2019 Right Bank Bordeaux Wines Drinking Well Now

In an article published almost two years ago, when the 2019 Bordeaux vintage wines were poured during April en primeurs tastings, I wrote of how the vintage had hit four out of five points considered requisite for a great wine—lacking only relatively quick and even flowering for pollination. Prominent winemaker Hubert de Boüard of Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion had described the ‘complex, subtle abundance’ of this vintage. My own tasting of these wines showed them as more energetic, open and approachable than the more huddled (yet still spectacular) aromas and flavors from the 2018 vintage.

How do these wines taste now—after a few years aging? The are generally even better, with tannins and fruit flavors flavors integrating well. Many will age for decades, but fortunately are also enjoyable to drink now. Below are notes on wines from the right bank of Bordeaux.

RED WINES

Château Clos De Boüard. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2019. 95-96 points.

From Coralie de Boüard comes this 85/10/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 40-year-old vines. Aged 18 to 24 months in 60% new oak. A delicious, rounded, velvety wine with generous and gorgeous aromas of hazelnuts and blackberries. A succulent beauty that balances acidity, fruit and tannins in the mouth. Pair with a meaty lasagna or a pasta pomodoro.

Dame de Boüard. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2019. 95-96 points.

This 60/30/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 40-year-old vines aged 10 to 14 months in 30% new oak. Supple, succulent, rich, layered and joyful aromas of red and black fruits, cinnamon and sage from obviously remarkable terroir. Gorgeous layers include flavors of cocoa and nutmeg. A classic right bank beauty with elevated and firm but supple tannins, and vibrant acidity.

Château Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 97 points.

This Merlot dominant blend with Cabernet Franc from 35+ year old vines ages up to 18 months in French oak. Gorgeous and classic Saint-Èmilion aromas: rich and supple fruit. Also slight smoke, hickory and menthol. Calm, confident tannins and lambent acidity. A layered, complex, joyful mouthful with red cherries on the finish from a rich terroir.

Heritage de Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 96-97 points.

100% Merlot ages up to 10 months in French oak. Dark black fruit, well-structured aromas of rich plums and prunes. In the mouth this is a meal unto itself with flavors of plums, red cherries, licorice and sultanas in a bath of juicy acidity. Strikingly firm tannic backbone.

Croix de Labrie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 97 – 98 points.

92/8 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon from 45-year-old vines. Aged in new oak for at least 18 months. Fun, lively aromas of raspberries, treacle, dark blackberries, sage and red cherries. Plums and cranberries on the attack, treacle, mocha and cherry flavors mid palate and morels and walnuts on the finish. A sculpted beauty in the mouth that matches finesse with lightness and includes vibrant acidity under a taut but subtle tannic leash.

Château Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 95-96 points.

95/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc from Vignobles Jade. Opulent and saturated aromas of chocolate and mocha as well as complex bright red fruit, mild but delicious herbaceousness that includes jasmine. Magnificent and joyful to drink. A truly light and supple beauty. Mint, mocha and black cherry flavors mid palate and caramel on the finish. Pair with lasagna, or with lentils and burrata

Fontfleurie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 96-97 points.

From Vignobles Jade, this is a 79/21 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Balanced, rich red and black fruits. In the mouth, a light vibrant beauty oozing raspberries on the attack and black cherries and mocha mid palate. As easy to drink as a top tier Beaujolais Cru, though lavished with gorgeously energetic acidity.

Château Fleur Cardinale. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 97 points.

71/24/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Strong but supple aromas are layered and include leather, treacle, blackberries, quince, smoke and bourbon chocolate biscuits. A chewy, beauty in the mouth that is well structured with fresh acidity, lively fruit and layers that include mocha. Finesse and excellence deriving from superb terroir.

Château Fleur Cardinale. Intuition de Fleur Cardinale. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 94-95 points.

78/22 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Bourbon biscuits and mint crisp aromas, as well as plumbs, blackberries and a hint of mandarin acidity. This second wine could be mistaken as a first from many other châteaux. In the mouth, deep black fruit, succulent acidity, well balanced with generous flavors of After Eight mints, treacle and raspberries.

Château Croix Cardinale. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 94-95 points.

82/18 Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Fresh light red fruit and some butter and almond aromas. Delicious, fresh and well balanced with juicy acidity and flavors that include apricots, raspberries, figs, plumbs and toast.

Château La Marzelle. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 95 points.

73/20/7 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from up to 30 year old vines grown over sand, gravel and blue clay. Quiet and low-key aromas include earth, bark, mandarin acidity and toast. In the mouth—maple syrup on the attack, blackberries and prunes mid palate and cocoa on the finish. Consider pairing with shish kebab.

Clos Dubreuil. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 97 points.

75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Rich aromas of sandstone, wet beach pebbles, prunes, plums, chocolate drops and mild mint. In the mouth this is succulent and proud winner. Firm tannins, ripe and generous acidity. Flavors include morels and butterscotch and blackberries. Layered, with an excellent tannic backbone. Pair with osso bucco or a Moroccan tajine.

Château Pavillon Beauregard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 92 points.

A succulent whiff of aromas of smoke and tar and deep dark chocolate as well as red cherries. Fresh acidity in the mouth and a taste of cherries and cocoa mid palate, with a sliver of eucalyptus on the finish.

Benjamin de Beauregard. Pomerol. 2019. 94 points.

Truly gorgeous cherry and chocolate aromas, as well as those of earth and tree bark. An opulent, smooth and trickling mouthful of red fruit, dark cocoa, crunchy chocolate and nuts—full and balanced with bright acidity and low key tannins.

Château Beauregard. Pomerol. 2019. 96 to 97 points.

Subtle but opulent aromas of nuts and licorice, and flavors that include prunes, figs and red plums mid palate. Balanced with bright acidity and an attractive tension between acidity and tannins.

Le Jardin de Petit-Village. Pomerol. 2019. 96 points.

Hefty bright aromas of cocoa, raspberries, rich ripe cherries, bourbon chocolate biscuits, hazelnuts and anise. Burgundian style black pepper snap on the nose. A balanced chocolate and cherry layered surprise in the mouth with complexity and sleek tannins balanced with acidity. Easy drinking and beautifully layered.

Château Petit-Village. Pomerol. 2019. 97+ points.

Aromas of bourbon chocolate biscuits, deep black fruit. Complex, crunchy and enticing with flavors of raspberries, cinnamon, mint, cherries and cocoa. Layered and hefty with unobtrusive tannins and slick acidity. A delicious assembly of lightness in dark fruit; balanced and unstoppable to drink.

Château Croix de Rambeau. Lussac Saint-Émilion. 2019. 95 points.

90/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Crisp, light, well balanced and fine aromas that include rose petals and lilac florals, as well as tangerines and raspberries. A chewy beauty to drink, with peaches on the attack, butterscotch, mocha, sultanas, candy cane and red cherries mid palate.

Château La Croix des Moines. L’Ambroisie. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 95 points.

100% Merlot. Light acidic aromas of primrose, daffodils, roses and sultanas. In the mouth, generous acidity and rich flavors of ripe fruit. Mocha on the attack, cherries mid palate and macarons on the finish.

Château Franc La Rose. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 97 points.

75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Rich, generous, vibrant and gorgeously balanced aromas that include those of lava cake and pecan brittle. A gorgeously light but rich beauty in the mouth that is textured, with crisp acidity. Flavors are layered with menthol and German chocolate cake.

Château La Croix des Moines. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 96 points.

80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep, dark, rich, supple and succulent red fruits. An integrated powerhouse of balanced, supple aromas. In the mouth plums on the attack, peanut brittle and blackberries mid palate and crème brûlée on the finish.

Château La Croix Bellevue. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 94 points.

A 50/25/25 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of dark black fruit, treacle and strawberries. In the mouth, raspberries on the attack, a plum clafoutis mid palate and lemon drops on the finish. Well integrated and firm, structured tannins and acidity.

Clos de La Vieille Eglise. Pomerol. 2019. 96 points.

70/30 Merlot/Cabernet Franc with aromas of prunes, strudel, tree bark and figs. Delightfully juicy flavors with flavors of walnut on the attack, and rich red fruit that includes raspberries mid palate. Pair with maple syrup drizzled pan fried salmon.

Château Porte Chic. Pomerol. 2019. 95 points.

70/25/5 Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon—where the cabernets are vinified integrally. Aromas of prunes, marmalade, figs and truffles. Flavors include mint and blackberry on the attack, red fruit on the finish.

Château Sergant. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 96 points.

This Merlot dominated wine originates from 30-year-old vines. Light cherry colored, with aromas that include an almost Burgundian brew of deep red cherries and black pepper, as well as a medley of red and black cherries with some hickory, pine nuts, apple strudel, red plums and figs. In the mouth, this is a Lalande de Pomerol masquerading as a Côtes-de-Nuit—different grapes but similar sensations: rich cherry delight, and a hint of mandarins and lemons from the graciously light acidity. Prunes and red cherries on the attack, black cherries and cooking chocolate mid palate and mint crisp on the finish. Pair with a maple syrup doused slab of salmon, a bulgur/cheddar pilaf or a chocolate cherry parfait dessert.

Château de Francs. Les Cerisiers. 2019. 95 points.

From Hebrard and De Boüard comes this 90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend with aromas of coffee, mocha, rum, sultanas and wet earth. A splash of raspberries and red cherries on the attack, followed by gum balls, maraschino cherries and textured licorice mid palate; chocolate mint on the finish. A joyous Xmas cake of light, bright, candied and layered flavors. Pair with oxtail soup and grated cheddar cheese, oysters with Tabasco or a dessert of mint/ pistachio parfait.

Château de Francs. 2019. 96 points.

This 70/20/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Francs/Cabernet Sauvignon from 40-year-old vines includes richly deep aromas of fruit punch, morel mushrooms, red and black cherries, fresh and lambent pine and a hint of salty shoreline air. In the mouth—a flush of rich red cherries on the attack, a mid-palate of burnt brown sugar, and a finish that includes flavors of After Eight mints, peppermint candy, black cherries, dorp licorice and blood oranges. Layered, complex, festive and energetic. Well integrated acidity and tannins balanced knife edge over a layer cake of fruit, spice and slight black pepper. Confident—a bramble bush of rich flavors. Pair with blackened salmon, caviar on toast, or butterscotch crème brûlée.

Château Plain Point. Fronsac. 2019. 96 points.

Lithe, supple, fresh and jumping light red fruit aromas that include red and black cherries. Also aromas of mocha, orange rind and wet bark. In the mouth a chewy chocolate layered beauty—complex and fresh, with fruit, mocha and slight spice. Layered flavors—think black pepper, persimmons and buttered toast. Pair the same as you would a light Pinot Noir—sea bass, salmon doused with ginger or a dessert of peppermint ice cream.

Château Grand Corbin. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 95 to 96 points.

Radiant aromas of raspberries, cranberries, red cherries, Van Houtons cocoa powder and mint brittle. In the mouth this is juicy and powerful with well-integrated fruit and tannins and coherent acidity. Cranberries on the attack, blackberries mid palate and brownies and white pepper and mint crisp on the finish. Exquisite acidity. Pair with blackened tuna, Hungarian goulash, or a dessert of peppermint brittle.

Château de Francs. L’Infini de Château de Francs. 2019.

Fruit punch on the nose. After a swirl of aeration, mocha, mulberries, Marie biscuits, malt balls, gun flint and holly—one finely tuned cone of aromatics. Flavors include strawberries, succulent red cherries. Dry biscuits on the attack and molasses on the finish; cookie dough, prunes, raisins and cranberries mid palate. Still young and mildly green, but with a wonderfully chewy mid palate. Pair with lamb cutlets and mint sauce, or a Worcester steak, or a dessert of banana flambé.

Clos Bertineau. Montagne Saint Emilion. 2019. 90 points.

This Merlot includes rich aromas of ripe raspberries, red cherries and moist earth. Flavors include red and black cherries and a slightly tart mid palate, with textured mocha and tannins on the finish. Pair with a pork or wild game such as boar or even warthog.

Château de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 92 points.

From Jean François and & Dominique Quenin comes this 71/16/9/2/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Carménère/Malbec. Aromas of roasted chestnuts, red cherries, leather, smoke and blackberries. Still young tannins in the mouth, though a robust wine with dark fruits and slight black pepper. Needs some years aging. Pair with roasted pigeon or a lentil pilaf.

Château Mondou. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019.

A 66/34 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged 18 months in oak. Rich and vibrant raspberries, black cherries, cedar and thyme sprig aromas. A suave and well-integrated mouthful of blackberries, though with young tannins. Chocolate and cherries mid palate, some aniseed on the finish. Pair with a beef broth.

Château Maillet. Pomerol. 2019. 94 points.

Busting with rich and deeply flavorful and ethereally light aromas of rich ripe cherries, some moist earth, gunflint and eucalyptus. A crisp and juicy beauty in the mouth with succulent red fruit flavors and a little mint. Cherries on the attack, fudge brownies mid palate. Still young but shining. Pair with turkey and mint sauce or even a rich chowder.

Château Tour de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 91 points.

A 71/16/9/2/2 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Malbec. Rich and roasted aromas that include pine cones, wet earth, black cherries. Succulent, fresh, approachable with rich acidity, firm but low-key tannins and flavors that include bubble gum on the attack, blackberry tart mid palate and some honeyed toast and licorice on the finish.

Clos des Jacobins. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 92 points.

Robust, firm and slightly flinty aromas that include sesame, black pepper and tar. Juicy, fruity and festive in the mouth with red hot candies on the attack, a mid-palate that includes red plums and a finish with truffles. Firm and confident acidic/tannic balance. Pair with both red or white meat—including sashimi, or barbecued pork dusted with cayenne and black pepper.

Château La Commanderie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 94 points.

Robust and royal flush of fruity aromas including raspberries and red cherries, as well as some sage and tarragon. Crisp, defined, almost fluffy aromas. Juicy and well-crafted in the mouth, with attention to firm tannic structure, buoyant acidity and rich flavors. Sultanas and plums mid palate and some bourbon chocolate biscuits on the finish. Pair with shish kebab or a salad with red peppers and cherry tomatoes. Still young, but supple and satisfying.

Château de Carles. Haut-Carles. Fronsac. 2019.

Light, balanced, cheerful aromas of red and black fruit as well as anise and salt water taffy, as well as menthol and slight mocha. Red cherries on the attack, cocoa mid palate and some black pepper on the finish. Pair with medallions of deer or a truffle pasta.

Vieux Château Palon. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2019. 95 points.

A 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend that ages 13 to 15 months in new French oak. Rich aromas of chocolate and cherries, light and fragrant. A gorgeous mouthful of blackberries, black cherries on the attack, plums and cocoa mid palate and even a hint of salty chocolate on the finish. Grand, eloquent and easygoing but well crafted. A true winner.

Château Lafaurie. Puisseguin Saint-Émilion. 2019. 93 points.

A light bright concoction of black pepper, bootblack and leather aromas. In the mouth a peppery beauty—reminiscent of a carménère—with easy drinking acidity and low-key tannins. An easygoing, but well-crafted wine for an afternoon before the fireplace with a good book and a plate of charcuterie. Cinnamon and cherry on the attack, prunes and figs and red plums mid palate.

Couvent des Jacobins. Calicem. 2019. 94+ points.

From Saint-Émilion. Only 2188 bottles produced. Rich, black and red fruit aromas, subtle and statured. Some pencil lead, moist earth and black cherries. Beautifully wispy and light attack with raspberries, prunes plums and cherries mid palate, ethereal acidity, some bon bons and figs and red cherries and strawberries on the finish. A light juice with subtlety and poise—the deftest Calicem vintage yet produced. Pair with a light curry, duck breast and foie gras, or even an orange sherbet dessert.

Couvent des Jacobins. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 97 points.

Deep purple color from the Petit Verdot. Rich and luscious aromas, generous and balanced, including red cherries and mocha and a hint of mint. Deep, dark, delicious flavors, and this one you will continue drinking. A fig, plum, cocoa medley mid palate, blueberries and even butterscotch on the finish with a length that keeps on giving. Sumptuously rich fruit, unobtrusive but well structured tannins. A rare treat—a full three course meal. Bravo! Made with finesse and care. Pair with vine cooked tenderloin steak and green beans, or even a cheddar and mild chili pasta.

Château Franc Le Maine. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 90 points.

Somewhat crisp aromas of cherries and morels and a little green grass. A truly wholesome mid-palate of chocolate and red fruit with a finish that includes passionfruit and licorice. Acidity still needs to better integrate, but poised for aging well. Pair with a cheese platter than includes Roquefort and cheddar.

Vieux Chantecaille du Chateau Gouprie. Saint-Émilion. 2019. 90 points.

An 80/20 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Rich, energetic, jumping aromas of cherries, strawberries and sage. A ribbon of oranges in the acidity. Flavors include strawberries, plums, Fry’s chocolate mid palate and a deliciously juicy cherry finish. An easy drinking, well balanced wine with acidity slightly edging ahead of tannins, but lagging behind fruit. Pair with hearty meatballs or a carrot and bulgur pilaf.

Château Rocher-Gardat. Montagne-Saint-Émilion. 2019. 95 points.

Black cherries and lemongrass on the nose, moist soil humus and the scent of a wet forest. A 90/10 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Juicy cherries on the attack, merging with chocolate mid palate and altogether complex, balanced and rich with poise. Testimony to the potential of Montagne terroir. Pair with huevos rancheros, a Spanish omelette or an orange/gingerbread cake for dessert.

La Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 93 points.

Aromas of a wild country lane hedgerow and blackberries, treacle and golden syrup with a hint of chicory and wet earth. Bourbon biscuits on the attack, chocolate and mocha mid palate and some raspberry on the finish. Firm and structured tannins, vibrant acidity. Pair with a carrot/apple velouté, roast pigeon or turkey or an apple tart dessert.

Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 92 points.

Chocolate chip and cherry aromas, brisk and fresh with a hint of tarragon and eucalyptus. Chocolate on the attack, black pepper and red plums and figs mid palate and a brief but semi-minty finish. Firm tannins. Pair with pan fried veal, spaghetti and meatballs, or a mushroom lasagna. Dark and engaging.

Le Lion de La Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 2019. 93 points.

Rich aromas of cherries, raspberries; soft, supple and elegant on the nose. A juicy mouthful with flavors of red plums, black berries mid palate, red cherries on the finish. Elegant structure with plush fruit. Pair with a shredded beef and sweet potatoes, or a cherry sorbet dessert.

La Croix de Montlabert. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. 2019. 94 points.

Still young, fresh and juicy set of aromas that include raspberry, as well as tar, pain au chocolat pastry and chalk. A generous and well-balanced mouthful, with rich red fruit mid palate, slight smoke and chocolate finish, and tannins that still need a few years to mellow. Pair with a beef or wild rabbit stew, an orange and soy rice pilaf or a dessert plate of cheeses that includes cheddar.

Château Emmanuelle de Boüard. Mon Jardin de Vignes. Lussac Saint-Émilion. 2019. 90 points.

Rich and crispy aromas of chocolate cookies, sultanas, raspberries and some figs. Licorice, ripe red fruit and slight spice such as cardamon mid palate. Juicy acidic finish. Pair with mildly salty/herbal appetizers or with minestrone soup.

Château Trianon Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 95 points.

Lush red fruit aromas scream Saint-Émilion, and that festivities have begun. Ripe rich red and black cherry aromas, as well as florals – hibiscus and rose petals. Red and yellow plums on the attack, a mid palate of red fruit bathed in silky acidity and a quick, somewhat tannic finish. Pair with roasted duck or chicken, or a plate of charcuterie and creamy cheeses.

Château Cheval Noir. Cuvée Le Fer. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 93 points.

Succulent and generous aromas of split black cherries, orange rind, malt balls, a hint of mint, figs and red plums. A well-balanced mid palate with cocoa, fruit medley and a little minestrone and spice, and a finish that includes gum balls and red hot candies that keeps on giving. Young but with ample potential. Pair with a four-cheese lasagna or even with sashimi.

Chateau Gouprie. Pomerol. 2019. 96 points.

This 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is light and wispy—with ethereal signature Pomerol aromas and also a mild hit of cumin and black pepper over a matrix of raspberry. Mid palate of liquid pleasure—a soft bed of tannins coated with satin sheets of acidity under a blanket of blackberries and red cherries. Scrumptious and deserving of praise. Does not even need a food pairing—drink to enjoy!

Château du Paradis. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 94 points.

Full and flush aromas of dark fruit, coca cola, black and red licorice, raspberries and fudge. Quite a depth charge and cola mouthful—full, deep, playful, fun. An attack of cranberries and cocoa mid palate, and a silky eucalyptus finish. After hesitancy on the first nose, you will want to come back to this. Pair with Mexican fare such as a black bean burrito and green chili, or a cheddar soufflé or a dessert of lava cake.

Chateau Beaulieu. Côtes-de-Bourg. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2019. 89 points.

Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Deep, earthy aromas that include wet leaves, chestnuts. Red plums on the attack. Juicy mouthful that is slightly tannic, with a lingering though attractive acidic finish. Pair with cassoulet of lentils and pasta.

Chateau Montlabert. Saint Emilion Grand Cru. 2019. 96 points.

A luscious, rich, sumptuous set of fruity aromas that include plush dark cherries, black berries, some mocha and After Eight mints. Firm tannins and rich fruit. A seductive mouthful of pleasure, with red plums on the attack, a hint of truffles and red cherries mid palate and a sweet kiss of black cherries rolled in gripping but delicate acidity on the finish. Pair with Swedish meat balls or with cheddar melted on pita bread or with an apple strudel dessert.

Château Tour Perruchon. Lussac Saint-Emilion. Cuvée Prestige. 2019. 89 points.

From Vignobles Alain Pascal comes this 14.5% alcohol red. Light ruby and raspberry colored. Aromas of black pepper, fudge, maraschino cherries and guavas. Well-structured dark aromas as well as tannins, flavors of raspberries and red cherries on the attack, strawberries and a hit of Dutch licorice mid palate, and some cumin and anise on the finish. Pair with a mushroom omelette or chunks of Fry’s chocolate for dessert.

Clos Saint-Vincent. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 92 points.

Light colored—approaching a Beaujolais. Aromas of wet beach stones, crushed red cherries, slight peppermint and peat. Complex and attractive aromas. Juicy acidity in the mouth well integrated with fruit such as red plums mid palate and chocolate chips on the finish. Pair with butternut squash ravioli or shredded beef and cherry tomatoes.

Château Moine Vieux. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 94 points.

Rich and vibrant red and black fruit aromas, confident and classic Saint-Émilion blend—joyous and open. Black tar, black pepper, some cayenne and cumin aromas awash in an acidic matrix. A juicy mouth full of redolent ripe red fruit—cherries, plums—as well as Maltesers chocolate balls and some eucalyptus on the finish. Pair with blackened salmon, barbecued teriyaki steak or profiteroles for dessert. Confidence, classic, rewarding.

La Garagiste. Gran Turismo. Côtes de Bourg. 2019. 91 points.

80/20 Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend. Chocolate, mocha, licorice, black pepper, apricot, petrol and prune aromas. Layered flavors include red cherries, red licorice, cumin and chocolate. Citric acidity and firm tannins. An autumn delight before the fireplace. Rich and velvety from Bourg.

Château La Pointe. Pomerol. 2019. 95 points.

Light, ethereal and airy aromas typical of Pomerol. Van Houtens cocoa on the attack, prunes, plums and strawberries mid palate and black pepper on the finish. Succulent acidity, unobtrusive tannins. A deliciously complex and integrally folded assembly of flavors. The initial aromas alone will take you to the green hills of Pomerol. Pair with a range of foods—including rare steak, mocha and spice cake dessert or a chutney vegetarian curry.

Château Trianon. Saint Emilion Grand Cru. Kosher red wine. 2019. 92 points.

Rich, juicy, layered red and black fruit aromas—silky yet assertive. Red and black cherries and mocha on the nose. Red plums and some fresh bread mid palate, a touch of mint brittle on the finish. Assertive tannins. Pair with rare beef or a truffle tagliatelle.

Château Barrail Saint Andre. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2019. 94 points.

Rich. light and silky aromas of bark, red currants, black berries, damp roses, some truffle and black licorice. Light and well-integrated in the mouth—the deft hand of experience shadows each sip. Attack of red cherries followed by a mid-palate of raspberries and red plums and a few morels and a hit of sage, black pepper and mocha on the finish. Well made—complex with well integrated tannins, acidity and fruit. Second sip a must. Pair with an array of foods, including truffles and cheese on toast, pasta pomodoro or a mandarin sorbet dessert.

Château Villemaurine. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2019. 96 to 97 points.

A beefy and confident set of dark, robust aromas of acorns, teak, wet forest, wild raspberries and pine. Harmonious, luscious, deep and dark flavors of cocoa on the attack, red plums and raspberries mid-palate and mint on the finish. A polished, layered, well striated juice with elegant tannins, lush acidity and a layer cake complexity of flavors. Pair with medallions of deer, lentils and teriyaki or a black cherry tart.

Château Pey-Bonhomme Les Tours. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. 2019. 92 to 93+ points.

A 75/15/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Malbec from these biodynamic producers based in Blaye and Bourg in Bordeaux. A lively set of zesty, clean aromas that include black cherries, raspberries, as well as orange and lime peels. A well balanced flush of red fruit flavors with clear acidity, low key tannins and a sumptuous finish. Pair with a four-cheese lasagna or a chocolate/coconut dessert.

Famille Hubert Vignerons. Les Vacances de Monsieur Merlot. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. 2019. 91 points.

100% biodynamic Merlot. Cedar, sultanas and a bit of smoke on the nose, fresh and vibrant. Juicy, clean, easy drinking Merlot, fresh and approachable with lingering citrus and acidity on the finish. Pair with shellfish or light cheese.

Château Bourdieu. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. 2019. 92 points.

This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc includes aromas of hickory and blackberries and tastes include luscious flavors of rich, ripe red cherries. Smooth tannic integration and supple acidity.

Château Bourdieu. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Absolu. 2019. 94 points.

Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Aromas of deep dark chocolate and raisins, menthol and tree bark. Rich, velvety, yet hefty in the mouth with dark fruit and a solid tannic backbone. This Blaye producer is gaining steam and producing incrementally improved wines each year.

Château Bourdieu. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. No. 1. 2019. 95 points.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend. Rounded, fresh aromas of rum, raisins and menthol. Delicious to drink, as chewy as a Grenache, but textured and slightly tannic with deep dark fruits. Bravo.

WHITE WINES

Château Peybonhomme-les-Tours. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Le Blanc Bonhomme. 2019. 94 points.

A 45/45/10 blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Colombard. Biodynamic. A clean set of aromas—slightly open, with tropicals, gooseberries, green apples. A crisp, brittle mouthful with a mild but beautifully oily mouth feel. Oranges and butter on the finish. A combination of abundance and delicacy—rounded, soft and well-integrated acidity. Delicious.