Primeurs 2019 | Tasting notes (2) Rive droite

This week we’re looking at the tasting notes from the 2019 Bordeaux vintages on the rive droite, including Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. Plenty of positive signs for an accomplished vintage!

On Bordeaux’s right bank, the 2019 vintage seems to be a bit more heterogenous than elsewhere. Some of the wines are particularly marked by the intense sun and heat felt during growing, with high levels of alcohol and very obvious tannin. Having said this, some properties still managed to produce some very fine wines, combining qualities such as balance and structure, richness and freshness, fruit and elegance. A vintage which, as seen in other appellations, has good ageing potential.

Many domains only harvested in the morning in order to preserve the freshness of the grapes. In general, the Merlots are superb, particularly those grown in clay soil. The Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon cuvées are also good, but it really is the Merlot that stands out this year.

The best from Saint-Emilion

· Château Pressac | Favourite

Discrete on the nose, fresh with ripe fruit like prunes

Elegant and delicate attack, tart, lovely texture on the palate, hints of cacao, blood orange, juicy finish with good length

· Clos de l’Oratoire (81% Merlot – 19% Cabernet Franc) Matured in 50% new wood

Distinctive cherry aroma

Round and supple mouthfeel with a gentle attack and well-integrated tannins, graphite notes to finish. A charming wine.

· Canon La Gaffelière (49% Merlot – 39% Cabernet Franc – 12% Cabernet Sauvignon) Matured in 60% new wood

Less fruity on the nose, more serious and complex with notes of violet and spices

Fresh and balanced palate, heavy but silky tannins, long and powerful finish

· Château La Mondotte (79% Merlot – 21% Cabernet Franc) Matured in 70% new wood

Indulgent nose of ripe, red fruits and spiced notes

Powerful palate, should be aged for a few years at least

· Château Valandraud

Nose of red and black fruits, mineral and graphite notes

Dense palate, fruity with fine tannins, dynamic with nice length

· Château Figeac | Favourite

Nose of black fruits, complex with minty notes

Dense and powerful palate, sunny but good freshness and a nice bitterness, present tannins, really good length

· Château Quinault l’Enclos (74% Merlot – 12% Cabernet Franc – 14% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Nose with aromas of red and black fruits, floral notes, cacao, liquorice

Flavoursome and charming palate, juicy, dense and particularly silky, lovely tannins, dynamic

· Petit Cheval (56% Merlot – 44% Cabernet Franc)

Aromas of cacao, spices, menthol notes and graphite

Gentle attack, silky palate, fruity and juicy with freshness and elegance, nice length

· Château Cheval Blanc (58% Merlot – 34% Cabernet Franc – 8% Cabernet Sauvignon) | Favourite

Complex nose with aromas of red and black fruits, violet, aromatic herbs

Gentle attack, very silky mouthfeel, supple and almost airy, fresh and balanced, not too much power. A racy, incredible wine.

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The best from Pomerol

· Château La Conseillante (80% Merlot – 20% Cabernet Franc) Matured for 18 months, 70% new wood, 27% used barrel, 3% amphora

Aromas of ripe, black fruits, blackcurrant, violet

Ample and concentrated palate, dense and creamy, delicate tannins revealed particularly on the finish. Power and elegance come together.

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The best from Fronsac

· Château Canon Pecresse

Nose of pure, red fruit, notes of vanilla

Gentle attack then a powerful and tannic mouthfeel, slightly oaky notes, lively with nice structure. Palate at once tannic and elegant, a long and ample finish

· Château de Carles

Slightly vegetal nose, oaky, nice fruit, caramel

Flavourful attack, notes of cacao, then a delicate palate with lovely fruit

Delicate texture, delicious, extremely fine tannins, slightly silky finish with oaky notes

· Château Haut-Carles

Discrete nose, very fresh, hints of blood orange

Very fruity attack, velvety, mouthful of ripe fruit, fruity finish with lovely length

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The best from Castillon

· Château d’Aiguilhe (88% Merlot – 12% Cabernet Franc) Matured in 30% new wood

Nose of ripe red and black fruit

Fresh palate, tart fruit, dense, voluptuous