2019 Château Chantalouette, Pomerol

Available for dispatch from 28th October

My Notes:

A lovely dark core with delicately purpling brim greets you upon pouring, there's depth to the colour but equally a sense of clarity, further enhanced by my impressively large red wine glass.
 
I really enjoy the aromatics, a stern swish teases them from the glass, there's a lot going on for sure, but there's also an elegance and restraint, a wine not wishing to reveal all its secrets at once, so a return trip to the glass is essential.
 
Light and darker cherry to start, progresses quickly to a broader notes of dark currant coulee. Return again and detect subtle notes of charred wood, pencil shavings and dried herb, there's also a dark olive charm that sits just to the side wrapping around the fruit and spice. It's lovely to spend a little time unravelling the aromas.
 
But what of the taste... just as with the aromatics there's much to enjoy and uncover on the palate, a touch of ripe plum initially that quickly gives way to dark currant and a gentle spice. That berry fruit is wonderfully ripe and dominates the flavour, the oak integration is fine and acts just as a delicate garnish, and there is a lovely structure to the palate.
 
The tannins are mouth coating but not aggressively grippy, balanced by the rich, dark berry fruit and subtle crunchiness, the finish lengthy, elegant and seductive.
 
A wine of such quality deserves to be decanted and placed front and centre on the table at your next grand dinner, but in truth it's so enjoyable on its own that you'd be forgiven for devouring a glass or two with ease before you've even warmed up the oven.
 
This will continue to develop in bottle, but it's showing beautifully right now, there's really no need to wait to pull the cork.
 
14% ABV | Drink Now-2029+

James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler