2019 Larrivaux (Haut-Medoc)

Tight tannins on the opening of play means you have to sit with this for a minute to let the juicy brambly fruit out. Definite hedgerow character with redcurrant and blackberry fruits, touches of rusticity and enjoyably fresh Medoc signatures. Good stuff from Barangère Carlsberg Tesseron on a clay-limestone-dominated soil that does well with Merlot as the majority grape in the blend. 89 points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Larrivaux leaps from the glass with notes of warm redcurrants, boysenberries and Morello cherries with hints of fruitcake, pencil shavings and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a chewy texture and just enough freshness to support the restrained flavors, finishing a tad firm. 86-88 points

The 2019 Larrivaux has a fragrant nose with brambly black fruit, subtle wilted rose scents with just a touch of freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is quite tart on the entry thanks to the fine acidity and a distinct saline note that imparts a great deal of freshness on the finish. It might just miss a little length, otherwise this is a noble Larrivaux that will give a decade of drinking pleasure, possibly more. 90-92 points