Château d'Arsac 2019

A Cru Bourgeois possessing many of the expressive qualities expected from its Margaux location. A deep, understated and intellectual wine, with more of a cru classé character than some of the more exuberant styles, showing both structure and great finesse. Still primary-fruited and youthful, oak is evident at the moment yet nicely integrated, adding extra layers to the sumptuous flavours of blackberry and raspberry. Will age very well but could certainly be enjoyed now.

Some berry and cherry aromas with hints of metal shavings. It’s medium-bodied with medium, chewy tannins and a slightly austere finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon and 28% merlot. Needs time to soften. Try after 2023.

Exceptional Cru Bourgeois. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot. 40% new barrels. Dark glossy crimson. Light leafiness on the nose but also confidence! Very smooth, with the tannins almost hidden by sumptuous ripe fruit. Just a little soft. (JR)

Showing much better in the bottle than it did in barrel, the wine offers pungent aromas of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, and red fruits. Soft, round, and forward, this is already easy to taste. Drink from 2022-2033.

A dark ruby red with purple hues, with a subtle brightening at the rim. Slightly leafy notes, red cherry fruit, fresh mandarin zest, a touch of chalkiness. Lean, red berries, fresh, in a traditional style, a salty touch on the finish, uncomplicated and enjoyable.

Dark bright garnet colour with a purple hue. Pure and generous aromas, modern fruit with toned-down oak, violet, cassis, cherry notes with sweet spices. The palate has good density with well-rounded extract, digest and savoury with a fresh backbone, long and lingering finish, nice drinkability already.

Ruby red. Delicate wild-berry bouquet, followed by red plum and rosewood. Mid-palate shows sandy extract, lively raciness and a sinewy body. Encapsulated finish with blue berries, juniper, and finely crumbly astringency, rounded off.

Bright red-berry, sweet, candy-like bouquet: cherries, elderberry syrup, licorice, wood. A firm, fruity palate with sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, angular structure, good fruit, and a bitter finish. 16/20 2024 - 2034

The 2019 d'Arsac is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls out of the glass with vibrant notes of cassis, redcurrant jelly, and wild blueberries, plus touches of dried roses and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing and soft with just enough expressive red and black fruits and an earthy finish.

A complete Margaux, we want more! A highly complex nose blending fruit, flowers and spices, with a satiny grain, lovely mouthfeel, breadth, freshness, depth and balance. A complete Margaux. Outstanding value for money.

The bouquet stands out for its freshness, with nuances of raspberry and eucalyptus. The ageing also shows through notes of mocha. With good fruit intensity on the palate, the wine has tight tannins that provide solid support. A fruity, persistent finish. A wine that needs a bit of time to open up.

Kunz barrel sample 2020: Red-berry, sweet, candy-like bouquet, cherries, elderberry syrup, licorice, wood. Firm, fruity palate with sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, angular structure, good fruit, bitter finish.

93–95. Barrel Sample. This is a powerful, dense wine that is rich both in tannins and black fruits. With its spicy wood aging, concentrated structure and layers of blackberry fruitiness, this fine wine is set for the long-term.