Chateau Seraphine Pomerol 2019 1.5Ltr

The 2019 Séraphine, the recent addition to the Pomerol landscape courtesy of proprietor Martin Krajewski, was very impressive when I tasted the barrel sample. Now in bottle, it delivers on that promise. It has a gorgeous, pure, lilting bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and light black truffle scents that unfold in the glass. I really appreciate the definition and detail, and the prudent use of new oak (40%). The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, a keen thread of acidity, a touch more backbone than a few months ago, and insistent grip on the finish. Traces of black pepper furnish the aftertaste. As I said before, one to watch. Just 2,800 bottles produced.

• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Pomerol
• Size: 1.5Ltr
• Color: Red

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world’s finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six ‘official’ Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act ”“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.