2019 Château Jean-Faure
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The exotic, incredibly perfumed 2019 Château Jean Faure comes from the upper plateau region, closer to Pomerol, and just behind Cheval Blanc. Based largely on Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it has loads of red and blue fruits, exotic flowers, sandalwood, and foresty, earthy nuances that develop nicely with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it's pure, balanced, and elegant on the palate, with ripe yet polished tannins and a great finish. This singular beauty needs a good 4-5 years of bottle age but is going to impress over the following two decades or more.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
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Offering up aromas of minty blackberries, licorice and sweet spices, the 2019 Jean Faure is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, melting tannins and succulent acids, concluding with a long, similarly minty finish. From a certified-organic property located between Cheval Blanc and Grand-Corbin-Despagne, this is a charming, expressive wine. Cabernet Franc represents more than 60% of the blend.
The 2019 Jean Faure, which I tasted at the property during harvest, needs time to cohere in the glass. The nose is more backward than the 2018, featuring blackberry and crushed stone, and quite a noticeable seaweed scent (Japanese nori ) emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, good weight and still that hint of licorice toward the finish. As usual, this is a distinctive Saint-Émilion due to the high proportion of Cabernet Franc, but it will age well, even if I think the 2018 will drink sooner.
The 2019 Jean Faure is a quirky Saint-Émilion because of the high percentage of Franc in the blend, which lends soaring aromatic intensity. Sage, mint, tobacco, cedar, licorice and red berry fruit all build in the glass, with bright, saline notes that give energy and shape. Jean Faure is one of the most distinctive Saint-Émilions readers will come across. The 2019 turned out beautifully.