2019 Les Grandes Murailles

Tasted blind. Sweet and transparent with fresh fruit and decent balance though not an especially distinctive flavour. Sinewy. (JR)

Made by the talented Philippe Cuvelier and coming from a tiny vineyard just beside Clos Fourtet, on the upper plateau, the 2019 Château Les Grandes Murailles has a more restrained, elegant style compared to the more exuberant 2018, yet it's still concentrated, rich, and impressive. Red and black currants, black cherries, chocolate, and leafy tobacco-like notes emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with beautifully polished tannins and a balanced, classic, age-worthy style. Give it 4-5 years and it's going to cruise over the following two decades. This is a hidden gem as always and well worth seeking out!

From a picturesque vineyard on the appellation's limestone plateau next to Clos Fourtet (and similarly owned by the Cuvelier family), the 2019 Grandes Murailles has turned out very well, offering up aromas of wild berries, plums, raw cocoa and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, it's velvety and vibrant, with beautifully refined tannins and a long, penetrating finish. This is a Saint-Émilion that deserves to be better known.