Château Clarke 2019

Sports a frankly singed vanilla frame around a core of cassis and plum purée flavors, with a dash of violet in the background. Focused and direct, with the vanilla accent holding sway through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2026. 9,800 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

A soil study when this property was bought by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1973 saw the 55-hectare, limestone and clay vineyard replanted with a majority of better-suited Merlot, atypically for the Médoc - comprising 70% of this blend alongside 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Floral touches of rose and violet mingle with dark chocolate and black fruit on the nose, smells heady and perfumed with some bitter orange flecks. Lively and bright, the acidity makes its mark straight away, mouthwatering but stays the right side of too tart, although makes way for quite prominent minerality putting you squarely on limestone. Sleek, focussed and sharply detailed - lots of nuance in terms of strawberry and cherry fruit - just plush and chewy, but with bite, tannins are beautifully integrated and this carries to a long finish that has both fruit, chalky texture and lots of minerality. A gourmet wine with so much to like. Elegant and expressive, persistent fresh, juicy, fun and so easy to drink and like. Ageing 16 months, 100% in barrels, 2/3 new, 1/3 second fill.

This has smoky and earthy character with aromas of ripe plums and blueberries, as well as hints of vanilla, chocolate and licorice. Medium-to full-bodied, polished and compact with firm, chewy tannins and bright, savory fruit. A little tight, yet showing vibrant character that makes it easy to drink. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet sauvignon. Better after 2024.

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel sample. Deep crimson hue. Elegant and fresh on the nose but somewhat subdued. Brisk palate with a fine tannic base. More linear than broad (style change since 2016). Slightly dry finish but again should dissipate. (JL)

Fresh, bright, soft and savory, with a tangy, crisp, red pit fruit-focused, medium-bodied palate and a tangy finish. The wine is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and will be best in its fruit-forward, exuberant youth. Drink from 2022-2032.

Ripe blackberry, darker currants, tobacco, and a kiss of cedary herbs and flowers all emerge from the 2019 Château Clarke, a quality, medium-bodied, balanced, concentrated Listrac to drink over the coming decade.

Kunz barrel sample 2020: (70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% alc. vol., production 200,000 bottles) Red-berry, silky bouquet, redcurrants, red cassis, wood, smoke. Slender, firm palate with light fruit, bourgeois structure, medium aromatics, bitter finish.

(70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% vol. alcohol, production 200,000 bottles) Red-berry, silky bouquet, redcurrants, red cassis, wood, smoke. Slender, firm palate with light fruit, bourgeois structure, medium aromatics, a bitter finish. 17/20 2025 - 2036

Good depth of fruit on the nose, carried through to the palate that opens with cassis, blackberry and raspberry fruits. The chalky tannins remain a little austere at this point, but there is good depth overall, and it has been carefully handled. The first Bordeaux estate to be bought by Baron Edmond de Rothschild back in 1973, Château Clarke is experiencing a run of good quality vintages, and this is one to look out for.

The château pursues a rather opulent, ripe style, built on a broad majority of Merlot. The 2019, however, does not tip over and remains balanced, with ripe but not stewed fruit, wrapped in classy oak.

The nose is elegant, nicely racy, offering a certain restrained power. It reveals notes of licorice and morello cherry, and, more subtly, crushed blackcurrant, joined by a touch of violet and blueberry, as well as fine hints of sweet blond tobacco and a hint of sweet spices. The palate is fruity, fresh and elegant, with energy, a lovely tangy backbone, and delicacy within its relative power and modest richness. On the palate, the wine shows notes of morello cherry, bright/tangy raspberry and, more subtly, tangy/juicy red plum, joined by a touch of juicy blackberry, hints of star anise, racy minerality, a subtle hint of graphite, and fine hints of sweet spices and chocolate. The tannins are supple. Well-judged bitters. Juicy yet fresh fruit.

The latest release from the Edmond de Rothschild family estate is impressive. Its richness and density are shot through with ripe tannins and acidity. Blackberry flavors are still young with richness and balanced structure. Drink the wine from 2026.