Chateau Puygueraud, Francs Cotes de Bordeaux 2019

93 POINTS: James Suckling
93 POINTS: Wine Direct Tasting Team
90 POINTS: Vinous Media

85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec

“The 2018 Puygueraud packs a serious punch. Bold, super-ripe and explosive, the 2018 possesses striking depth at this level. Blackberry jam, chocolate, grilled herbs and spice are all generous in this rich Côtes de Francs. It will be interesting to see how the 2018 develops during élevage. Today, it is quite promising and complex, especially within its peer group. Even with gentler hand in vinification, the 2018 is a powerful wine that very much shows the richness of the year. The blend is 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec.”
— 90 Points, Vinous Media

“Aromas of blackberries, dried lavender, black olives, tobacco, herbs and some smoked meat. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Layered and concentrated with a sleek, savory finish. Better from 2022.”
— 93 Points, James Suckling

Puygueraud is a Bordeaux château to watch. It is owned by the Thienpont family, the wine pioneers responsible for illustrious names like Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan and who are credited for putting the Côtes de Francs back on the map. Georges Thienpont bought the 14th century château in 1946, but didn’t start growing wine until the 1980s. Puygueraud’s first vintage was in 1983 and since then has gone from strength to strength under the winemaking prowess of Nicolas Thienpont. The Côtes de Francs appellation was awarded AC status in 1967 and sits on Bordeaux’s Right Bank - it has a terroir similar to the great wines of Pomerol - Merlot planted on clay and limestone soils. Puygueraud’s 40 hectares are predominantly Merlot but also grow Cabernet Franc and Malbec for its reds and Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Blanc for its white. The estate produces a wine in tribute to its founder, Cuvée George, which is a blend solely of Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

ABV 14%