Le Carre 2019 (1.5L)

94-96 JD / 94-95 JS / 92 DE / 90-92 WA

The 2019 Le Carre emerges from a vineyard not far from Clos Fourtet, on the upper limestone plateau. This deeply colored barrel sample offers the full-bodied, seamless style of the vintage as well as lots of minerality in its dark, earthy fruits, tobacco, bouquet garni, and chocolate-laced aromas and flavors. The tannin quality is brilliant, as is the overall balance. - Jeb Dunnick

Chewy and layered with lots of ripe-fruit character, as well as ripe tannins. It’s full-bodied, yet balanced and not overpowering. Persistent finish. Graphite at the end. Could be up with the 2015. - James Suckling

Silky, concentrated and well handled, this has a firm tannic hold that embraces the fruits and adds a seriousness to the chocolate, liquorice and grilled cedar notes. 80% new oak, 3.78pH. - Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2019 Le Carre displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and is intensely scented of baked blackberries, plum preserves and cherry pie with hints of hoisin, black truffles, iron ore and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is pleasantly chewy and savory with plenty of freshness and a soft-spoken finish. Le Carre is from the JCP Maltus portfolio of skillfully crafted Saint-Émilion wines. Neil White is the head winemaker, and Thomas Duclos is a consultant here. - Lisa Perrotti Brown, Wine Advocate