Wines Bordeaux Château Le Boscq, Saint-Estèphe 2019 - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Le Boscq, Saint-Estèphe 2019 is a classic red Bordeaux, blending Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot – the signature grapes of the region. The 2019 vintage is a balanced year, notable for its ripe fruit yet structured character. With grapes cultivated from gravel-rich soils interspersed with clay and limestone, the wine benefits from excellent drainage and temperature regulation, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen slowly and develop its trademark complexity. Vinification at Le Boscq relies on careful extraction during fermentation and judicious use of French oak, lending the wine both elegance and age-worthiness. Expect aromas of blackcurrant, plum and cedar, with subtle hints of tobacco and spice, all wrapped in firm but polished tannins.

Saint-Estèphe, situated at the northernmost tip of the Médoc, Bordeaux's celebrated left bank, is renowned for its robust and long-lived reds. This appellation enjoys a maritime climate, with the Gironde estuary moderating seasonal extremes, ensuring a lengthy growing season. The diverse soils—gravel mounds over clay and some pockets of limestone—give Saint-Estèphe its power and depth, often requiring a few years in bottle to reveal their true potential. Historically, the region's wines have been lauded for their value and capacity to age gracefully, providing excellent examples of Médoc’s quality without the lofty prices of neighbouring communes.

For food pairing, this Saint-Estèphe is ideal alongside classic French dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with a red wine and shallot sauce), lamb shoulder braised with rosemary, or a hearty duck confit. Its tannic structure and freshness also make it a fine match for aged cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty. For a regional touch, consider pairing with a mushroom and truffle risotto, which will echo the wine’s earthy undertones.

Serve Château Le Boscq, Saint-Estèphe 2019 slightly below room temperature, ideally at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will help open up the bouquet and soften the tannins, especially given its youth. This wine can be enjoyed now with aeration, or cellared for further evolution over the next 8-12 years.