G d'Estournel 2019

Fresh and open-knit, showing breezy damson plum and cherry notes laced with a sanguine hint. Streamlined and unadorned finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 9,000 cases made.

High Merlot levels that clearly reached full ripeness in the summer heat, just about avoiding the tip over into fig character. Accessible already, but should drink well for a good decade. Ripe blueberry and blackberry fruits, touches of vanilla bean, the freshness from its location close to the Gironde estuary is clear and necessary, and this is an enjoyable Goulée.

This is a rich and intense G with lots of dried berries and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins that nicely frame the wine. Drinkable now, but can age well.

86% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. Full, round and fleshy. A little sweetness on the attack, then a juicy flow. Perhaps a little light on the mid-palate but fresh, fruity and accessible. (JL)

The 2019 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel was bottled in March 2021. It has clearly maintained the fragrant bouquet that I noticed from barrel, with vivacious red cherries intermingling with cranberry and wild strawberry aromas, identical to the showing en primeur. The palate has firmed up a bit, turning more angular and crunchy, and there’s a slight flintiness to the finish that I like. This is a fine Goulée.

The debut vintage for the newly renamed G d'Estournel, previously known as Goulee, starts off with licorice, flowers, coffee, cocoa and plums. Medium-bodied, soft and polished, with round textures and sweet, ripe, polished cherries with plums, this charmer is going to be just great on release. Drink from 2023-2034.

A warm and generous wine with finely rounded tannins, sweet, ripe fruit, crushed berries, a gentle spiciness, and an opulent finish.

Coming from the Médoc, the 2019 G D'Estournel is a rock-solid effort that has lots to love. Giving up pure, ripe black cherry fruit as well as tobacco and scorched earth notes, it's medium-bodied, has a round, nicely balanced mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It's beautifully done and well worth drinking any time over the coming 10-12 years.

Well judged, carefully extracted and balanced, with blackcurrant fruit and a silky, easy-going texture. It’s an easy value recommendation, and a great job in a vintage that was not a slam dunk at all levels.

The 2019 G d'Estournel is made from 86% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up expressive scents of baked plums, boysenberries, and black cherries with hints of dusty soil, lavender, and tobacco. Medium-bodied, it is chewy with just enough savory fruit and a restrained finish.

A nose of raspberry, macerated strawberry, elderflower and hay, with great elegance and charm. On the palate, the fruit is soft, silky and vibrant, with lovely freshness and a creamy texture, leading to a slightly aniseed finish.

Le Médoc d’Estournel, namely Goulée, comes from vineyards purchased in 2003 and 2005 by Michel Reybier, who acquired Cos in 2000. The bouquet unfolds slowly. It shows notes of blackcurrant and graphite, along with spicy nuances. The wine is tight, with firm, powerful tannins and a pleasant freshness that brings energy to the entire palate. A fine success.

The nose is fruity, racy, very discreetly tight, offering power, a fine grain and a peppery edge. It reveals notes of wild blackcurrant, fresh/crunchy wild berries and, more subtly, a racy minerality, combined with touches of wild strawberry, crunchy purple plum, Cubeb/grey pepper, as well as fine hints of spice. The palate is fruity and balanced, with a tangy backbone, a well-defined freshness, tension, precision and gourmandise, lovely silky finesse, an airy feel and pure fruit. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy wild blackcurrant and juicy blackberry, and more lightly crunchy raspberry, combined with touches of crunchy wild strawberry, racy minerality, small juicy/crunchy berries, as well as hints of Cubeb pepper, chocolate, toasted notes, and fine hints of vanilla and ripe almond. The tannins are fine, structuring and discreetly supple. Good length.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Very aromatic nose, with ripe fruit and a lightly toasty note. The palate is immediately round, then juicy, broad, and flavorful, developing a slightly bitter edge on the finish. Normal length.

Formerly Goulée by Cos d'Estournel, this wine comes from the northern Médoc. It revels in ripe red fruits and generous tannins. The texture is soft, full with acidity and a juicy aftertaste. The aftertaste brings in a touch of spice.