2019 Carbonnieux Rouge (Pessac-Leognan)

The 2019 Carbonnieux has quite a showy, pastille-like bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite plush and showy with a touch of white pepper on the finish. This should age well in bottle although it fails to replicate its deeply impressive showing after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 90 points

Strong black pepper, cloves, saffron and smoked cedar notes, adding up to spicy fruit and oak influence. A little overpowering on the attack but it settles down and this has excellent personality and hold. Good stuff. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. A yield of 45hl/ha. 92 points