Wines Pauillac Château Croizet-Bages - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Croizet-Bages 2019, from the prestigious Pauillac appellation within Bordeaux’s Médoc subregion, epitomises the grandeur of a classified Grand Cru. The 2019 vintage is an articulate expression of the estate, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot and occasionally a touch of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. The grapes are sourced from gravel-rich soils that lie at the heart of the Pauillac commune, ideally situated to benefit from the modulation of the Gironde estuary and oceanic breezes. Vinification is meticulous, with fermentation in stainless steel and maturation in French oak barrels, a well-judged proportion of them new, lending structure and refinement to the wine. In the glass, expect a deep garnet hue and a bouquet entwining blackcurrant, cedarwood, graphite and subtle hints of tobacco and violet.

Pauillac’s vineyards sit on some of the world’s most revered gravel banks, granting excellent drainage and encouraging the roots to delve deeply, which translates to powerful and elegant wines. The climate is maritime, providing reliably moderate influences that ease both frost and extreme heat, allowing for slow, complex ripening of the grapes. The history of Pauillac, steeped in centuries of viticultural excellence, is marked by estates like Château Croizet-Bages that have long contributed to the appellation’s enviable reputation.

A wine of this stature pairs beautifully with classic French and regional cuisine. Traditional matches include a rib of Médoc beef with bordelaise sauce, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, or wild duck. Alternatively, mature cheeses such as aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty provide a savoury counterpoint. For a more casual affair, grilled entrecôte or wild mushroom ragout are superb choices.

To fully appreciate the aromatic complexity and firm yet polished tannins of Château Croizet-Bages 2019, serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving will help the bouquet to unfurl, revealing the wine’s intricate layers and youthful vibrancy. This is a wine capable of graceful evolution in the cellar, offering pleasure now and promise for years to come.