2019 Chateau Beaumont, Haut-Medoc

The 2019 Beaumont impresses on the nose with intense blackberry and briary aromas, sous-bois and tobacco, all whilst maintaining its delineation. The palate is supple and silky on the entry. There is well judged acidity, plenty of cedar and seaweed, tinged black fruit and a spicy finish. Now, this is a bloody great Beaumont.

The 2019 Beaumont has turned out very well, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet berry fruit, pencil shavings and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and melting tannins, it's charming and nicely balanced. It's the finest wine from this large château that I can remember tasting.

The 2019 Beaumont is a powerful, burly Haut-Médoc. Black cherry, herb, licorice, tobacco and game all run through this potent wine. The 2019 is a bit rough around the edges, but it will do just fine at the dinner table. Expressive Cabernet Sauvignon accents build nicely into the finish.

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Dark crimson. Dusty dark fruit. Dry and savoury on the palate, refined texture, dark and savoury rather than sweet-fruited. A touch lean overall. (JH)

Cru bourgeois supérieur. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, on sandy gravel. Yield 40 hl/ha. Aged for 12–14 months in barrels. 500,000 bottles. Generously fruited with lots of black and red cherries. Simple and approachable now, with modest complexity from oak and soft, velvety tannins. Easy to drink but does not deliver much excitement. (FG)