are plenty of aromatic blackcurrants and blueberries on the nose, luscious berries and tannin on the palate, and acidity, well-trimmed, sleek, meaty finish. Superb effort.
2019 Lespault Martillac white (Pessac-Leognan) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. Green apple, pear, and acacia flower on the nose, fresh, crispy, and delicious on the palate, with bright acidity and delicate concentration. lingering aftertaste. Splendid for the vintage.
2019 Lestage Simon (Haut Medoc) 92p
Tasted in January 2022. Kind of a surprise here, remembering a somewhat flat performance from the barrel. Now bottled, this wine was potent with intense cherries, fleshy on the palate with luscious berries, vibrant acidity, grained tannin, fine structure, and fine length. Superb effort!
2019 Pagodes de Cos white (Bordeaux) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. 88% Sauvignon Blanc + 12% Semillon, 14.4% alcohol. Pleasant litchi, white flowers, green apple, and aromatic pineapple on the palate, vibrant with fine acidity and complexity. Tasty and smooth finish. It will go very well with lighter food.
2019 Sainte Marie Vieilles Vignes (Bordeaux Superieur) 92p
Tasted in March 2022. This wine is from Entre deux Mers. 72% Merlot + 28% C. Sauvignon. Potent, big fruit intensity on the nose and palate, spicy raspberries were well-supported by fat tannin. Fleshy, complex, and meaty finish. I didn’t expect this wine to be that good. Great qpr for money.
2019 Suau (Sauternes) 92p
Tasted in February 2022. 100% Semillon. Nice botrytised flavors of mango, pineapple, and mandarin peel on the nose. Nice acidity and sweetness on the palate, polished, tasty, and with a lingering finish. Well-made.
2019 Ampelia (Castillon CDB) 91-92p
Tasted in February 2022. Seductive nose of roses/rose bush and raspberries, delicate on the palate with luscious berries and sweet tannins, lingering finish. Delightful effort.
2019 D’Arcins (Haut Medoc) 91-92p
Tasted in January 2022. Aromatic black cherries and violets, good intensity, creamy stuff, livid, delicate balance, smooth and caressing finish. Catchy wine.
2019 Balthus (Bordeaux Superieur) 91-92p
Tasted in March 2022. This wine is 100% Merlot, which was fermented in new barrels. Same owner as de Reignac. It displayed fine intensity of dark cherries, blueberries, and cocoa powder, lovely complexity and acidity, fine minerality, silky texture, and a meaty finish. Fine effort.
2019 Du Cartillon (Haut Medoc) 91-92p
Tasted in January 2022. Improved quite significantly after aging in the barrel. It was similar to d’Arcins, with slightly more intensity and spiciness on the palate. Seductive wine.
2019 Dutruch Grand Poujeaux (Moulis) 91-92p
Tasted in January 2022. This wine displayed an aromatic nose of black cherries, blackcurrants, and violets. Well-composed and fleshy on the palate with sappy berries, grained tannin, and fine acidity. Persistent finish. Adorable effort.
2019 La Rose Perriere white (Bordeaux) 91-92p
Tasted in March 2022. Crushed stones, green apples, and pear on the nose, fresh on the palate with crisp lemony fruit, complex, well-structured, tasty, persistent finish. Stylish effort.
2019 Sainte Barbre (Bordeaux Superieur) 91-92p
Tasted in March 2022. Aromatic and seductive crushed cherries and some dark chocolate. Silky on the palate with fine-grained tannin, fine length, and lingering aftertaste. Characterful wine.
2019 Yon Figeac (St. Emilion GCC) 91-92p
Tasted in January 2022. 80% Merlot + 13% C. Franc + 7% P. Verdot. Aromatic nose of violets, attractive and elegant on the palate. Well-defined, balanced, and with a pleasing fruity finish. Amiable wine.
2019 Godeau (St. Emilion GC) 91+p
Tasted in January 2022. Aromatic, velvety texture, luscious fruit, and silky tannin, well-composed and with a lingering finish. Catchy wine.
2019 Laussac Cuvee Sacha (Castillon CdB) 91+p
Tasted in February 2022. 60% Merlot + 40% C. Franc. Compared to regular cuvee, there was more fruit intensity and fatter tannin. Acidity was more apparent but didn’t disturb the balance. There were plenty of black cherries, roses, and violets.
2019 Lynsolence (St. Emilion GC) 91+p
Tasted in January 2022. Aromatic morello cherries on the nose, polished, well-structured on the palate with silky berries and fine tannin, detailed and with a long fruity finish. Splendid effort.
2019 Pas de L’Ane (St. Emilion GC) 91+p
Tasted in January 2022. Delicate nose of dark aromatic berries, juicy and fleshy on the palate, sweet berries, delicate balance, and smooth fruity finish. Pretty wine.
2019 Tour Baladoz (St. Emilion GC) 91+p
Tasted in January 2022. 70% Merlot, 20% C. Franc + 10% C. Sauvignon. It displayed spicy dark fruit in vast quantities on the nose and palate, elastic tannin, nice complexity, balance, and length. Lovely effort.
2019 Clos de Lunes d’Argent (Bordeaux) 91p
Tasted in February 2022. Pleasant and round, a scent of acacia honey, pear, and dried apricot. Fine acidity, good balance, and length. It’s a lovely aperitif.
2019 Clos Floridene (Graves) 91p
Tasted in February 2022. Potent, smoky berries on the nose, bite, finely structured, vibrant with a meaty finish on the palate. Pretty wine.
2019 La Croizille (St. Emilion GC) 91p
Tasted in January 2022. 70% Merlot + 30% C. Sauvignon. Plenty of blackberries here, polished and luscious on the palate. Finely-grained tannin, delicate complexity, charm, and smoothness. Very good effort.
2019 Malescasse (Haut Medoc) 91p
Tasted in January 2022. Quite fragrant cherries on the nose and creamy black fruit on the palate. Subtle and finely constructed with silky tannins working well with creamy fruit. Lush and sweet finish. Well-made.
2019 Moulin (Pomerol) 91p
Tasted in February 2022. Modern in style with upfront fruit and firm tannin. A bit dry on the palate. Not a faulty wine but one which may need a couple of years to soften.
2019 Peyredon (Haut Medoc) 91p
Tasted in January 2022. 63% C. Sauvignon + 37% Merlot. I’ve never tasted a wine from this property before, so it was a more than pleasant “meeting.” Grated dark chocolate on the nose and crushed cherries, very aromatic, light on the palate but luscious fruit. Very seductive wine.
2019 de Reignac (Bordeaux Superieur) 91p
Tasted in March 2022. Blend of Merlot, C. Sauvignon and C. Franc. Delicate nose of morello cherries. Sweet cherries on the palate as well, backed up by bright acidity. Well-structured and meaty finish.
2019 Tour de Pressac (St.Emilion GC) 91p
Tasted in January 2022. Aromatic cherries and blueberries on the nose, crunchy dark fruit on the palate, velvety texture, acidity, well-constructed, lingering finish. Catchy wine.
2019 Tour Seran (St. Estephe) 91p
Tasted in January 2022. It displayed a fragrant nose of black cherries, blackcurrants and iris. Potent on the palate with bright acidity and fine structure. Persistent finish. Fine effort.
2019 Crabitey white (Graves) 90-91p
Tasted in March 2022. Aromatic green apples and pear on the nose, fresh crispy citrus on the palate but light texture, good acidity, and structure, lemony finish. It tasted much better from the barrel.
2019 Reynon (Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux) 90-91p
Tasted in March 2022. Pretty nose of black cherries, well-constructed on the palate with nice acidity, spicy berries and finely grained tannin, and cherry aftertaste. Seductive effort.
2019 Rol Valentin (St.Emilion GC) 90-91p
Tasted in January 2022. Morello cherries on the nose, juicy with nice acidity on the palate, well-constructed, tasty berries, fine fruity finish. Amiable wine.
2019 Haut Breton Larigaudiere (St.Emilion GC) 90p
Tasted in January 2022. 85% C. Sauvignon + 10% Merlot + 5% P. Verdot. Quite lovely and tasty wine and well-made wine, and it displayed a fragrant nose of black cherries and blackcurrants, a palate with lovely silkiness, and a caressing finish. Catchy effort.
2019 Domaine de La Solitude (Pessac-Leognan) 90p
Tasted in February 2022. Lovely blackberry nose, seductive, tasty berries, palate with delicate balance, and velvety tannin. Smooth and fruity finish. Catchy effort.
2019 Domaine de La Solitude white (Pessac-Leognan) 90p
Tasted in February 2022. Fresh, some lemongrass and acacia flavors, nice acidity and lovely structure, crispy and lingering aftertaste. Amiable effort.
2019 Laussac (Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux) 90p
Tasted in February 2022. Very raspberry on the nose, and roses are present as well. Covered with sweet berries and smooth tannin on the palate, nicely structured and lingering aftertaste. Seductive wine.
2019 Penin Les Cailloux (Bordeaux Superieur) 90p
Tasted in March 2022. 100% Merlot. Seductive cherries on the nose and palate, polished, silky tannin, sappy, lingering finish. Nice effort.
2019 Reynon white (Bordeaux) 90p
Tasted in March 2022. Plenty of green apples and lemongrass on the nose. There was a nice concentration of crisp fruit on the palate, nice acidity, and a lively and lingering finish. Enjoyable wine.
2019 Torteau Cholet (Graves) 90p
Tasted in February 2022. 45% C. Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% P. Verdot. Plenty of black cherries and blackcurrants on the nose, potent on the palate, fine structure, and persistent finish. Catchy effort as well.
2019 Clos Floridene white (Graves) 89-90p
Tasted in March 2022. Aromatic white flowers on the nose, crispy citrus, and pear on the palate, smooth, nice acidity, well-defined. Fruity finish. This wine is already a pleasure to drink.
2019 Haura (Graves) 89-90p
Tasted in February 2022. Spicy cherries and plenty of acidity, but everything were in balance. Nicely composed on the palate with a persistent fruity finish. Amiable wine.
2019 Haut Bertinerie white Vieilles Vignes (Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux) 89-90p
Tasted in March 2022. 100% S. Blanc. Pretty aromatic nose of freshly prepared fruits like melon, pear, and pineapple. Crisp and tasty fruit on the palate is well supported by bright acidity. Smooth and lingering finish. Catchy wine.
2019 Jean de Gue (Lalande de Pomerol) 89-90p
Tasted in February 2022. Nicely made, polished with spicy raspberries, corresponding soft and grained tannin, nice structure, and lovely fruity finish. Nice effort.
2019 Tauzinat L’Hermitage (St.Emilion GC) 89-90p
Tasted in January 2022. Quite aromatic and tasty black cherries, raspberries, and blueberries, silky tannin on the palate well supported by bright acidity. Well-balanced with a nice structure and sleek fruity finish. Well-done.
2019 Cantegril (Barsac) 89p
Tasted in February 2022. Had a fresh, delicate nose of sweet elderberries and acacia honey, with nice acidity and sweetness on the palate. Light texture. Caressing finish.
2019 Carteau (St. Emilion GC) 89p
Tasted in January 2022. Aromatic, acidity, balanced, on the light side, nice fruitiness, pleasant and smooth aftertaste. Easy drinking here.
2019 de Cerons (Graves) 89p
Tasted in February 2022. Aromatic blackcurrants on the nose, subtle and silky on the palate. Well-made wine with a smooth and lingering finish.
2019 Clos Dubreil (St. Emilion GC) 89p
Tasted in January 2022. Plenty of blackberries here, silky and elegant on the palate. Soft tannin, a lot of charm, and a nice length. Lingering finish. Catchy wine.
2019 Clos Puy Arnaud (Castillon CdB) 89p
Tasted in February 2022. Fragrant roses on the nose, raspberry fruit on the palate, nicely structured, soft tannin, velvety texture, tasty, lingering aftertaste. Attractive wine.
2019 Cote Montpezat (Castillon CdB) 89p
Tasted in February 2022. Aromatic roses on the nose and tasty raspberries on the palate. Delicate, well-defined, soft tannin, discreet acidity, smooth and caressing finish. Seductive stuff.
2019 Haut Bertinerie (Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux) 89p
Tasted in February 2022. Delicate cherries and rosebush on the nose, sleek and attractive on the palate with tasty berries, silky texture, and caressing aftertaste. Catchy wine.
2019 Lanessan (Haut Medoc) 89p
Tasted in January 2022. Elegant cherry nose. Light on the palate, polished, acidity, nicely structured, and soft finish. Amiable effort.
2019 Patris (St. Emilion GC) 89p
Tasted in January 2022. Light texture, polished, tasty berries, soft tannin, fruity finish. Decent wine for immediate consumption.
2019 Petit Bocq (St. Estephe) 89p
Tasted in January 2022. Light feet but very seductive on the nose with cocoa powder and dark chocolate flavors. Spicy berries and nicely constructed on the palate with silky tannin. Easy and pleasant drinking here.
2019 Roquetaillade La Grange (Graves) 89p
Tasted in February 2022. Pleasant aroma of morello cherries and raspberries on the nose. Polished on the palate with spicy berries. Sleek and silky. Smooth finish. Nice effort.
Sainte Marie (Cotes de Bordeaux) 89p
Tasted in March 2022. Spicy cherries on the nose, well-defined on the palate with some minerality and tasty berries. Soft tannin and a nice caressing finish. Pretty wine.
2019 La Tour Bessan (Margaux) 89p
Tasted in January 2022. Aromatic on the nose with a scent of cocoa powder, polished on the palate with good structure, tasty berries, and a smooth finish. Amiable wine.
2019 La Croix Younan (St.Emilion GC) 88-89p
Tasted in January 2022. Fragrant raspberries on the nose, lovely fruit intensity on the palate, good acidity support, balance, spicy tones, and a meaty and smooth finish. Tasty wine.
2019 Loudenne (Medoc) 88-89p
Tasted in January 2022. Similar to Grand Chenes but with more concentration and acidity. Pleasant and tasty wine.
2019 Roylland (St. Emilion GC) 88-89p
Tasted in January 2022. Spicy and aromatic cherries on the nose and palate, nicely constructed, sleek, tasty, and with a fruity finish. Immediate consumption.
2019 Torteau Chollet white (Graves) 88-89p
Tasted in February 2022. Aromas of green apple and acacia on the nose, crispy and delicate on the palate, good acidity to balance the fruit, nicely structured, smooth finish. More than acceptable wine.
2019 Cap Leon Veyrin (Listrac) 88p
Tasted in January 2022. Light with earthy and spicy tones, sappy fruit, nice acidity, and a pleasing aftertaste. Decent effort.
2019 De Chambrun (Lalande de Pomerol) 88p
Tasted in February 2022. Modern style, upfront fruit, plenty of tannins, nice structure, considerably good length, and fruity finish. Good quality.
2019 Fleur Haut Gaussens (Bordeaux Superieur) 88p
Tasted in March 2021. There were fragrant raspberries on the nose, spicy berries, silky tannin, and a well-defined and nice length. Nice effort.
2019 Fonbadet (Pauillac) 88p
Tasted in January 2022. This wine was lovely when tasted from the barrel but not so convincing from the bottle. It’s in an awkward stage right now.
2019 Grand Chenes (Medoc) 88p
Tasted in January 2022. Tasty cherries, light-footed, well-balanced, round, and polished. Charming one.
2019 Grand Ormeau (Lalande de Pomerol) 88p
Tasted in February 2022. Solid and fleshy wine with a nice structure and tasty dark berries. Soft tannin. Smooth finish.
2019 Lesparre (Gaves de Vayres) 88p
Tasted in February 2022. Aromatic cherries and raspberries on the nose, spicy dark berries on the palate, and silky tannin are nicely constructed, delicate, and balanced. Fruity finish. Very much approve.
2019 Loudenne Le Chateau white (Bordeaux) 88p
Tasted in March 2022. Acacia flower and green apples on the nose, crisp fruit, nice acidity to support the fruit, some elegance, tasty, caressing aftertaste. Provides some good quality.
2019 Villegeorge (Haut Medoc) 88p
Tasted in January 2022. Morello cherries, nicely structured, polished on the palate, tasty fruit, soft tannin, smooth aftertaste. Nice effort.
2019 Serilhan (St. Estephe) 88p
Tasted in January 2022. Fragrant blackcurrants on the nose and taste of yogurt on the palate, nicely composed with a velvety texture and smooth tannin. An enjoyable wine.
2019 Crabitey (Graves) 87-88p
Tasted in February 2022. Light, lovely fruit on the nose, quite dry on the palate. Tasted a bit diluted.
2019 Messile Aubert (Montagne St. Emilion) 87-88p
Tasted in February 2022. Good fruit intensity and soft tannin, nice structure and length. Early consumption here as well.
2019 Prieure Marquet (Bordeaux Superieur) 87-88p
Tasted in March 2022. Black cherries and violets on the nose, a bit light on the palate but tasty cherries, soft tannin, and nice acidity made this wine a pleasant and correct one.
2019 Saint Robert white (Graves) 87-88p
Tasted in February 2022. Light, pleasant, lovely fruit, a bit simple but charming and tasty.
2019 Tournefoille (Lalande de Pomerol) 87-88p
Tasted in February 2022. Spicy berries, lovely fruit on the nose, a touch of dryness on the palate, acceptable structure and length. Ok wine.
2019 Faizeau (Montagne St. Emilion) 87p
Tasted in February 2022. Light, charming, aromatic, and tasty cherries. Pleasant. Early drinking.
2019 La Grace Fonrazade white (Bordeaux) 87p
Tasted in March 2022. Light, tasty, and pleasant. Acceptably fruity and with some acidity. Easy and early drinking.
2019 Moncets (Lalande de Pomerol) 87p
Tasted in February 2022. Lightweighty, pleasant, and round, tasty fruit. To drink early.
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2019 vintage in the bottle - tasted in Bordeaux, April 2022
2019 Les Carmes Haut Brion (Pessac-Leognan) 99p
Tasted in July 2022 (Copenhagen) It was my first encounter with this wine – I couldn’t taste it in Bordeaux from the barrel in spring 2020. Why? Corona restrictions!
50% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot. This wine was certainly worth the wait! An awesome thrill from start to end. In the beginning, this wine was a paradise of aromas and fragrances. On the nose, it overwhelmed you with cascades of freshly cut black cherries and blackcurrants, and on the palate, it offered a flamboyant attitude, seamless structure, cashmere-clad texture, vibrancy, sophisticated touch, and fantastic complexity. After half an hour in the glass, this wine started to become typical of the Pessac-Leognan district with shellfish scent, saltiness, and smokiness without losing one single ounce of energy, vitality, and fruit. A truly epic wine, and what a pair it will make with the 2020 version!
Canon (St.Emilion PGCC) 98p
Tasted in April 2022. 74% Merlot + 26% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% alcohol. Intense aroma of black cherries/blueberries on the nose, creamy on the palate with silky berries and grained tannin, great complexity, and elegance, sophisticated, excellent length, long, long aftertaste. Similar to the 2020 version but a tad lighter. Spectacular effort.
Rauzan Segla (Margaux) 97p
Tasted in April 2022. Powerful, plenty of cassis and blueberries, sappy, strong backbone, great complexity, midpalate, creamy berries, and complementing fat tannin. Long and persistent finish. Outstanding effort for the vintage.
Croix de Labrie (St. Emilion GC) 96p
Tasted in April 2022. 97% Merlot + 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense nose of black fruit (blackberries/blueberries) with great flair, concentrated, and seamless on the palate. Voluminous with great complexity and a long fruity finish. Exactly impressive when tasted after bottling compared with tasting from the barrel.
La Lagune (Haut Medoc) 95+p
Tasted in April 2022. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon + 35% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot, 13% alcohol. Dense and deep nose of fragrant blackcurrants, scents of roasted bacon and graphite on the palate, splendid acidity, creamy berries and grained tannin. Full-bodied yet elegant with finesse. Complex with terrific structure and length. Long aftertaste. Stunning and excellent value for money here!
2019 Le Bon Pasteur (Pomerol) 95p
Tasted in April 2022. Potent, well-packed with creamy dark berries, strong backbone, splendid structure and length. Grained yet strong tannin. Persistent finish. Excellent effort.
2019 Petit Village (Pomerol) 95p
Tasted in April 2022. 80% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% alcohol. Very fragrant on the nose with seductive violets and blueberries. Distinguished and refined. Unique complexity and creaminess on the palate, silky fruit and tannin. The acidity keeps everything in place here. This wine is a more sophisticated and less concentrated version of 2018. Still a beautifully made wine!
2019 Cantelauze (Pomerol) 94p
Tasted in April 2022. 90% Merlot + 10% Cabernet Franc. It displayed an elegant nose of aromatic blueberries with a pinch of black winter truffle and was very complex and velvety on the palate, with sweet tannins and superb balance. However, it wasn't as intense and creamy as its 2018 counterpart. There was a lot of elegance and finesse for those who preferred that over much power and strength. Very Pomerol style.
2019 Corbin Michotte (St. Emilion) 93+p
Tasted in April 2022. 65% Merlot + 30% Cabernet Franc + 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. I found this wine lighter and less intense compared to wines from other big vintages. when tasted from the barrel. It was a lovely wine with sweet cherries, accessible, elegant, and finesse. Attractive. I was sure it put on weight after ageing and bottling. It sure did! Not that much, but this wine got some finesse, bite and length.
2019 La Fleur de Gay (Pomerol) 93p
Tasted in April 2022. Plenty of aromatic and crunchy black cherries/blackberries, chocolate, luscious berries, and finely grained tannin, vibrant, complex, well-structured, and meaty finish. Splendid effort.
2019 Lascombes (Margaux) 93p
Tasted in April 2022. Quite different from an impressive barrel sample. Now in bottle, closed and quite oaky. Not really in balance now, but it surely will be in a couple of years. Strong structure, fine length, and powerful finish. To retaste in two years.
Moulin Riche (St. Julien) 2019 92+p
Tasted in April 2022. It's the Cuvellier family's (Leoville Poyferre) other property in St. Julien. Potent, plenty of cassis and black cherries, elegant, sappy, lively, tasty, velvety texture, and lingering finish. Attractive and seductive effort.
2019 Le Crock (St. Estephe) 92p
Tasted in April 2022. Same owner as Leoville Poyferre. Powerful, minty, spicy, strong backbone, luscious, vibrant, fine complexity, and persistent finish. Terrific effort.
2019 Feytit Clinet (Pomerol) 92p
Tasted in April 2022. Perfumed nose of blueberries, blackberries, and violets. Quite nice on the palate, with tasty berries well supported by silky tannin and a caressing finish. Attractive effort.
2019 Veyry (Castillon, Cotes de Bordeaux) 92p
Tasted in April 2022. It had a fragrant nose of black fruit and a well-defined palate. Fresh, silky, luscious fruit, well-measured acidity, lovely balance, nice complexity, and lingering finish. Seductive effort.
2019 vintage in the bottle - tasted in Copenhagen, November 2022
2019 Confidence(s) de Chateau Seguin (Pessac-Leognan) 96+p
This is a “luxury” cuvée made from old Merlot vines at Seguin. Powerful and intense on the nose and palate with fabulous aromas of black cherries and black winter truffle, sophisticated with great minerality, structure and depth, and awesome complexity. A fabulous wine with a great personality.
2019 Seguin (Pessac-Leognan) 94p
55% Merlot + 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. More Merlot in this vintage than usual. It was a delicious and attractive wine, with delicate aromatics on the nose and violet, mint, and cherries. Silky on the palate, superb balance, a gentle kiss of oak, and a lingering finish. It's a great and stylish effort, delicate and seductive.
2019 Clos des Jacobins (St. Emilion) 93p
80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol. Complex and intense nose of black-/blueberries, well-concentrated on the palate, luscious sweet berries and silky tannin, delicate balance and lingering finish. Delightful effort and surely worthy of its rating.
2019 La Commanderie (St. Emilion) 91p
75% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% alcohol. Plenty of black cherries on the nose and palate, freshness, some minerality, silky fruit, and tannin on the palate, with nice complexity and length. Lingering finish. Quite a lovely effort, indeed.
2019 De Candale (St. Emilion) 89p
Clos des Jacobins, La Commanderie, and de Candale have the same owner, Magali and Thibault Decoster. La Candale is the latest acquisition (2017) and accommodates quite a popular restaurant among locals and visitors to the region, L’Atelier de Candale.
75% Merlot + 25% Cabernet Franc. 15% alcohol. Lovely nose of blackberries with no alcohol stamp on it. Nice acidity to carry the fruit, well-knitted on the palate with luscious berries, nice balance, and structure. Delicate fruity finish. Quite a seductive effort.