Château Picque Caillou, Pessac Léognan, 2019
Pauline Calvet's Picque Caillou is a perennial favourite of ours. Situated between Haut Brion and Merignac airport, this chateau makes a habit of outclassing far more illustrious names from the Pessac commune. Produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot and aged in 40% new oak barrels, the bouquet has a wonderful fragrance of bright Morello cherry, crème de mûre, stony minerals and a note of potpourri. Sumptuous redcurrant and cassis, then herb infused cranberries and sweet griotte. This is a beautifully poised, bright fruited Picque Caillou. Highly recommended!
critic reviews
Tasted from bottle, the 2019 Picque-Caillou exhibits aromas of berry compote, dark chocolate, bay leaf and pipe tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it's seamless and polished, its fleshy core of fruit framed by melting tannins and ripe acids. This is an open, giving wine that's drinking well out of the gates.
The 2019 Picque Caillou was missing a little fruit intensity on the nose, both bottles a bit sullen and needing more concentration. The palate is better with an attractive grainy texture, fine tannins and especially the finish with its peppery black fruit laced with sea salt. If the aromatics can up their game then it will merit a higher score in bottle.