Château Grand Village, Rouge, Bordeaux Supérieur, 2019
This is undoubtedly the most impressively endowed Grand Village we can recall tasting, boasting aromas of crisp blueberry fruit, cracked cocoa, ferrous rocks and hints of oyster shell. It is powerful, yet mouth-watering and civilized on the palate, with a firm yet silky tannic network supporting the fresh, crisp, mineral soaked fruit. The overall impression is a wine that is far too grown up and serious for the price tag. It is a really impressive drink right now, and should continue to evolve and develop for several more years.
critic reviews
A terrific performance for this estate, the 2019 Grand Village reveals a delicate, perfumed, complex bouquet with inviting aromas of dark wild berries, iris, violet, menthol and lead pencil. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, enveloping and supple, fleshy and crystalline, with a delicate, layered core of fruit framed by supple, polished tannins, concluding with a saline, lead pencil-inflected finish. It will offer a broad drinking window.
The 2019 Grand Village is composed of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it features preserved plums and blueberry compote notes with hints of wild sage, fragrant earth, and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a firm, grainy backbone, with oodles of freshness and a bright, fruity finish.
The 2019 Grand Village has an Oriental nose that doesn't quite gel. It feels a little sultry compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a toasty entry, harmonious and without enormous depth. But at least there is freshness and precision on the finish, so afford it 2-4 years in bottle and I suspect it will realize its potential. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.