2019 Château Carignan

Every spring when we visit Bordeaux for the en primeur tastings, we enjoy the luxury of staying at our very own chateau in Cadillac de Bordeaux, Château Carignan.

We get to taste some excellent wines from across the Bordeaux region, but we always enjoy our own as well and the 2019 Château Carignan is no exception. It stands up incredibly well in relation to more illustrious neighbours in and around Bordeaux.

The Grand Vin is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

We are always taken aback by the reaction we get when Château Carignan is served blind - it's seriously good value for a wine from the Right Bank.

Intense dark red colour and brilliance. The nose is complex with a wide range of aromas. Long and fleshy mouth with a tannic structure, concentrated flavours of black fruit, cassis, blackberries, cocoa and spices and very well balanced in the mouth.

The origin of Château Carignan dates back to the 11th century. The story goes that the Lord’s domain of Carignan was built on the site of a Roman villa and was a gift from the King of France Charles VII to Jean Poton de Xaintrailles, a companion in arms of Joan of Arc. The château, rebuilt in 1452 by Poton de Xaintrailles, went on to be owned by illustrious figures such as the Montesquieu family and General Etienne Donna, aide-de-camp to Joseph Bonaparte. And the successive families that lived there all managed to conserve and improve it and to add their touch to its wines.

"The 2019 Carignan is composed and harmonious on the nose, perhaps a little low-key compared to its peers, pencil box and black fruit, neat 'n tidy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well balanced, fresh and old school with a persistent finish. Chapeau! This is a superb 2019 built to last. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2025-2050."

92pts - Neal Martin, vinous.com (Southwold), February 2023

"Sweet berries and plums with chocolate and walnuts. Medium body with nice, firm tannins. Lovely finish. 75% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc. Drink or hold."

91pts - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2022

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