Lacoste-Borie 2019

Strongly scented, showing blackcurrant and black cherry, with touches of raspberry and other red fruits. Juicy but slightly more creamy and chalky. This is quite dense, not heavy but quite concentrated, with a core of bright, high-toned fruit that runs from start to finish.

The 2019 Lacoste-Borie was impressive as a barrel sample sent to my home last spring. Now in bottle, it has a vivacious, quite floral, almost Margaux-like bouquet that bursts from the glass, featuring raspberry, rooibos and black currant aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with good concentration, a little spicier than I remember and a little softer in the finish, yet with good length and admirable harmony. It should drink nicely after a couple of years. 14.3% alcohol.

Red currants and flowers are all over the place here. Medium-bodied, soft, fresh, elegant and best of all, it is fully ready to go. You can enjoy this early-drinking Pauillac while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. It's also perfect for a nice bistro or café. Drink from 2022-2030.

Dark ruby garnet, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Subtle hints of cocoa, ripe dark cherries, blackberry confit, inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, sweet fruit, ripe plums, round tannins, fresh acidity, already developed and stimulating to drink, versatile.

Smoke and tar come in measured waves, along with fennel, tobacco and blackberry. You can sense traces of the summer heat; this is enjoyable but struggles to keep its momentum against the tannic bite on the finish.

The 2019 Lacoste-Borie is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it skips out of the glass with cheery notes of kirsch, fresh blackcurrants, and black raspberries, plus hints of menthol, sandalwood, and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is delicately fruited and refreshing with a slight chewiness to the texture and a lifted finish.

Fruity, spicy character with good intensity. Notes of black pepper, eucalyptus, and blackberries. A luscious, juicy attack. The wine has muscle, flesh, and a lovely fruity intensity on the finish. Everything will soften over the coming years. A sapid wine, very Pauillac in style, and built to age well.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. A very aromatic nose, purer than ever. Lovely nuances of ripe fruit. Delicate on entry, flavorful at mid-palate, with depth and a silky body, the wine finishes perfumed and very pleasant. More than ever, it is the little brother of Grand Puy Lacoste.

The 2019 Lacoste-Borie is a wine of immense charm. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, licorice and sweet spices, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with ripe tannins, succulent acids and a round, giving profile.