Chateau De Pressac AC Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2019 Magnum

VM 95 / JS 94 / JD 94 pts

Vinous’ Antonio Galloni rated highly for this supple, Merlot-led 2019 Château de Pressac St.-Émilion, bestowing 95 points on it and calling it “a complex, mesmerizing wine” and “Seriously impressive. It’s as simple as that.” It’s a bottling that’s magical in quality—and in pricing. Pressac has a deep winemaking history, with vineyards cultivated as early as 1775, but had fallen into disrepair in the late 20th century. Things began to turn around in 1997, when Quenin and his wife Dominique took over. They tore out the dilapidated vines and began replanting. Their backbreaking dedication to raising grapes of the highest quality—which involves working the soil with horses and handpicking the rows—earned the estate Grand Cru Classé status in 2012. Quenin focuses on growing Malbec and Carménère grapes that possess the same taut balance and expressivity as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. While the Malbec and Carménère make up a smaller proportion of the blend, they give this St.-Émilion a deep, savory base and exquisite fruit notes that make it truly one of a kind.