2019 Chateau de Sales Pomerol

Winemaker Notes:  An attractive crimson, the wine has a refined and complex nose on black fruit aromas with subtle oaky notes. From an elegant attack, the full-bodied and well-balanced mid-palate reveals rich ripe fruit flavors, especially blackcurrant and black cherry, leading into a long finish underpinned by refined, silky tannins.

Blend: 72.5% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.5% Cabernet Franc

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A combination of floral and earthy character here, with aromas of ripe dark and blue fruit and hints of licorice, nut shell and wet earth. Cigar box, too. Medium-bodied, chewy and lingering with bright, vibrant fruit. It has a firm, savory finish with hints of crushed stones. Very typical and true to its terroir."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2019 De Sales has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling effortlessly out of the glass with impressively intense baked cherries, plum preserves and fruitcake scents with nuances of potpourri, licorice, chocolate box and fragrant earth. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe, seductive black fruit preserves, framed by rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed."


Decanter - "Bristling blueberry fruits, softening into raspberry and blackberry through the mid palate. Clear austerity at this point but a lovely supple feel overall, and an impressively focused and sleek finish with touches of salt crackers. Enjoyable de Sales, a softer approach to the vintage than some Pomerols but one that will give lots of pleasure, and is given savoury focus by the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. 15% new oak. Tasted twice."


Jeb Dunnuck - "A classic, fresher, elegant Pomerol from the vintage, the 2019 Château De Sales has a ruby hue as well as a pretty nose of red, black, and blue fruits intermixed with sappy herbs, flowers, and cedar pencil. Medium-bodied, elegant, very pretty, and lightly textured, I love its purity of fruit as well as its balance, although I'd like to have seen a touch more richness and depth. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years."


Vinous - "The 2019 Chateau de Sales has an open-knit bouquet with red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit, not quite as complex as its peers. The palate is medium-bodied, somewhat old school in style with dry tannins and a structured finish. Fine backbone here, an impressive retro 2019! One of the best vintages in recent years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting."