Bordeaux 2019 - Top 100 by James Suckling

Since publishing our first Bordeaux en primeur tasting report we have tasted in Hong Kong an extra 500 en primeur wines, taking our total to nearly 1,000 this year. The full list of scores and notes can be seen via the link below, including the new tastings from Figeac, Lafite, Mouton, Margaux and many other top wineries.

All these 2019 barrel samples were shipped directly from Bordeaux by air freight and we haven’t found many samples in questionable condition. The shipping has been fairly simple with most samples arriving in Hong Kong from Bordeaux within two to three days. The zero tax and duty on wines make it easy.

With a few prices for top wines already released, it looks like the futures market for 2019 will offer some superlative deals. In this news report that we published recently, Pontet-Canet was first to announce its prices, at 30 percent lower than last year. Palmer followed with about the same decrease. Wine merchants in Bordeaux reported that their email inboxes were filling with orders on Pontet Canet and one London wine merchant was already offering six bottles of the 2019 for £367 compared to £648 for the 2018. Palmer also sold well.

Many other big Bordeaux producers are expected to follow suit, dropping prices significantly. This represents excellent value for anyone looking to buy futures although it also suggests that prices have been too high in the past. People are buying.

“It might seem surreal to think about selling 2019 Bordeaux now as futures,” wrote James in his first report. “But the wines I have tasted so far from 2019 seem good to excellent and comparable in quality to 2018, 2016 and 2015 – all excellent vintages.

“And if you love wine you should find it reassuring to remember that wine has always been made, sold and drunk even during terrible moments in history, from wars to pandemics. So, the market will indeed decide if now is the time to buy 2019 en primeur.”

Many of the dozens of winemakers and owners James spoke to (you can see some of these conversations below in our Zoom video highlights) also agreed that the en primeur campaign should go ahead, and with lower prices.

“If we want to have success with en primeur (in 2019) then the price must be down,” said Hubert de Boüard, whose family owns one of the top growths of the Right Bank, Chateau Angelus, and who is also a leading consulting enologist in Bordeaux.

“I think everyone just wants to get on with things, prices should be reasonable, overall quality is good,” added Shaun Bishop of JJ Buckley, an American wine merchant in Oakland, California, by email.

TOP 100 FROM HIGH-TO-LOW

CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
99-100
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.


CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
99-100
Complex aromas of blackcurrants and lead pencil. Incredible. Graphite and tar. Stunning. It’s full-bodied, yet shows such harmony and polish. Elegance and complexity with finesse. The tannins are so integrated and endless. It goes on for minutes. 94% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot and 1% petit verdot.


CHÂTEAU MARGAUX MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
99-100
The fantastic quality of the cabernet sauvignon really comes through here with black currant, blueberry and raspberry character. It’s full-bodied with such tightness. It’s so beautiful in the center palate. The tannins are wonderfully blended into the wine and flow across the palate. Rather leaner and racy. Ethereal. 37% of the production and 90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.


CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
99-100
This shows purity of fruit with blackcurrants and cassis and hints of blueberries and fresh flowers. Toasted and roasted. The 90% of cabernet sauvignon really makes this special. Lead-pencil, tar and licorice notes. Powerful with finesse. Extremely persistent.


CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
An extremely refined and sharpened Angelus with super fine tannins and sweet ripe fruit in the center palate. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and so very polished. Silky. Very subtle. Bright blue fruit, black fruit and stones. Supple and minerally. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc.


CHÂTEAU COS D'ESTOURNEL ST.-ESTÈPHE 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
A very powerful and structured Cos. It’s full and layered, but not overpowering in terms of fruit. It’s more about the abundant, very fine tannins. It’s a classic wine with historical grip and power. Real Bordeaux. Sophisticated and provocative.


CHÂTEAU FIGEAC ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
This is one of the most structured and linear Figeac with very fine tannins, yet at an intense level. So complex on the nose with notes of white flowers, blueberries and graphite. It’s full-bodied, very balanced and agile. So transparent and linear with brightness and raciness. 36% cabernet franc, 30% merlot and 34% cabernet sauvignon.


CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
Such totally graceful perfumes to this, showing currants, dried flowers and stones, as well as hints of forest fruit and subtle tar, asphalt and smoke. Full-bodied, yet the texture is pristine with intense, polished and fine-grained tannins. So long, flavorful and ever so beautiful. The finish is never ending. This really is something special. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.


CHÂTEAU LARCIS DUCASSE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
A full-bodied red that’s powerful, very rich and very deep. Floral and spicy with dried fruit, earth, tobacco and mushrooms. Dense center palate. Great depth. Traditional.


CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
So structured for the vintage, but there’s freshness and vibrancy from the acidity. Full-bodied, extremely creamy and polished. Plush silk. Extremely long, linear and compact. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.


CHÂTEAU PAVIE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryAustralia
RegionSouth Australia
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
This is superb with great length and quality tannins. It’s full-bodied with intense, polished tannins and great length. Tar and black fruit. Goes on for minutes. On and on. We will see which is better: 2019 or 2018.


CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
Really classy red, offering blueberries, minerals, salt, limestone and light fresh herbs. It’s full-bodied, but so refined. Fine layers of fruit and tannins. It’s like millefeuille. The 2018 is more exuberant, but I love the elegance and structure here. Subtle and complex. 78% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon.


CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE LALANDE PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
Crazy aromas of sweet tobacco and black fruit. Tar and lead pencil, too. Blackcurrants and blackberries. Solid core of fruit and ripe tannins here. It’s full-bodied and chewy. Extremely long. Fascinating wine. Structure with elegance. Extremely creamy and very, very melted together. A classically proportioned wine. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot and 6% cabernet franc.

CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
A very tight, compact red that shows wonderful precision and definition with lots of blackberries, blueberries, stones and black tea. The sorting and de-stemming was all done by hand. Love the sensibility to this. Superb length and finesse. Subtle and sophisticated. No pumping over and gentle pushing down. Handmade. Very exciting and thought-provoking. Very long. 35% in amphora and the rest in 50% new oak and 15% one-year oak. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot, the rest cabernet franc and petit verdot. Biodynamic grapes.


CHÂTEAU TROTANOY POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
Wow. So tight with fantastic quality to the exquisite, polished tannins. It’s full-bodied, savory and beautiful. The tannins are nearly perfectly integrated, just melting into the wine. This goes on and on.


VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
98-99
The nose is so beautiful, offering dried flowers, white pepper and other spices. Yet,there’s also bright, blue fruit. Tar, too. Love the depth of fruit here. The wine flows across the palate with so well integrated tannins. You just want to drink it. Glorious. The cabernet in this makes it almost Medoc-like. A blend of 78% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 7% cabernet sauvignon.


AILE D'ARGENT BORDEAUX BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
A very exotic Aile d’Argent with dried-mango, fresh-pineapple, and sliced-lemon aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very ripe, yet it’s framed by bright acidity. Tangy and vivid with a long, intense finish. Exciting. Contrastive. 38% semillon and the rest sauvignon blanc and gris.


CHÂTEAU CLINET POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
A firm, silky red with blackberry, black-olive, green-olive and stone aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. The balance and texture of this wine is exceptional.


CHÂTEAU COS D'ESTOURNEL BORDEAUX BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
This is incredibly long and refined with a compact structure and beautiful tension. It goes on and on. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and energetic. Lovely bitterness and brightness. Lemons, stones and limes. Flint, too. The grapes were harvested at three different moments. It’s beautifully constructed.


CHÂTEAU CROIX DE LABRIE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
This is really special and intense, showing incredible energy and brightness with perfumes that just jump out. Full body and incredible length. Changes all the time. So complex. Notes of iron, too. Love this. 97% merlot with cabernet sauvignon.


CHÂTEAU GUILLOT-CLAUZEL POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
Very deep and rich for this estate. I am blown away with the richness and complexity. It offers such depth of chocolate and red-fruit flavor. Full body and round, very fine tannins. The finish goes on for minutes. Chocolate and hazelnut undertones. Salty and minerally. This is one to look for. New Le Pin? Made by Guillaume Thienpoint, the son of the winemaker at Le Pin and VCC. A blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. 5,500 bottles made from only 2.5 hectares.


CHÂTEAU L'EVANGILE POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
Lots of black-olive, crushed-berry and wet-earth aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, yet polished with a very fine, velvety texture from the tannins. It’s long and structured with a blue-fruit and stone undertone to the palate. Some sage, too. More balanced than in the past. Extremely persistent on the palate. 83.5% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 0.5% cabernet sauvignon.


CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
A very fine, ethereal wine, offering blueberries, white truffles and violets. Full body and a wonderful texture with tannins that spread across the palate, caressing the mouth. Really polished to the finest grain. Extremely long. Shows strength with finesse.


CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE BARON PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
Very polished with creamy, lightly chewy tannins and layers of texture. Real cabernet sauvignon here. It’s full-bodied with pretty blackberry and blueberry character. Chocolate, too. Long, intense finish of fine, lightly dusty tannins. Tight and focused. Such finesse and class. 87% cabernet sauvignon and 13% merlot.


CHÂTEAU ROCHEYRON ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
This is really sleek and racy with compressed, ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the palate. It’s full-bodied, yet very reserved and fine-grained. Noble tannins. Long and refined.


CHÂTEAU VALANDRAUD ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
Extremely polished and refined red with structure. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so refined and balanced. The tannins are very fine-grained. Chewy, yet energetic and precise. Tight and integrated at the end.


LA MONDOTTE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
97-98
Tight and linear red with blackberry, chocolate and fresh-mushroom character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins and an attractive, chocolate and bitter-citrus aftertaste. Love the lively acidity at the finish. Minerally.


CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Tight and minerally with tar, currant, and wet-earth aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied. Some salt and white pepper to the black fruit. Black olives, too.


CHÂTEAU D'ISSAN MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This is a very pure expression of cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants, blackberries and tar. Wet earth, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Extremely racy, intense finish. This is super precise. Classical.


CHÂTEAU DU DOMAINE DE L'ÉGLISE POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A pretty remarkable red for the vintage with great structure and richness, offering savory, ripe fruit and a long, long finish. One of the best I have had from here. 97% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.


CHÂTEAU GISCOURS MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Lots of deep blue fruit with blackberries and grape skins, as well as tar and asphalt. Lead, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight with powerful, defined tannins, surrounded by attractive ripe fruit. Serious. Reminds me of the excellent 1975. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot.


CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PÉTRUS POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This is a genuine, old-school Pomerol with blueberries, wet earth and black tea leaf. It’s full-bodied, yet balanced and beautiful. Traditional and so attractive with a modern tone.


CHÂTEAU LE GAY POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Wow. Very focused and decadent with lots of crushed berry, coffee and chocolate character. It’s full-bodied, yet energetic and focused with chewy tannins. Big wine for the vintage, yet fresh and bright at the end.


CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Chewy and rich this year with lots of ripe tannins and solid depth of fruit. Chocolate and walnuts to the blue fruit. It’s full-bodied. Plenty of fruit at the end. Excellent length.


CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A tight and very focused young red with redcurrant, tile and blackberry undertones. Lead pencil, too. It’s full-bodied with very polished, creamy tannins and lots of intense dark fruit. Compact fruit and tannins. Structured.


CHÂTEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIÈRE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Really intense and powerful with great density and energy, showing sliced limes, green apples, stone and minerals. It’s full-bodied and very long. Extremely minerally with precision and brightness. Clear and transparent. Wow.


CHÂTEAU MALESCOT-ST.-EXUPERY MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Wow. This is so perfumed and mesmerizing with currant, floral and blackberry character. It’s full-bodied, yet so refined and polished with wonderfully fine-grained and crafted tannins. The finish goes on and on.


CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This shows attractive aromas and flavors of chocolate, walnuts, wet earth, mushrooms and berries with full-body, round and refined tannins and a subtle, focused finish. Excellent length, in a sophisticated way. Chewy at the end.


CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT PESSAC-LÉOGNAN BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Lots of tangy fruit and beautiful depth. It’s full-bodied, yet racy and very, very long. So much salty and sliced-apple character here. Excellent minerality and intensity.


CHÂTEAU PAVIE DECESSE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Wow. A big, rich wine with lots of tannins here. It’s full-bodied with a core of tannins that frame the wine nicely. Intense and powerful at the finish.


CHÂTEAU PÉBY-FAUGÈRES ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This a high-toned, extremely polished barrel sample with blue fruit, blackberries and ultra-polished tannins that give a creamy texture to the wine. Like fine velvet in the texture.


CHÂTEAU PETIT-VILLAGE POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This is a full-bodied red with lots of blackberry and plum character and hints of black olives. It’s round and velvety, yet there is firmness and tension to the texture. It’s extremely polished, as well as structured.


CHÂTEAU PHÉLAN SÉGUR SAINT-ESTEPHE 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
The complexity and depth is fantastic in this beautifully crafted, refined red. Such poise, finesse and length. Yet dense and very compacted. Love the texture precision. Goes on and on. Best ever?


CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This is a solid red with a compact, tight palate of black fruit and currants, as well as very pretty, powerful yet polished tannins. This shows finesse with structure.


CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE PESSAC-LEOGNAN BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A full-bodied, layered white with dried apples, pears and cream. Beautiful, very upfront and plush already. Love the richness and precision.


CHÂTEAU TOUR SAINT CHRISTOPHE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
This is tight with finesse and focus. Minerally and salty with an ultra-fine palate and polished tannins. It goes on and on and on. Strength and finesse at the same time. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.


CHÂTEAU TROTTEVIEILLE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A really classy, beautiful red with seduction and force at the finish. Aromas and flavors of currants, wet earth and truffles, as well as mushrooms. Full bodied, tight and tannic. Toned and steely. A new, traditional style. 49% cabernet franc, 48% merlot and 3% cabernet sauvignon.


CLOS L'ÉGLISE POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Super aromas of ripe berries, blackberries and black cherries with lavender. It’s full-bodied and very structured with electrifying tannins that are polished and poised.


DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
The chocolate, walnut, dark-fruit and stone character is attractive. It’s full-bodied and very tight and linear with chewy yet polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of intensity and complexity here, as always.


ENCLOS TOURMALINE POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A dense, very minerally red with iron, dark berries and black olives. Full-bodied and agile. It’s very structured, though not heavy. Opulent, yet reserved.


LE PETIT MOUTON DE MOUTON ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A dense, creamy second wine of Mouton with blueberries and hints of chocolate and black olives. It’s full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and lots of pretty fruit. Love the integration of fruit and tannins. Intense and long. 68% cabernet sauvignon and 32% merlot.


L’IF ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
A juicy, savory red with red fruit, tobacco, chocolate, hazelnuts and sweet earth. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Silky and refined. Complex finish, showing mushrooms, leaves and forest fruit.


PAVILLON ROUGE DU CHÂTEAU MARGAUX MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
96-97
Succulent and gorgeous with such supple tannins, yet it’s full bodied and very rich. It’s very savory, too. Dense, yet polished on the palate, showing fresh, minerally and salty notes. You want to drink it already. 27% of the crop and a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot, the rest petit verdot and cabernet franc.


CALICEM ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Wow. This is quite a pure merlot with black-olive, brown-sugar and berry character. Hazelnut and coffee undertones. It’s full-bodied, extremely polished and structured with fine, lively tannins. Very long on the palate. One of the best ever?


CARRUADES DE LAFITE ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
The purity of fruit is so enticing here with strawberries, flowers, lavender and currants. Black earth, too. Some stone and cement. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. It shows so much cabernet sauvignon character. It’s 68% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot and the rest cabernet franc.


CHAPELLE DE LABRIE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This has a really minerally and salty character with a super-refined texture and intensity. Very complex and subtle, exuding length and beauty. Lovely. Class.


CHÂTEAU BARDE-HAUT ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A really fantastic young wine with crushed blackberries, black truffles and stones. White pepper, too. It’s full-bodied, tight and polished with beautiful texture. Excellent, like the 2018.


CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A very cabernet-driven red with currants, light cedar, vanilla and flowers. It’s full-bodied, tight and powerful. Impressive finish. Classic. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 1% petit verdot.


CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR DUFFAU-LAGARROSSE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A smooth red, showing richness and strength. Blackberries, blueberries, hazelnuts and morel mushrooms. Full body and fine tannins. Solid length.


CHÂTEAU BELLEFONT-BELCIER ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This is very complex with super fine, silky tannins that just take off. Full bodied with berry, chocolate and walnut flavors. Mushrooms and cedar, too.


CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Dark-berry and blue-fruit character to the firm, chewy tannins that are polished and solid. Medium to full body. Wood and walnut undertones now. Impressive.


CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR ST.-ESTÈPHE 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A racy, refined red with a solid core of ripe fruit and a long, linear finish. Medium-to full-bodied and subtle, yet structured. Turns salty and spicy with some cloves. Builds on the finish.


CHÂTEAU CANON-LA GAFFELIÈRE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with polished, juicy tannins that give a dusty texture to the intense, rich finish. A traditional, classically structured and styled red.


CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Wonderful aromas of blackberries and wild mushrooms with bark, conifer and wet earth. There’s so much contrast here with lots of ripe, wild fruit and round tannins, following through to the finish. This is a very exotic, wild wine. Extravagance with bright acidity at the same time. The old-vine cabernet franc made this special. From organically grown grapes. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.

CHÂTEAU DU TERTRE MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A fantastic du Tertre with blackberries and blueberries. Very pure fruit character in general. Stone and tea undertones. It’s full-bodied with a tight, focused tannin backbone. Excellent structure. One of the best ever from here. So precise. A blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot.


CHÂTEAU DUHART-MILON ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. It’s extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this.


CHÂTEAU FAUGÈRES ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Very tight and finely tannined with a compact palate and loads of blue-fruit and blackberry character. It’s full-bodied, but muscular and focused, to pull it into form.


CHÂTEAU FEYTIT-CLINET POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This is a real beauty with ripe, opulent fruit and plush, polished tannins. It’s focused and tight at the end, but the texture and flavor is of standout quality.


CHÂTEAU FLEUR CARDINALE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This is a wine that has a broad brush of tannins that give energy and subtle texture to the palate. Beautiful blue fruit and terracotta. Really fine-grained tannins. Beautiful, sweet fruit at the finish. One of the best I have had from here. Really want to drink it. 76% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 4% cabernet sauvignon.


CHÂTEAU GAZIN POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A tight, focused red with blackberry and blueberry character, as well as chocolate. It’s full and compact with soft, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Harmonious.


CHÂTEAU HAUT-BATAILLEY PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference.


CHÂTEAU HOSANNA POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
The aromas and flavors of blueberries, black olives, black chocolate and minerals are very impressive. It’s full-bodied, layered and powerful. Focused and chewy.


CHÂTEAU LA GAFFELIÈRE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A polished red with well-integrated tannins that are soft and persistent. Very tailored. It’s medium-bodied with rich fruit and a flavorful finish. Very fine and polished at the finish. Chewy at the end. Very tight.


CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Very finely textured with pure blue fruit and lavender and violet undertones. It’s full-bodied with pure, focused fruit. Extremely long and refined. Clearly better than the 2018.


CHÂTEAU LE BON PASTEUR POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A tight, focused red with blackberry and dark-chocolate character. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Tannin driven. Muscular.


CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A pure, focused red with blackberries and blackcurrants. Very floral, too. Medium-to full-bodied, tight and fine-tannined. Pretty clarity and balance to this. Less muscular than the 2018, but very attractive all the same.


CHÂTEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIÈRE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This elegance and beauty of this young wine is really something. Incense, sandalwood, currants and chocolate come through on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, very fine-tannined and persistent. Sophisticated. Another 2016?


CHÂTEAU NENIN POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A beautiful young red with chocolate, hazelnuts and ripe berries. It’s full-bodied with round, juicy tannins. Mineral character to the wine. Smoky and chocolate notes, too. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc. Bright, focused finish. Persistent.


CHÂTEAU ROUGET POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This is really finely crafted with sleek, polished tannins and beautiful, deep fruit. It’s full-bodied. Flavorful finish. Gorgeous texture.


CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT SAUTERNES 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Dried-lemon and white-peach aromas with hints of tart. Full-bodied and medium-sweet with lemon tart flavor and a bright finish. Delicately sweet and vivid. Spicy and dried. Botrytis set late.


CLOS FOURTET ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A beautiful core of ripe fruit in the center palate with deep, dark-chocolate undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Flavorful finish.


DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER PESSAC-LÉOGNAN BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This is an opulent, dense white with dried-apple and honey character. Salty and hot-stone notes, too. Full-bodied, round and phenolic. Formed and beautiful. Quite open. Intense length.


LE DÔME ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
Tight and tannic with lots of structure, yet it shows sweet, ripe fruit in the center palate. Really intense, fruity center palate here. Clearly up the the level of the 2016 and 2015.


LE PETIT LION ST.-JULIEN 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
This is really beautiful with blackcurrants, spice, black olives and blueberries. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. It’s bright and focused. Excellent second wine from Las Cases. One of the best.


LES PAGODES DE COS BORDEAUX BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A ripe, fruity white with dried-pineapple and green-apple character. It’s full-bodied and very spicy and intense. Structured with tension. Excellent second wine.


POESIA ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
95-96
A rich, opulent young red from St-Emilion with black pepper, black fruit and wet earth. Full-bodied, yet intense and focused with a blood-orange and black-truffle undertone.


ARÔMES DE PAVIE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
Such beautiful quality of tannins in this with dense, layered fruit. It’s full-bodied with black fruit, wet earth and smoke. Some meat, too. Muscular, yet agile.


CARILLON DE L'ANGÉLUS ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
A really succulent, refined second wine with berries, chocolate and light toasted oak. It’s full and completely integrated with seamless tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely, sweet ripe fruit in the center palate. Extremely refined. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.


CHÂTEAU BEAU-SITE ST.-ESTÈPHE 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
This is really classy, showing intense spices, such as cloves and black pepper. Full-bodied, yet tight and very structured. Compact and solid. A touch of petit verdot really gave this something.


CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE MONDOTTE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
The purity of fruit is impressive here with crushed blackberries, blueberries and dark chocolate with some coffee. It’s full-bodied, yet integrated and chewy. Rich finish.


CHÂTEAU BOUTISSE ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
This is a wine with wonderful depth and polish, together with incredibly pure raspberries and blueberries and a burnt-citrus note. It’s full-bodied, yet toned and structured. Very, very long. One of the best I have had from here.


CHÂTEAU CAP DE MOURLIN ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
Lots of ripe fruit with chocolate and walnuts, as well as currants and berries. It’s full-bodied with juicy tannins and an intense finish. Very layered.


CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY POMEROL 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
This is a very attractive wine with blackberry, walnut and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Full body, firm tannins and a fruity finish. Yet, it’s reserved and pretty.


CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON PAUILLAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
A very tight, precise red with super fine tannins that are tight and focused. Medium-to full-bodied with linear tannins and a bright, vivid finish. It’s leaner and refined. Precise and driven. This is a very cabernet sauvignon-driven Clerc with 72% cabernet sauvignon.


CHÂTEAU COUTET BARSAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
A sweet, dense and rich white with oily character. Full and layered. Extremely long. Spicy. Very dense.


CHÂTEAU DAUZAC MARGAUX 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
This is linear and tight with beautiful concentration of tannins and dark fruit, as well as tar and dark chocolate. Full, yet racy and long. Very solid and structured with tannins that integrate well into the wine. Better than the 2018.


CHÂTEAU DE FERRAND ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
A very powerful red with wonderfully proportioned fruit and tannins. Chocolate and berry character. Full and flavorful. The tannins melt into the wine. A remake of the top 2016.


CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL PESSAC-LÉOGNAN BLANC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
A beautiful, layered white with dried apples, lemons and stone. Minerals, too. Medium-to full-bodied, tight and focused. Structured, yet vivid.


CHÂTEAU DESTIEUX ST.-EMILION 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
Wow. This is really pretty and classy with beautiful balance and harmony. Red fruit, such as plums and redcurrants with chocolate and hazelnuts. Some tile. Full-bodied, yet bright and focused.


CHÂTEAU DOISY-DAËNE BARSAC 2019
CountryFrance
RegionBordeaux
Vintage2019
-
Score
94-95
Full-bodied with very spicy, dried-pear and honey character. Mango and toffee as well. It shows lots of intensity.