2019 Reserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac 6x75cl

Vinous 92

Reserve de la Comtesse is especially fine in 2019. Wonderfully dark, fleshy and inviting, the Reserve is just striking today. A rush of dark red/purplish fruit builds effortlessly in the glass. More than anything else, the Reserve impresses for its sensual, inviting personality. It is an ideal second wine that is approachable and avoids being excessively serious, as some recent editions have been. General Manager and Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau describes 2019 as a year of drought, until rains arrived at the end of July and middle of August, which were very important for the maturation of the Cabernets in mid-October. Yields were 42 hectoliters per hectare, which is typical for the chateau. Glumineau added that the Merlots showed a wider range of quality, while the Cabernets were more homogeneous. In tasting, I found the two wines more differentiated stylistically, which has not often been the case. [Antonio Galloni, 18/06/2020]