UCG Arrivage Tasting. I’ve managed to taste only two white Bordeauxs which is not enough to assess the quality of the vintage for whites. Both wines showed quite expressive and intense but were obviously quite different animals: the Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (rated 95 pts) with 90%+ Sauvignon Blanc was its usual self with loads of spearmint and minerality and was carried by a high and round acidic backbone. Everytime I taste this wine I ask myself why I don’t have any bottle in my cellar. The Pape Clement Blanc (91 pts) with 40% Semillon showed much broader and especially sweeter which is not my favorite style. Clearly inferior to the Smith Haut Lafitte this year (and every year).

TN: Very intense and powerful on the nose and palate with intense fresh spearmint aromas, citrus aromas and a flora component and a beautiful minerality component. The wine is intense, with the right amount of creaminess and a high but very round and well-integrated acidity. Very well delineated, very fresh and light, not too much ripeness or sweetness, good length and overall this is a complete wine. This is easily worth 94 to 96 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. I’ve managed to taste only two white Bordeauxs which is not enough to assess the quality of the vintage for whites. Both wines showed quite expressive and intense but were obviously quite different animals: the Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (rated 95 pts) with 90%+ Sauvignon Blanc was its usual self with loads of spearmint and minerality and was carried by a high and round acidic backbone. Everytime I taste this wine I ask myself why I don’t have any bottle in my cellar. The Pape Clement Blanc (91 pts) with 40% Semillon showed much broader and especially sweeter which is not my favorite style. Clearly inferior to the Smith Haut Lafitte this year (and every year).

TN: Intense aromatics of spearmint, ripe tropical and orchards fruit, some minerality scents and underneath a fine, sweet honey core. The aromatic complexity is high, the wine is expressive and it has a good length but it is quite broad and for my taste clearly too sweet. It would need to have more acidity to carry that fatness which it doesn’t have. A solid effort but not one I would chase.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Tasted twice. This was the best wine at this tasting, no doubt. It is another very strong Canon after the great wines of 2015, 2016, 2018. The 2015 is pure magic and so complex, the 2016 is as aristocratic and classic as a St. Emilion can be these days, the 2018 is the slutty and most ripe one. This 2019 is a mix of the 2015 and 2016: it is a touch more fruit driven and riper, but less so than the 2015 and has the superb, unbelievable elegance no other wine at this tasting managed to achieve. The nose is medium+ expressive with ripe but still very much fresh and pure fruit, crushed rocks, slate, earth, tobacco. Very luxurious and inviting and with very good precision. On the palate the wine is even more elegant with a rainbow of aromas from fine, fresh red berries, darker red berries, some blueberries, some candied strawberries, white chocolate, just hints of baking powder, a nice minerality backbone, earthy notes and again tobacco. The wine is so balanced and harmonious, super luxurious from start to finish. It’s impressive that so many aromas can shine through already at this young age. The structure is impeccable with the finest tannins, a perfectly integrated acidity, a nicely fresh and creamy texture, an airy quality and a good length. This is very promising. How does it compare to the previous great vintages? The 2015 has the same elegance, more complexity but also more ripe- and sweetness. The 2016 will need time to become rounder, but has the same or only slightly higher complexity and the same perfect ripeness. The 2018 is a bit inferior with a touch too much ripeness and sweetness but probably a bit more intensity and expression. A great wine and promise, 96-97+ pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: There is a lot of buzz around this Chateaux and all the improvements and changes happening there. This was good but in no way close to what the Canon delivered right before. Medium expressive on the nose with ripe but not too ripe dark fruit, vegetal, meaty notes and a layer of minerality. Not super polished and clean on the nose but the complexity is quite intriguing. The palate showed quite different and more like so many St. Emilions these days: lots of ripe, mostly red fruit and sweet sugary notes are completely dominating at this point. My guess is that over time, the wine will flesh out and give the more savoury and mineral aromas more space, making the wine more attractive and interesting. The tannin structure is impeccable with round velvety tannins but an acidity that is not perfectly integrated yet. Overall a solid effort. 91-92 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: I’ve tasted all recent vintages of Gazin upon Arrivage and while it’s always a solid wine, it’s usually distinctively heavier and riper than most other Pomerols. This 2019 is no exception and of all the reds I’ve tried this was the ripest wine. Lots of ripe (overripe) dark red berries on the nose and palate but herbal and minerality components to balance it out. On the palate there was even a slight bitterness which I liked as a) I like bitter food and drinks but especially b) as that helps to balance all the ripe fruit. Fine, ripe tannins, good aciditiy and good length. Rather a tad too heavy. There were some slight hints of alcohol showing on the nose. This is not Napa-esque in any shape or form and it’s less bold and ripe than many wines in previous vintages (especially less than in 2018) but I’m just not a big fan.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: I see that this Chateaux runs in a new direction with less extraction and boldness and I liked the quite cool, fresh, almost left-bank like cool forest berry profile (along with minerality on the nose and palate and some nice floral aromas on the palate). Of the five right banks I’ve tasted today, this had the coolest and freshest profile and the lowest sweetness. Still I can’t go higher than the 89-90 pts as the wine didn’t show as open and complete as most others with not overly enthusiastic expression on the nose, a not yet perfectly integrated acidity and some green/bitter elements on towards the finish with tannins quite present. Assessing such young wines in such a tasting is difficult and I’m sure that the wine has more in store than what I experienced today.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Another Chateaux that is creating a lot of buzz these days due to many improvements and this wine did not disappoint. There is a lot of ripe but not a shred too ripe dark and dark red fruit, on the palate accompanied by a some seductive candied strawberry and floral notes and a superb mineral backbone to create a beautiful harmony. Medium+ expressive, fairly good precision. The tannin structure will need a bit of time to become rounder, some hard edges are still there but overall this is already an elegant, fine wine with good acidity, no excess weight and a good and medium+ long finish. 93-94 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: This is a stunning wine. It shines bright with an expressive, intense nose and palate full of superbly fresh and pure blue, dark and black fruit, cedar, herbs, minerality. While very complex, the best part is the very high precision. The tannin structure is very Pauillac and masculine and will need time to further soften but there is no question about the luxurious quality of the tannins. The acidity is high and very well integrated, the texture is fine and slightly airy (but not comparable to the Canon or some of the more elegant Pauillacs - think Pichon Comtesse), the finish is quite impressive and long. I have no doubt that this vintage can reach the 95+ point category (at its peak probably even 97 pts). Today 94-95 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Beside the very good Lynch Bages, this GPL was the only Pauillac I could try (sadly they were all out of Pichon Baron and Comtesse). Always offering great value for money, this 2019 GPL showed quite nice with lots of spices (most spices of all reds) complementing that ripe but not too ripe red and dark fruit core as well as some graphite notes. Expressive, intense but always elegant and round with fine tannins, well-integrated acidity and good length. Quite complete, although probably not reaching the complexity and precision of the very best wines. 92-93 pts

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Leoville Poyferre is usually not among my favorites in the appellation as it is usually a touch riper, creamier and in hot vintages sluttier than the LLC, Barton or Ducru. On the upside, the Poyferres usually show good early on. This 2019 showed that once more: only medium expressive on the nose but open and very creamy with lots of fruit (but not too ripe in 2019) at the core and some herbal and spice notes around it. Ripe, round, velvety tannins, medium acidity and well integrated, very creamy texture and feel, good length. 92-93 points with some upside to 94-95 points once this will hit maturity. Didn‘t stand a chance against the superb Leoville Barton we had next to it which shows more complexity, much more precision, much better freshness and classic, aristocratic proportions and even a touch sweet magic I haven‘t encountered in many other Bartons.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Very expressive, super fresh, classic nose with lots of the typical fresh blue and black fruit, lots of minerality and herbs and a touch of sexy coffee scents which I haven‘t experienced in Bartons before. Superb delination and intensity, definitely a nose you can‘t stop smelling. Same on the palate with an amazing attrack with intense fresh dark berries, herbs and minerality, good mid palate weight and long and expandin finish. Some blue and red berries too and even some floral notes. Quite complex already at this young stage. Despite some coffee scents, floral and red fruit notes, this Barton very much stay in the classic camp with superb freshness and a wall of fine but noticeable velvety tannins. Very good from start til the end and for me the winner on the left bank in this tasting. This feels on the same level as the magic 2016 with the same precision and the classic proportions but has probably a touch less substance and a slightly lower precision but some sexy sweeter and more floral notes, the 2016 doesn‘t have. Easily 95-96 pts today but can definitely reach the 97+ pts category once mature.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Rather backward nose with lots of stone, earth and smoke notes. A bit more open on the very cool, fresh palate with stems, smoke, minerality, fresh dark fruit. Fine tannins but not very good balance with a too high aicidity which is not (yet?) that well integrated and makes the wine a bit astringent. 90-91

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: This was one of the weaker wines of the tasting with some stinky notes on the nose and palate, a hole mid palate. Rather on the mineralic side of things with not showing a lot today, this should be reasessed again as I‘m not sure it‘s a completely representative bottle. I liked the tannin structure and acidity as well as the light feel but no winner and the weakest St. Julien today. 86-87 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: As always, Pape Clement is a warm, charming left bank, open for business, creamy, sexy and a bit slutty. In 2019 there is not too much sluttiness which is great and the winery obviously tamed their inner dragon to overdo it with oak. The result is a nice, creamy wine with good freshness. It doesn‘t have the complexity or the sharpness of other left banks but is quite fun to drink. 91-92 pts today, one or the other extra point possible once this hits maturity but not sure if has the substance or precision to become 95+ pts wine.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: I haven‘t tasted this wine before (other than corked bottle of the 2010) and hence didn‘t know what to expect. This was one of the positive surprises. Very intense, expressive on the nose and palate with lots and lots of power and aromatic pressure. Very dark fruit profile with ripe but not too ripe blackberris, cassis at the core. Additional layers of herbs and crushed rocks. It is one of the more powerful wines tasted today, probably also a touch riper than most left banks but everything is still on the right side of things. Easily 93-94 pts which is even more exciting considering the low price of this Cuvee.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: This was one of the riper left bank wines in this tasting with a touch too much ripe dark fruit on the nose, along some fresh herbs and crushed rocks. Same on the palate with quite ripe dark berries and candied red fruit along some minerality and herbs. A little simple but with good precision and quite a round structure and good harmony. Good but without greatness. 92 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. A few observations on the red wines: 1) Overall quality: 2019 is indeed another great vintage for Bordeaux reds. The quality was good across the board. 2) Ripeness: 2019 is less ripe than 2015/2018. Out of 15 wines only one (Gazin) showed overripe. But 2016 still wins in this category with the freshest and purest fruit expression. 2019 is in between 2015/2016. 3) Complexity: 2019 will not reach the heights of 2016 but is almost on par with 2015/2018, although the latter one will need to flesh out for quite some time reveal all nuances. 4) Precision: I found superb precision in many wines, however, again not on the level of 2016. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe and very fine, the acidity is generally high (but not as high as in 2016), the texture is nicely airy (unlike with many 15s/18s), no alcohol heat (a problem in 2018) and the wines are very harmonious. 6) Best wines tasted were a magical Canon (96+ pts), a superb Leoville Barton (95 pts). Unfortunately, they were all out of Pichon Lalande - supposedly one of the wines of the vintage.

TN: Rauzan Segla is stepping up its game this past vintages and this 2019 shows that again. Even if it‘s not on the same level in terms of complexity as the magic 2018 it has the same unbelievable elegance and is still quite layered, especially when compared to the Brane Cantenac we tasted right before it. Ripe dark and red berries, herbs and minerality on the nose. Good, round, medium+ expressive. A step up on the palate with this wonderful sweet but elegant fruit core with herbs, cola, stems, vanilla, minerality notes wrapped around it. Very good precision. Impeccable, superbly elegant structure with ultra fine tannins, medium high and perfectly integrated acidity, very light and airy texture and feel and good length. 94-95 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. We tasted just 4 Sauternes (and no Yquem to put it all in perspective). I expected the Suduiraut (rated 92 pts) to crush the competition but that was not the case as it misses a bit of sharpness and showed too broad. The Guiraud (rated 94 pts) showed best with a lot of acidity to keep it all in check. The Lafaurie Peyraguey (rated 90) showed nice but simple and the Doisy Vedrines (not rated) showed stinky and faulty. Overall probably not the strongest Sauternes vintage and rather on the riper, more tropical side of things.

TN: Expressive, intense on the nose and palate with lots of tropical fruit and nice saffron and spice notes. Fun to drink but with not enough acidity to keep the sweetness in check. It came across as too broad, slightly too sweet and cloying. This is not the strongest vintage for Suduiraut and I doubt that will change with more age. However, the complexity and precision of the aromas is quite good.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. We tasted just 4 Sauternes (and no Yquem to put it all in perspective). I expected the Suduiraut (rated 92 pts) to crush the competition but that was not the case as it misses a bit of sharpness and showed too broad. The Guiraud (rated 94 pts) showed best with a lot of acidity to keep it all in check. The Lafaurie Peyraguey (rated 90) showed nice but simple and the Doisy Vedrines (not rated) showed stinky and faulty. Overall probably not the strongest Sauternes vintage and rather on the riper, more tropical side of things.

TN: This was the winner of the tasting. Intense and expressive, with good precision this displays a lot of saffron and spice aromas as well as the same tropical fruit as the other Sauternes but in addition also more lime and citrus fruit and a strong minerality. It is sharper with a high, nicely integrated acidity and with the citrus/minerality components lending even more freshness. Very harmonious and round with a nice cut. This is a great wine and can match the fantastic 2011 (rated 96 pts) in a few years. 94-95 pts.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. We tasted just 4 Sauternes (and no Yquem to put it all in perspective). I expected the Suduiraut (rated 92 pts) to crush the competition but that was not the case as it misses a bit of sharpness and showed too broad. The Guiraud (rated 94 pts) showed best with a lot of acidity to keep it all in check. The Lafaurie Peyraguey (rated 90) showed nice but simple and the Doisy Vedrines (not rated) showed stinky and faulty. Overall probably not the strongest Sauternes vintage and rather on the riper, more tropical side of things.

TN: I truly hope this bottle was off. Lots of weird stinky notes on nose and palate. Not really TCA but something was not ok.

UCG Arrivage Tasting. We tasted just 4 Sauternes (and no Yquem to put it all in perspective). I expected the Suduiraut (rated 92 pts) to crush the competition but that was not the case as it misses a bit of sharpness and showed too broad. The Guiraud (rated 94 pts) showed best with a lot of acidity to keep it all in check. The Lafaurie Peyraguey (rated 90) showed nice but simple and the Doisy Vedrines (not rated) showed stinky and faulty. Overall probably not the strongest Sauternes vintage and rather on the riper, more tropical side of things.

TN: Medium expressive, very round and harmonious but with medium acidity only, this Lafaurie came across a little bit too sweet (but less so than the Suduiraut) but overall as rather simple with not much complexity showing. However, this is very solid 89-91 pts. I’m sure there are great vintages for this Cuvee out there but I still have to drink one of these which truly excites me.