Pichon Comtesse Réserve, Pauillac,

Plenty of tannins that are muscular and dense, clearly signposting a 2nd wine from a high quality estate. Has grip and tension through the palate, with cocoa shavings and fresh acidities. There are black fruits here, a little subdued at the moment, but this is impressive.

The 2019 Reserve de la Comtesse is composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with savory notions of smoked meats, tapenade, and sauteed herbs, giving way to a core of red and black currants, pencil shavings, and cracked pepper with a waft of cumin seed. Medium-bodied, elegant, and with impressive savory layers, it has a fine-grained texture and earthy finish.

The 2019 Réserve de Pichon Comtesse has an open-knit, slightly meaty bouquet with dried blood infusing the brambly red fruit. A little rustic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, moderate depth, off-dry with a nicely proportioned, pencil shaving-tinged finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.