2019 Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc

Blackberries, dark cherries, currants, chocolate, vanilla and sweet spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Round and juicy with fruity character and a supple finish.

Dating to the 18th century, this estate delivers wines with weight and balanced structure. Wood aging has given the wine shape and density. The dry core will soften over the next years to give a well-built wine. *Editors' Choice* (RV)

Soft and silky on the palate, with notes of dark plums, cassis, cocoa, hazelnut, hint of graphite, & dried herbs. This delicious wine reminds me how value driven a great bottle of Bordeaux can be!

Well known for it's terroir that is sandwiched in between St-Julien and Margaux, Lamothe-Bergeron is a go-to value nestled in the heart of the Left Bank. The composition varies from vintage to vintage, but most years it is an even split between Merlot and Cabernet, with a bit of Petit Verdot to balance it out. Gravelly and deeply fruited on the nose with hints of cedar and currant, it leads to a palate that is balanced with spicy minerality, juicy blackberry, fine grain tannins, and a long, textured finish. For fans of Bordeaux, this will be a brilliant cellar defender while young, but there are enough layers to hint at a wonderful evolution that will unfold in the next ten to fifteen years with ease.