2019 Pichon Comtesse Reserve (Pauillac)

The 2019 Réserve de Pichon Comtesse fulfills the impressive showing from barrel. Beautifully defined on the nose, it offers intense blackberry and briary scents mixed with mint. The medium-bodied palate offers supple but firm tannins and well-judged acidity. Quite dense for a Deuxième Vin, with superb precision on the bold finish. Great value for money, and it will age extremely well in bottle. 92 points

This is well structured and approaches 2010 in terms of its weight and depth of fruit. Deep spiced damson on the nose, you would be hard pressed not to say that this is as good as very many Cru Bourgeois 1st wines. Huge depth, similar to the 2018 but a little higher acidity, a little less round, a little more classic Pauillac in character. This is confident and serious with lots of tannins. A great 2nd wine, and a reminder of the consistently successful winemaking that is happening at this estate. 93 points

The 2019 Les Tourelles de Longueville is a blend of 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 68% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested from the 18th of September to the 11th of October. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, for 12 months. The production of this wine represents 28% of the harvest. Very deep purple-black colored, it features captivatingly pure crushed black plums and fresh blackberry scents on the nose with suggestions of tilled soil, pencil lead, licorice and charcoal with a waft of bay leaves. The full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits with a wonderfully plush texture and just enough freshness in the background, finishing long and earthy. 91-93 points

Hint of jam and raisin shows ripeness pushed to the limit. Round, fleshy and approachable on the palate, the Merlot component showing. Grainy tannins in behind. Firm, dry finish. 16 points