Château-de-Sales Pomerol 2019
- wa91-93
- we93
- js92-93
- jd90
- ws90
- v90
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château-de-Sales |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Pomerol |
Alcohol/vol | 14% |
72,5 % Merlot
15 % Cabernet Sauvignon
12,5 % Cabernet Franc
Château de Sales is located in the north-west of the Pomerol appellation. With 47.6 hectares (117 acres) under vines out of the 90 hectares (222 acres) that make up the property, it is the largest vineyard in the Pomerol appellation. Except for three hectares (7 acres) lost during the French Revolution, the property limits are the same as in the 16th century.
The majority of vines are Merlot (73%) which, combined with Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (12%), finds its full expression in a terroir of gravel and heat-retaining sand which also contains iron oxide. On average, planting density is 5,900 vines per hectare.
Château de Sales, which has had HVE High Environmental Value certification since 2020, promotes virtuous vine-growing practices which incorporate and enhance biodiversity (no chemical weedkiller, sexual confusion against grape berry moths).
Wine Advocate
- wa91-93
The 2019 De Sales has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling effortlessly out of the glass with impressively intense baked cherries, plum preserves and fruitcake scents with nuances of potpourri, licorice, chocolate box and fragrant earth. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe, seductive black fruit preserves, framed by rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
Wine Enthusiast
- we93
This powerful wine with layers of new wood and dense black fruits is setting out for serious aging. It comes from one of the largest estates in Pomerol, less well known than it should be. Drink this wine that has great potential from 2026.
James Suckling
- js92-93
This shows very pretty, blackberry and chocolate character with some walnuts and hazelnuts. It’s full and layered with gorgeous fruit. Driven, yet fine on the palate.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd90
A classic, fresher, elegant Pomerol from the vintage, the 2019 Château De Sales has a ruby hue as well as a pretty nose of red, black, and blue fruits intermixed with sappy herbs, flowers, and cedar pencil. Medium-bodied, elegant, very pretty, and lightly textured, I love its purity of fruit as well as its balance, although I'd like to have seen a touch more richness and depth. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years.
Wine Spectator
- ws90
A stylish, understated wine, featuring gentle cherry, raspberry, incense and savory notes that glide through easily, with the savory note lingering on the silky finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 10,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.
Vinous
- v90
The 2019 Château de Sales has an open-knit bouquet with red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit, not quite as complex as its peers. The palate is medium-bodied, somewhat old school in style with dry tannins and a structured finish. Fine backbone here, an impressive retro 2019! One of the best vintages in recent years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.