The 2019 Bélair-Monange has a more tertiary nose, backward and broody, almost Left Bank in style. This demands much more coaxing from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly chocolaty opening. The oak a little too thick maybe? Plenty of fruit behind it, quite plush on the finish, but missing the intellect that previous bottles have displayed. Maybe entering an awkward adolescence? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 6 months ago
The 2019 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarosse has a composed and more backward nose with blackberry, raspberry coulis and cedar, quite airy yet focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite stern and structured, backward and unyielding towards the finish laced with graphite that lingers on the aftertaste. This seriously requires time. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 6 months ago
The 2019 Angélus has a Cabernet Franc-driven nose, touches of Earl Grey and ash infusing the almost sultry black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, taut and crisp, quite a fine arching structure that delivers wonderful tension and mineralité on the finish. Serious. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 6 months ago
Fruity, medium bodied and good finish. Good accompaniment to sous vide london broil ($20). — a month ago
The 2019 Calon Ségur lacks the luster of Phélan-Ségur on the nose, though there is good concentration, black fruit commingling with melted tar and pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fresh with pliant tannins, cohering nicely towards the finish that has ample flesh. Lovely texture with a persistent white pepper tinged finish. Not quite achieving the heights just after bottling, yet this Saint-Estèphe is heading in the right direction. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 6 months ago
The 2019 Ausone has a perfumed nose with another Cabernet Franc-driven set of aromas, gravel and loam infusing the black fruit. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a beautifully sculpted wine with a killer line of acidity and immense precision on the finish. This just sashays along with style. Fabulous. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 6 months ago
Willem Booij
Smooth operator😋 — 19 days ago