Chateau Berliquet 2019

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2019 Berliquet is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries, sweet spices, violets and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with terrific depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins, it concludes with a long, mineral finish. It's produced from a 9.5-hectare vineyard that encompasses three soil types: Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau (like its sibling, Château Canon); the slope, characterized by deep clay; and then sandy, colluvial soils at the foot of the slope. Right now it's planted with 70% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc, but the percentage of the latter is increasing as replanting progresses."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Dark plums, baked blueberries, chocolate, lemon zest and sage on the nose. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and fine, sleek tannins. Fresh and focused with a pretty finish. Drink after 2024."

DECANTER: "Vibrant damson in colour. I love the deep creaminess that is evident from the first nose, with hints of cocoa and gunsmoke. There is more clay here than at Canon; about 50% of the vineyard has a clay layer over the limestone whereas at Canon it is closer to 10%, meaning Berliquet is less ethereal, more urgent and powerful, still with precision and feathery chalky tannins. They have restored the underground limestone cellars for barrel ageing. A yield of 45hl/ha. 45% new oak, for what is the 2nd full year of the Canon team working the vineyard. Thomas Duclos consultant."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Loads of black plums, flowers, chocolate and citrus notes come through easily on the nose. Medium-bodied, soft, elegant, sweet and fresh, with a salty minerality accent to the red pit fruits in the endnote, this refined gem should age quite nicely. Drink 2024-2037."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2019 Château Berliquet shows the vintage’s pure, elegant, nicely focused style beautifully. Giving up lots of ripe black cherries, iron, hints of darker currants, tobacco, and loamy earth, it's medium-bodied, has a supple, balanced mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. I’d be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years or so."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Friendly in feel, with a rounded edge to the mix of plum, cassis and black cherry preserve flavors. Features a melted licorice snap note that drapes over the finish, with flickers of savory and chalky minerality adding nice contrast. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2036."