2019 Haut Bages Monpelou

The 2019 Haut-Bages Monpelou displays fine intensity on the nose of blackberry, undergrowth, freshly rolled tobacco and a touch of pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and fine grip. The intensity is neatly offset by the thread of acidity. More red fruit arrives on the finish, and a dash of white pepper lingers on the aftertaste. Recommended.

The 2019 Monpelou has an outgoing bouquet with blackberry, mulberry and light sous-bois scents, just a touch of wet sand in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, simple red berry fruit, though it feels rather subdued on the finish.

A solid Cru Bourgeois, the 2019 Château Haut-Bages Monpelou offers up a medium-bodied, nicely balanced profile that carries a ruby/purple hue, notes of black cherry, blackcurrants, spice, and gravelly earth, ripe tannins, and solid length. This promising, classic, satisfying 2019 is going to drink nicely for at least a decade.